San Jose’s Favorite Son?
I was born in Washington D.C. and I still own that shirt I was wearing in that picture.
please help me and take the skatebook.tv 2008 reader survey
December 31, 2008, 11:09 am
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Element Skateboards,
Mike Vallely,
reader survey,
Skate Culture,
Skateboard,
Skateboarding,
Skatebook,
skatebook.tv,
Vallely
Hi Friends and Family,
In our continuing quest to make skatebook even better we’re asking you for your opinions and input by filling out our all new skatebook.tv reader survey. It just takes about 4 to 5 minutes and will be a colossal help to us. By taking our survey you will automatically be entered into a drawing to win Mike Vallely’s signed complete set up featured on the new Mike Vallely edition of skatebook. As well each survey participant will receive a coupon code offering 15% off any purchase within the skatebook.tv store after their survey is complete. Now is your time to chime in and let your voice be heard.
Take this survey
Thank you again for taking our 2008 skatebook.tv survey. Your feedback and opinions are greatly appreciated. Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Salman Agah
skatebook
give your coffee table skatebook for the holidays
November 20, 2008, 12:08 pm
Filed under:
Books,
Skateboarding | Tags:
art book,
bart simpson,
Book,
coffee table book,
Fine Art,
Photography,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding,
Skatebook“skatebook (a league on it’s own)” – worldwide skateboarding
“I just recieved my Skatebooks and am changing my underware as we speak” – John Mcmahon
“My copies arrived and I can safely say these books are the greatest tribute to skateboarding. The amazing work in each ‘issue’ will be remembered forever and ever. I haven’t been this inspired by a skate publication since I was a kid* in the 80s/early 90s where I’d read the mags cover-to-cover over n’ over… Hats off to all involved and more power to you!” – sahlan78
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Skateboards
Pictured here are two of my new pro models that were just released on Black Label. It’s quite humorous to me actually because besides giving Lucero, Shepard Fairey’s phone number, I didn’t have much to do with these designs. When I first turned pro for Real Skateboards in 1991 and as well when I rode for Lance Mountain’s company The Firm in the late 90’s I used to be involved with every aspect of the design of my boards. I’d say I was somewhat particular about my shapes and dimensions even down to 1/16 of an inch. I actually used to draw my own templates and submit ideas for graphics and sign off on the design and dimensions. Maybe that is one of the reasons that there is such a disconnect in the market for skaters who buy skateboards; they just aren’t personal anymore. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, quite the contrary I’m grateful to have pro models out still, it’s just my opinion that if more pros actually took the time to be involved with the products that had their name on them that consumers would respond. I may be wrong. Anyway, the deck on the left is a graphic that Shepard Fairey did for me celebrating 20 years of the Black Label Elephant and the other one is a graphic adapted from Jason Adams Cadilac Ranch series of paintings.
Black Label Salman Agah Pro Model Decks
Some Of My Favorite Songs From Past Video Parts
Check out my playlist of songs that I picked from skate video parts on Fairtilizer.
USPS skatebook sale
September 9, 2008, 5:25 pm
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
bart simpson,
Book,
in n out burger,
john cardiel,
New York Times Best Seller,
Skate,
Skate Culture,
skateboard book,
Skateboarder,
Skateboarding,
Skatebook,
uspsI know my photoshop skills are whack, but the deal is we just set up USPS as a shipping option to save our customers money on shipping. skatebook is for sale, so do yourself a favor and get one while they are still in stock. oh! that would be doing me a favor as well.
.
Jake Phelps I Mean Cator Sparks
August 28, 2008, 7:15 am
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Cator Sparks,
Dancing,
Gay,
Jake Phelps,
Lifestyle,
New York City,
Night Life,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding,
Thrasher Magazine
While in New York several weeks ago our dear friend Cator Sparks took us out for a night of frolic and fun. I can’t remember the name of this gay bar that we went to. I was snapping pictures and staying as close to Price as possible so that I didn’t find a random tongue down my throat. I just love this photo of Cator in my slave skateboards hat, he kinda resembles notorious Thrasher Magazine editor at large, Jake Phelps. “get in where you fit in!”
