The Pier To Pier Sessions: The Midweek West LA Alternative to Sitting In Traffic

Despite the fact that Venice Beach is a seething tourist trap, there is something about its foot traffic, over-flowing trash cans, and salty street performer atmosphere that keeps us coming back time and time again. Maybe it’s showmanship, the oohs and awes from the unknowing roaming rubber neckers. Maybe it’s Venice’s heritage as the birthplace of modern day skateboarding, the origination of the discipline of shred we all admire and adore so dearly. Whatever it is, we all love this place. As a skateboarder, or at least someone who has breathed and bled skating for the last ten years, I can safely say that there is a untethered easiness about the location. Whether you’re just cruising around or out to prove something to the world, the generalized vibe will be, “chill, bro”.

So much wrk.

Near misses and tall tales.

So, with this in mind, we decided to host a weekly pier to pier skate session from the Venice beach fishing pier to the Santa Monica pier. By pure and utter coincidence this also coincides with the 30th annual Twilight Concerts at the pier. It just so happens that Loaded Boards and Orangatang wheels are also a sponsor here… fancy that?

Amanda Powell, taking the necessary steps.

Push Culture, bro.

Sunshine & Smiles.

The event itself, which meets at the Venice fishing pier every Thursday at 6pm until the 11th of September, basically embodies all aspects of the quintessential lazy late afternoon sunset shred session. A tantalizing alternative for anyone bold enough to abandon their vehicle amongst the Los Angeles rush hour gridlock in-exchange for a board and a breeze. The concept is as simple as its name implies; gather, skate, chill, enjoy. A spirited slither through an astroid field of hapless roaming pedestrians kicks off the event eventually ending up at the Venice beach skatepark. After an extended shred amidst concrete and coping to celebrate the setting sun, the herd rolls on to the Santa Monica pier to congregate in conclusion at the Loaded Boards booth for gear giveaways and good times. For many, it has become the highlight of the day-to-day sprawl. A much needed reprieve from the taxing tribulations of the trying work week. Yes it’s a skate session but it’s also a reminder to get out and enjoy your life in the one place in Los Angeles that defines “takin’er easy”, Venice beach.

Twilight Concert crowds.

Dane Webber, fartin’ it up at the Loaded booth.

Orangat…

If you happen to find yourself on the West Side of Los Angeles on a Thursday with the decision to potentially delay your involvement in the rush hour parade for a couple hours of Venice beach boarding, consider this article your invitation… or this: Loaded Boards & The Gel Lab Present: Pier To Pier

Thanks for reading, see you Thursday’s.