Moto Shibata
In the early 90's vert was declared officially dead. It didn't matter how good you were on the biggest of ramps, if you weren't rocking 38mm wheels and paddling the most honking late flip down a two stair you might as well not have bothered. Thankfully though, a select few didn't care about the era's dominant set of ideals and continued to push transition skateboarding bigger, higher and more technical than ever before.
Because of the luminary determination of Tony Hawk, Colin McKay, Bob Burnquist and their ilk, the likes of Moto Shibata are afforded the terrain with which to hone their craft. He and the rest of the current day renaissance men stand on the shoulders of those giants, ever grateful their resolve means vert ramps still exist today.
That's not to say they don't shine in their own light however. Your man here, Osaka native Moto Shibata, may well delve deep into a bag of tricks rarely witnessed since the days of Regan but he performs his manoeuvres with such style and grace that he makes them uniquely his own. After all, when did you last see a Frontside Gay Twist Madonna body jar? And when did it ever look this good!?!
Check out his brand new part courtesy of the Ride channel, you won't be disappointed.