The origin of Red Bull Manny Mania lies with master skate pro and Red Bull rider Joey Brezinski. The concept for the contest is based on one simple trick: the manual. The basics of a skateboard manual are essentially balancing on either the front or back two wheels. From that simple exercise in control spring limitless variations: manual tricks involving rotations, flips, grinds and riding switch. Only the best can do all of these consistently and Manny Mania is about showing mastery. It’s no place for one trick wonders.
Joey was inspired to create Manny Mania by the lack of contest focus on this style of skating. "At the time there wasn't any technical trick contest going on and that's the way a lot of skaters and I skate, so I thought it would be a good idea."
Manny Mania has grown in leaps and bounds and is entering its fourth year. Back in 2007, located at Venice Beach, California, the first Red Bull Manny Mania was a relatively small event. Some of the pros taking part were Kenny Anderson, Danny Montoya, Daniel Castilo and Chris Roberts, plus of course Joey Brezinski. The format was an instant hit and shortly after New York City hosted their own Red Bull Manny Mania in the city of Manhattan. The response was even bigger than its West Coast inspiration.
In full force, 2008's Red Bull Manny Mania was again in New York City and the turnout defied even the most optimistic of expectations. Crowds flooded to the venue in the thousands to watch heavy hitters such as Brandon Biebel, Jason Dill, Eric Koston and Stevie Williams, names synonymous with amazing technical approaches to skating.
In 2009 Manny Mania took its first tentative steps into the international arena with an event in the UK. As expected, skaters beyond America’s shores enthusiastically embraced the contest and 2010 saw a rapid expansion into several other countries, including South Africa’s first Manny Mania at Wave House Durban. Simon Stipcich ended up taking top prize and representing SA in NYC, competing against fellow qualifiers from around the world for a single coveted spot in the pro invitational.
2011 has followed precedent and is even bigger with 34 countries taking part in regional qualifiers. Red Bull Manny Mania has also expanded in South Africa with four qualifying events and a grand qualifier featuring the best technical skaters from around the country. It’s a chance for one of our talented locals to show their skill on skating’s biggest stage.
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MANNY SKATING: THEN AND NOW
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