In the last issue of Concrete Wave we introduced the Shralpers Union. Close to a decade in the making, the concept is finally starting to take shape. Each chapter has been busy spreading high fives and positive vibes around the world. We have grown significantly, and in the next couple of issues we will be bringing you news from all of our chapters. We plan on being here for the long haul, as we have dedicated ourselves to our mission to unite like-minded people who share the same passion of board sports.
“It’s been a long ride for all of us since the rock that held us all together, Noel Korman, suddenly passed, but that hasn’t stopped us from keeping his dream alive,” says Matthew Williams of the 212 chapter. “In fact, we are stepping up and trying to change the way people think and live skating.”
Down South’s 864 was the first chapter to be established outside of the parent chapter. (In case, you’re just tuning in, the parent chapter of the Shralpers Union is New Jersey’s 973.) In 2011 Sasha Popper was skating from New York City to San Diego sponsored by the Shralpers Union. In true Sasha fashion, instead of skating straight through, he made his way 767 miles to Greenwood, South Carolina, to meet up with a guy named Andrew Walker. In 2012 Sasha returned with a van full of people for the Chief Ladiga Silver Comet Challenge in Georgia. Andrew met Noel, Luke, and Jeff Vyain, and before you know it the 864 was established, with Andrew as its regional president.
With the Carolinas being no strangers to taking the lead, they made the first changes to the logo by adopting the palmetto tree as its corner logo. The 864 hosts an annual event called the Emerald Powerbox, and its members have been
regulars at the Flight of the Doves, with the intent of raising awareness and funds for various local charities. This year alone the 864 has raised $1,500 for the Connie
Maxwell Home for Children. As a whole the Carolinas look forward to keeping the stoke going by mentoring the younger
shralpers, helping them to progress as positive members in both the Union and their communities. Leading by example
is one the Union’s key virtues. Currently there are more chapters being formed in the region as Andrew is working on
implementing the Longboarding for Peace after school/mentoring programs.
Kansas City, Missouri, is also known as the 816, with co-presidents Joseph Burnham and Billy Angus running the show. This chapter was born in 2013 during the weekend of the Broadway Bomb, when the two were staying in New York with Noel and his father, Ray Korman. Joseph and Billy had opened up a shop called Burning Spider Stoke Company, and at one point they were working out of Joseph’s garage while trying to keep their day jobs to get by. Joseph and Billy had met Neil Weiland at the previous Bomb and managed to keep in contact with him throughout the year. In 2013 when the duo was strapped for cash and needed a place to stay, Neil introduced them to Noel. Noel and Ray took them in with open arms. “Noel’s vision on what the Union could become was awesome, but more importantly was its mission,” says Joseph. “He believed that the sidestance sports industries could do much better. He believed that anyone that wanted to be a part of the industry and worked hard to support their local communities should be able to live the dream.”
Once again Noel’s vision lights the way. Joseph Burnham and Billy Angus are now out of the garage and have a storefront. As a Union store, they do their best to stoke out their local community and other chapters. They take pride in supporting small, hard-working businesses within the industry. You can always get your Union gear and affiliated products in their shop. They have done a superb job of bringing their community together through various meet-ups and events, giving the local scene a platform to grow on. To find out more or to see how you can get involved with a chapter near you.
By Luke Ayata
Thankyou to Michael Brooke, and Concrete Wave Magazine
Issue Nov/2015