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This past Saturday, Vans and the Andy Kessler Foundation hosted this year’s Andy Kessler Day memorial skate jam at the House of Vans in Brooklyn. As part of the tradition Pat Smith builds a special obstacle to skate, this year it was a replica of the Riverside/108 park 14′ wallride originally built by Andy Kessler.

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Duncan Rowland | FS Slasher

Another very special addition to this year’s Andy Kessler Day was a memorial photo wall for the late Ryan DeWitt. Ryan was instrumental in creating the Andy Kessler Day events for Vans and will be forever missed.

The legendary Dante Ross played tracks all afternoon and Steve Rodriguez hosted a best trick contest on the wallride where someone could win a year supply of Vans and Coda product. The day was hot & humid but everyone charged the ramp trying to make tricks or get above one of the three death boxes. It was only a matter of time until someone tried to drop in on the 14′ structure, that person was Dillan Raia. He gave it one shot but slipped out and unfortunately ended up taking a trip to the hospital after hitting his head. Fortunately he was ok… wishing Dillan a speedy recovery and congratulations on the Hall of Meat!

We had a great time, it’s always inspiring to see both the older and younger generation of skateboarders together mixing it up. Thank you to Vans, Dennis McNett, Pat Smith, Steve Rodriguez, Dante Ross and the Andy Kessler Foundation for making the event happen. We look forward to next year!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKL-d4nAo41

Photos by Peter Pabón:

 

Kessler Day 11 x 17