KNOWSHOW: Canada's Premiere Lifestyle Tradeshow

Action sport industry leaders in news Shop-Eat-Surf spent a couple of days up at KNOW?SHOW and have put up a report on what they saw. It was a pleasure to have them up to cover the show. 

Around two years ago Paul Rodrigues, or P Rod and four childhood friends opened the doors of their streetwear and skate focussed boutique Primitive in LA. As all shops do they began to print in house tees to spread the Primitive word. It just so happened that the tees found themselves in such demand that the heads decided to launch forward into a full brand. The first steps of tees and fitted hats has now taken the next organic move into the addition of cut and sew with denim and more select pieces on the horizon. With likes of team riders Torey Pudwill and up and comer Chaz Oritz growing the already strong buzz, Primitive is a line to keep your eyes on!

The DIY approach of Dinosaurs Will Die is certainly something to appreciate in snowboarding. Founders Jeff Keenan and Sean Genovese not only handle everything from graphics to sales but also stick to the belief that if the team won't ride it, they won't produce it. Although they hold strong roots in Vancouver, Keenan states the brand is based "out of nowhere, the office moves to wherever they are at the time". Recently shifting production to European factory Elan, the crew has ensured a high production value with familiar people. 

Above, The Rat is in it's 2nd year of production. As it is their first board to feature reverse camber, the name comes back to the idea that they will only produce what the team wants to ride. At first avoiding the move to produce reverse camber it was team rider Chris Larson that finally swayed and so the Rat will follow the Pied Piper. 

Big news coming in from DC. Read Below for the official press release.

January 14, 2011 - Huntington Beach, CA – DC is proud to announce it has signed legendary skateboarder Chris Cole to its elite Skate team. Recognized as one of the best and most influential skaters of his generation, Chris is only the second skater to ever become Thrasher’s “Skater of the Year” twice (after DC’s Danny Way) once in 2005, and again in 2009. In that same year, he was also honored with TransWorld SKATEboarding’s Readers Choice Award. 

To welcome him, DC is launching its latest Initials Commercial featuring Chris, in which he debuts a never before done trick– a FS 360 to front board. Check it out now at http://www.dcskateboarding.tv/cole. The mini-site also features a new interview, photo gallery and bio on Chris. 

“DC is a huge force in skateboarding- pushing new technology and styling into skate footwear,” said Chris. “I've always admired that, and when I had the opportunity to be a part of their team I jumped at it. They have already made me an even bigger fan with the way they do things, how I’ve been treated, and the things I’ve been shown.”  

“Our heritage and also our future is in skateboarding, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Chris to the family,” said Anton Nistl, DC’s President. “DC is known for having athletes that exemplify raw talent, natural leadership, ambition and fearlessness, and we really feel that Chris embodies all of these traits and more. This is a great way for us to kick off 2011. Our future is looking bright with Chris in it.” 

Hailing from Langhorne, PA, Chris has spent the majority of his life on a skateboard and his powerful and precise skating style shows just that. He is an innovator of tricks such as a cab front blunt on a handrail, FS 360 to front board and he’s made his mark at famous spots such as the Carlsbad Gap and Wallenberg High School. His raw talent and un-matched ability has been showcased with parts in almost 20 skate videos including Transworld’s In Bloom and Zero’s Strange World. 

In 2004 Chris won his first contest, Best Trick at the Tampa Pro and he hasn’t slowed down since. He’s won practically every contest out there including back-to-back Gold Medals at X Games (in 2006 and 2007), the Maloof Money Cup three times (once in 2009 and twice in 2010), Dew Tour (in 2009), Battle At The Berrics 2 (in 2009). Most recently he competed in the first Street League Skateboarding™ DC Pro Tour taking 2nd place at the Las Vegas event stop.  

Chris’ 2011 is already a busy one as he is working on finishing a film part for Zero’s Cold War and working on developing signature products with DC. For more information on DC, its athletes and products visit http://www.dcshoes.com and on DC’s Facebook and Twitter pages (http://www.facebook.com/DC.Shoes andhttp://twitter.com/dcshoes).  

Nobody likes a line up! If you're looking to beat the crowds on Wednesday morning, stop by the Convention Centre on Tuesday January 18th between 3pm and 8pm for early bird badge pick up. For those retailers that have not registered yet, note that online pre-registration will close Monday at NOON.

*Please note that early bird badge pick up is Tuesday and not Wednesday as sent in our latest email news letter. 

If you remember back to the last show we checked in with the Vans booth and got a walk through the OTW line. Well this time around they are throwing an OTW launch party at the Waldorf Hotel in conjunction with Color Magazine! On Wednesday, January 19th they will be showcasing photography, art and guest appearances from The Blackouts, Dimitri Coste and Eric Elms. It should be quite an event so if you aren't on the invite list yet better try your best. This is an INVITE ONLY event. 

It's on! One of the greatest events in skateboarding can be viewed HERE in the first webisode of the Thrasher King Of The Road. Look for more action coming soon. 

Here is a sneak peek at some Fall 2011 footwear from Lifetime. The Cassidy desert boot above has a crepe sole with oiled canvas upper and leather trim. Below is the Burroughs in a melton wool upper with leather trim and interior, also on a crepe sole. 

Four Star Distribution is helping kick things off with a party on Tuesday January 18th at Metropole. Get down there between 7pm and 10pm for some food & drink and enjoy some music, hockey and pool. All the details on the flyer.