So I ended up borrowing a magnificent little camera that shot with an 8.1 megapixel resolution (which simply means "great!" for all the non-electronic addicts)...finally getting there Bart (de Jong) hooked me up with Steve's (Swopes) number, but instead of bugging him down (he was DJ iPod Steve), I went in ghetto style, but still coming up with some decent shots.. 
So here it starts....first of all it is rad how this very diverse group of riders (Dennis McCoy, Chad Kagy, Koji Kraft, Jay Eggleston, Joe Rich, Morgan Wade and then some) are jamming this pretty diverse vert bowl... Kevin Robinson played the celebrity medic and gladly he wasn't needed too often. This didn't mean the shit didn't go down, because as soon Josh Harrington was doing barspins at 9ft (or higher), 
Morgan Wade doing huge back to back pocket airs...the madness had officially begun. Ben Snowden also had some extra horsepower in this bowl as he charged the bowl with full speed. Dave Brumlow flew in to show off his tailwhip flair to an amazing crowd. Joe Rich was last year’s defending champion, he seemed to be cruising, making sure he had a good time. Lots of opposite work and all with such an impressive style. Dennis was announced being the "old" dude, but If you find me riding at his age, I'd be more than happy. 
DMC has been keeping it up for sure, big 540's, Flairs and super creative lines. Josh Harrington is a tall ass dude and he does some tall ass airs...I was so impressed how crazy high he is getting, street and vert.. Morgan Wade might not be known as a vert veteran, but he proved that any obstacle is welcome. Besides doing his ridiculous signature super man tailwhips he showed that lip tricks are still part of the program, crazy brakeless nosewheelies and toothpicks. Hitting the extension a few times and even went for a pocket flair in the "afterparty" stages...crazy... As well as Ben Snowden doing a nice pocket air over the "exit" ladder. Jimmy Walker is a veteran and it shows, going higher and more consistent every time he dropped in, but of course there was the crowd favorite... 
Chad Kagy dropped in with super speed and doing everything back to back at a manly height. Superman seatgrab barspins, Flairs, whips, the whole nine yards and so much more exciting when it is done in the Soul Bowl, right in the middle of the beach...you just can't beat that.
Overall the event is a huge success and there was enough free shit, hotties and food to give anyone a reason to smile....except for the slow ass moving crowd (like there was a sale in the mall on Christmas Eve),...It is always good to see the sport getting more and more notice and respect as we go on....consistent
Michael "Choq" de Wit
BMX Freestyle Soul Bowl Final Results Name Sponsors Score Prize Purse
1 Chad Kagy, DC Shoes, Bell Helmets, Mountain Dew , 93.50 $10,000.00 2 Jimmy Walker SCRAP Skate/Bike Park 90.75 $7,500.00
3 Dennis McCoy Vans, BMX Brigade, Skatelite, Sprocket Jockeys 90.00 $5,000.00
4 Jay Eggleston Evolution Bikes, Quicksilver, Yellow Designs 87.50 $1,300.00
5 Joe Rich Terrible One, Etnies, Empire BMX, Superdome 87.00 $1,200.00
6 Morgan Wade Mutiny Bikes, Etnies, UGP, SNAFU, Maxxis, Bell, Empire BMX, Riffraff, Tanners Bike Shop 86.25 $1,000.00
7 Mike Mancuso Vans, SNAFU, EVS, Drive 85.50 $900.00
8 Koji Kraft 23 Oakley, Strelcheck Chiropractic, SCRAP 85.00 $800.00
9 Ben Snowden X-Grindz, Alpinestars, 43 Bolts 84.25 $700.00
10 Dave Brumlow UGP, Vans, Kicker 81.75 $600.00
11 Josh Harrington Vans, Premium Products, Oakley 80.75
BMX Freestyle Arrowhead High Air Results
1 Dennis McCoy 12.25' $1,000.00 2 Jay Eggleston 12' $600.00
3 Koji Kraft 10.5' $400.00
4 Morgan Wade 10'
5 Mike Mancuso 9.5'
6 Ben Snowden 9'
7 Dave Brumlow 8.5' TIE
7 Joe Rich 32 8.5' TIE
9 Jimmy Walker 8' TIE
9 Garrett Byrnes 8' TIE
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.