Kids That Rip Skateboard School

Spring Break Skateboard Camp, Mesa, AZ

2011-01-28T11:46:00.000-08:00

If you haven't signed up for Skateboard Camp, it's not too late!

Kids That Rip Skateboard School offers 2 Sessions: Click here for more info.

Don't miss out on skating our brand new Street Course.

March 14th-18th, 2011.

Call Us at 480-844-9600 to register

www.kidsthatrip.com

JULY 18th - Mike Vallely Skatepark Tour Comes to Kids That Rip!

2010-05-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

On July 18th, skateboarding legend, professional skater of 20 years, and creator of 'The Drive' on Fuel TV, Mike Vallely will be coming to Kids That Rip Skateboard School in Mesa, AZ. Doors open at 4pm for VIP ticket holders and 5pm for general admission. Watch professional skaters Mike V, Kristian Svitak, Ben Raybourn, and Cyril Jackson shred your hometown park! There will be a DJ and Emcee, a skateboard contest for you to participate in, chances to win great prizes, tour bus access, mentoring sessions by Mike V, and an autograph session. General Admission tickets and contest entries can be purchased at the door. Visit KidsThatRip.Com for full details on the days event and VIP ticket sales. Make it a summer to remember by coming to Kids That Rip on July 18th! Also check out MikeVallely.com for more pics and vids on the skateboarding legend.

Feature sKTR: Mercedes Villegas

2010-04-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

With so many adorable, aspiring skateboarders pushing around at Kids That Rip, it's a delightful dilemma to choose our next feature skater. But, I couldn't pass up getting a few words from the fashionably dressed, Mercedes Villegas. Mercedes is only four years old and participates in the mini-rippers program. Her mom, Teresa, says, 'She loves it here. We love it... The other day she says, "Mom, I need a tushguard for my bum."' Yet, despite some falls, Mercedes was poised on her skateboard today, ready to learn kick turns. Here's what she had to say.

Interview with Mercedes Villegas

KTR: How old are you?
Mercedes Villegas: (Holding up fingers) Four
What's your favorite thing to skate at KTR?
MV: Skating on my skateboard
What are you working on?
MV: Turning my skateboard.
How did you get into skateboarding?
MV: I watched my friend Sam do it, and my mom told me to skateboard.
Favorite thing to eat after a day of skateboarding?
MV: Snow Cones!
What Flavor?
MV: Strawberry
Do you have any plans for the summer?
MV: My birthday is this summer... to have fun!

Return to Kids That Rip website.

"Thrashing 101", Kids That Rip Interview in The College Times

2010-04-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

Kids That Rip Skateboard School makes the cover story in the April 15th issue of College Times Magazine. The article entitled, "Thrashing 101", is about the full-time academic and skateboard training program offered here at Kids That Rip. Geoff Eaton answers a few questions on the program. To learn more about this program click Skateboard School.

Arizona's Best Summer Skateboard Camp at Kids That Rip!

2010-03-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

Just stepping on a skateboard or needing someone to show you how to land that trick you've been working on? Kids That Rip! presents its 6th annual Summer Skateboard Camp in Phoenix, Mesa Arizona! Our skateboard program has been recognized as one of the best by parents all around the nation. Beginner through Advanced we've got you covered all summer long. 7 skate courses, a trampoline section, great instructors, games, prizes, and much more! Sessions run May 31st- Aug 5th. There is no reason to put up your skate during the day this summer, because at our indoor skate park you'll stay cool all day long!

Vist KidsThatRip.Com for complete details.
Call 480-844-9600 to register.

VANS BMX Pro Team Stops by KTR

2010-03-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday (Tuesday), the VANS BMX tour bus made a surprise visit to the KTR Compound. The unusual rainfall (for Arizona) sent the team looking for somewhere dry. We were glad to provide a place for the team to stretch their legs. A little video is below.
Pro Riders: Ryan Guettler, Bas Keep, Josh Harrington, Ty Morrow, Scotty Cranmer, Colin Mackay, Chase Hawk, Cory Nastazio, Luke Parslow, Gary Young, Alistair Whitton.

