HH WEEKEND XIV RECAP

Photo: Ryan Zimmerman

Harold Hunter Weekend XIV went down from September 9-12, 2021 in New York City. This year's event was presented by DC Shoes with additional support from Element Skateboards, HUF, Red Bull, Zumiez, and The Skinny Bar & Lounge, among others.

Each year, Harold Hunter Weekend is one of NYC’s largest and most highly anticipated skateboarding events that celebrates the enduring spirit and legacy of Harold Hunter. This year was no exception as all four days of events were packed with friends, family, and fans of both Harold and skate culture.

As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit grassroots organization, the Harold Hunter Foundation relies on financial backing from the community to provide a network of support, opportunity, and advocacy for NYC youth so they can reach their full potential as skateboarders and young adults. HHF believes skateboarding has the power to transform lives.

Element Skateboards kicked off Harold Hunter Weekend XIV on Thursday afternoon at Brooklyn's Substance Skatepark with a jam session and panel discussion featuring skate icon Donny Barley, Element team riders, and photographer Charlie Samuels where they discussed the ins and outs of working in the skateboarding industry. It was educational and inspiring.

On Thursday night, DC Shoes hosted a charity pool tournament versus Max Fish at Sharks Pool Club. It was a heated competition with Marc Razo taking home the victory and donating his winnings to the Harold Hunter Foundation. Thanks, Razo!

On Friday morning, the Pablo Ramirez Foundation, Brooklyn Skate Garden, Bronx Girls Skate, and HHF joined forces to give the LES Skatepark a thorough cleaning, removing dozens of bags of trash in the process. Huge thanks to all the volunteers who showed up early, got their hands dirty, and made a positive impact on the local community.

On Friday afternoon, DC Shoes and NJ Skateshop presented Shred for Wilkie at Ann Van Skatepark in New Jersey with a BBQ, giveaways, live music, best trick contest, and DC team riders in attendance including Evan Smith, Wes Kremer, John Gardner, John Shanahan, Ish Cepeda, Will Marshall, Kevin Bilyeu, Toby Ryan, Dylan Jaeb, Jahmir Brown, Thomas Dristas, Josh Wilson, Justin Hearn, Andrea Bethke, and Brian Panebianco. Heavy hitters in the Garden State!

With the 20th anniversary of 9/11 top of mind, on Friday night at the Graduate Hotel Roosevelt Island, Element Skateboards hosted a Twin Towers tribute deck release and silent auction featuring photographer Charlie Samuels' iconic 1989 photo of Harold skitching a yellow cab with the majestic Twin Towers looking on. Charlie discussed his photography career, shared funny anecdotes about Harold, and signed the 5 decks featured in the auction with all proceeds donated to HHF. It was a very special night!

Saturday kicked off with The Boardr Open presented by DC Shoes at the LES Skatepark featuring the HHF Wildcard Contest. It was a super high level of skating and, when it was all said and done, Shiloh Catori took home the win on the women's side and Nico Ramos won the men's division. The HHF Wildcard victory went to Juri Iikura for women and Jiro Platt for men. All winners received $500 to put toward travel expenses to compete in November’s Miami Open.

Golconda/Fat Kid Skatepark in Brooklyn played host to a Women's Skate Jam on Saturday afternoon hosted by HHF Coaches Jae Cooper and Eliza Gonzalez. It was a positive day of discussions about inclusivity within skateboarding, instructional skate clinics, $1,000 cash-for-tricks contests, giveaways, and plenty of good vibes.

On Saturday night, DC Shoes hosted a Gunars Elmuts photo show at SoHo Playhouse. The special event celebrated Harold with select Gunars photos hand-embellished by artists Andy Howell, David Aron, Eli Gesner, and Thomas Campbell. All pieces were available for sale with proceeds donated to HHF. There was a special DJ set by Large Professor and screening of All The Streets Are Silent. Rad times were had by all!

The main event - Harold Hunter Day XIV - went down on Sunday at the LES Skatepark presented by DC Shoes. With over 1,000 people in attendance, it was an amazing way to once again celebrate the late, great Harold Hunter. The massive crowds enjoyed live music, tons of giveaways, and plenty of insane skateboarding with best trick contests presented by Red Bull, HUF, Element Skateboards, and DC Shoes. A huge thanks to all those who pulled up to make this year's HH Day one of the best yet!

Red Bull Women's Best Trick (Bowl Corner & Hip):

• 1st: Juri Iikura ($250)
• 2nd: Frasmely ($150)
• 3rd: Mathilda Kotsonis ($100)

HUF Best Trick (Bump to Apple & Flat Rail):

• 1st: Emilio Dufour ($250)
• 2nd: Deng Tear ($150)
• 3rd: Brandon James ($100)

Element Skateboards Best Trick (Small Stairs & Rail):

• 1st: Brandon James ($250)
• 2nd: Emilio Dufour ($150)
• 3rd: Federico Rossotti ($100)

DC Shoes Best Trick (Double-Set Gap to Platform):

• 1st: Carlo Carezzano ($250)
• 2nd: Jacob Gonzalez ($150)
• 3rd: Kenny Gonzalez ($100)

Zumiez Destroyer Award Winner (Favorite Skater of the Day):

• Kenny Gonzalez

A huge THANK YOU to The Boardr and all the sponsors that helped make Harold Hunter Weekend XIV happen including DC Shoes, Element Skateboards, HUF, The Skinny, Zumiez, Red Bull, AriZona, UXA, Sweet Chick, Skullcandy, Brooklyn Skate Garden, Pablo Ramirez Foundation, Bronx Girls Skate, KCDC, Labor, Homage, NYSkateboarding, Shut, 5boro, Torro, Substance Skatepark, Skate 4 Changes, FRANK151, and Trophy Grip.

Photos courtesy of Ryan Zimmerman, Greg Waters, ​Dennis Williford, Lanna Apisukh, Gunars Elmuts, Eric Fischer, and ​Mike Heikkila.