Deep River

Last Fall I was out on an adventure when I got a text from my Ottawa based buddy Kurt.

"Bet you can't guess where I am"

At first I thought it may be L'Original as I knew it existed but couldn't find good shots of it.  I saw at Kensington's, a burger joint in Barrie, and scoured the pics for anything distinct. Another shot of a ditch spot nearby revealed a 'Sailing Classes' sign but that didn't help. I tried reverse image searching the buildings in the background but got nothing. Finally, I just RIS the skatepark and first hit the the town's FB post unveiling the park.

I write all this because the story is more interesting than the park.

AND

I just made a discovery. I'm quite sure these are the old Norwood ramps.

Park 652

The ground is rough.

The Skate surface is warped and slippery.

The transition plates are loud.

The park is tight with minimal flow.

Pembroke

The Rapids Skatepark

Colony Skate Shop & Ramp

Colony Skate Shop & Ramp

109 Pembroke St W

Colony Skate Shop & Ramp is the core board shop in Pembroke.  Their indoor ramp allows them to host lessons, parties and their own version of PSA - The Pembroke Skateboard League.

Pembroke's The Rapids Skatepark is just around the corner. 

Old Dude Skate Show!

I've been on a lot of adventures.

It's time to tell some true tales.

I'm led by Podcast Hall of Famer and Skater Drew Domkus.

Join us as we break down parts, discuss advocacy and all things skateboarding.

Check it out HERE

East Coast Road Trip 2026 

Twelve years after the first East Coast Road Trip, my daughter and I hit the road to (secretly) celebrate my birthday in PEI.

Skate edit of the trip.

Day 1

Smoky Sunrise

First Park - Lévis, QC - in 2014 I stopped here for my first park of the trip but it was fenced off and closed for addition of the QP.

Funny Signs

Beautiful Views

Grand Falls, NB had a considerable upgrade since 2014.

The Grand Falls!

Somehow we ended up in an accessible hotel room.

Day 2

Fredericton's historic Garrison District was hosting a night market when we arrived. The skatepark was walking distance from the hotel. Spotted this waxed out ledge on the way there.

When the skatepark first opened, the library offered loaner helmets and boards with a Library Card (idk if the program still exists)

Selfies while daddy skates.

Nora wouldn't believe that the St Lawrence & St John were rivers. 'They're too big' she said.

Just wait.

Garrison Skatepark, Fredericton, NB

Now THIS is a big bridge.

Stratford Skatepark with my 'kids'

Seal

Tiny hermit crab

Day 3

'Sorry to bother you but do you know where Wicked Sea Adventures is?'

Lobster

Lobster

Seals

Holy Mackrel

Souris Skatepark

50th annual Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival. We made it all the way to Fiddle Fest before accidentally revealing it was my birthday.

Montague Skatepark

Day 4

Charlottetown Skatepark

We got rained out.

Life Changing Sandwiches!

1 of 9 Rat Statues

COWS

Second Rat statue we found.

Cornwall Skatepark

Park 650!

Wood Island Lighthouse and Ferry.

Day 5

Leaving - Bye Raloo

Just a bit tired. Nora crashed out after crossing the Confederation Bridge.

Worlds Longest Covered Bridge. I'd crossed the Shortest Covered Bridge on a road trip with my son 2 years ago.

Ontario - Much better than the 196.5 in PEI