The Lizard King and the Mule Man, two of the most respected and world-class street skateboarders, recently dropped by with six other influential skateboarders to help spread the passion for the sport.

In a street demo at Centris Walk, Quezon City, a large crowd of fans and curious bystanders were entertained with 360 flips, backsides, frontsides, fakies, switch stance, boardslides, heels flips, steez, pop shove-its and other tricks executed to near-perfection.

To the uninitiated crowd, it was a jaw-dropping spectacle. To the diehard fans, it was an opportunity to rub elbows and possibly even hang out, if they have the right connections, with their favorite street skateboarders.

The street skateboarders were in the country as part of their Asian tour for Supra, the skateboarding and street lifestyle brand based in Los Angeles, California.

Supra has been on the local market since 2008. But since the local skateboarding community is still relatively small, brand manager Jose Miguel Cervero said they are now putting out more street-style fashion shoes and clothes next to skateboarding-specific wear.

Push the limits

“Supra has always been creative with the designs for streetwear. We have an edgy street-style look because as a skateboard brand, we always like to push the limits. The skinny jeans concept, in fact, began in skateboarding,” Cervero said.

For starters, skateboarding jeans are stretchy. They have to be for the skaters to have freedom of movement. The shoes have to be sturdy to withstand all the friction against the board. Ordinary shoes worn for skateboarding will last only for two to three months; Supra skateboarding shoes last for six to eight months.

Make a pro wear that, and a pair will be lucky if it goes past a month. Living legend Erik Ellington, the “Mule Man,” said his pair lasts about four weeks. That is, of course, if one skates for several hours almost every day.

Made of suede and coated over with a special chemical to make it tougher, today’s shoes are not only lighter but also stronger, Cervero said. Soon, he adds, Supra will carry accessories and bags.

Iconic character Lizard King is famous for his kickflips and daredevil attitude: “I can do anything.” As one of the brand ambassadors of Supra, Lizard King, who once upon a time used to be known as Mike Plumb, is the crowd entertainer with his breathtaking tricks and ready smile.

Other skateboarders who checked out the Manila landscape were Stevie Williams, Dreadhead Neen Williams, Steez Whiz Keelan Dadd, Wonder Kid Boo Johnson, Kevin Romar and Spencer Hamilton.

“The Philippine street skateboarding community may be small but they are just as passionate,” Ellington said.

Cervero agrees. With the brand’s high-street style, even nonskaters will take notice. Supra offers sneaks, high tops, skate sneaks and timeless shoe designs.