Vans and Spitfire wheels recently teamed up for a campaign they call “Keeping The Underground Lit,” in which they give some cash to five shops around the country to build DIY skate spots. The shops film the construction of the spot and people skating it, and then submit their edit for cash and pizza prizes. We were fortunate enough to have our shop, NJ Skateshop, chosen as one of the five shops and the only shop east of the Mississippi. We were quite honored to represent not only New Jersey, but the entire East Coast. We decided the best way to represent our shady state of goodfellas was to cash the check into small bills and take it down to the crazy wonderland by the docks of New Jersey where everything is available for the right price. The result? More building materials than one could imagine. Two thousand dollars worth of beautiful, virgin granite, and a $3,000, 3,000 pound cement bench headed for the pedestrian path along FDR drive in Manhattan, but rerouted to my driveway for a nominal fee.
We ended up building a bunch of bowled quarters at one location and an up-up ledge in my driveway. I figured with a second baby on the way I wasn’t going to be able to get out to skate very much, so I might as well bring the skating to me.
Videos by VICE
In an effort to help future generations build spots I’ve decided to break down exactly how to build a ledge in three easy steps.
Step 1: Find a location. You don’t want to waste your time and money, so find a spot where the cops won’t come and level everything you build. We opted to build at my house. So step one is really BUY A HOUSE. Now is a good time since interest rates are low and the cost of homes is in the shitter. I’d act quickly, because you have to believe with this debt ceiling bullshit it’s only a matter of time before the interest spikes.
Keep in mind, you need a minimum of 10 percent down on a house these days. It’s very hard to find anyone who offers a 0 percent down loan in 2011. Make sure you can afford step two after you pay your 10 percent deposit.
Step 2: Buy supplies. Before going to your local Home Depot, see if you have a stone supply yard in your area. Cement and blocks are typically cheaper there. If you live in New Jersey, try hitting up the docks in Fred Gall’s backyard of Carteret, New Jersey.
Step 3: Build the ledge.
And that’s that. Everything you need to know about how to build a ledge in three easy steps.
Here’s the footage of our build:
Yesterday we gave birth to Christopher James Nieratko III. I need to start saving for his college fund. If we win this Vans contest, not only do we win some money but WE GET A PIZZA PARTY!! And everyone loves pizza parties. So please find it in your heart to take two seconds to vote for NJ Skateshop so we can win the pizza party.