Kids That Rip Live on Channel 12 News

2010-03-09T09:40:00.000-08:00

Monday Night, Channel 12 came to the right place to get some local action. Watch the video to see Jett Eaton land a 540 on his first try! Click here, if video doesn't load in a few seconds.

2010 King of the Groms Championships Recap: photos_Augie Lerma

2010-02-23T11:18:00.000-08:00

Armando Lerma_ Airwalks the Spine Crew_ (L-R) Lerma Bros, Eaton Bros, Alana Smith, Lil Lerma

Seven kids from KTR went out to King of the Groms Championships last weekend. Jett Eaton, Jagger Eaton, Alana Smith, Augie Lerma, Armando Lerma, Tyson Zane, and Trey Wood. The crew traveled to Minneapolis, Minnesota for the 3 day competition. King of is one of the largest and most respected amateur skateboarding competitions. Kids from all around the country compete in qualifying competitions throughout the year, hoping for a "golden ticket" to the Championships and a chance to be crowned "King of the Groms" for that year. Yes, that's right, King, so if you are a girl, you are competing against the boys.   Click here for Full Results.

Jagger Eaton_ Blunts in the Bowl                                      Alana Smith_ Kickflips to the Finals

Every skater poured out their heart, having made it this far. In the end, 6 year old Tyson Zane, 9 year old girl, Alana Smith, and 9 year old boy, Jagger Eaton, advanced to the King of the Grom Finals. Tyson Zane placed 7th in Beginner Mini-Ramp, Alana placed 3rd in Beginner Bowl and 8th and in Beginner Street. Jagger placed 7th in expert Bowl and 12th in Expert Street. King of is one of the largest and most respected ameteur skateboarding competitions.
Tyson Zane showing some style in the Bowl

At the end of this weekend, if their would have been a Queen of the Groms, Alana would have been it. But Alana is not looking for any free rides, so all I have to say is watch out boys!
Alana Smith_boosting out of the Bowl          Jett Eaton_living up to his name

Results from Saturday's Heartbreaker Skateboard Contest

2010-02-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

Gotta Love V-Day_ Eric Dowswell Spreading the Love

Gotta Love Hot Dogs_ Dug Ketterman and Geoff Eaton Feeding the Hungry

Gotta Love the Product Toss

If you did not feel any love this Valentine's weekend, then you should have been at KTR's Heartbreaker Skateboard Contest. Whether from a product toss, raffle drawing, or killing it in the skateboard contest, everyone went home with killer prizes and a smile. There were 4 sections to test your skills in (bowl, mini, street, and best trick).
The Open/ Sponsored Division at Desert Bowl was killer. With Jewett on the mic, Geoff Eaton on the beats, and the skaters amping each other up to go bigger than ever, it was a bowl full of energy.
The last event of the day was a best trick contest on a custom grind-box made by CA Ramp Works. With 10 minutes on the clock, kids battled for a chance to get in their best trick and take home the box. In the last minute, Armando Meek beat Deshawn Jordan's 50-50 kickflip out with a 50-50 to 360 out. The buttery new grind-box was carted home in the Meek's family van.
Other Highlights were:
Alana Smith's front board up the rail to a boardslide down the rail during the street contest.
Deshawn Jordan's Tre Flip Fakie during the bowl contest.
The New KTR Tee design (as shown in the cook out photo above)- The KTR gear is out, and we took a bunch of orders on Saturday for hoodies, tees, and beanies. You can order them now.

Jagger Eaton_ All Smiles with a 1st place in Tanner Thompson_ exchanging skills for goods.
Bowl, Mini, and Street in Open/ Sponsored! 1st in bowl, 2nd in Street and Mini Ramp.

