The O'Neill x Volcom x Sun Diego AM SLAM Surf & Skate Series Finale took place this past weekend at Seaside Reef on the edge of Cardiff and Solana Beach with boards in the water and on the street, sun, live music and the largest event in our contest's history.
Whether in the water or sitting on four wheels above asphalt, we all start a romance with the board somewhere. In the eight years of Sun Diego's Am Slam contest series, we have never held an event of this magnitude. The skateboarding and surfing that took place was world class and although Am Slam may not be the most prestigious contest, taking place in a marquee locale, San Diego California's coast cannot be beat. At the epicenter of surf and skateboarding culture, far from the glamour and majesty of Teahpoo and picturesque Indo, or nearby marquee destinations Huntington and Newport Beach, surfing and skateboarding are still thriving and progressing before everyone's eyes. Welcome to the O'Neill x Volcom Skate x Sun Diego AM SLAM 2015.
People often throw around the claim of airing out "head-high" Chase Webb lofts a frontside flip next to a measuring stick and comes up true. Our skate course was custom built for the contest by Keen Ramps and sponsored by Volcom. Many thanks to them both.
Entering into the Finale as the points leader in ProAm skate, Sun Diego's newest Skate Team addition cranks a nose grind on the custom constructed Hellaclips x GoPro best trick obstacle on day 2.
Speaking of GoPro…Canine camera capturing the bird's eye view, sortof.
On the surf side, things were not the tallest, but everyone brought their A-game. It's not the wave, it's what you can do with it.
The greatest brands in surf and skateboarding came out to Seaside to show their support, give away product, host games and hang out with the crowds on the sand and street.
This one is harder than it looks.
Kids shooting a dart gun at the sunglass case? Why not? See a new heat heading into the water in red, yellow and blue.
In the center of it all stood the Red Bull Tour Bus stage with acts ranging from the raging metal of Red Wizard and S.O.T.Y. David Gonzalez's Ratt Black, to the droning sounds of Riley Hawk and Petyr, all the way to the reggae vibes of Hazmatt and ska roots of Oceanside Sound System.
David Gonzalez of SOTY and Ratt Black, with Volcom's Jeff Robins.
Along with the surfing, skateboarding and live music, local eateries and vendors set up a tent city to handle giveaways, games and serve food to the masses. Sun Diego also hosted a pop-up-shop of our own, complete with store employees.
Throwing some shrimp on the barbie' with Penny Australia.
Foosball with Mark from Ezekiel. One rule: No spinning.
Bull Taco fed the masses with genuine street tacos, hot off the searing asphalt (not really). With pizza, Sambazon Acai bowls and tacos, the coastal cuisine selection was a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Cliché set kids up with games of definitely-not-beer-pong.
Back on the skate side, things picked up with the ProAm finals and Hellaclips x GoPro best trick competition.
Local favorite Chris Troy laid down some stylish signature tricks and went to work on a feeble front 360 shuv.
Sun Diego's video eye Jesse Silva has the VX-1000 angle covered. Thanks for capturing the action.
Chase Webb lofted countless frontside flicks and left a jet stream behind for proof.
Judge Jeffrey tallying the scores.
Best trick went down on the custom Hellaclips x GoPro bump to bar obstacle for a $3000 winner-take-all prize. Brodie Penrod laid down a crook/nollie 360 flip to seal the deal early in the competition.
Ultimately it was Chase's lofty airs and consistency, Brendon's all-terrain attack and the smooth gnar of Enzo Cautela who took home the top three spots, respectively, for Sunday's ProAm division. Brendon and Chase also took home the first and second place over-all for the series in ProAm, with Austin Zito taking third after wowing the crowd with raw finesse across the entire course.
Earlier in the weekend, in the young bucks department, Matthew Parra took the top spot for the day and the over-all series for 13 and Under division, with Ben Ruef and Brennen Babcock taking second and third.
Branden Reynolds took home the overall top spot for the 14-16 division of the skate series. Sun Diego Skate Team rider Cordano Russel and Zack "The Troll" Tavarritte took the second and third over-all spots, respectively.
Congratulations Branden!
Winners for the day followed suit, with Ray Corey rounding out the top three for the 14-16 division.
For the 17+ group, technical wizard and smooth operator Tanner Lawler took home first for the day and the series, with Sun Diego Skate Team rider Darren Feather taking home second and Chase Fuller scoring second for the day and third in over-all points. These guys are the three to watch in upcoming events!
Congratulations to all of the skate competitors and thanks for coming out to shred! Back in the surf department:
The spirited Seaside crew was the best motivation one could ask for, showing their support on the sand and at the podium.
The women's competition hosted a great showing of talent in the water from one and all, but Maya Saulino took the title of over-all winner, with Jordyn Barrett, Joceline Marchand and Sidney Tisdel rounding out the top 4. Sidney takes a champaign shower!
Congratulations to Maya Saulino!
After two days of packed heats, Jake Marshall takes home the title for the men's ProAm, with Brandon Roberts and Derek Peters rounding out the top three.
In the end, Brandon Roberts would ride double points to a victory in the overall Am Slam Surf Series. Congratulations to Brandon, who took home a total of $6600 in winnings throughout the series.
SURF RESULTS
Pro
1. Jake Marshall
2. Brandon Roberts
3. Derek Peters
4. Francisco Bellorin
Overall Series Champ: Brandon Roberts
Mens
1. Kei Kobayashi
2. Hunter Lysaught
3. Matt Beres
4. Jay Christenson
5. Johnny Noris
6. Ethan Grant
Overall Series Champ: Jay Christenson
Juniors
1. Brock Crouch
2. Zach McCormick
3. Zack Flores
4. Micah Crozier
5. Tre Lockhart
6. Judd Henkes
Overall Series Champ: Micah Crozier
Boys
1. Mick Davey
2. Steven Muschet
3. Levi Slawson
4. Caleb Crozier
5. Jacob Kelly
6. Sean Carlin
Overall Series Champ: Caleb Crozier
Womens
1. Bethany Zelasko
2. Jordyn Barrett
3. Joceline Marchand
4. Sidney Tisdel
5. Maya Saulino
6. Hannah VanVeen
Overall Series Champ: Maya Saulino
SKATE RESULTS
Pro
1. Chase Webb
2. Brendon Villanueva
3. Enzo Cautela
4. Noe Solis
Overall Series Champ: Brendon Villanueva
17 & Over
1. Tanner Lawler
2. Chase Fuller
3. Jason Thurtle
4. Darren Feather
Overall Series Champ: Tanner Lawler
14-16
1. Branden Reynolds
2. Cordano Russell
3. Ray Corey
4. Riley Greer
Overall Series Champ: Branden Reynolds
13 & Under
1. Matthew Parra
2. Brennen Babcock
3. Marky DisPasquale
4. Braden Hoban
Overall Series Champ: Matthew Parra
Video by Jesse Silva






















































