Jake Ilardi has traveled the world and lived in major cities, but he says there’s no other place he’d rather be than Sarasota, Florida. Jake undoubtedly is part of the ripping roster of skateboarders Florida has produced and brings a unique blend of tech precision along with the power to throw down at Skate Park of Tampa’s Concrete Jam. In this episode of Spot to Spot, Jake takes us through the streets that shaped his skateboarding—showing us around his hometown, hitting up local DIY spots, revisiting the skatepark that raised him, and proving that no matter how far he’s gone, his roots still run deep in Sarasota.
Bryce Wettstein’s Evolution: Favorite Skaters, Setups & Spots in Then / Now – The Platfrm
Bryce Wettstein is one of skateboarding’s most vibrant and creative forces—known not only for her technical skill and fearless style on transition but also for the unique artistic expression she brings to everything she does. Rooted in her California upbringing, Bryce shares some of her first and favorites that include skating local legend Mike McGill’s board, taking inspiration from Patti McGee, and learning at the Encinitas YMCA skatepark. Learn how Bryce’s board has changed into an 8.38 Stereo board with custom grip tape, taking inspiration from Jordan Santana and Greyson Fletcher but keeping consistent with high-top Converse in her latest Then / Now video.
The Platfrm – Mark FOS Foster Documentary: Creator of Heroin Skateboards, Snot Wheels & Skate Art Visionary | Core
Meet the man behind the brands Heroin Skateboards and Snot Wheels, Mark “Fos” Foster. The artist, the owner and literally everything in between, Fos’ brain birthed these projects into existence but not without a life’s obsession with skateboarding, comics and art to fuel his concepts. Born about an hour outside of Manchester in Burnley, England, Fos first breathed life into his creations around 1998 while still based across the Atlantic Ocean before eventually relocating in California and finding a home with Baker Boys Distribution in 2011. But so much happened along the way, like creating some of skateboarding’s most recognizable board graphics for brands like Toy Machine, Baker, Deathwish and Creature just to name a few. He is also responsible for the aesthetic look and feel of the acclaimed and influential Altamont Apparel. So, how did he go from humble factory town worker to art school and eventually skateboard art industry elite? All that and a lot more in this episode of CORE: Mark “Fos” Foster.
The Platfrm – Then/Now: Roman Pabich Talks Skate Crews, Mike V & Favorite Parts
All terrain ripper and all round rad human, Roman Pabich (aka @topramen) stops for a Then/Now chat with us along the Portland riverfront. Since he’s been on a board since the age of three, it was a little tricky to recall some of his original setups and influences, but Roman remembers the good stuff. Hear about favorite videos, influential skaters (shout out Mike V), skate crews and a lot more. Did you know he’s got switch tre flips on lock?
The Platfrm First Person: Braden Hoban Takes On Tampa Pro 2025
Braden Hoban returned to Tampa for only his second time, hitting the course at the 31st annual Tampa Pro in 2025. Rolling deep with his crew—Dakota Servold, David Reyes, Torey Pudwill, and CJ Collin— though his posse wasn’t the only competition he was up against. Contest heavyweights like Yuto Horigome, Vincent Milou, and Ishod Wair were all present at the Skate Park of Tampa, among others that were on their game. Competition pressure aside, Braden held it down in the quarterfinals and move on to the semis/final day. Watch how it all turned out for Braden in First Person.
Tampa Pro 2025 Final Highlights: Sora Shirai, Yuto Horigome, Angelo Caro
Check out the highlights from the main event at Tampa Pro 2025. Featuring finalists Julian Christianson, Vincent Milou, Felipe Gustavo, Richard Tury, Kelvin Hoefler, Jhancarlos Gonzalez, Jake Ilardi, Micky Papa, Kairi Netsuke, Angelo Caro, Yuto Horigome, and Sora Shirai.
Tampa Pro 2025 Independent Best Trick
The circus is back in town and brought in the best skateboarders all under one roof for Tampa Pro 2025. The Independent Best Trick sideshow lets these freaks of nature run wild as they attempt to put down their heaviest of moves. Watch Matias Dell Olio, Carlos Ribiero, Sebo Walker, Yuri Facchini, Julian Christianson, Kairi Netsuke, Ivan Federico, Jamie Foy, and Angelo Caro in the montage video above.
The Platfrm – Then / Now: Mami Tezuka’s Fave Tricks, Influential Crew and Music Taste
Get the full scoop from Mami Tezuka on some of her favorite tricks, skateboard crew, and music from the past and how it has shaped her into the skateboarder she is today. From growing up learning to skateboard with her family to now traveling the world for major contests, Mami has an influential skateboard history. Learn all about it in Mami’s latest Then / Now video above.
The Platfrm First Person: Romel Torres’ Path to FA, Street Skating, and PHX AM
Romel Torres would not refer to himself as a contest skater by any measure, he did not grow up skating events. He has however found himself in the mix at the Cowtown’s PHX AM presented by Converse for the past three years. Raised around Portland, Oregon, Romel spent almost all of his time in the streets, so when it comes to the contest scene he admits to being out of his element a bit. But according to Louie Lopez, “he can hold his weight just street skating.”
Cruise the famed Cowtown event with Romel through practice and qualifiers. Spoiler Alert: He didn’t make it to the finals, but he was just fine with that. Also hear a few words from Louie about Romel’s roots, path to FA and some street footy we should be on the lookout for.
PHXAM 2025 Women’s Final Highlights | Platfrm
Watch the women’s PHXAM 2025 highlights of the best moves that went down on Sunday’s final. The six finalists gave it their all over the weekend to earn a spot in Sunday’s main event, and their skating lived up to the hype. Watch Hina Maeda, Mei Ozeki, Shiloh Catori, Kylie Frank, Evie Pritchard, and Liz Akama in the highlight video above.
PHXAM 2025 Men’s Final Highlights | Platfrm
Watch the highlights of the best moves that went down on Sunday’s final for Cowtown Skateboards’ 2025 PHXAM. All twelve finalists put in work over the weekend to make it to Sunday’s main event, and the skating they put down did not disappoint. Watch Javon Goodman, Drew Nguyen, Isaac Relis, Maurice Jordan, Gabe Vigliotti, Greg Rodriguez, Steven Vasquez, Malachi Gray, Deyvid Tuesta Mota, Kristion Jordan, Julian Agliardi, and Keenan Lewis in the highlight video above.
Then / Now: Cordano Russell Skateboarding Humble Beginnings to Pro – The Platfrm
Tap in with Cordano Russell to learn how he got his start and how things have since changed in this episode of Then and Now. Between clips from his childhood and footage stacked recently, he breaks down the journey to becoming a pro. Cordano runs through his favorite skaters, the video parts that hype him up, his skate crews and the communities that have helped him become the beast on the board we all know today. From his humble start in St. Louis, Missouri to relocating in Southern California, Cordano’s roots in the streets and dedication to progression have proven to be more than enough for him to stake his claim in the skate industry—and he is still just 20 years young!