The Platfrm CORE: Cowtown – The Story Behind Arizona’s Iconic Skate Shop and Contest PHX AM

At the crux of every thriving skateboard scene is a brick and mortar store that plays a vital role in the foundation of its community. Laura, Trent Martin, and Ed Cox JR of Arizona’s Cowtown Skateboards have proven this true. Born out of necessity, Trent and Ed felt the missed representation of a core skate shop that supported the local community. Before Cowtown’s inception, a coalition of key figures that included Laura, Damon Alire, and Daniel Shircliff were already pushing for the development of a skatepark for the community—their efforts included engaging with the city, raising money, and hosting contests. In 1997, two events occurred that would forever change the course of skateboarding in Phoenix: the opening of Cowtown and Desert West Skatepark. The paths between Trent, Ed, Laura, Damon, and Daniel crossed throughout their various endeavors, each with similar goals: providing, fostering, and building a future for skateboarders in their community.

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COWTOWN’S GSD2024 RECAP

Here’s a short recap of our Go Skateboarding Day 2024 Barge.

Easily one of the most hectic GSD events we ever had & we loved it! In Downtown Phoenix, we met up at Indian Steele Park – then went full Barge down 3rd Street. With every lane filled with skateboarders, we pushed until hittin ‘Deck Park’. Once there it was no holds bar. The entire spot got skated but we focused on the 11 & flat out ledge for a renegade style tricks for prizes session. Still shocked we didn’t get kicked out. – COWTOWN

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