Passing the Torch

Editors Note: This is the an ongoing feature about passing the love of skateboarding from one generation to the next.

Steve and Chad Withrow Steve Withrow and his 12 year old stepson Chad are regulars in the big bowl at Chandler skatepark and I rarely see them skate anything else there. Steve is of the old school. His style brings me back to the early days of skateparks and empty pools. Chad has followed in his father's footsteps and skates primarily vert. Now here's the kicker; Chad has only been skating for about 10 months! He's already grinding the 9 ft. deep end frontside and kills the rest of the pool with sick speed lines. Read the full interview by Colin Choy.

Todd, Nate and Sammy Joseph Todd Joseph (TJ) started skateboarding during the skatepark heyday of the late 70's. He was a local at High Roller skatepark in Phoenix and his smooth flowing style made a lasting impression on the local scene. He was the inventer of the TJLBA , a spinning frontside invert to andrecht, that very few pro skaters ever mastered. His two sons Nate and Sammy were destined to be skaters. Dad built them a micro miniramp in the garage and there are more skateboards in the house than in some skateshops. He takes the boys skating a couple of days each week.

Robert and Nathan Shipp Robert has been skating since 1974. Recently, on a trip to San Diego he hooked up Nathan with a Hawk deck from McGill's skateshop. Nathan was quite stoked to have Mike McGill himself set it up for him. That's his pal George with them in the photo.

Robert and Alec Melendez At first little Alec Melendez looks like any other 5 year old mini-grom at the park; then you notice that he is dropping into the deepest bowls and working them with style. His dad Robert is setting a fine example for the little guy with smooth lines all over the park.

Jim and Alex Miller Jim has been skating since about 1986. His son Alex is catching on quick and soon will be able to show dad a trick or two.

Tim and Jake Kirby Tim is 33 & has been skating since '76. Has a small company called PAROLE boards. A Regular at the Texas Master's Series Contest's. Jake has been skating for 2 yrs & is 9 yrs old. Has several 1st-3rd place finishes across Texas & New Mexico in 12 & under competitions but skating for fun is his motto. They are from Midland Texas & skate the William-Sam Memorial park.. They travel all over Texas Skating Pools, Pipes, Ditches, & Parks. Jake has an incredible style & talent.. He rips the big bowl like he's been doin it for years... Please see his spotlight pictures at http://www.paroleboards.com/PICTURES.html He is also one of the youngest members of the Texas Pool Sharks.