It's easy for mainstream society to hate on skateboarders. They're outspoken and revolutionary, involved in counterculture movements and criminal activities with names like “trespassing” and “destruction of private property.” But they also have an iron-clad tradition of honor and responsibility for their own culture and The Next Cup's Jamey Prescott is determined to keep it that way.

When Jamey first started The Next Cup series in 2000, there were only a couple of comps around LA, but by 2001, the event had expanded throughout the Southwest and by 2003, the competition series was happening in Nevada, Utah and Oregon.

In 2004, he teamed up with the Mobile Skatepark Series and took The Next Cup nationwide.

Jamey's goal is to create a worldwide family of kids who love to skateboard.

“The Next Cup is available to anybody and everybody,” he says. “It's an opportunity for all the ripping kids in the neighborhood to have fun, get exposure and enjoy skateboarding's high-life.”

Jamey has always been a skateboarder. In the 90s, he created SMP, a boarding lifestyle clothing company, which he grew into an international sensation before selling it and starting The Next Cup. But he has never held an office job.

“People think it's a gravy train,” he says of his bohemian lifestyle. “But I work harder than the average human. I just don't fit into the system at all.”

It's his greatest asset. He's not a promoter looking to make a quick buck. He is a skateboarder who wants to get more people into the sport that he loves. So what's his biggest stumbling block?

“Cheating parents,” he declares. “Soccer moms and softball dads who want to give their kids an edge. I hate cheaters. We're not about that.”

The Next Cup is organized into two divisions: Grom for 12 and under and Open for 13 and over. The winners don't make money, but they get showered with prizes from companies like Osiris, Hawk, Tum Yeto, Grind King and Dogtown. In addition, the skaters with the best attitudes and riding skills get invited to go on The Next Invasion, a tour of skateparks around the country.

Jamey credits much of The Next Cup's success to Andrea Prescott, his wife of 25 years, who coordinates the competition from behind the scenes. Together they have four kids.

On September 25th, all skaters who have competed in The Next Cup are invited to come out to Pomona, California for The Next Cup Finals at the LG Mobile Championships. The ramps are going to be epic and Jamey promises a good time for everybody.

“It'll be great,” says Jamey. “Everything is secondary to getting to ride our skateboards!”