Jenkem Magazine recently ran a contest for the longest crooked grind at the Long Beach ledge spot, and it quickly became the talk of the skate scene.
Skaters from all over were checking out the clips and seeing who could hold it the longest.
YouTube skater Ricky Glaser tried to throw his hat in the ring, but his entry did not make the cut. Ian Michna's company explained why, "Not including the one by Ricky Glaser because that was not a crooked grind.”
Some skaters jumped in to defend Glaser, arguing that he had put in the effort and deserved a shot.
The response from the core skate community was harsh, implying that YouTubers trying to join these contests just do not get it. These competitions are for skaters who spend their days skating, hitting spots, and shaping the culture, not for online personalities looking for views.
That is when skate legend Jamie Thomas stepped in.
He commented on Jenkem and the bounty contest, highlighting the importance of the contest’s rules and the style of skating.
About Glaser’s trick, Thomas said, "Sick, but obviously not a crooked grind; crooked nose grind, sure. Love the commitment regardless." His comment struck the perfect balance by acknowledging effort while reinforcing the rules and spirit of the contest.
The whole situation got people in the skate community talking. It was not just about one trick or one skater, it was about keeping things real.
Core skateboarding has always been about the people skating every day, figuring things out on their own, and looking out for each other. Being famous on YouTube does not automatically earn a place in that world.
By standing up for Jenkem and the contest, Thomas helped reinforce that message.
The contest stayed true to its original purpose, giving recognition to skaters who actually live the culture and respect the rules.
For many in the community, that is more important than anything else, ensuring that core skating stays in the hands of the people who built it, not just anyone with a camera and a big following.
It is messy, competitive, and sometimes unfair, but at its heart, it is about community. Core skaters support each other, celebrate real effort, and keep the culture alive, even when outsiders try to step in.