SKATEBOARDING HAS come a long way since the first board was sold in 1959. From its beginnings as something to do when you couldn't surf to becoming its own sport, there's no doubt that a big part of its evolution comes from those that have given back to skating and its community. This Sept. 29 and 30 a contest will be held in memory of one such person who believed in skateboarding, Tim Brauch. A San Jose native, Brauch, who sadly passed away in 1999 at the tender age of 25, was known for more than the uncanny skating ability that took him to win the 1998 Vans Triple Crown. His friendship and generosity inspired those who knew him to start a memorial fund to help create new venues for kids to grow outside, having active lives, and to learn motivation and confidence through skateboarding. This initiative soon took the form of a skatepark that was built in Brauch's memory in Scotts Valley. The contest is not only a beacon to pro and amateur skaters from all over the West Coast to congregate, have fun and tear the course apart, it is also an open invitation to everyone. So grab that deck and make a trip to Scotts Valley.

TIM BRAUCH MEMORIAL CONTEST takes place Saturday–Sunday, Sept. 29–30, 9am–5pm at the Tim Brauch Memorial Skate Park, 361 Kings Village Dr., Scotts Valley; www.timbrauch.com.

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