I HEART MIKE BENDA!
Who doesn’t love Mike Benda? HIS HEART IS PURE GOLD!
He has been a huge part of the local and international longboard scene since the beginning. “Serial 5″ has probably shown you how to do a trick or two… his fast, all or nothing style makes Mike a fun rider to watch and skate with.
He is always helping grow the scene by driving groms all over the city and showing them how to ride properly. He has even been known to pay for entry fees and loan equipment just to allow other people to share the passion of longboarding. He gives a lot and really expects nothing in return.
If you’ve spent time hanging out with Mike you know he is ultimately a kid at heart just looking for the next session. So when you see him in a suit(not leathers) it can be a bit shocking – it goes to show that there is a lot more to Mike than meets the eye. He may be standing next to you with a smile on his face but really he is thinking of how to best catch you off guard to sneak a quick jab.
Next time you see Mike make sure you give him a hug.
Thanks to Brianne, Nick and Shawn for making the custom t shirts and to Paul for taking the photos.
TELL US A STORY ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE EXPERIENCE HANGING OUT WITH MIKE BENDA!
where can i buy this shirt?
June 4, 2009 at 6:43 pm
When we sing the Canadian national anthem and the words TRU NORTH STRONG AND FREE are sung we are singing about MIKE BENDA. I love you Mike.
May 24, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Mike Benda is bigger than Jesus
June 6, 2009 at 2:42 am
MIKE YOURE THE BOMB!!! Coming home from work Mike saw us in the bp’s and gave us a ride to the top again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IN HIS SUIT!!
June 8, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I remember at gold rush when we were in the same heat, and he looked at me and do something like cut off my neck, that was funny cause I didn’t even know him. That heat was some of my best runs ever, I remember all secs before I crashed beside him at the left corner, we changed our places 3 times till there.. hahaha I saw him just 2 or 3 times I think, but I realized he is a really nice guy. Hey Mike, come to Brazil skate with us.
June 8, 2009 at 8:40 pm
First time I ever pendied Mike was there, giving me crap about how slow it was.
He gave me some tips and I was ripping quick pendies in no time.
Mike has basically taught me everything I know about Longboarding.
June 9, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Mike Benda was the first guy to take me to Britannia Beach. Because of that we now have the GOLD RUSH CHALLENGE. Mike is always hosting sessions and driving groms around. When ever I’m at a session and I need a spare part; like a speed ring or spacer or slide puck, mike’s always got what i need.
June 9, 2009 at 4:54 pm
met him for like 20 minutes, and could tell how big of a heart he had
Really nice guy 
June 10, 2009 at 5:02 pm
I <3 MIKE BENDA!!! he really is one of the best people (in general) that i have ever met!!! i always have a good time skating with him, always having fun pushing the limits, skating new spots, and learning new stuff!!! he really helped me to where i am today with my skating!! MIKE IS THE BEST!!!!!!
June 15, 2009 at 3:44 am
go mike benda!!!
June 15, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Mike’s always been super dope and so helpful. The saturday sessions taught me so much about riding, and were so much goddamn fun everytime!
I don’t think the longboarding scene in Vancouver would be what it is today without Mike’s presence. He has completely shaped it into a positive attitude environment, and for that I LOVE MIKE BENDA!!!
June 17, 2009 at 7:15 pm
the first time i met mike was when we session cypress together, it was my 2nd time and he showed me some stuff with my tuck. I remember being so stoked on going 70 it was funny. The next time i met him was at splash for cash 2 years ago when he gave me a towel to dry off with cause i mean it was splash for cash and i was super wet. after that i started comin to the saturday session and he was taught me alot about longboarding and everything. mike benda is defently an awesome guy
June 19, 2009 at 12:10 am
mike benda, what can i say, mike has taught me so much and gave me soo much and theres no way i can thank him for this.me n him used to go skating everyday in the bp’s and would go hit corners alone if noone else came out.mike is the most polite and awsome guy you will ever meet and we should all be thankfull to know him.
July 2, 2009 at 7:08 am
MIKE BENDA ROCKS.
July 5, 2009 at 3:00 am
hey i just wanted to introduce myself
August 26, 2009 at 10:35 pm
<3
September 12, 2009 at 11:50 pm
<3 Mike Benda! I have benefited immensely from knowing him. Grateful for the tips/guidance learning to slide, rides and loaner board!
November 19, 2009 at 10:43 pm
I know nothing about longboarding, but I see this guy at work almost everyday and it makes my day
December 25, 2009 at 6:27 am
MOBO <3's Mike Benda too! Actually, we don't know him but it sounds like we're missing out.
June 21, 2010 at 3:38 am
I don’t know him personally, but he ripped it during the Menlo Park slide jam! We were both wearing the same shoes and were the only two people with drop down decks at the event!
September 26, 2010 at 12:09 am