Action athletes show off their sports to big crowd

SANDY— Heat and wind didn't discourage crowds from coming to the Journeys Backyard Barbeque Alternative Sports Tour at the South Town Center. As skateboard and BMX pros tore up the mini-pipe tour, 5-year-old McCabe Jensen tried a few tricks on his own skateboard. Dressed in full skater garb, he used a bright yellow cable protector as a ramp while his parents and 3-year-old sister watched.

"Action sports teach young kids to get up on their own," BMX rider Mike "Rooftop" Escamilla said. "It teaches kids to be proactive."

All ages turned up for the event.

"It's a great crowd having fun," tour director Brian Gass said.

Gass said he expected about 7,000 people at the event and that he was glad the wind hadn't affected the turnout too much.

The wind, however, did ground the Freestyle Motocross demos scheduled for the afternoon. Motorcyclists usually launch nearly three stories into the air, performing spectacular stunts. But wind can jeopardize the absolute precision needed to land a trick safely. The athletes weren't willing to risk it, especially since the last time Brian Deegan tried performing in the wind, he ended up in the hospital.

"Be careful!" Deegan warns aspiring athletes. "You only get one body. I've done things to mine that I'll probably regret in a few years."

Deegan, a three-time X Games Gold medalist, emphasized the importance of basic safety in action sports, especially wearing a helmet and pads.

FMX aside, the tour continued as scheduled with a Battle of the Bands and two Pro Skateboard and BMX Demos featuring team Etnies. From Ollies and Kickflips to Bar Spins and Tail Whips, team Etnies athletes executed their favorite tricks, working hard and having fun.

"Action sports are about the individual," X Games Gold medalist Jamie Bestwick said. "You can be as creative or as uncreative as you want."

This could be why the popularity of action sports is growing.

"I see action sports being just as big as the ball sports someday," Deegan said. "Instead of baseballs, young kids are asking for skateboards."

Utah has an especially large market for it, which is why Gass said he chose to start the tour in the Salt Lake Valley, against the dramatic backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains.

"Utah has the advantage of a wide variety of outdoor sports," Bestwick said. "Just take advantage of it."

Many are, like 5-year-old McCabe and maybe someday, his little sister, too.

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E-mail: hlebaron@desnews.com