Tattoo popularity has exploded in recent years, even since I got my first one back in 1999. It’s moved from a slightly underground practice often associated with prisoners or military personnel to a mainstream form of self-expression, particularly within skateboarding culture. Skate teams like Baker and Deathwish often return from tours sporting fresh ink, frequently celebrating the poorly executed ones as much as the well-done pieces. While it’s all in good fun and creates stories, even the most carefree skaters aren’t immune to a bit of ribbing, especially when it comes to their questionable tattoo choices. So, without further ado, let’s dive into five of my favorite worst tattoos on skateboarders, in no particular order.
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Bam Margera – The Dick-a-gram Heartache
Regardless of personal opinions on Bam Margera, his skateboarding talent is undeniable. He used to tear up FDR park in Philly, which is no easy feat. However, his “Heartagram” tattoo, a heart-shaped pentagram inked just above his groin, is a truly questionable decision. The kicker? It’s a matching tattoo with Ville Valo from the band HIM. Perhaps if they combined their tattoos, they could form a lame superpower that makes 14-year-olds swoon. This unfortunate tattoo placement has earned it the title of the “Dick-a-gram” amongst skaters.
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Bob Burnquist – The Anti-Hero Tramp Stamp
Bob Burnquist is known for pushing the boundaries of skateboarding, launching into the Grand Canyon and gapping the loop switch. Yet, this legend of gnarliness sports an Anti-Hero tramp stamp. The sheer irony of this is what makes this tattoo so great, perfectly capturing the rebellious spirit of skateboarding with a touch of self-deprecating humor. The juxtaposition between his skills and the tattoo is a constant source of amusement within the skate community.
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Ryan Sheckler – The Jock Overdrive Back Piece
Ryan Sheckler, often compared to the Justin Bieber of skateboarding due to his mainstream fame, is an undeniably talented skater, despite his tendency to cry on his reality show and cater to specific “target audiences.” He also sports some truly unfortunate tattoos. The huge “Sheckler” across his back not only screams “beer pong bro,” but it’s also rather poorly done. The black and grey ink looks faded already and will likely be a washed-out blob by the time he’s 30. While his skateboarding legacy is undeniable, his back tattoo will forever be a questionable choice.
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Chaz Ortiz – The Self-Proclaimed Steez Skull
Did Chaz Ortiz give himself the nickname “Steez?” Every time I hear his name, I feel compelled to announce, “Steeeeeeeeeeeeeeez Ortiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiz!” in the style of a wrestling announcer. While I’m not hating on his sugar skull tattoo, a design I admittedly also got years ago, having your own nickname tattooed on you, particularly if it’s self-proclaimed, is undeniably kooky, perhaps even more than his yo flips. It’s a perfect storm of self-awareness and lack thereof.
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Brian Wenning – The Selfish Logo Betrayal
While I’m willing to give a pass to legends like Mike Vallely, Jeff Grosso, and Jason Adams for having their old company logos tattooed on them, I can’t do the same for Wenning. It’s because he rode for Selfish. I always appreciated Wenning and his East Coast style, but his decision to post lengthy videos about leaving Selfish only reminds me of the sad parts of VH1’s Behind The Music. It feels like a very public, emotional exit that brings attention to the tattoo in an unwanted way. It’s hard to look at that logo on him without thinking about the drama.
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These tattoos, whether ironic, poorly executed, or just plain questionable, are a testament to the free-spirited and often humorous side of skateboarding culture. They remind us that even the most talented athletes can make questionable choices, and that sometimes, it’s best to embrace the absurdity of it all. Ultimately, these tattoos are part of the stories that make skateboarding so unique and entertaining. The passion, creativity, and sometimes questionable decision-making are what make skateboarding such a compelling subculture.
