The Roots of Downhill
Our friends over at NHS (Road Rider, OJ, Santa Cruz, Independent, etc) have uploaded a really cool video of the 1977 Catalina Classic downhill skateboard and slalom race. While doing some research on the event, I also came across a nice story on the event that appeared in Sports Illustrated Magazine.
The event was held September 15-16, 1977 on Catalina Island located 26 miles (42km) off the coast of Southern California. ABC's Wide World of Sports was there to capture all the action and create a time capsule that allows to see downhill skateboarding in its' infancy. It's amazing to see how far the sport has progressed but also to see how the sport is firmly rooted in this time period.
November 21, 1977 Sports Illustrated
Catalina Classic Article
Catalina Classic Article
John Hutson dominated during this time period just as Patrick Switzer dominated in 2011. The IGSA will be collaberating on an upcoming Invitational Pro event with NHS that will create a firm connection between the sports roots in 77' and the present day. More details will be announced in the coming weeks. In the meantime enjoy this amazing piece of skateboarding history.