Wednesday, August 4: Today was the calm before the storm, and if the calm is any indicator, this weekend's Maloof Money Cup will be nuts. With some cooler weather, trade shows and lots of industry folks in town, and the US Open of Surfing and Coastal Carnage right around the corner, there are tons of people in town to help keep things lively at Maloof Money.

Tonight was the Masters of Street and Masters of Vert, and for anyone with an appreciation of skateboarding's history, it was a real treat. Brian Lotti, Sal Barbier, Ben Shroeder, Steve Caballero, Lance Mountain, Lester Kasai, Christian Hosoi, Eric Nash, Mike McGill, Steve Steadham, legendary 5-decade pro Eric Dressen, and more were all shredding all over the ramp and the street course with speed and style. Pat Ngoho was out there cruising the Sadlands planter with amazing style and speed -- he makes everything he does look good. Lance made a sadplant right outta 1987 but was keeping it modern with kickflip Indys. Sal Barbier may not be in the public spotlight as much as he was years ago, but he's still killing it and put down some amazing tricks, including a backside lipslide on the planter that was just amazing. There was too much going -- Christian threw up a Rocket Air on command, Lance did his bunnyhop Barney impression on the Arizona wave wall, and Eddie Reategui was killing the rock extension. You'll have to see the videos to get the full picture--they'll be up soon!

I'm still trying to figure out how to add photos to this article, but I've added a bunch in my photo albums of you can find those! Be sure to stay tuned for lots more updates from the contest site! -- Mark Waters

Eric Dressen!

Colby Carter and Brian Lotti!