Scout Seals The Deal
This is our dog Scout. Every day when I start to make coffee, Scout slowly makes her way out of our bedroom to greet me. Right after a brief, but thorough stretch she calmly walks over to the front door and waits for me to gather my belongings. When I pick up the keys off the holder next to the door she proceeds to hop getting her front feet of the ground about 2 inches or so. She’s ready to go. Today was a big day for us as we signed our first non-endemic book distribution deal. Very soon skatebook will be available to everyone all over the United States through traditional book sellers. I’m proud that our loyal bulldog Scout was there to help seal the deal. She also met the team over at GrindTV.com as well, but we forgot to take a picture over there.
THE OUTSKIRTS of AWESOME by michael burnett
Michael Burnett, one of skateboarding’s most important photographers of this past decade published THE OUTSKIRTS of AWESOME. All of the photos were taken on skateboarding trips during the summer of 2007. Inside the book there are images documenting the human condition as it occurred on Michael’s travels with various skateboard teams. Countries and continents visited include Europe, Russia, China, and the USA. Get one while they last.
Coco Santiago Gnar
Coco Santiago China Banks San Francisco Late 80's
Ryan Sheckler Blasting Over My Head
August 16, 2008, 10:38 am
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Best Seller,
Book,
Books,
Lance Mountain,
New Publication,
Plan B,
Plan B Skateboards,
Red Bull,
Red Bull Energy Drink,
Red Bull Skateboarding,
Ryan Sheckler,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding,
Skatebook
A Moment Of Silence
Thank You For Inspiring All Of Us. You Will Be Missed!
Museum and Gallery Visits In NYC
August 1, 2008, 3:59 pm
Filed under:
Art & Photography,
Skateboarding | Tags:
303 Gallery,
Autumn Bowl,
Cheim & Reid,
CRG Gallery,
Fine Art,
Gavin Brown's Enterprise,
Kevin Spanky Long,
Maccarone,
Pop Art,
Vice Photo Show,
Yossi Milo Gallery
pettibon
Price and I have been in NYC since late July. Since arriving we’ve been working and visiting with friends. I even went and skated the Autumn Bowl last night. I only managed to bust open my knee, bash my chin, and I may have possibly re-broken my wrist. Quite frankly I suck at skating. Bravo to all the Lakai boys and whoever else is over 35 killing it on their shred sled, cause it is extremely cumbersome for me to skate these days. I don’t know how they all do it. As well we’ve been visiting with artist, going to gallery’s and museums. Here are a few pictures of some of the are we’ve seen. Enjoy, cause we sure have. Images are from the gallery’s listed below. I’m no art critic just a casual observer.
Gavin Brown’s Enterprise and Maccarone
“Pretty Ugly” group show, curated by Alison Gingeras
CRG Gallery
Robert Buck, “第二自然”
303 Gallery
Jane and Louise Wilson, “The Silence is Twice as Fast Backwards”
Yossi Milo Gallery
Asako Narahashi, “half awake and half asleep in the water”
Cheim & Reid
“I WON’T GROW UP” group show, curated by Beth Rudin DeWoody and Donald
Baechler
Vice Photo Show 2008
(more…)
Caballero
Cab - hero, mentor, friend, inspiration, legend. Check out more images and this video courtesy of skatebook. 
I Saw These Guys
over here doing some stuff for the past 3 days.
Meet James Kelch, the mayor of EMB
June 30, 2008, 11:25 am
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
ftc,
ftcsf,
james kelch,
Lifestyle,
lowcard mag,
new era,
new era caps,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding,
Steve Caballero
Interview by The Malloy Brothers from Elwood’s 1st and Hope
June 20, 2008, 10:31 pm
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Brian Lotti,
Chris Pastras,
first and hope,
paul rodriguez,
Ray Barbee,
Salman Agah,
Skate Culture,
skate video,
Skateboarding,
the malloy brothersLots of other interviews on here as well, with P-rod, Ray Barbee, Chris Pastras and more. This clip is from the taping of 1st and Hope directed by Brian Lotti and the Malloy Brothers.
skatebook Launch Party June 26th in San Francisco @ FTC Skate Shop
One free James Kelch limited edition New Era 59FIFTY hat + the new skatebook to the first 59 guests.
