Black Mass Event Fastlands
On Sunday the 13th of November 2022, the Black Mass Skate event came to Birmingham. The first of its kind hosted by Sabbath Wheels and sponsored by Ideal Birmingham, Vans Europe, Red Bull Skate and Heathens Skateboards. It was at Fastlands, which is a well known street spot in Birmingham. The last big Skate event that happened at fastlands was Beyond Skateboarding Fastlands Jam hosted by the no comply network.
It was nice seeing all of the Skate scene come together from pro riders like Marcus Palmer to Young New Generation Skaters like Rory Buckley and Corey Roper. Skaters from all over the UK came down to Birmingham to Skate the iconic spot from Bristol, Derby, Manchester and London. A few different Skate collectives were there including Rollersnakes team, Bagheadcrew, wolftown, SkateHut team and a few riders from fifty fifty and magic toast shop.
Heathens Skateboards made a euro gap especially for the event, it was placed on the 9 stairs all afternoon for Skaters to Skate, Beth Howels and Tiny Harry did doubles down it late afternoon. It has been left at fastlands so go Skate it before it gets taken away or destroyed.
Slap Ramps also made a few obstacles and ramps especially for the event and many Skaters Skated them throughout the afternoon including Skaters such as, Ben Plumb, Nick Binnington and Alex Ramsell.
When riding a street Skate event, you have to be careful. The Skate Ramps, steps and rails are really gnarly, even as a bystander but take care when watching the event as boards go flying all over the place and Skateboarders whizzing left right and centre, so be careful not to get in the way.
What is street Skating?
Street Skateboarding comes from Skateboarding on public roads and sidewalks. It is also sometimes referred to as "street Skating" or "sidewalk surfing". Street Skateboarding tricks are generally done on handrails, stairs, benches and other street objects, as well as on the flat ground. Street Skating is one of the most popular forms of Skateboarding, and is often considered to be the purest form of the sport. The street Skating scene is also known for its strong sense of community. Street Skating often requires more precision and technical skill than park Skating as the obstacles are often less forgiving.
Our sponsored rider Corey Roper came down to the event and was smashing it with the wall ride, the 7 steps and the euro gap.
We got the chance to talk to him after the event.
What was your favourite highlight of the event?
“Marcus Palmers kickflip down the double set. It was so inspiring to watch and he was so close to landing it and riding away.”
Favourite Trick you landed at the event?
“Nose grab down the monolith euro gap down the 9set.”
What setup were you riding?
“Zero Deck (8.25) with Independent Trucks, Bronson Bearings and Bones wheels (54mm.)”
Was Fastlands difficult to Skate?
“It was a little as it was busy and crazy with people flying everywhere but that added to the sick vibe of the day, so much hype for people doing what they love.”
Overall, how was the Black Mass event?
“Amazing, I had such a good day and the talent on show there was insane. I love watching others and getting inspired. Back in 2019 I went to my first ever Skateboarding event at fastlands, I was only 8 years old and I could barely ollie but I remember sending it down the bank and the hype was crazy. That’s when I got my real love for Skateboarding and I haven’t looked back, so It was great to go back 3 years later with more tricks to show.”
