ACTION SPORTS: Macdonald no rebel, and he does have a cause

By SCOTT BAIR - Staff Writer | Tuesday, March 4, 2008 11:04 AM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- Andy Macdonald has been skateboarding professionally longer than many of his fans have been alive.

He has won virtually every major contest more than once and is undoubtedly one of the greatest vert skaters of all time. He has been a model of consistency while building a career most could only dream of.

Many have tried to categorize his journey as one thing or another. But Macdonald has carved his own path, refusing to honor skateboarding stereotypes.

He'd rather skate in a park than a vacant parking lot, no matter how much "street cred" he may lose for saying so. He doesn't mind the mainstream and he's certainly not a rebel without a cause.

Macdonald skates for quite a few causes, actually. He spends his downtime making motivational speeches about staying drug free, improving skateparks and promoting the positive aspects of this once-outlaw sport.

His latest act of kindness goes off on Saturday afternoon at the Mission Valley YMCA and will feature some of the biggest names in action sports. The second annual "Clash at Clairemont" is a fundraiser for Grind For Life, a charity run by skateboarders that gives financial assistance to cancer patients and their families.

Skaters Tony Hawk, Macdonald and Bucky Lasek and BMX riders Mat Hoffman and Kevin Robinson headline an event that raised nearly $20,000 last year. Several A-list athletes came out to support the charity and test the vert ramp from the 2006 X Games, which was donated to the skatepark Macdonald helped design.

While there's no added novelty this time around, the San Diego resident didn't have trouble bringing star power to the event.

"This contest is about the YMCA and an important charity, and it's not hard when you put it in that respect," Macdonald said. "Cancer is something that affects everyone from all walks of life. The longer I live, the more people I know that are affected by it in some way, shape or form.

"When I invite fellow riders to this event, I never have to ask twice."

A minimum $10 donation gets you through the door to an event that features demos on the vert ramp and in the empty pools. Last year's contest was loaded with action sports stars in a relaxed setting where fan interaction is welcomed and autographs are easy to come by. This event should be no different.

Putting on events like this has become a bigger part of Macdonald's life these days.

"Skateboarding's given me everything in my life, and it's rewarding to be able to give back and help the next generation," Macdonald said. "Whether I asked for it or not, I have an influence. I'm going to be somewhat of a role model to kids that are into action sports. As a skateboarder, I'll do anything I can to better my sport and give it a positive image."

The increased off-the-ramp activity might suggest the 34-year old will scale back his skating schedule for other interests. Macdonald's passion for the sport keeps him going, even when there are few things left to accomplish and nothing left to prove.

"I still have a great time on my skateboard and I still feel like I'm competitive," said Macdonald, who has 16 X Games medals. "As long as I feel like I can give the young guys a run for their money and I'm still battling for the top spot, I'll be out there skating. It's important for me to have a good time doing it, while still being able to help out the community pro bono.

"Even when I'm retired from professional skateboarding, I'll still be skating for fun, even if it means I'm just skating to the corner store for a gallon of milk."

The action sports report runs every Tuesday. To suggest story ideas, report local events or offer general comments, contact staff writer Scott Bair at (760) 739-6642 or sbair@nctimes.com

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