An Afternoon at the Moraga Skatepark

What are your kids doing this summer?   Xbox online or are they out there ripping, riding and shredding?

When I was a kid, summer meant trying to catch a ride to the San Ramon skatepark everyday. It was the closest one. Now, skateparks are catching on, especially so here in Moraga, giving people more choice as to where to dial in their tricks.

It seemed to get off the ground when I was in middle school during the late 90's. Tony Hawk gained world wide fame for his vert skills and sparked a fire the skateboard industry never thought it would see. Video games, x-games, shows on television and even "skate" inspired clothing brands expanded, now sold in high end stores such as Macy's. The industry keeps growing and pro skaters keep pushing the impossible, inspiring kids to get out there and land a kickflip. 

So,  who rips in Lamorinda? I called Milo Sport, the snow and skate shop in Lafayette for a local wizard on wheels. Meet Ben Haag, a hard and hungry 13 year old who's currently filming a video part for sponsorship purposes. That's the dream when you're a skater, getting picked up by those clothing and skateboard companies who assemble team riders. Salaries, endorsements and free gear. That's the goal. Haag has been skateboarding for about five years and is constantly progressing. For Haag, summer is the prime season but time is running out, he's going to be a freshman at Campolindo high school this fall.

Lamorinda Patch felt a video of the Moraga skatepark being put to the test would be some fresh eye candy for Patchers and Haag agreed to show how it's done. He had to warm up first, claiming he suffers from obsessive compulsion disorder, and he has to land a few flat ground tricks in a row, just to make sure he's mentally and physically on point before he begins.

This guy is business. Once his mind was cleared and everything was a go, he said "turn the camera on" and we were off to the races. Haag owns the park along with some other talented skaters. Even though he's 13, Haag often looks overgrown for this place and most of his tricks are landed first try, he can just lap the park with ease.

As his career progresses, I wouldn't be surprised if he's jumping off buildings and feel Ben Haag won't be chasing sponsors, they'll be chasing him.

Ben Haag Interview:

Lamorinda Patch: How old are you?

Ben: 13

LP: How many years have you been skating?

Ben: About 5 years.

LP: Tell us about your setup?

Ben: Size 8 milo deck, jessup grip, 147 thunder trucks, bone swiss bearings and spitfire wheels 53 or 52.

LP: You have been filming a lot lately, how's it coming along?

Ben: Super good. I've been getting ''buck'' alot, according to the people I film with. I'm always trying to go bigger and get more tech.

LP: You've been traveling a lot too, we see, how does the Moraga skatepark compare to other spots?

Ben: Moraga is sooo good because it literally has everything. If you think about it, it's like a training facility and a good place to hang.

LP: Who's your favorite skater?

Ben: Jamie Tancowny

LP: Where do you see skateboarding going in the future, as a sport and for you?

Ben: I don't know. I don't really keep it in mind but hopefully I'm getting my name out there and getting hooked up.

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