Transworld Jan 2009

Transworld Skateboarding – January 2009 (Vol. 27 No. 1)

The January 2009 issue of Transworld Skateboarding opens the new year with a strong international vibe, deep personalities, and a consistent thread of resilience and originality. It’s kicked off by Nine Frames Per Second, highlighting Stefan Janoski, Jimmy Carlin, and Jack Curtin—three distinct styles, each innovating on-board in ways that feel effortless yet unmistakably their own.

Vincent Alvarez’s Roll Call sets the tone for up-and-coming humility. After winning DC’s super-am contest in LA, Vincent was stepping into the spotlight without letting ego creep in. This feature reminds readers why Chocolate picked him up and hints at the commercial distractions (energy drinks, girl fanbases) that threaten to derail even the most grounded skaters.

Pete Eldridge gets his due in a refreshingly honest Q&A, where the Philly native talks about setbacks, comebacks, and the strange twists that pulled his skating back into focus. It’s a testament to hard-earned longevity—and to why he deserves a second (or third) look from anyone who’d written him off.

The Zoo York South Africa feature sends Zered Bassett, Forrest Kirby, and Brandon Westgate into unfamiliar territory, but instead of cartoon stereotypes, they find Johannesburg’s energy and chaos mirroring New York City. Gridlock, power outages, sketchy situations—sure—but also marble plazas and untouched spots perfect for skating.

In Walker Ryan’s 20 Questions, readers meet a standout rookie with both academic chops and ridiculous board control. Framed like a pilot episode for “The Life of Walker Ryan,” the piece adds a playful spin to what’s essentially a serious look at a smart, stylish skater on the rise. His part is still in the making, but the hype is real.

DC's European Adventures is the mag’s big trip feature, with Colin McKay leading a squad that includes PJ Ladd, Josh Kalis, Jani Laitiala, and more through the cobbled cities and crusty transitions of Europe. McKay’s cover shot—an airborne blast over a rough-tiled volcano in Stuttgart—speaks to the grit of the whole tour. The crew handled business despite sketchy terrain, proving DC’s global roster could handle just about anything.

Rounding out the issue is a Pro Spotlight on Joey Brezinski, the manual master who helped turn wheelie-based tech into a movement. His feature balances his contest dominance with offbeat personal details—like multiple dogs, a messy apartment, and random Kanye West references. It’s a reminder that beneath the precision lies a full-on personality.

This issue reflects skateboarding’s diversity in both character and geography—McKay in Germany, Zoo York in Africa, and newcomers like Walker and Vince carving their own paths. It’s a global rollout of talent, all rooted in grit, creativity, and momentum heading into 2009.