Jef Hartsel

If you were a skateboarder during the 80's and into the early 90's, then chances are you know of Jef Hartsel. I've come to know Hartsel over the past 20 + years dating back to when I used to work at Island Snow back in 92' where I first met him. He's been a big influence on me and other skateboarders young and old here in Hawaii. Besides being an amazing skateboarder and artist Hartsel is also a dad and spends most of his days raising his son Nainoa along with his beautful wife Eri. I recently caught up with Hartsel this past weekend at Kapolei which is where we usually end up bumping into each other. I noticed he was still wearing the same SXA trucker hat I gave him some time last year and it really made me feel good about what it is that I'm doing. Big mahalo Hartsel for being a friend and supporting Shakas x Alohas!!!

SXA / Felem / Death Machine BBQ

Our friend Tsuyoshi from Felem Skates and his crew were in Hawaii for a lil vacation. We lucked out and got decent enough weather to BBQ at Kapolei. The weather was surprisingly cool even by the Japanese standard and they came from snowy weather in Japan. Regardless they had a good time skating with Kyle, Dyson, Dennis, Sancho, and G.O. Mission accomplished for our Japanese friends they got to skate a pool with G.O. In the morning and then BBQ and shred with the boys!

The FELEM CREW ready to kill it!

Gary Owens strapping up but not before first checking out the SXA BBQ! Braddah can grind!

FELEM CREW getting their SXA BBQ grind on!

Small kine burnt but no matter everyone went grind em all!

Kapolei Kidney Crusher

Kyle Yanagimoto, Tsuyoshi Nishiyama, and Gary Owens

More random pics of the Kaps Backyard BBQ

Felem Skates

A couple weeks back the SXA fam had a BBQ for Tsuyoshi and the Felem Skate team over at Kyle's. The original plan was to have the BBQ over at Kapolei but the weather rolled in and changed plans for us. Luckily Kyle was kind enough to have everyone from the skatepark come over to his pad!