Shop Talk at Labor Skateshop in NYC: Debating Skate Culture

Over the years, skaters have spent countless hours in their local shops, engaging in classic shop talk. What shoes offer the best board feel? Who had the most memorable part in that new video? Does that pro’s new board brand really miss the mark? These are the debates that ignite passions within the skateboarding community. To delve deeper into these conversations, we visited Labor Skateshop in Manhattan to capture the opinions of local skaters and employees on some potentially controversial topics within the skate scene.

Skate shops are hubs for discussion, and these dialogues can sometimes become more intense than expected. It’s where opinions clash, friendships are forged, and the culture of skateboarding is constantly being re-evaluated. We decided to take these discussions outside the shop, to the streets of New York City, to get some raw, unfiltered takes.

If you’re eager to have us bring our lens to your local spot, all it takes is a plane ticket and convincing us that it’s worth the trip. We might just take you up on that offer.

Labor Skateshop exterior

Labor Skateshop interior

Our host, Larry Lanza, guided the conversations while Alexis Castro captured the footage. Jason Sherman was responsible for the final edit. We encourage you to share this video on Facebook, or even report us for harassment on Instagram and Twitter – all are part of the fun.

The video captures a range of opinions, from the most popular shoe choices to the latest trends in skateboarding fashion. The shop patrons and employees did not hold back, offering frank assessments on everything from specific brands to the general direction of skateboarding culture.

One of the key themes was the ever-evolving style and aesthetics in skateboarding. Participants weighed in on the latest pants trends, with one participant expressing a fondness for “Wavy’s cash only denim”. The discussion also touched on what many perceive as “cringe” fashion choices, reflecting the community’s ongoing internal debate about authenticity and style. The video highlights the different generations and the different perspectives they bring to the skateboarding scene.

Another hot topic was the prevalence of “mall grabs,” a term used to describe a specific way of holding a skateboard. Most agreed it was a no-go, further confirming some unwritten rules of skateboarding. The discussions emphasized that while skateboarding is often seen as a welcoming and inclusive activity, there are certain aspects that still remain a point of contention among those involved.

The dialogue also extended to gear and brands. The video features a discussion about Cariuma shoes, which sparked some strong opinions. This type of brand discussion is common in skate shops where skaters often scrutinize the products and the companies behind them.

The video provides a peek into the lively environment of a skate shop and the diverse opinions that make up the skateboarding culture. It showcases how a simple conversation about gear or style can lead to passionate debates, and how these debates help to shape and define the world of skateboarding.

In conclusion, shop talk remains an important part of skateboarding culture. It is more than just casual conversations; it’s the heartbeat of the community. It’s where skaters debate, learn from each other, and collectively shape the culture. Whether it’s about the best board feel or the latest fashion, these discussions are essential. So, if you’re eager to spark some debate, buy us a ticket to your local shop, and let’s get talking.

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