Place: FTC | Time: 7-10pm | Info: 415.626.0663 | ftcsf.com | skatebook.tv
Mulder and I Bumped Into Bam
at Element headquarters on his way to finding Santa Claus. Keep your eyes on Element’s website, cause Bam signed a boatload of decks that I believe that they are giving away for free. 
photo kingman
Thiebaud Chimes In
May 27, 2008, 11:47 pm
Filed under:
Daily Randoms,
Skateboarding | Tags:
Blackberry,
Jim Thiebaud,
Skateboarding,
Skateboarding Culture,
Skateboards,
Skatebook,
SMS,
Text Messaging
Out Of Context Biting
I figure if I’m going to bite Max’s logo from his blog that he might as well be present in the picture I’m showing it on. This photo is from 1991. We were on tour in Spain. From left to right. Sluggo, Me, Max and Sebastian (Real Skateboards Distributor Flow Kid) from Switzerland. Time flies when you ride a skateboard. 
Do You Have Sabre Vision?
May 7, 2008, 12:28 am
Filed under:
Daily Randoms,
Skateboarding | Tags:
Don't Panic,
Mike Ballard,
Newport Beach,
Sabre,
Sabre Sunglasses,
Sabre Vision,
Shades,
Skateboarding,
Skatebook,
skatebook.tv,
Steve Berra,
Sun GlassesWe went to Sabre today and picked up some sweet limited clear Mauve X Sabre poolsides at Dont Panic. Sabre has skatebooks so if you want one, get down there to “Dont Panic” in Newport Beach and buy a set of shades and get a skatebook for free. While supplies last. Don’t Panic – 436 32nd Street Newport Beach, CA 92663
Why People Love California
April 25, 2008, 6:16 pm
Filed under:
Daily Randoms,
Skateboarding | Tags:
Coachella,
Eric Koston,
Golf,
Indian Wells,
Jack Nicklaus,
Palm Springs,
Skateboarding,
Tim Gavin,
Toscana,
Toscana Country Club,
VacationPrice and I are staying here for the weekend in Palm Springs. Family, friends, hot tub, golf, Coachella. But besides that, I think this picture sums up why people love California. Maybe if I practice my golf game on the signature Jack Nicklaus course I’ll be able to give Koston and Gavin a run for their money. 
World Famous Art Director Backs Toyota Sequoia
April 22, 2008, 9:21 pm
Filed under:
Daily Randoms,
Skateboarding | Tags:
Andy Jenkins,
Art Dump,
Beautiful Losers,
Bend Press,
Girl,
Girl Skateboards,
Lifestyle,
skate art,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding,
Skateboarding Art,
SUV,
Toyota,
Toyota SequoiaIn a bold move, world famous girl skateboards art director, Andy Jenkins, of Sevilla, Spain backs the new Toyota Sequoia. According to Andy and his family, the dishes can wait but life won’t. Lakai comes up huge with product placement in the advertisement as the new big wheel braking system. The new Sequoia is anything but ordinary. 
Jump Ramp Days
April 18, 2008, 9:56 pm
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
80's Skateboarding,
Almaden Valley,
Japan Air,
Jump Ramp,
Salman Agah,
San Jose,
Skate,
Skate Culture,
SkateboardingWe used to love to go to this park in Almaden, which was just down the street from my parents’ restaurant. Dennis used to pull out his jump ramp and we’d all proceed to jump to flat for hours and hours everyday. This photo is from the mid to late 80’s, probably taken by Tom Miller. 
Jake Phelps Sweet 17 Redux
April 18, 2008, 4:02 pm
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Hell Ride Cartel,
High Speed Productions,
Jake Phelps,
Lifestyle,
Phelper,
Skate,
Skate Culture,
Skateboard,
Skateboard Magazine,
Skateboarding,
Skatebook,
skatebook.tv,
Thrasher,
Thrasher Magazine
Will The Real Alan Petersen Plant The Hand!
