Keep an Eye Out: Skaters to Look For During the 2015 VDI

The Van Doren Invitational is always full of surprises and there’s never any telling what the hell could happen. (Raney Beres’ transfer into the bowl and Greyson Fletcher’s sky-high one-foots in 2013; and two relatively unknown skaters making the podium last year are just a couple of examples.) In hopes of helping you not miss any of the action, we’ve compiled a short list of things to look for in 2015:

Pedro Barros will come out swinging. For a guy that has historically won nearly every contest he’s ever entered, it’s a bit strange to have not seen Pedro on top of the podium in 2015. Having gotten 2nd at BOWL-A-RAMA in February, 3rd at the Vans Pool Party in May, 2nd to Curren Caples at the X Games (Austin) in June and 5th place at last year’s VDI, you can be sure that Pedro is going to bring the heat to the Van Doren Invitational in hopes of regaining his title of undisputed Gnarliest Transition Skater on Earth. Luckily the bowl is made of concrete so we don’t have to worry about him burning it to the ground. (If there’s any doubt of what he’s capable of, just go watch his recent Vans Propeller part.)

Vans flow bro, Chris Russell, has been on a tear since getting 7th place last year at VDI. In the past year, he’s dropped an insane part on Thrasher’s site, took second at the recent Vans Pool Party (and could have won if he didn’t snap his board in half) and is poised for greatness. This could be his year to win the Van Doren Invitational. He’s definitely one to watch.

If we had to go out on a limb and pick our Top 3 for this year, we’d go with Pedro Barros for 1st, Raven Tershy 2nd and Curren Caples 3rd.  (For more predictions click over to VDI Pro Insights to see who the Pros are picking.)

One of the biggest treats this year is for the skaters around the globe that can’t make it out to Huntington Beach. We’re pleased to announce that for the first time, on Tuesday, July 28th at 4pm PST - the Women’s Skate Contest will be webcast! Everyone, everywhere can watch the likes of Lizzie Armanto and all the ripping ladies of rage, and breathe a sigh of relief that you don’t have to compete against them and get your ass kicked. Watch along live as Lizzie goes for a three-peat 1st place victory this year at the Van Doren Invitational Women’s Skate Contest.