COVER: NIXEN OSBORNE says, “If I can kickturn a quarterpipe, I can invert it”. We put him to the test to hold a handplant on this burly brick quarter in Ballarat. With the help of a wakeboard winch, Nixen managed to haul enough speed to hit the lip and stall this textbook Smith vert. All while recovering from a recent surgery. Warrior SOTY status. PHOTO: WADE MCLAUGHLIN.

NIXEN OSBORNE – SLAM SKATER OF THE YEAR INTERVIEW
A conversation with Nixen about the year that was, the SOTY surprise, filming for his Indy Raw Ams and Sunday parts, his trips to The States, being towed in by a wakeboard winch for the Smith vert cover shot, and what’s next on his horizon.

SEAN RYAN – HIGH FIVES
After losing an eye in a surfing accident at age 13, Sean Thomas Ryan approaches both skating and life with a resilience that is evident in everything he does. He is thoughtful, consistent, and grounded – enjoy hitting these high fives with STR.

BEN SADDLETON – SIX PIX
Ben Saddleton steps up for Six Pix, bringing his Port Macquarie roots and a clear appetite to leave a mark on Sydney’s landmark spots, including a jaw-dropper over the Martin Place rail.

SIMON BANNEROT – INTERVIEW
Simon’s been on a tear filming for Volcom Australia’s Microwave video – we chat to the Seattle-born-and-bred ATV about filming his part, camping at fullpipes, and the creative outlets that keep him balanced: surfing, snowboarding, drawing, guitar, and of course, the main thread through it all, skateboarding.

MAX FULLARTON NEW GEN
Rounding out the features is a New Gen interview with a young Melbourne up-and-comer, Max Fullarton – all captured on film, tracking his path from Newport to the streets of Melbourne city.