April 15, 2008, 7:01 pm
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Alan Petersen,
Consolidated Skateboards,
Dennis Mcgrath,
Element Camp,
Frontside Invert,
Lifestyle,
Skate,
Skate Camp,
Skate Culture,
Skateboard Photography,
Skateboarding,
Vans Shoes,
Visalia YMCA Skate Camp
Usual Suspects
April 15, 2008, 3:53 pm
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Andrew Currie,
Chet Childress,
Hoon Wheels,
Life On The Road,
Lifestyle,
Matt Mumford,
Skate,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding,
Skatebook,
skatebook.tv,
TransworldGrant filmed these global lurkers on a not-so-recent trip, but worth viewing nonetheless. Peep the scene.
Believe It Or Not
April 11, 2008, 3:36 pm
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Chet Childress,
Eastern Skate Supply,
Life On The Road,
Lifestyle,
Pool Skating,
Skate Culture,
Skateboard Tour,
Skateboarding,
Skatebook,
skatebook.tv
A Time To Concur
April 11, 2008, 3:08 pm
Filed under:
Daily Randoms,
Skateboarding | Tags:
4qconditioning,
Daily Motivation,
Failure,
Jealousy,
Max Schaff,
Poem,
Poetry,
Skateboarding,
Success
Look At That Hair
April 11, 2008, 7:29 am
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Skatebook,
Skateboarding,
Salman Agah,
Skatepark,
Jim Thiebaud,
Jason Lee,
Blip.tv,
Andy Golkin,
Boarder Transitions Skatepark,
Niagra Falls,
Brian Lotti,
Sean Sheffey,
Willy Santos,
Rudy Johnson,
Barker Barrett,
Jordan Richter,
Larry RansomHow could Tommy and Jim not have sponsored me back in 1990? Just look at that hair. It’s funny because that cocky look on my face is the same one that lots of the sponsored kids and professionals have today, thinking that it all lasts forever. What can I say? Don’t stop believin’. 
Get Up There…
April 9, 2008, 4:45 pm
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Lifestyle,
Skate Culture,
Skate Tricks,
Skate Videos,
Skateboarding,
Skateboarding Videos,
Skateboards,
Skatebook,
skatebook.tvand do something boys. We’ll take a movie. I’m trying! 
Get Your Roll On Camel Jockeys
April 8, 2008, 6:54 pm
Filed under:
Politics,
Skateboarding | Tags:
Accel Wheels,
Camel Jockey,
Deluxe,
Graffiti,
Iran,
Iranian Graffiti,
Iranian Politics,
Persian,
Salman Agah,
Skate Culture,
Skateboard Wheels,
Skateboarding,
Spitfire,
Spitfire WheelsThese might not be as cool as the latest greatest wheel to come out of the spitfire camp, however they are the only way you’ll get to experience the sheer pleasure of racing a camel down the start straight. Actually these wheels are out of production, so really they are just for your viewing pleasure. Camel Jockeys are signature wheels for Salman Agah – the president of the Iranian Skateboarders Association. Droppin’ Bombs since 1972. Don’t nuke me ’cause I’m Iranian! 
Alan Petersen
April 5, 2008, 11:17 pm
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Alan Petersen,
AP,
Consolidated Skateboards,
Fresno Skaters,
Full Pipe,
Lifestyle,
Pool,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding,
Top 5 Skateboarders,
Vert RampThis is quite possibly the worst photo of Alan Petersen ever taken because I don’t know how to use a camera. I captured this frontside invert of Alan’s at Visalia YMCA skatecamp several years ago. I feel quite sorry for those of you who have just taken up skateboarding in the past several years, because you missed out on ole Al. Alan’s ability on a skateboard is and was freakish: street, pools, ditches, vert ramps, whatever. No terrain is safe… Alan rips it all to pieces. 
