Twenty-one of the world’s top professional skateboarders were lured to Lake Havasu in hopes of breaking the recently established world record for longest jump on a skateboard set by Andy Macdonald. Macdonald who is the 1999 Vertical and Overall Champion of the World Cup Skateboarding rankings had a specially built ramp constructed at his father’s home in Minnesota last year. The ramp design and construction were executed by Team Pain, who are revered for their structures in skateboarding. Andy’s record for all of his effort was set at 52’ ft., 10" in., very respectable for such unexplored territory.

In an effort to create 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. This is about the point at which I was contacted to make the official measurements. This is where the story really starts for me.

The day of the event everything was in order; live bands, T.V. crews, the giant roll-in ramp, and some serious competition for Mr. Macdonald. Without even seeing them attempt the huge jump favorites had to be Danny Way, Brian Patch, Bob Burnquist and of course Andy. The jump looked like it would take some getting used to for all of the others. Most of the competitors used partial, if not completely unique equipment to deal with the speed and forces generated by the behemoth jump. Originally set at 37’ ft. to the crest of the landing ramp, the skaters quickly adapted to the new terrain. During the 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. It was decided at the rider’s meeting to go ahead and move the landing ramp 10 more feet away (as planned), before any measurements were recorded. This proved to really effect the riders who could now make the jump. 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 and as usual Team Pain was ready to help. Quickly, they raised the roll-in height from 42’ to 47’ feet and the landing ramp was pushed out another 4 feet. During this time Mother Nature decided to make her presence known and a short burst of wind and rain drove some spectators away. I think the wet weather only served to make the skaters more focused in 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 them were given seven attempts to set the new record. All three riders surpassed the old record. None of the other finishers past the old mark, and when the dust settled it was Andy Macdonald who successfully defended his title by jumping a distance of 56’ ft. 10.75" in. Danny Way’s best mark was a 55’ ft. 11.5" in. flight to which his reply was "It ain’t over." while a smiling Brian Patch made 54’ ft. 5.5" in. jump to third place.

One thing that I noticed during the whole event was that 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.

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