Aaron Goure_ 2nd in Bowl, Min, and Street
for Open/ Sponsored Division Alana Smith_ Taking wins from the boys

Here are the results:

Street
Expert 10 and Under
1. Ethan Hill
2. Cole Foudy
3. Jayden Dee
4. Tyson Zane

Expert 11-15
1. Armando Meek
2. Tanner Thompson
3. Chip Mrowczynski
4. Alana Smith
5. Chad Huskie

Open/ Sponsored
1. Jagger Eaton
2. Aaron Goure
3. Deshawn Jordan
4. Jett Eaton
5. Joey Cattabiani
6. Trey Wood
7. Adam Hawkinson

Mini Ramp
Expert 10 and under
1. Alana Smith
2. Skyler Hordel
3. Liam Pace
4. Tyson Zane

Expert 11-15
1. Armando Meek
2. Tanner Thompson
3. Kam Krigel
4. Joey Cattabiani
5. Nick Graves

Open/ Sponsored
1. Jagger Eaton
2. Aaron Goure
3. Jett Eaton
4. Deshawn Jordan
5. Adam Hawkinson
6. Trey Woood

Desert Bowl
Expert 10 and Under
1. Tyson Zane
2. Alana Smith
3. Cole Foudy
4. Liam Pace

Lil' Tyson Zane_ 1st in Bowl Liam Pace_ Reppin' a new Plan B hat

Expert 11-15
1. Tanner Thompson
2. Armando Meek
3. Kam Krigel
4. Micah Evans

Open/ Sponsored
1. Jagger Eaton
2. Aaron Goure
3. Jett Eaton
4. Trey Wood
5. Deshawn Jordan

Armando Meek_ Claims his grind box

CA Ramp Works: Grind Box Winner - Armando Meek won a grind box given away by CA Ramp Works, with a 50-50 to 360 ollie out.

License to Skate: Trip to California Winner- JJ Peterson won the drawing for a trip skate trip to California with License to Skate, Skatepark Tours.

Kam Krigel_ Stopped by to throw in
his a bag of tricks, 3rd in Bowl/ Mini Trading in the tie die look for a fly Plan B Polo

Koston Eaton_ Race car driver for skateboarder?
Either way, he's taking notes from older brothers,
Jett and Jagger, on how to go big!

Huge Thanks to all the sponsors for supporting the contest!!
Freedom Boardshop
Industrial Rideshop
Sidewalk Surfer
Cowtown Skateboards
CA Ramp Works
Plan B
Silver Trucks
FKD Bearings
Supra
Krew
Alpinestars
DC
License to Skate
Nixon
Habitat

Skateboard Contest! February 13th at KTR

2010-01-11T17:19:00.000-08:00

KTR just keeps getting better and better. If you don't come to win the CUSTOM GRIND BOX OR THE SKATE TRIP TO CALIFORNIA, then come see our new vert ramp, and flow course with a basketeball hoop!
Click here for details.

Parent's Night Out! is January 23rd, 2010

2010-01-07T09:50:00.000-08:00

Spend the evening at Kids That Rip with Trampoline, Pizza, Drinks, Hip Hop Dance Instruction, Gymnastics, Skateboarding, and tons of games!

or

with TiVo and your teenage babysitter...

See you Saturday Night.

Sign up at Front Desk.
480-844-9600

Kids That Rip- Now Open to the Public

2010-01-07T09:45:00.000-08:00

Beginning on January 30th, 2010, Kids That Rip Skateboard School, offers an open skate for the public of all ages. From 7pm-10pm, on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Saturdays of the month (the 3rd Saturday is reserved for our Parent's Night Out), you can have access to our whole private skateboarding facility. Just remember to bring a helmet, signed waiver form (if one is not on file) and $15.00. Also, we do not have rental equipment available.
Download a Waiver Form

Members Open Skate is still reserved for Fridays from 7-10pm, and Saturdays 1-3pm.

Happy Skateing! See you there.

