2018 December Colony Magazine

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JUST SKATING BY Kevin Campion is a champion of SLO County’s skater culture By Patrick Pemberton In Atascadero, Kevin Campion is known for his contributions to the skateboard and scooter community. But as a kid, he spent much more time in water than on wheels. “I started swimming competitively when I was 5 years old,” he said. For 22 years, he competed through college at Humboldt State. But eventually the overtraining caught up with him. “Sometimes we were doing four or five hours a day in the water,” he said. Today, the surfer spends more time in salt water than chlorinated water. And while he no longer coaches fellow swimmers like he once did, he still provides mentorship to kids through the Atown Park, which he has run, through a contract with the city, for the past decade. “I think we’re making a contribution,” he said. In between swimming, Campion found time as a youth to surf and skate in the Bay Area, where he grew up. And in 1984, Campion opened his first surf shop, Marin Surf Sport. The business was so successful that he eventually sold it and moved on to other ventures. One of those, as part owner of Poor Boy surf brand, brought him to Atascadero. That too was popular enough to sell, eventually leading to two visible local endeavors, both associated with skateboarding: The Atown Park and the 805 Boardshop are both off of Traffic Way, within skating distance of each other. “For the record, 805 Boardshop has been around longer than 805 beer,” Campion said, referring to the popular Firestone Walker beer brand. “Everybody keeps saying, ‘Can I get a beer here?’ No.” San Luis Obispo County, boasting several skateparks, has some pretty serious skateboard cred. Stacy Peralta, a legendary past skate champion and director of acclaimed skater biopic “Dogtown and Z-Boys,” lives in Cayucos, just a few miles north of the Morro Bay Skateboard Museum. Campion’s shop is a bit of a museum itself, with boards on display that date back to the 50s. When he’s not selling skater shoes, shirts or decks, he can be seen at the nearby Atown Park, an indoor skatepark that recently added an 8-foot tall half-pipe. While there are other skateparks in the county, this is the only indoor one. And it has a staff that provides supervision, making all visitors feel welcome and safe. There are strict rules at Atown Park, Campion said, which require patrons to respect one another. “We’ll get 40-year-old skateboarders riding with 8-year-old scooter riders, and everybody is getting along,” he said. The park’s positive reputation has drawn support from organizations such as the Rotary Club of Atascadero and Home Depot, which recently donated money and volunteer time for the new half-pipe. Campion will continue to champion the cause of skaters in Atascadero. But while he still surfs regularly, Campion has scaled back his skateboarding, which began back when wheels were made of clay. “I’m 62 years old,” he said. “I don’t want to fall anymore.” Foss Electric (805)540-8844 — Local Licensed Electrician — BONDED/INSURED LIC# 1039894 RESIDENTIAL • INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL We proudly serve San Luis Obispo County 16 | colonymagazine.com COLONY Magazine, December 2018
Unique Boutiques & Great Gift Ideas Shop local this holiday season, and get what you need right here at home. Our Holiday Gift Guide businesses want to see you soon! 815 12th St., Paso (805) 296 3833 Chic Boutique for Babes and Babies Women’s & Baby Clothing, Jewelry, Home Decor f a r r o n e l i z a b e t h FINE JEWELRY 5955 Entrada Ave. (805) 464-7977 Atascadero, CA 93422 farronelizabeth.com 1224 Pine Street, Paso Robles • (805)238-2231 Hope Chest Emporium Old Ranch, Antique & Local Goods Finer Home Decor & Year Round Holidays 831 13th Street, Paso Robles 805-369-2829 Our community is filled with Unique Boutique shops with Great Gift Ideas. Our locally-owned shops are ready to make your holidays the best ever with hometown love and warmth. Read more about our Holiday Gift Guide shops on the next page. CONTEST: Collect a business card from each shop, take a picture of all 9 cards together by Dec. 15 and email to publisher@pasomagazine.com, or post to our Facebook Page for a chance to win a $200 Gift Card to the shop of your choice! Happy Holidays From all of us at COLONY Magazine!
Page 1 and 2: Winter Wonderland.19 Charley Carlin
Page 3 and 4: YO U R H EARING H EAL T H Is time r
Page 5 and 6: CENTRAL COAST MEDICAL AESTHETICS Dr
Page 7 and 8: Visit us!! 7450 Morro Road, Atascad
Page 9 and 10: Handmade & Home-made Items Friday,
Page 11 and 12: Sun-Thu: 4-9p / Fri-Sat: 4-11p Insi
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Page 15: (805) 550-9891 snslaundromat@gmail.
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Page 29 and 30: COLONY TASTE NO BOUNDARIES with Gin
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Page 33 and 34: EVENTS Clubs & Meetings Almond Coun
Page 35 and 36: INAUGURAL RACE #1 Brynn & Brittni F

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