I am sure you are all now aware (or soon will be) of the Cult brand Deus Ex machina. You may all think this is a new mix of youth culture, but we can assure it’s not! Barry Sheen was mixing ladies and stylish motorbikes, with cool surf brands, back in the 60′s, 70′s and 80′s. Barry is seen pictured here in the uk’s finest surf brand and Cornwall’s very own Gul. Eat your hearts out…

Following on from our ‘Wheels and Waves’ theme from last night, we’ve chosen to stay with the ‘Wheels’, taking a look at a few vehicles that have caught our eye…

Showing now in the unlikely location of the Coventry Transport Museum is the ‘Wheels and Waves‘ exhibition, bringing together a collection of vehicles used by British surfers from the 1950s to the present day. Running until the 18th March, it looks like there’s some really nice ‘modes of transport’ on display.

The Long Skate

This is my long skate. It’s 6 foot in length, handmade with wood and is super flexy. It turns like a double-decker bus, but is perfect for cross-stepping, nose rides and cruising along the seafront in Brighton (that’s not the usual Brighton “cruising” by the way!).

It seems to attract a lot of attention, especially from kids who tend to remark “look at that man on the giant skateboard”. But what is even more special to me is that it’s signed by three of surfing’s legends: Simon Anderson, Mark Richards and Wayne Lynch.

I was fortunate enough to meet all three in one place when they visited a local surf shop as part of a Quiksilver tour. Meeting them was amazing; three proper legends of surfing including the man who invented the thruster, a world champ and one of the most stylish free-surfers of all time. I wanted something to remember this by, but all I had to hand as my long skate in the car, so asked if they could sign it.

They were gracious enough to do so. MR’s response was the best: “Chop 3 foot off that mate and it will be great”. It’s a unique momento and hangs out in my bathroom, apart from a few trips down the seafront again.

This is the last section of a film by “The Collective” called Seasons. For me, it not only sums up what I love about riding a bike, but also what I love about Surfing, Skateboarding and the like. It is about good times, hanging out with your mates, encouraging and pushing each other.
In expressive (extreme) sports, each individual’s battle is with themselves, not a competitor. Your mates support you in your quest to progress and share in your joy when you land that trick, make the jump, get barreled etc. This is the common thread that runs through all expressive sports and also what separates them/us from the mainstream.
Anyway, good section, good tune, enjoy.