2009 King of the Groms- Results are In!

2009-12-14T21:03:00.000-08:00

Anyone who survives a long contest weekend deserves mad props; whether skater, parent, judge, or announcer, 3 days is long! And if you were one of the KTR skaters who left on Wednesday for the SkateLab in Simi Valley, that means twice as many pre-contest slams trying to get a feel for a brand new course! But it paid off, as virtually every skater made it to the final. Congrats to Jett Eaton who won Best Trick of the whole weekend at King of Groms. Jett could barely walk due to an injury, but skated anyway, and pulled a McTwist in the verted bowl pocket!! Heck Yeah Jett! Congrats to everyone who made it to the Championships in 3rd Lair Minnesota.

Click for King of Groms full results- Qualifier #4 :

Alana Smith (shown below), age 9 (aka: the new Queen of the Groms)
Beginner Bowl: 1st Place
Beginner Street: 6th Place

Jett Eaton (shown left), age 11,
Won Best Trick of the whole contest!!
Landing a McTwist on a bent hip! (watch it here)

Expert Bowl Finals: 10th Place

Armando Lerma (shown left), age 7

Beginner Mini Final: 5th Place

Beginner Street: 12th Place

Jagger Eaton (shown below), age 8
Expert Mini- Finals: 8th Place
Expert Street- Finals: 8th Place

Tyson Joseph Stevens (shown below), age 6
Intermediate Bowl: 7th Place
Beginner Mini Final: 1st Place

KTR skaters compete in King of the Groms!

2009-12-08T18:45:00.000-08:00

KofG website

This weekend, locals: Jagger and Jett Eaton, Augie and Armando Lerma, Trey Wood, and Tyson Joseph-Stevens, and Alana Smith will be throwin' down their best tricks at the 8th Annual King of the Groms. The Simi Valley Skatelab in Simi Valley, California will be hosting qualifier #4 Dec. 11-13th.

THE BEST PART IS, you can catch the pictures, stories, and standings right here on the Kids That Rip Blog. Take bets, cheer on our locals, have a party, what-evs!

See you soon.

Sneak Peak of What's to Come!

2009-11-22T08:48:00.001-08:00

Kids That Rip is always trying to stay on the cutting edge for all; wether a dedicated athlete, inquiring guest, or regular spectator. Over the weekend, a new skateboard course will be added. Geoff has brought out the CA Ramp Works crew to erect 13 feet, 6 inches of vertical skatelite and another 42 feet in width for smooth riding.

By the way, Geoff took one for the team today.. shooting a nail through his hand! He calmly walked out saying, "I think I need a tetanus shot", and proceeded to the ER. Oouuch!

Oh yes, a new flow course and pole jam is being added for all you street addicts.

Moms, there is something for you too! For those of you who have been eagerly watching your sons and daughters skateboard or tumble on mats, now you can join in the fun.

Nicole Harper, owner of Mesa Adventure Boot Camp, is now offering her morning Indoor Boot Camp here at KTR (note: no spectators are here to watch you climb monkey bars, duck under balance beams, or climb ropes this early...;)

KTR SPOOKY HALLOWEEN JAM PHOTOS!

2009-10-28T08:03:00.001-07:00

License to Skate Skatepark Tours!

2009-10-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

Kids That Rip Skateboard School will soon be the departure and arrival location of License to Skate, Skatepark Tours! The first trip is on Saturday, Novemeber 28th. Spaces are limited. Go to licensetoskate.com to register.

KTR's SPOOKY HALLOWEEN CONTEST! OCTOBER. 24th (results coming soon!)

2009-10-09T20:38:00.001-07:00

Click for Contest Times and Format Details

Feature sKTR- Alana Smith! (& a skate vid below)

2009-09-14T14:23:00.001-07:00

'I just say, "It’s the same thing as the last trick I learned before," and just do it.'

Alana is the oldest of 3 sisters, with one more on the way this September.Oddly enough, all of her family members were born on an even day of the month… so she hopes her younger sister will be born on an even day as well…. I found this interesting.

Anyway, Alana has been skateboarding for less than a year, and has no reservations when it comes to showing up the boys. Just recently she has had the opportunity to participate in the full-time Skateboard School at KTR. If you haven't heard, this is where kids can take their skateboarding to the top: Alana 'home-schools' at KTR skateboard park and has private training the rest of the day.