Very Late Congratulations, Cab
April 3, 2008, 3:33 pm
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Anthony Claraval,
Cab,
Frank Gerwer,
Greeting Cards,
Joe Brook,
Jon Klein,
Lifestyle,
Ray Barbee,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding,
Steve CaballeroI don’t know why this didn’t ever get delivered to Cab when Kayla was born? Whatever the case, it’s never too late to congratulate your friends for conquering amazing feats of daring… like having a baby. So Cab, this here little card was made either by Joe Brook, Jon Klein, Frank Gerwer, Anthony Claraval, Ray Barbee, or myself. I can’t remember. Whatever the case, congratulations for having Kayla Caballero. It’s not like we didn’t think you could do it. 
Coda – Under Produced Over Delivered
April 3, 2008, 3:20 pm
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Skatebook,
Skateboarding,
skatebook.tv,
Lifestyle,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding Videos,
Skateboard Video,
Coda Skateboards,
Pat Smith,
Coda Video
When I Was King
Awhile back some kid sent me a copy of this sequence shot by Chris Ortiz. The sequence was taken at the one and only pro contest that I ever won in Venice Beach, CA in 1992. Switch nose-wheelie on a desk. It’s hard to believe that this photo was taken 16 years ago, yet I’m still a spring chicken.
Mike Vallely
April 1, 2008, 7:38 am
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Element Skateboards,
Lifestyle,
Mike V,
Mike Vallely,
Revolution Mother,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding,
Skateboards,
Vallely
Original Slap Pals
I guess you could say that some of us have been around since day 1.
Jai Tanju Portrait 1993
March 29, 2008, 8:39 pm
Filed under:
Art & Photography,
Daily Randoms,
Skateboarding | Tags:
Alan Petersen,
filmporvida,
Jai Tanju,
Jason Adams,
Lifestyle,
skate art,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding,
snackphoto,
unepiclyold.blogspot
Orange County Skateboard Company Black Label Endorses Iranian Presidential Hopeful Agah
March 29, 2008, 3:04 am
Filed under:
Daily Randoms,
Skateboarding | Tags:
Barak Obama,
Black Label,
Black Label Skateboards,
Hillary Clinton,
John Lucero,
Lifestyle,
Obama Poster,
Politics,
Presidential Primary,
Shepard Fairey,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding COSTA MESA – Professional skateboarder Salman Agah’s campaign in the upcoming imaginary primary received a boost on Friday with the endorsement of John Lucero, (I-Ca.), a prominent industry figure with a strong following among the hard core working-class skaters that Agah has struggled to win elsewhere.
Are You Independent?
Websters unabridged dictionary defines the truck as “a wheeled vehicle consisting of a frame with a pair of wheels to carry and guide one end of the vehicle in turning sharp turns”. Independent is defined as “not dependent; not subject to control by others, not affiliated; not looking to others for one’s opinions or for guidance in conduct”. Are you independent? Think about it.
“Old Was Out and New Was In – It Was Time to Turn.” – C.R. Stecyk III
Or maybe it’s time for a change? It is what it is! Get some.
“The founders of Independent Truck Company are Fausto Vitello, Eric Swenson, Jay Shuirman, and Richard Novak. To know these four is to discover the essence of Independent: skateboarding, having fun, making money, improving products, a desire to win, and letting skaters be skaters — all with a ‘do it yourself/fuck off’ attitude.” – Bob Denike
I’d like to take a cyber moment and thank the founders of Independent for the inspiration to be independent. You’ve taught us well! How about you?
Danny Way 10 Years of Mega Ramping Part 3
The pages of Skatebook continue to come alive in this 3rd webisode about Danny Way and his decade of Mega Ramping dominance.
Marc Johnson by Jai Tanju
March 27, 2008, 7:31 am
Filed under:
Art & Photography,
Books,
Skateboarding | Tags:
Jai Tanju,
Lifestyle,
Marc Johnson,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding,
Skateboarding Art,
Skateboarding BooksI truly love this piece. The collage of Marc Johnson was made by Jai Tanju using a black and white print and found skateboard deck wood chips. This image is out of Jai’s new book titled “just keep going”. The book is about Jai’s trip to Tokyo, Japan for an art show he was in. Pick up a copy when it comes out… it’s amazing. In the meantime, check out some of Jai’s other books.
