Why PDX, Part 2: Willis Kimbel Says Subcultures Make It Special
Photo: George Crosland
Words by Skyler Wilder
Okay, Part 2.
As we stated in Part 1 about skate history (parks, contests + community): For obvious and great reasons, the Rockstar Energy Open is set to debut August 23, 2024 in Portland, Oregon, aka PDX.
“You’ll get exposed to more than you thought you could,” says Willis Kimbel, professional skateboarder. “If you want to go to the desert, it’s right there. If you want to go to the mountain and snowboard, right now, in July, you can. If you want to go get barreled on the coast and see whales, for sure. You want to see the sickest bands play in a small venue that’s intimate and personal? Every night.”
We asked our skateboard judge for the 2024 Rockstar Energy Open (yeah, Willis is on the panel!) to help us tell you all the things that PDX has to offer.
PDX STUFF TO KNOW (Nicknames, Food Cultural + Great Outdoors)
The nicknames are a bit overwhelming to be honest, but to not name a few we would be remiss.
“City of Roses” roots go as deep 1837, but truly bloomed in 1907. However, it is arguable that the happenings of 1889 and 1905 are way the nickname really stemmed from. Wondering what all these dates and dull puns are referring to? We found a beautiful article that breaks down this nickname in full, like a real Portlander can.
As for “Bridge City,” all you need to do is look around and that one becomes painfully obvious.
Then there is the food culture. Truly world-class. From food trucks to pop-ups and the almighty brick and mortar; PDX has a full-spectrum culinary culture. Over the years this city has gained a reputation for a few things that now attract a worldwide audience. Whether you are breaking out and looking to cut your teeth on your own or have already begun the journey but want to cement your name in a new destination, PDX offers a place to plate.
On the flip side, as a customer you have an unreal amount of options ranging in flavors and environments. The “pods” of food trucks around the city have become infamous in their own right. For some, these marked the humble beginnings of a masterful career. But for many others they are an idyllic hangout for friends and families to come together for food.
Or, if you’re more interested in something traditionally fancy, the options are plentiful and growing. The best part, you won’t have to place your name on a list weeks in advance.
“We [the people] are not treated like a major big city,” says Willis. “You don’t have to worry about if you’re going to get a table at the restaurants. There is not a three-week waiting list.”
Also, also…the great outdoors! This cannot be overstated: PDX is surrounded by beauty. There is an unadulterated coastline, various mountains and volcanoes, plus countless rivers, lakes and waterfalls that are each more impressive than the last. Oregon is even home to spectacular oddities like a rainbow-colored desert. If you want to be engulfed and amazed by the great outdoors, just take a short trek outside of PDX and try out any of the seven wonders of Oregon and the thousands of unmentioned side missions along the way.
Photo: Crosland
If that isn’t enough for you, Willis recommends just visiting for the overall experience of a truly universal community. Be it food, music, art or skateboarding—the community in PDX is especially special.
“It’s easy to find a common denominator even though everyones got their own unique equation going on,” says a thoughtful Willis, ready to explain further. “There is encouragement to enjoy yourself without the restrictions of so many places. It’s really convenient to get to do what you want to do and where you want to do it”
“I really want to, as a member of the community, expose the good shit just as much as acknowledge the bad shit. Sure, the bad shit tends to be more entertaining, but there is not enough attention on the benefits of this melting pot and the beauty of people getting along even though they are different.”
Clearly, there is more good than bad in PDX. See you there in August.
ALSO, in case you missed it, check out Part 1 about skate history (parks, contests + community).