SLINGZ™ made an official appearance as part of an expanded marketing program at the Red Bull Manny Mania AM Series this past Friday (September 4, 2009) in downtown Phoenix.
The event was held in conjunction with the local First Fridays, a self-guided tour of local art exhibits and vendors that takes place on the first Friday of every month. Between the two events, there was a crowd of more than 5,000 people, and SLINGZ™ was there! We showed off SLINGZ™, took some pics (posted them here at FaceBook) and pretty much enjoyed ourselves.
The Red Bull MannyMania AM Series traveled to 15 cities in the United States tis year, looking for the best amateur skateboarders in the country. After a three month schedule, the last stop of the tour was in sunny Phoenix, Arizona where 30 skateboarders competed to advance as a finalist for the $7,000 grand prize.
In the competition, skateboarders are judged on various techniques and versions of the “the manual” skateboard trick, (hence ‘Manny Mania’). I don’t know how they all had so much energy. Before, between and after the heats, they were all skating non-stop! In the end, Ryan Lay from Mesa won the competition and will be advancing to compete in the digital competition against the other 14 other tour winners. The final competition for this series will be judged videos of each local winner, posted online for viewers to decide who will win the grand prize cash.
A big props should also go to John Rob from Glendale who placed 2nd and Jahir Carbajal from Phoenix who placed 3rd.
While we were there, we interviewed Steve Webb, who took 3rd place at the Los Angeles stop. Steve did not compete in Phoenix, but showed off his stuff for the huge crowd. Like many skaters, Webb has been skating since he was a kid. He’s got his sights set on a pro sponsorship, and at this rate, is well on his way so keep an eye out for him!
BTW – For those out of the loop, skateboards have four wheels and a manual (’manny’) is riding it on only two! Hence Manny Mania!
If you ever see the SLINGZ™ Team at an event, ask if you can test out a SLINGZ™! We will be at many events through the end of the year…maybe New York for the Red Bull Manny Mania Pro Competition next?