Situated near the beautiful Santa Ynez mountains, UC Santa Barbara is home to many passionate skaters and only a short drive away from some epic downhill terrain. UCSB Longboarding continued the trend of progression by rallying the community on Saturday for the SB Slide Jam.

Despite forecasts of rain, we were greeted with sunny skies as we pulled off Highway 101 and entered the In-N-Out parking lot. Since we arrived early, out came the Dervishes for some flatland noodling.


Max and Eric soak up the sun and the aroma of french fries. Photo: Lindsey Parker.

Gradually, more and more skaters arrived until there was a veritable horde of around 50 smiling faces - far more than anyone had anticipated! Once everyone was present, we caravanned into the mountains to get the event rolling.


The ‘BU CREW joins the caravan. Photo: Kenjamin Ho.

The first spot we sessioned was a mellow right hairpin that led into a slightly faster straightway. At the bottom of the straight was a shooting range; every now and then the sound of gunshots gave nearby spectators a good startle.


Skaters thoroughly enjoy the topography. Photo: Lindsey Parker.

This location provided a good opportunity to warm up and get the steez flowing a bit. Soon enough, the crowd was thirsty for something more intense, so on we went in search of the next spot.


Jeremy Culler Mayeno drifts through a sweeper. Photo: Lindsey Parker.


Sinjin Davis picks up speed into the straightaway. Photo: Lindsey Parker.

After navigating along the mountain ridges for a while, we arrived at the second hill: a left elbow spit riders out into a fast, sweeping straightaway that ended with the pavement abruptly transitioning into dirt and gravel. A water tower on the hillside furnished a nice bird’s eye view for spectators.


The second hill, as seen from atop the water tower. Photo: Kenjamin Ho.

The faster terrain boosted everyone’s adrenaline levels, and the riders really stepped up their game. Absurdly long standup slides, rapid fire 180s, old school finger-flips, lady killers, and even a simultaneous standup slide/smith grind along the edge of the road were some of the highlights that provoked hearty cheers and plentiful high fives.


Erwin Bangaoil holds it sideways. Photo: Lindsey Parker.


Trevor Watkins floats a big backside 180. Photo: Kenjamin Ho.


Dustin Hampton shows off his signature skate face. Photo: Lindsey Parker.


Tomio Choy leaves behind a trail of yellow urethane. Photo: Lindsey Parker.


Derek Smith pops a speedy no comply variation. Photo: Lindsey Parker.


Dave Casterman eases into a coleman at breakneck speeds. Photo: Lindsey Parker.


Max Dubler slashes the edge of the road with a smith grind/slide. Photo: Lindsey Parker.

As the sun set and the fog rolled in, we huddled together to pass out prizes. Then, to top off an already spectacular day, some of the speed aficionados took a few chilly runs down a flowy, hairpin-laden hill that is one of Santa Barbara’s finest treasures.


Smiles abound at the prize ceremony. Photo: Kenjamin Ho.

Many thanks to UCSB Longboarding for organizing a fantabulous event!


Happy skateboarders celebrate a successful day. Photo: Lindsey Parker.

2010 Santa Barbara Slide Jam
Video courtesy of Dee Gee Bosley (David G. Brown)