The inaugural “Great Desert Pool Duel” event will take place on April 28, 2012 in Los Angeles County’s High Desert area.

Located one hour NE of Los Angeles, the High Desert area has long been a down-low destination for both cutting-edge skate contests (THRASHER’S “Great Desert Ramp Battle”, won by the legendary Steve Caballero) and industry-leading teams looking for off-the-radar film locations (Bones, Nike SB, Creature, etc.).

Event producer Billy Runaway was quoted as saying, “Similar to the Great Desert Ramp Battle some thirty years ago (which happened largely due to the efforts of Fausto Vitello R.I.P.), this contest is destined make history. An open, invite-only format, with the best backyard pool skaters grouped in small heats to simulate a real backyard pool session, this event will cast a spotlight on one of the most authentic genres of skateboarding. Vertical skateboarding in all its various forms owes its existence to backyard pool skating, the birth and cultivation of which began in the mid-1970’s and continues to this day. I am proud to produce this event in an area with significant skate history and one of the largest backyard pools in existence (which was the site chosen for THRASHER’s 30th Anniversary poster in the Jan. 2011 issue featuring Grant Taylor).”

Be a part of this history-making event! Select sponsorship opportunities are available – contact Billy Runaway at Palmdale Pool Project for more information: palmdalepoolproject@yahoo.com or www.facebook.com/palmdalepoolproject

Confirmed riders list:
Adams Div
Blair Charlie
Borden Josh
Brunelle Al
Burke Kevin
Cope Chris
Davis Rayce
Fletcher Greyson
Gurney Jerry
Johnson Ryan
Kowalski Kevin
McClain Brad
Mead Fritz
Merlino Mason
Raybourn Ben
Reeves Steve
Remillard Tom
Rennie Tristan
Reuter Jake
Russo Robbie
Ryan Patrick
Sandoval Ronnie
Shaw Frank
Stevens Riley
Wright Jeff