MERGE4 Presents: The Tim Brauch Skateboard Street Contest — Santa Cruz Stepped Up

This year’s Tim Brauch Skateboard Street Contest threw us a serious curveball when we had to relocate from Scotts Valley just days before the event. What could’ve shut the whole contest down instead turned into one of the strongest community moments we’ve ever seen.

Within four days, the City of Santa Cruz jumped in and helped us move everything to Mike Fox Skatepark. Huge thanks to Mike Murray and Tony Elliott, who made the impossible happen and ensured the contest stayed alive.

Santa Cruz Skaters Brought the Heat

From the first drop-in to the final run, skaters went off the hook. The energy, progression, and heart on the street course were everything Tim stood for. Groms, teens, women, and advanced riders all threw down lines that kept the crowd hyped all day.

A Surprise Visit From Anna Shea

We even had a drop-by visit from MERGE4 Ambassador, bowl and vert skater Anna Shea, just back from Exposure. She’s one of our favorite skaters to watch - if you haven’t seen her skate, you should. She brought even more excitement to an already electric day at Mike Fox.

UCSC EMT Volunteers Held It Down

Big appreciation for the EMT crew assembled by longtime supporter and past board member Vic Yanez:

• Isabel Sanchez (Lead EMT)
• Ella Montalbo

• Callie Xu

Their professionalism kept the skaters safe and supported, allowing everyone to push their limits with confidence.

Judges and Mic Crew Kept the Energy High

Our judges delivered sharp, consistent scoring and an all-day dose of encouragement:

• Jason Strubing (Head Judge)
• Emmanuel Guzman
• Scotty Williams

On the mic, Keith Wilson kept both the crowd and skaters fired up from start to finish.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This contest wouldn’t happen without the companies that continue to support Tim’s legacy and the next generation of skateboarders. Huge thanks to:

• Santa Cruz Skateboards
• Independent Trucks
• Powell Peralta
• Bones
• Pro-Tec Helmets
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
• Santa Cruz Warriors
• MERGE4

And a special shout-out to Pete Testorff of Testorff Construction for always stepping up and supporting the skate community. And special shout out tothe Radliff's! 

Volunteers, Board Members & Community MVPs

Events like this happen because people show up, step in, and carry the load together. Huge thanks to all the board members that work behind the scenes:

Past Board Members

• Dave Rodriguez
  
• Marlene Vieira

Volunteers

• Carrie Radliff
  
• Ken Radliff
• Chris Busenhart

Board Members

• Karen Hunt
  
• Beth Colehower

Co-Chairs

• Nick Saporito
  
• Cindi Busenhart
  
• And Bella Bettencourt, who made the whole thing seamless. 

Junior Board Members

• Ellie Hardesty
  
• Rylie Dresser

And powering the soundtrack all day: DJ Chris Jung.

Contest Results

9 and Under

1.   Koa Ravazza

2.   Nas Jasper

3.      Coen Christen

10-15 Year Olds

1.   Cater Oates

2.   Benny Snyder

3.      Sterling Kahn

16 and Over

1.   Kamoana de Guzman

2.   Rusty Torres

3.      AJ Robinson

Why This Contest Matters

The Tim Brauch Street Contest has always represented resilience, heart, and community - values Tim lived by. This year proved once again that when things get tough, the skate community rallies harder.

MERGE4 is proud to present this event and support the next generation of skateboarders. Seeing so many skaters repping MERGE4 at Mike Fox reminded us exactly why we do what we do.

Thank You, Santa Cruz

To every skater, parent, volunteer, EMT, judge, board member, donor, and supporter, Santa Cruz Parks and Rec - thank you for keeping Tim’s legacy alive and for helping us turn a last-minute curveball into one of our strongest contests yet.