.

EXPN: A Bracelet Story

Our story begins as I, intrepid Switch correspondent, made my way to the EXPN Invitational contest deep in the Atlanta suburbs. I arrived Friday afternoon to see the park qualifying action and made my way to the media registration tent secure in the know- ledge that I was on the list. I got in line and watched a video crew in front of me get adorned with hot pink bracelets that proved their legitimacy. I was in for a surprise, though, when it was my turn and I was informed that I was not on any list.

After contacting Switch headquarters and speaking to the park management and ESPN brass it became clear that I was not going to get the pink media bracelet. A few minutes later, I ran into my friend Wolnei dos Santos (who qualified fifth a few hours later) and he came through with a friends and family pass that would get me into most of the restricted areas. This meant that I could actually see the contest and get free fruit and drinks but it wouldn't let me take any photos in the park. That's why this article is all vert photos.

I couldn't stay for much of the park prelims so I had to make due with the finals the next day. To sum it up, the Brazilians kicked ass. I went outside to watch a little of the vert practice before I left for home again. Sunday arrived and I watched the vert contest and shot a few photos from the spectator area. The light was starting to get pretty bad and I realized that if Switch was going to get anything from this whole weekend I would have to get that pink bracelet. I made one last attempt and spoke to the head media person who finally realized the importance of Switch magazine.

I now had the coveted armband and could go anywhere I pleased. But time was running out so I went back to the vert ramp to find out that nobody but ESPN personnel was allowed on the deck of the ramp during the finals. But at least I could shoot from the side of the ramp with good light (and sit beside Ricca Gentry at the same time.) I got a few photos before the contest ended, grabbed a handful of free drinks from the hospitality tent and went street skating with some friends from out of town. And I promptly took that media bracelet off, because who really wants a hot pink wrist anyway?