Twenty-one of the worlds top professional skateboarders came to Lake Havasu, to attempt breaking the World Record for longest skateboard jump. Andy Macdonald recently established the current record.

Macdonald, who is the 1999 Vertical and Overall Champion of the World Cup Skateboarding rankings, had a specially built ramp constructed in Michigan with the help of his father. The ramp was designed and built by Team Pain, who are revered for their structures in skateboarding. Andys record was set at 52 feet 10 inches, very respectable for such unexplored territory.

Andy Macdonald, Kick Flip

To generate publicity for their new film Titan A.E. (after earth), 20th Century Fox graciously put up the money needed to improve on the mark Macdonald had set. Team Pain and Andy were contacted, as well as World Cup Skateboarding, who sanctioned the event. That is when I was contacted to make the official measurements.

On the day of the event everything was in order: live bands, TV crews, the giant roll-in ramp, and some serious competition for Mr. Macdonald. The favorites were Danny Way, Brian Patch, Bob Burnquist and of course Andy. Most of the competitors used partial, if not completely, unique equipment to handle the speed and forces generated by the behemoth jump.

Originally set at 37 feet to the crest of the landing ramp, the skaters quickly adapted to the new terrain. During warm-ups Andy, Bob and, Danny all started to land and experiment with tricks over the chasm. The majority of the entrants had cleared the gap comfortably by the start of measured distances.

At the riders meeting they decided to move the landing ramp an additional 10 feet away, before any distances would be measured.

Only seven riders rode away from a jump at the distance. Four others who came close were Rune Glifberg, Chris Gentry, Chris Miller and, Anthony Furlong. Amazingly, the riders decided that they could go farther. As usual Team Pain was ready to help. The team raised the roll-in height from 42 to 47 feet and the landing ramp was pushed out an additional 4 feet.

Bob Burnquist, Mute Grab

The skies darkened, and a short burst of wind and rain drove some spectators away. The wet weather only caused the skaters to refocus their desire for the record. Once the ramp was dry again they were ready to go. I must say that at the new height, I can only remember Jake Brown, Bob, Brian, Danny, and Andy attempting the jump. Poor Jake was unable to ride away from a jump at this distance, but I applaud him for even trying. Each of the three remaining riders was given seven attempts to set the new record. All three riders surpassed the old record. None of the other finishers passed the old mark.

When the dust settled it was Andy Macdonald who successfully defended his title by jumping a distance of 56 feet 10 3/4 inches. Danny Ways best mark was a 55 foot 11 inch flight to which his reply was ""It aint over,"" while a smiling Brian Patch made a 54 foot 5 1/2 inch jump to third place.

All of the riders seemed to genuinely be stoked on trying the ""Super Jump"".

Thanks also should be given to Mark Billik, Makai Events, Volcom and, Fruitopia.

BMX Flip

Final placings were;
1) Andy Macdonald - Airwalk, SoBe, Powell, Split, Gullwing, DSO
2) Danny Way - DC, Alien Workshop, XYZ, Spy, Independent
3) Brian Patch - Etnies, Billabong, Clockwork, Independent, Arnette, Protec
4) Remy Stratton - Volcom, Independent
5) Bob Burnquist - eS, Hurley, Oakley, The Firm, Fury
6) Jake Brown - ATM, DVS, Diakka, TSA
7) Lance Mountain - Adidas, The Firm, Fury