Open Casket Skate Jam: A Halloween Reawakening
R.I.P. to Boring Contests: The Open Casket Skateboard Vibe
(Excerpt from the Underground Skateshop Blog)
This Halloween, Underground Skateshop didn't just host a contest—we resurrected the pure, unadfiltered spirit of street skateboarding with our "Open Casket" Skate Jam at Rand Park DIY.
While skateboarding rightfully enjoys its place in the Olympics, we recognized a gap: most events have become sterile, hyper-structured qualifiers. We’re here to remind everyone that skateboarding started in empty pools and ditches—it’s about chaos, creativity, and community, not clockwork precision.
Why We Reject the Structure
Our organizer, Markus Weeks, grew up coming to these local events. Now, he’s leading the charge to give the next generation the same core memories.
"The reality is most kids will never get to that Olympic level. Our contest is for them—to just come have some fun, win some free stuff, and get exposure without the pressure cooker environment."
Our goal is simple: give back to the kids and the people who support us. The contest format was pure skate jam. You land a cool trick? You earn cash on the spot.
The Obstacle: A Testament to DIY
Every year, we push for a creative theme that gets the community hyped, and this year, the Casket idea—designed by Markus, Mark Matthews, and built by Jordan Galiano—came alive.
Thanks to crucial support from Converse Cons, we were able to fund and build this epic obstacle (which is now a permanent fixture at the Rand Park DIY!). They not only helped us build the ramp but also funded the cash prizes we handed out all day long.
We gave away tons of gear from amazing sponsors like Baker, Deathwish, Heroin, Love of Money, and Butter Goods, and kept everyone fueled with Redbull and Cozz Coffee.
The Final Jump: Community Over Competition
The highlight was the infamous "Jump the Gap" contest over the casket. We kept widening the distance until it was too big and scary for anyone left. In the end, two champs—Xavier Harris and Angel Torres—were left standing. Rather than battle it out in sudden death for the full prize, they split the $100 50/50. That, right there, is the Underground Skateshop Vibe.
Want to support the shop that supports the true spirit of skating? Check out the gear that makes events like this possible:
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