Dylan James

(Brooklyn, NY) The Andy Kessler Foundation worked with Vans and put together the first ever Andy Kessler Day at the House of Vans. Skateboarders from all over flocked to shred for Andy, skating the bowl, hips, banks & quarter-pipes and most noticeably a big replica of Andy’s nose made exclusively for the event by Dennis McNett. Skateboarding pioneer Tony Alva was skating up in the mix, Steve Olson along with numerous amounts of Andy’s friends, family  & admirers were also in attendance. Dante Ross DJayed and a bunch of bands performed including: Natur, Dirty Fences, Triple Hex and Jumpship turning the event into more than just a skate jam. Suggested donations were collected at the door and artwork was for sale. All proceeds went directly to the Andy Kessler Foundation which provides community outreach to people in need through art, music, skateboarding and surfing.

“Andy Kessler was the prime mover in New York skateboarding since its inception. Andy’s presence and heavy involvement covers three decades from the pre-urethane era on the Upper West Side up to the present day. From his beginnings on the footpaths of Central Park, pools in Riverdale and illicit ramps on city property, he has been a constant force for change by being an instigator of the Riverside skatepark, the Hudson River Bowl, and many other projects that the whole spectrum of New York City skaters have enjoyed. Skater, builder, agitator, positive influence and an upholder of tradition who refused to get stale; it’s safe to say that skateboarding in New York would have never become what it is without Andy.” -Andy Kessler Foundation

Panoramic from the bowl

Nolan Lee’s huge bs 180 off the nose

R.I.P. Andy Kessler
6/11/1961 – 8/10/2009

Contest Winners:
Bowl Contest: Dan Plunkett
Best Trick on Andy’s Nose:  Bogdan Dzyu

Additional Links:
Metromix New York Photos
Dante Ross & Tom Gould’s Video
Exploitation Video Mag’s Video