Los Angeles has been my home base for the past month, and it’s safe to say, it’s been a pretty sweet experience. The weather’s fantastic, traffic is surprisingly light, and the majority of the US skating industry is right here. We’ve been busy filming content, preparing for the winter months, and also laying the groundwork for a more extensive video project that I’m not quite ready to reveal. In between the chaos, I’ve been snapping photos of faces you’d rarely see on the East Coast. So, here’s a little glimpse behind the curtain with some shots from my trip out west, complete with a little astrology and name-dropping.
I’ve visited LA countless times, but I still get a kick out of spotting legendary skaters in their natural habitat, sharing skateparks with scooter riders, park regulars, and newcomers. It’s a reminder that they’re regular people, but seeing them shredding in a prefab park or standing atop a California skate park’s iconic volcano still holds a certain magic.
This is Sean Sheffy, in case you didn’t know. He’s definitely looking like The Rock these days! His presence reminds us of the rich history of longboarding and skateboarding in California.
We’ve all seen the clip of Brandon Turner landing a switch hardflip down Wallenberg at 38, but what you may not know is that he also took a massive drop off this overpass side onto the ground we were standing on. As a teenager he somehow survived, only coming away with a few broken bones and a bruised ego.
I’m not a fan of this photo of myself, but the crew insisted I include it. I’m rocking the greasy hair and overly-confident sunglasses combo typically seen in real estate or adult entertainment.
Here’s another California pro sighting: Milton Martinez, also known as Smoookes, gearing up for his signature move. It’s amazing to witness these pro longboarders and skateboarders in action.
A quick peek inside HUF HQ, featuring one of the most seasoned employees, Hanni. If I had the kind of space Californians enjoy in their homes and offices, I’d probably own a giant silver statue of some booty cheeks too. The creative atmosphere in LA is definitely something to behold.
This nickname definitely lives up to the hype: Tom Remillard (on the right), AKA TwistTheWrist, and his notoriously twisted wrist. It’s another testament to the hardcore nature of the sport.
We went for a swim. What else is there to say? I tried to soak up as much as possible that I can’t do back home. That meant drinking a beer in warm water and taking a pee in the pool every five minutes. Sometimes the simple things are the best.
I met up with Damon Way in Malibu for lunch, brainstorming, and some casual conversation. Damon is the co-founder of DC Shoes, and currently runs FACT, while perfecting his best Blue Steel look. And of course, he’s Danny Way’s brother.
If this photo doesn’t tell you, we have a soft spot for Kelly Hart. Her influence on the community is significant, and it’s always great to see her.
Stephen Vanasco, also known as Van Styles, has one of the most impressive studio spaces I’ve ever seen. I asked him about his camera gear, and he simply said, “Too much.” When pressed further with, “Around $500,000 worth?”, he just smiled and nodded. It’s clear that he’s a serious photographer with a deep passion.
One thing I’ll definitely miss is the pushcart vendors on the beach. You can grab chips, ice cream, and a cold drink for around $6. The hilarious part is that some of them only accept Venmo! It’s a perfect example of the blend of old and new in California.
Sunny Suljic (from Mid-90s) didn’t tell us his wish to Zoltar, but we have a feeling it was probably similar to that clip from the movie BIG. It’s always interesting to see the younger generation of skaters coming up and making their mark.
On one of the last days, our friend and Jenkem Vol. 2 contributor, Sophie Day, took us hiking in Topanga, which was a great change of pace for someone constantly around cement dust and construction noise. Sophie’s a photographer who quit her day job at a sex shop to pursue photography and other creative ventures. We’re definitely rooting for her! The natural beauty of Topanga was a welcome contrast to the city’s skate scene.
Los Angeles is a melting pot of skate culture, creativity, and stunning scenery. This trip has given me a new appreciation for the city and the people who make it so unique. Until next time!
