VANS BASH09 Report, Vids & Results

This was probably one of the best contests ever at the ZumieZ Skatepark!

The VansBash09 was the most international one in its kind. Despite the harsh weather conditions, Shops from all over Europe managed to arrive at the skatecapital of Wevelgem .

Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures didn’t scare the 27 shops to compete in the 4th annual Vans Battle of the Shops at Skatepark Zumiez. Skateboardshops from Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Germany, Slovakia, Switzerland, Estonia, Italy & the U.K. shredded the renewed streetcourse all day & night. The park got a complete makeover especially for the event and offered a lot of new lines and features.

As usual the contest started one hour late. You just can’t expect these guys to be there on time. Qualification started at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, 2 heats with 9 shops. Every team got 2-minutes to skate their run. At the end 8 of these 18 shop proceeded to the semifinals.  Those 8 were Left (Rotterdam), Ben G (Amsterdam), Five-O (Roeselare), 911 (Brugge), ODK (Oostduinkerke), 1st8 (Gent), Supervet (Utrecht) & Hawai Surf (Paris). Hawai surf was represented by Adrien Bullard, Bastian Salabanzi & french veteran Marc Haziza. Adrien and Bastian chilled while Marc assured Hawai Surfs spot in the semi’s.

During semi’s the international Vans Shop Riot teams joined the contest. Bastard Store from Italy, Beach Mountain from Switzerland, Fan Surf from Estonia and The Black Sheep from the U.K. placed first in a local Shop Competition and won a free trip to Belgium and a spot in the semi finals of the VANS BASH09. Last Years top 4 didn’t need to skate qualifications neither; Rock’n'roll from Slovakia, Burnside from Deventer, Twits from Leuven and Zumiez’ own. The Beneluxians showed once again that their level of skateboarding is one of the highest in Europe. None of the international teams ended with the final 8. Except for Hawai Surf, Bastian & Adrien were slowly waking up and qualified first for the finals. The other 7 finalists were Zumiez, Twits, Left, Burnside, Five-O, Ben G & 911.

In the finals the eight shopteams got two runs. After Hawai Surfs second run it was clear that no one could ever threaten the French victory. Zumiez defended it’s title hard, but even Fabians transfer nosebluntslide was not enough to defeat the Parisians. Hawai Surf took 1st place, followed by Zumiez and Twits ended 3rd.

Red Bull Best Trick competition was held over the rum barrels. The crowd saw some heavy hammers but Axel was the only one to pop over in switch and rode away with the $1000 worth of prize-money.

Thanks to everybody for showing up & to the people at Vans for their support.

Head over to woodmag & tacky for more coverage of the event

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