Blood Sucking Skateboard Company Bail Section
March 26, 2008, 5:41 pm
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Diego Bucchieri,
Johnny Layton,
Skateboard Video,
Skateboarding,
Skatebook,
skatebook.tv,
Toy Machine,
Tum Yeto,
Welcome To Hell
Sheckler Zaps Zits – Proactive Commercial
March 23, 2008, 6:32 am
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Acne,
Life of Ryan,
Lifestyle,
Mtv,
Plan B Skateboards,
Proactive,
Ryan Sheckler,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding,
Skatebook,
skatebook.tvApparently Ryan Sheckler has the cleanest face in skateboarding. You can, too.
Jim and Jack
March 23, 2008, 4:44 am
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Anti Hero,
Deluxe,
Deluxe Distribution,
DLXSF,
Jim Thiebaud,
Lifestyle,
Real Skateboard,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding,
Spitfire Wheels,
Thunder Trucks I found this photo in my pile. It’s a photo of one of my long time mentors Jim Thiebaud and his son Jack. Jack recently did his first 50-50.
Mark Gonzales and Rick Howard France 1991
This is a photo that I took of Rick Howard and Mark Gonzales in 1991. It was the first year that I went to Europe to skateboard. I was an amateur riding for Real Skateboards. I ended up skating in all the pro contests while I was there. This photo was taken in the French Alps during Le Grand Bornand contest.
Sit Down With Rob Dyrdek and Stevie Williams
March 19, 2008, 5:24 pm
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
DC Shoes,
DGK,
Lifestyle,
Rob Dyrdek,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding,
Skatebook,
skatebook.tv,
Stevie WilliamsA complement to the chapter dedicated to Stevie Williams in Skatebook (the paul sharpe edition), Rob Dyrdek sits down to have a candid conversation with a skater who knows what it means to come up. Sneak peek trailer right here.
John Lucero Invents Curb Wax
March 19, 2008, 5:12 pm
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Black Label,
Black Label Skateboards,
Curb Wax,
Jason Adams,
John Lucero,
Lifestyle,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding,
Skatebook,
skatebook.tv
Pat Schutte Blasting
This is my friend Pat Schutte from Ann Arbor, Michigan. He’s been blasting longer than anyone I know. This classic backside air was captured on film in the late 70’s / early 80’s . When Pat’s not serving up some excellent PR, taking his dogs to visit the sick and elderly, keeping a watchful eye on his daughter or wining and dining his lady, he’s still out blasting! 
Danny Way Mega Ramping Part 2
March 18, 2008, 4:58 pm
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Danny Way,
DC Shoes,
Lifestyle,
Mega Ramp,
Plan B,
Plan B Skateboards,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding,
Skatebook,
skatebook.tv
Toy Machine Welcome To Boxset
March 17, 2008, 7:57 pm
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
Blood Sucking Skateboard Company,
Ed Templeton,
Jamie Thomas,
Johnny Layton,
Matt Bennett,
Skatebook,
skatebook.tv,
Toy Machine,
Toy Machine SkateboardsWatch the Toy Machine Blood Sucking Skaters reminisce about all the videos in this box set. Click the picture. Don’t think about it, do it.
Tommy Guerrero
March 16, 2008, 11:39 pm
Filed under:
Skateboarding | Tags:
independent trucks,
Lifestyle,
Powell,
Powell Peralta,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding,
Skateboards,
TG,
Tommy Guerrero
4Qconditioner
March 15, 2008, 7:41 pm
Filed under:
Daily Randoms,
Skateboarding | Tags:
4qconditioning,
Chopper,
Harley Davidson,
Lifestyle,
Max Schaaf,
Real Skateboards,
Skate Culture,
Skateboarding
Vulcanized R.I.P.