Interview with Alana Smith: "All Skateboarding"

contributing PG_ Lucas Murphy

KTR: Name, DOB and Hometown:
AS: Alana Smith, 10/20/2000, Mesa, AZ

KTR: Local Spot:
AS: Apache Junction Skatepark and Kids That Rip Skateboard School

KTR: How did you get into Skateboarding?
AS: I saw it on the X-Games- people doing 360 shuvs and going upside down. I got interested in it, and then my parents surprised me with a board.

KTR: Best thing about skateboarding is:

AS: Getting to skate with my friends.

KTR: How often do you skateboard?
AS: Mon- Sat: 2 days at skateparks and as much as I can during the week.Sometimes I am here (KTR) 8 hrs a day. (Since the interview, Alana has had the opportunity to participate in the full-time skateboard school at KTR).

KTR: What is your favoritie shoe to skate in?

AS: The Osiris high-tops

KTR: Future goals in skateboarding?

AS: Growing up to be a pro skateboarder and having fun. I want to learn to 360 gap the mini mega here. I’d like to visit California.

KTR: Describe Camp Woodward East this summer?

AS: A lot of parks, way bigger than the ones here. 13ft, 10ft, and 8fts. My favorite part was Cloud 9- The 13ft.

KTR: What gets you pumped to go skateboarding?

AS: I just wake up and want to skate; I’ll skip breakfast. Once I start I don’t want to stop.

KTR: Are there any skateboarders you look up to – to get better?

AS: Bucky and Ryan Scheckler

KTR: Favorite Trick:

AS: 360 airs on the mini mega and sometimes onto the top of the mini ramp.

KTR: Worst injury:

AS: Breaking my finger (laughs- it was stupid)- I was walking up the stairs and tripped.

KTR: How do you get yourself to try a new trick and overcome fear?

AS: I just say it’s the same thins as the last trick I learned before and just do it.

KTR: I hear you might being getting some backyard ramps- what would be your dream set-up?

AS: I want it to look like the 13ft one at Woodward, except an 11 and 12ft quarter-pipe.Also, I want a mini ramp and a mega ramp.

KTR: What’s one of the best moments you’ve had since you started skateboarding?

AS: When I got first place in the competition in Tuscan. All my family was there just yelling… for some reason.

Parents' Night Out is Back! ~ September 19th

2009-09-04T12:17:00.001-07:00

Saturday, September 19th - Parents Night Out!
Pizza, Trampoline, Skateboarding, games, and much more!

(Every 3rd Saturday of the month); 6PM -10PM
$20.00 members; $30.00 non-members
Sign Up at Front Desk

Feature sKaTeR_ Jett Eaton

2009-08-12T14:56:00.000-07:00

"I stay tight in my head." ~ Jett Eaton

In my book, Jett Eaton has one of the most positive attitudes about life I've ever seen, and if you're wondering where that gets you in life, well, just watch the video and read the interview below. And on that note, no skateboarder is without injury, but not many have taken an elbow to the spleen like Jett Eaton. Rebounding in just 7 weeks seems miraculous to me, but to Jett 7 weeks off of his skateboard feels more like an eon. The following interview with Jett gives us some tips on dealing with injury and recuperation... because you've got to be tough to stay in this game:)

Jett and Tony Hawk take some runs at Woodward East Camp, 2009.

Interview with Jett Eaton: Injuries, Recuperation, and Attitude.

KTR: Jett, you recently just had a birthday, how old are you now?

Jett Eaton: "Eleven"

KTR: Tell us about your last injury: how it happened, and what happened.

Jett: "I was at Woodward East skating the Outdoor Street. A guy (man size) hit me from the side, and his elbow landed on my belly and fractured my spleen."

KTR: How do you handle hard falls?

Jett: "I let my dad know I'm okay, stay tight in my head, and don't cry."

KTR: What's your advice for dealing with slams when they happen?

Jett: "You'll be okay, take deep breaths, and you've got to stay calm."

KTR: What does Jett do when he's off his board for almost 2 months?

