Let me start this off by giving credit where credit’s due. Although many have been skating the lovely trannies of the Strawberry Lodge pool for years, it was not until Heckler co-founder John Baccigaluppi got involved that it became a haven to skate. He made all the contacts and worked with property owner Rich Mitchell to turn the bowl from a barge session that would eventually get filled with dirt into a legit skate spot. And though many others were involved, it was Botch who made it happen.
Founded in 1858, The Strawberry Lodge is a beautiful cabin resort with full rooms, a full restaurant, and more importantly, a full bar. And on the property, sits a kidney shaped pool with trannies that were not built for skating, but were “built” for skating. This pool rules. Lucky for us, we got to have a full-blown skate event here.
It was October 20th and no chance of rain in the Sierra’s. The sun was out, the air was crisp, and sitting just west of South Lake Tahoe was a freshly painted pool with custom coping ready to be sessioned. The First Annual Bowl Bash at Strawberry went off without a hitch. After a few strategy sessions over sushi and saki, Heckler and Red Bull ponied up the cash and organized the team. This free event attracted about 500 people. The spectators were entertained by the DJ sounds of Co-Defendants (which features DJ Crook and Frank Delgado), DJ Ray Stevens, and then a punk rock assault from Sacto’s Welt, Santa Cruz’s Loadstar, and the legendary OC OG boys called DI. But from 2 to 10 pm, the focus was on the pool. Skaters from all over California came not to compete, but to have a ripping fun session. Skills were laid down and all prejudices against pool skating were shredded by the likes of Dave Reul, Jimmy the Greek, Brian Patch, Sam Cunningham, Jason Case, Bryce Kanights, Marcus Doran, Jonny Manak, Randy Katen, Chris Senn, Sean O’Laughlin, Davoud, Ari Evan Gold, and many more rippers. There were some sick tricks thrown down. Don’t think the shallow end was given any mercy. There was a pro contest, over 35’s, girls, and groms. And though the contest added to the overall excitement, the vibe was so good and so fun; there was no bullshit in the air. A killer time was had by all and you can bet it will be on again and poppin’ next year.

PRO
1st Dave Reul
2nd Jimmy the Greek
3rd Chris Senn
Honorary MentionBrian Patch
35 and OVER
1st Sam Cunningham2nd (Tie) Joel Chavez, Ray Chavez
3rd Randy Katen
Honorary Mention Bryce Kanights
BEST TRICK
Johnny Manak -Hurricane to fakie
Casey Lindstrom -B/S 50-50 to 270 out

Regardless of what I said on the mic that night, without these hard working individuals, the event would not have happened: Jaime Simon and Ryan Baker of Red Bull, Sam Toll, Lee Madison, and Jesse Locks of Heckler, Botch, Toad and Jon North for judging (sorry ‘bout the bloody mary Jon!), Emile Janicot the MC, Don Bostick for spiritual guidance, the musicians, Peter Ryan for building the stage, all the heads that helped clean up the next day, Rich, Ray and all at Strawberry Lodge, all the skaters, and all the people who came and had fun!