Montage / Edit, Video

The Platfrm – Willis Kimbel: Skater, Builder, Shop Owner | Snapshot

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You know him as a Creature Fiend, but around Portland, Willis Kimbel is also known as a local shop owner and the man behind the city’s most recent DIY skatepark. Since moving to the area in 2004, Willis has been enamored with Portland’s skate scene—massive parks, huge transitions, and a landscape surrounded by nature. But over the years, as things changed, he found himself graduating from simply skating in the community to helping build it up and usher in the next generation.

In 2024, he opened Rip’s Co. Skateshop in response to another local shop being forced to close its doors. Since then, he’s been creating even more spaces for skaters. Q-Side is “a skateboarding place in Portland, OR,” according to its Instagram bio—but in reality, it’s the result of hard work and collaboration between skaters like Willis and city officials. Tap in with Willis Kimbel for a Snapshot of his Portland lifestyle, and the unique role skateboarding continues to play in his life and the city at large.

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Interview, Montage / Edit, Video

Chris Russell: Skateboarding Chaos Meets Jiujitsu Discipline | Portraits – The Platfrm

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Chaos and discipline only scratch the surface when describing all that is Chris Russell. Currently residing in Ocean Beach, San Diego—but originally from Hermosa Beach—Chris has been surrounded by surfing and skating since day one. Hitting the road to compete was a family affair in his early days, but as a teenager he began taking on the road solo to tear up and hold on to everything in his way.

But there’s another side to Chris, too. Lately, he’s been learning to be a strength and conditioning coach. For the last five years, Chris has taken to jiujitsu, learning a lot about discipline while taking his personal fitness to the next level. “Skateboarding is chaotic, and it’s the best thing, but I think within that—and as you get older—you want to feel a little bit more grounded and secure. The beauty about [jiujitsu] is that the better I am in here, the better I am on my board.” Go deep in this episode of Portraits: Chris Russell to see new clips of him ripping while he gives us an update on his life’s current events.

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Contest, Montage / Edit, Skate Park, Video

Des Moines Streetstyle Open 2025: Fifth Annual Skateboarding Takeover Recap | Platfrm

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The Des Moines Streetstyle Open hit its fifth year, turning the city into a multiday skate takeover. Skaters from across the country linked up with the local scene to session the streets and be part of a one-of-a-kind even. Powered by Skate DSM with backup from USA Skateboarding, Subsect Skateshop, and the city itself, the Des Moines Streetstyle Open continues to push to new levels. Hit play to catch locals hype up their event and watch heavy hitters like Jake Kelly, Colin Slew, Gabe Vigliotti, Josh Douglas, Jake Ilardi, and many more rippers.

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Contest, Interview, Montage / Edit, Skate Park, Video

The Platfrm – First Person: Chris Joslin Leaves His Mark at the 2025 Rockstar Energy Open

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Go back to Portland, Oregon, and Chris Joslin’s battle to put it down at the 2025 Rockstar Energy Open. “I used to compete because I’m a competitive person, but now I compete because I’ve got a family to feed.” Joslin’s dedication and focus are clear at every single event. Years of experience have earned him his elite bag of tricks. His headspace and how he handles himself in moments of pressure are other skills that only time can teach.

Chris failed to make the cut for the Men’s Street Finals, but he didn’t let it define his weekend. “It sure is important to come back from your setbacks… for me, I’ve got a reason to keep going. I’ve got a family.” This episode of First Person: Chris Joslin follows him through the weekend, right up to the moment he won the Cash for Tricks Best Trick Jam to leave his mark on the event. “The fans saved my life.”

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Interview, Montage / Edit, Video

First Person: Ivan Monteiro Brazil’s Pro Returns to the U.S. – The Platfrm

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It’s been a long time coming for São Paulo, Brazil’s Ivan Monteiro. Looking as clean and controlled as ever on the board, Ivan has been having an incredible year—he turned pro in April for Shorty’s, their first new pro in two decades. Ivan left his home country in 2017 to pursue skateboarding, but it wasn’t until last year that he returned to skate in a contest. For the past six years, he hasn’t competed in any contests in the United States, either.

By winning Week 7 of the 2025 RSEO VQS, Ivan ultimately earned an invite to compete in Portland at the main event. After skating through three rounds of competition, he eventually finished 3rd in the Street Final. From the VQS to the podium in Portland, in this episode of First Person Ivan talks us through all of that and more of his still unfolding story.

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Interview, Montage / Edit, Video

Lazer Crawford Skateboarding Long Beach | Spot to Spot

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Link up with Lazer Crawford for a full day on the board, starting with a quick warmup at the park before handling some light work in the streets. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Lazer has been making his way out west over the past few years, and as of January 2024, he’s settled into his new home in Long Beach. A few years back, Lazer was landing on top of just about every major Am contest podium, but last summer he took home the win at the first-ever Rockstar Energy Open. With a little bonus cash from the win, he gifted himself a Hemi for his 19th birthday. Hear him talk about his love for clothes (after he pops the trunk on his mobile wardrobe), in between clips and a little rundown of what’s next in the life of Lazer.

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