In 2006, 2007, and 2008 I followed the Dew Tour skate events like it was my job. No, seriously: It was my job! Now that I've put in a full season covering it from the comfort of my couch instead of plane-hopping all over the country, I can honestly say that I've missed it. Sure, the Dew Tour events are a made-for-TV spectacle, and at least a few steps removed from skateboarding as most of us know it, but they've also come a long way in 5 years. I think they've helped keep skateboarding in the limelight, and they've certainly helped boost the careers of Ryan Sheckler, the gang of Brazilian dudes, and some up-and-comers like Chaz Ortiz and Ryan Decenzo. Evolving contest formats in both the Skate Park and Vert events have kept things interesting, a steady stream of contests over the course of the Summer and Fall has helped take vert skating off life support and made MTV superstars out of a couple of the park guys, and the Free Flow Tour has come into its own as a legit amateur series.

I'll leave it at that: It's someone else's job to cover the Dew Tour like it's their job nowadays. But props to 2009 Dew Cup champions Chris Cole and Bucky Lasek all the same: Traveling the country to skate in high-pressure events in front of arenas full of fans and countless armchair aficianados month after month is hardcore. I made some great friends in the years I was following the action more closely, and I miss them all now that I'm on the sidelines. In the time-honored tradition of football dads everywhere, I spent a chunk of this weekend watching the Dew Tour on NBC with my kids, patiently explaining the rules of the contest, calling out the tricks, and quibbling with the judging and on-air commentators. When it was over, as sure as other kids pick up the pigskin and take to the streets with their dads after watching a big game, my kids grabbed their skateboards and BMX bikes. Mission accomplished, Dew Tour. See you next year?