by Adam Apsan
May 21, 2011 - Woodbrige, NJ - Just in time for the so called end of the world on May 21st, I was sent on assignment by Sports Illustrated Kids and Vejatv.com, to cover the Journey’s Backyard BBQ, an extreme sports event featuring the sickest skateboarders in the world, the Osiris Team. No sooner did I enter the venue when I felt a trembling under my feet. Was the prophecy true? Was this the end of the world? As it tuned out the trembling underfoot was from the thousand of spectator’s that came for this one-day non-stop skating event on the northeast coast. As soon as the gate opened there were thousand of people scrambling all over the event. Many went straight to the podium to hear live local bands while others, including myself went straight towards the Osiris booth, where the legends and soon to be legends of skateboarding were busily getting ready for the days activities.
As an avid skateboarder, I have been following the Osiris team from its’ beginning, and now I had been given the opportunity to interview Corey Duffel, Caswell Berry, Stu Graham, Chad Bartie, JT Aultz, Taylor Bingaman and Jamie Palmore. What more could I ask for? To watch them close up as they tear it up on the mini ramp. From their 50- 50s to the big airs they shredded the mini ramp with "steez." ( style and eeze).
Mesmerized as I stood at the top of the ramp as the skaters use their technical, yet stylish tricks to woo the crowd. Yet for the Osiris Team anything is possible. Each member of the team, which his unique style, kept onlookers transfixed, with jaw dropping intensity throughout the event. As the day came to a close thousands of other kids, including myself, and adults can say this was an awesome event we will never forget.