“It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.” – Herman Melville (1819 – 1891).
In my opinion, the vacuum for the stage of originality has been set over the past several years because of brands jumping on the vulcanized (Vans) bandwagon. It’s only natural… a brand does something good and others imitate to gain market share or for whatever reason. In time that creates a stale environment in the market, allowing newcomers or brands that stuck to their guns the opportunity to stand out. I just got these Zoom Tre’s in the mail. Refreshing and original to say the least. Let the copying begin.
Oh yeah, wasn’t Nike the previously most copied shoe company in the world (The Dunk)? Copiers need not reply.
Oh man, I can’t wait to go here and skate in these . 
Old Real Ad
I wonder if the 3rd time’s a charm? I rode for Real twice. And you thought that Deluxe was known for being ruthless. They’ve been nothing but patient and understanding with me… thanks, Jim! Backside 180 switch frontside crooks courtesy of yours truly. Inspired by Guy Mariano.
Never Forget Shane Cross
Coming up never looked so fun. Thanks Shane. R.I.P.
Good Karma
This is one of my old skate buddies Karma. I shot this photo on a tour we did for Vans through the southwest. He’s one of the rawest to ever step foot on a skateboard. Believe that!
Thanks Jimo
This was a welcome greeting I received from Jim Gagne when I first moved to southern California. Thanks Jimo!
Slappy Ollies A Fire Hydrant
Slappy and I talk about this photo pretty much every time we see each other. He ollied this hydrant several years ago when he was the ripe age of 30. I think he can still snap this fat, but we’ll see. Slappy get the photo. Do it.
Home Town Hero
It happens on every skateboard tour. Anxious kids trying to come up. You gotta do what you gotta do.
Julien Stranger = Style
In the early 90’s I had to good fortune and pleasure to skate and travel around the world with Julien Stranger. At the time I was very closed off from the people around me, but enjoyed the adventure very much. Julien is one of the more intelligent people I got to travel with and also one of the most inspirational. Check out this frontside air. I don’t remember who shot it, but I found it in my stash of photos. Amazing!
Is Your Child A Hot Tagger
March 11, 2008, 2:09 am
Filed under:
Daily Randoms,
Skateboarding | Tags:
Art,
Crailtap,
Graffiti,
Orange County,
Skateboarding,
Stencils,
Street Art,
TaggingI saw this on crailtap. Wow. Who decides if tagging is an artform or not? I guess Orange County does. Wow again. Backpack, hoodie, sneakers – I guess every student in high school could be stereotyped as a tagger. Wow Wow Wow. 
The Berrics and The Nuge
Berra at the Berrics – click image to check it out
The Nuge wrestles – click here to check it out
Frontside Air Bail
We had this ramp in Tom and Mike Miller’s backyard in San Jose. This is where I first learned to skate transition. Santa Cruz Malba Deck, Independent Trucks, Bullet Wheels, Airwalks, Swatch Watch and a Fro, WHAT!
First Board Re-visited
I find it hard to believe that boards similar to this Vision Shredder 10 are in someone’s collection. This is a picture I found on the internet of the first board that I had as a kid in the 80’s. It got run over by a pick up truck after I bailed bombing a hill in San Jose.
When it all started
It goes a little something like this
I got my first skateboard when I was about five years old in 1978. We purchased it from a skate shop in Ocean City, Maryland on the boardwalk. It was plastic, red and had red wheels. It got lost in the rain when it was washed into the drainage ditch. I remember some older kids put actual scuba gear on to go into the sewer after the rain subsided to try and find my board. They never came up with it. My board looked a little something like this picture. We used to bomb the hills and jump speed bumps where we lived in Alexandria, VA in a place called Telegraph Hills. When Wanda came over to babysit she was always down to go out and ride. She used to stand on her board in such a funny way with the heel of her front foot against the arch of her back foot with her arms straight up in the air. My brother used to sit down and that made me angry. I would tell him, yelling, of course, “That isn’t the way you are supposed to ride it. You’re supposed to stand up.” I knew then that I would be skateboarding for the rest of my life.
