Arguing over which skate shoes are the best is a skater's right. I have a top 10 skate shoes list on this site, and the posting where I linked to it has a HUGE amount of feedback (check it out).

So I put together this fancy poll, to see what people REALLY think! It would only allow 10 entries, so I had to leave some brands out. I know some of you Nike SB fans will be crushed. If you like a brand that's not represented, leave a comment!

Looking for an instructional skateboard video? Don't want to spend money? I've got your solution - check out this crazy free DVD offer! You can download and copy this skateboarding DVD, aboslutely free, and absolutely legally!

Here's what thier press release says:

Filmed entirely in California and independently produced by Eric Muss-Barnes, veteran skateboarder and artist, Learn To Ride A Skateboard is a new skateboarding instructional DVD which showcases the teaching talents of professional skateboarder Holly Lyons - ranked the #1 Female Bowl Skateboarder in the World according to her standings in the 2006 World Cup Skateboarding.

Unlike every other skateboarding instructional video ever produced, Learn To Ride A Skateboard is available absolutely free-of-charge and people are actually encouraged to copy the DVD and give it away. Created without any copy-prevention security, when the DVD is placed in a computer, instructional files are available on the disc explaining how to duplicate it.

Free is a tough price to beat! You can order the DVD from the Learn to Ride a Skateboard website, or you can just download it and make your own DVD - which is the way they would prefer it. Want to have a free instructional skateboarding DVD to give out at your next event, or at your shop, or camp? Make your own, and hand them out!

I haven't seen the video yet, so I don't know how good it is - I'm hoping to have a review of it up soon. Until then, if you watch it, come back and leave a comment below and tell us all what you think of it!

The Skate 2 demo hits the Xbox Live Marketplace on January 8th, and the PlayStation Network on January 15th. According to EA, here's what to expect:

The demo introduces players to the city of New San Vanelona where they can skate with style and individuality via access to the enhanced character customization tools. Gamers will get a first glimpse of the deep single-player story and exciting challenges in all-new locations. The Skate 2 demo will also feature two of the game’s online Party Play modes: Thrasher’s Hall of Meat and Spot Battle.

Skate 2 ups the ante in delivering all the grit, creativity and culture of skateboarding. Equipped with double the bag of tricks, players are tasked to rebuild their career and revive the skate scene. Now with the ability to get off-board and move objects, gamers can create their own epic spots and challenges, which can then be uploaded, shared and experienced by others around the world.

Skate 2 hits retailers in North America on January 21st, and worldwide on January 23, 2009. Check out the Skate 2 photo gallery to see what to expect!

Adam Colton (you might know him from his Longboard Dancing trick tips, from all his work with Loaded, or from Adam Squared productions) took off on Monday to skate South America. This trip follows skating across America, then Europe, and the last trip was across New Zealand.

For this trip, Adam plans to take only what he can carry, and skate through Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile ... he'll be skating around South America until March 18th. Personally, I think he's nuts! But I'm also jealous, and very impressed. You can read all about his trip, and his previous adventures, on his website - WhoIsAdamColton.com. He talks about his inspiration for this trip, the precautions he's taking, and an itemized list of everything he'll be carrying. It's a pretty intense list - if you've ever thought of doing something similar, you might get some inspiration from Adam's adventures.

If you've done anything similar, skateboarding long distances or through remarkable countryside, drop a comment below and tell us about it!