Buckle up for a journey through skate culture with the Van Dorens, from game-changing moves in skateboarding to fun stories. Our recent conversation with Steve and Kristy takes us deeper into moments of the collaborative magic between Vans and World Cup Skateboarding that has shaped this vibrant world.
Steve, the innovative offspring of Vans co-founder Paul Van Doren, has been pivotal in shaping the essence of skateboarding through his insights and contributions. Alongside him stands his daughter, Kristy stands as a testament to the family’s unwavering commitment to shaping the brand’s enduring impact.
Christian Hosoi, Judo Air over Steve Van Doren at the Vans Skatepark in Orange CA
Steve Van Doren: CEO of Hot Dogs
Steve has always been deeply involved in events, finding ways to engage and connect with everyone present. One of his enduring traditions is his role as the hot dog distributor at many events. This tradition originated from a snowboarding event where he started barbecuing to stay warm in the cold weather, especially coming from Southern California. Cooking hot dogs not only kept him warm but also created a relaxed atmosphere for mingling and conversing with people.
The hot dog tradition holds special significance beyond its surface appeal. It symbolizes Steve’s commitment to creating an inclusive and engaging environment within the skateboarding community. By cooking hot dogs and personally distributing them at events, Steve fosters a sense of connection among participants and spectators alike. It’s not just about food; it’s about building a welcoming space where everyone feels valued and part of the larger skate culture family.
Imagine Kristy, just a high school student back in the days, already traveling the world with her father, fully immersed in the dynamic ambiance of these events! She has been involved in these gatherings since a very young age and continues to play a remarkable role today. Together, their efforts have greatly influenced Vans’ evolution into the iconic brand it is today.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Vans—a name that resonates deeply within the veins of action sports culture, renowned not just for their iconic shoes but also for their profound impact across various domains. As we explored our conversation with Steve and Kristy, we discovered a wealth of insights and stories that could fill a few different articles.
Their contributions extend far beyond footwear, encompassing support for grassroots initiatives and the orchestration of emblematic events. The reverberations of their influence stretch well beyond the realm of shoes, prompting us to dedicate a showcase at the conclusion of this article, highlighting their core values and their impact on Montreal culture.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Skateboarding, for better or for worse?
Get ready for an inside look at some unforgettable moments with Steve and Kristy over the years. From hilarious pranks to heartwarming stories, let’s dive into their treasure trove of anecdotes.
1. Kristy and Her Supportive Hand
2. Rainy Day Improv
3. Never Stay Where The Skaters Stay!
4. When June Bugs Take Over
5. Tony Hawk and Steve’s Hawaiian Shirt
6. Kristy Pieing the Announcer
7. Improvised Hot Dog Eating Contest
1. Kristy and Her Supportive Hand
Steve shared how Kristy’s quick thinking and compassion shone brightly during critical moments. For instance, at one event, when a Japanese snowboarder was injured, Kristy acted swiftly. She jumped into the ambulance with them and accompanied them to the hospital due to the language barrier for the athlete, providing much-needed support.
Similarly, during the Downtown Showdown, skateboarder Omar Hassan suffered an injury. Once again, Kristy stepped up, identifying herself as his wife to stay by his side throughout the medical attention. These instances exemplify Kristy’s genuine concern for athletes’ well-being, a value deeply rooted in their event culture. Ensuring the safety and support of athletes has always been a top priority at their events.
2. Rainy Day Improv
Another year, heavy rain caught them off guard. The unexpected downpour had an immediate impact on the skate light and Masonite surface, raising concerns about safety and the ramp’s condition. This made it impossible to proceed with the planned activities. However, Steve, quick on his feet, sought to inject some excitement for the TV cameras capturing the event. He improvised by sliding down the slick ramp with a Vans banner, creating a spontaneous and entertaining moment that added flair to the filming.
3. Never Stay Where The Skaters Stay!
Steve also remembers his many trips for the Vans Triple Crown skateboarding events, and one lesson stuck with him: never stay where the skaters stay! He chuckled while sharing a funny story about a fight in the hotel lobby during one event, which got them kicked out. Since then, Steve’s rule is to steer clear of skater hangouts, knowing they can get rowdy and even pull fire alarms. Can’t make this stuff up!
4. June Bugs Take Over
During one of the contests, Steve and Kristy recounted a memorable incident involving a swarm of June bugs. They vividly described how the bugs covered everything; these bugs mate for like two days every year, and it happened to be when they had the contest. Despite their best efforts with bug spray, they struggled to completely clear the bugs.
5. Tony Hawk and Steve’s Hawaiian Shirt
Steve was transported back to the legendary moment when Tony Hawk landed the 900 at the X Games in ’99. It reminded him of the time he asked Tony to sign his favorite Hawaiian shirt after that iconic achievement—a shirt that would undoubtedly be worth framing. A few days later, Steve’s wife surprised him by successfully removing the ink stain from his shirt, a memory that now brings him laughter.
Vert skating has always held a special place in Steve’s heart. Spectators don’t always grasp the difficulty of the tricks or understand why skaters fall often, especially in street skateboarding. “Skating is tough; why don’t you give it a try yourself? But when you watch vert skating and they nail it, it’s like poetry in motion, incredibly entertaining,” Steve exclaims. Even if viewers aren’t familiar with all the technical terms, they can still appreciate the skill and artistry involved.
6. Kristy Pieing the Announcer
Steve and Kristy fondly reminisced about a memorable prank they pulled during a snowboarding event. The prank involved Kristy surprising the announcer with a pie just as he was about to announce the winner. Despite the unexpected interruption, the announcer handled it with humor and professionalism, proceeding to announce the winner as if nothing had happened. The incident brought laughter and added an unexpected highlight to the event’s conclusion.
7. Improvised Hot Dog Eating Contest
During a memorable event at Mont Seymour, humorously dubbed Mont See-less by Steve due to the persistent fog, no contests were scheduled because of the foggy conditions. Ever resourceful, Steve decided to improvise and organized a hot dog eating contest on the spot. To everyone’s surprise, the victor of this impromptu contest was none other than a youthful Shaun White, then just 13 or 14 years old.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
As we reflect on these anecdotes and insights, it’s clear that behind every trick, every event, and every milestone, there’s a deep-seated dedication to fostering a sense of belonging and pushing boundaries. The Van Dorens’ journey is not just about Vans; it’s a testament to the enduring power of skate culture and the countless lives it continues to inspire. Here’s to the next chapter of WCS, Vans, and the ever-evolving landscape of action sports!