"Sit home, play video games, swim... I went to Utah and the X-Games."

KTR: So, after being out for seven weeks, what did it feel like getting back on your board?

Jett: "Better. I am learning tricks faster. I am pumped to be back on my board."

KTR: Anything exciting coming up on your agenda?

Jett: "I'm going to Woodward East again to skate with the Red Bull Ams for one whole week! But, I don't have to be in the classes or follow the camp schedule..... I just have to be in bed by midnight."

"Fish Out of Water": August 10th-15th

2009-08-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

Kids That Rip Skateboard School is doing reconstructive surgery to the swimming pool area over the next week. Just wait until you see what is going in its place!! As a result, there are no skate classes August 10-15th. Please schedule make-ups at the front desk. See you soon.

New Saturday Classes at KTR

2009-08-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

Summer camp has come to an end, but more time for our mini rippers, rippers, shredders, and ktr to skate is in! See below for the updated Saturday schedule.

Photo by_ local talent, Mr. Lucas Murphy

SATURDAYS

9:00-10:00 AM - MINI RIPPERS AND RIPPERS
10:00-11:00 AM - MINI RIPPERS AND RIPPERS
11:00-12:00 PM - SHREDDERS AND KTR
12:00-1:00 PM - SHREDDERS AND KTR
1:00-3:00 PM - OPEN SKATE $15.00(Members Only)

Kids That Rip Tv_ You Tube/sk8ktr

2009-08-04T17:23:00.000-07:00

See all the craziness and fun that goes down at KTR. Click the tv or the link below to find our channel.

Click Here for youtube.com/sk8ktr

Catch "The Giant Hand" at X-Games15!

2009-08-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

Among skateboarding, bmx, and moto-x; fingerboarding, a mini version of a skateboard where tricks are performed using fingers instead of feet, is providing full entertainment at this year's X Games 15. X Games Fingerboards, manufactured by Mattel, are based on the real X Games brand skateboard models. They feature a vast array of legit, quality graphics.

Story and photos sent by Mary Friberg of mmlpr.

WHAT: X-Games Fingerboarding and The Giant Hand

The X Games Fingerboards Booth at X Fest will feature:
• Pro Fingerboarders Eddy Vargas, Joe Climan and Colton Cleveland showing tricks on a pro skate park
• Announcements by veteran X Games Emcees Bonton Flores & Dave Duncan
• Demo course & tagging station for kids
• Giveaways of more than 10,000 fingerboards - just text for a chance to win.

WHEN: The booth will be open Thursday, July 30 and Friday, July 31 from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday, August 1 from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday, August 2 from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.

THE HAND’S SKATE TIMES:
The Hand will be skating the Skateboarding Street Course on:
• Saturday, August 1 from 1:50 pm to 1:53 pm
The Hand will be skating the interactive courses on:
• Friday, July 30 from 1:00-1:15 pm
• Saturday, August 1 from 3:00-3:15 pm
• Sunday, August 2 from 1:00-1:15 pm

WHERE: X Fest at the Home Depot Center, 18400 Avalon Blvd. in Carson, CA
... but you can always get a dose of X Games Fingerboards at www.xgamesfingersports.com

ABOUT the PRO FINGERBOARDERS:
Joe Climan
Joe Climan is a 16 year old phenomenal fingerboarder based out of Brentwood, CA. He began fingerboarding over 11 years ago after sustaining a back injury while skateboarding and hasn’t stopped since. Joe has been part of numerous Fingerboard “meet-ups” and hosted many demonstrations as well.

Edgar “Eddy” Vargas
Eddy Vargas has been fingerboarding for 11 years and he is one of the best fingerboarders in Southern California. Vargas has won several prominent fingerboarding contests on the West Coast such as RISE Best Trick 2008/2009. He has also helped judge events like the East Coast Homewood/NoComply Huck Jam.

Colton Cleveland
Colton Cleveland is 12 years old and this is his first time coming to X Games. He has been fingerboarding for 2 years and recently competed and won the X Games Fingerboards contest at Skate Lab!