"Waiting in the desert heat outside the airport in Phoenix, Arizona, I was crazy with anticipation. I was to be the lone photographer on The Show Up and Blow Up Tour, a seven-day, all-girl skate frenzy spanning the Southwest from here to Las Vegas. When pro skater Jen O'Brien told me about the plan and said they were looking for someone to shoot photos, I scrambled to book a flight to meet them. I didn't know what to expect, but, judging from the tour roster, I was hoping for a female version of the Tony Hawk Gigantic Skatepark Tour..."

Want to know more? Pick up the June/July 2003 issue of SG. Want to check out the spots Susie mentions for yourself? Then see below...

ARIZONA
Chandler Skatepark, Chandler
Chandler is in southeastern Phoenix. Take the I-10 east to W. Queen Creek and exit east. Take Queen Creek for a few miles, cross S. Dobson, and hang a right on Alma School heading south. When Alma School crosses Ocotillo, you're there. Take a left on Ocotillo and then a right on Basha. Go past the Basha's headquarters and it will be on your right side. The park is in the Chandler Regional Sports Complex, south of the big water tower.

Vans Skatepark, Phoenix
9617 N. Metro Parkway W., Ste. 2129, Phoenix, AZ 85051; (602) 944-2204

Freestone Skatepark, Gilbert
Take US-60 east to Gilbert Road, then Gilbert Road south to Guadalupe Road. Head east on Guadalupe to Lindsay Road. Take Lindsay south about a third of a mile. Freestone Park will be on the right. The skatepark is located at the back of the park.

NEVADA
Pro Park, Las Vegas
From the strip, take I-15 north and hop on the 95. As it bends to the north, exit Cheyenne, heading west. On Cheyenne, cross Tenaya; before you get to Buffalo, make a left (south) on Ronemus into a big recreation area. The skatepark is lower than the rest of the park and somewhat hidden.

Desert Breeze Skatepark, Las Vegas
Take I-15 north to Las Vegas. Exit Sahara Avenue and head west. Make a left (south) on Durango Road. The park is at the southeast corner of the Durango Rpoad and Spring Mountain Road intersection.

Metro Skatepark, Las Vegas
Take I-95 to the west side of Vegas and exit Cheyenne. Stay west on Cheyenne, past Buffalo and Durango, take a right (north) on El Capitan. A few blocks later, make a left on Gowen and keep going until you see the park.

Paul's Ramp, Las Vegas Sorry, but this is a secret spot...