Throwback: Mini Bam Margera & Friends Skate Pulaski in 1992

The early 1990s marked a pivotal shift in skateboarding, as skaters transitioned from skateparks to the streets, exploring urban landscapes with their boards. This evolution was so compelling that even Tony Hawk, a vert skating icon, ventured into street skating. However, due to the high cost and limited availability of video equipment, this era wasn’t heavily documented. Fortunately, skate videographer Joe Hiddleson was among the few capturing these moments on the East Coast.

Recently, Joe Hiddleson has been sharing previously unseen footage from his archives. These tapes capture skate sessions at iconic locations like Pulaski in Washington D.C., Brooklyn Banks in New York, and various spots in Philadelphia’s Center City. The footage features familiar faces of the time, including a very young Bam Margera, alongside Mike Maldonado and Jimmy Chung, from the summer of 1992.

This archival footage offers a glimpse into the early days of these now-famous skaters. It’s a chance to see Bam before his meteoric rise to fame and also highlights the up-and-coming talents of Fred Gall and Tim O’Connor. Joe’s archives are a treasure trove for skate enthusiasts, offering a unique look at the styles, tricks, and overall vibe of early 90s street skateboarding. Beyond the skating, the fashion of the era is also on full display, providing some inspiration for those looking to recreate the iconic ’90s aesthetic.

Bam Margera, Mike Maldonado, and Jimmy Chung skating at Pulaski in 1992

Table of Contents

The Rise of Street Skating

The early 90s witnessed a significant change in skateboarding culture. Skateboarding moved beyond the confines of skateparks and into the streets. This shift to street skating was not just about a change of location but also a change in style and approach. It was about exploring the urban environment, using everyday obstacles to perform tricks. This era, although innovative and exciting, lacked significant video documentation because video cameras were expensive and not easily accessible. Joe Hiddleson’s work is particularly important because it captures this crucial transitional period.

Joe Hiddleson’s Archival Skate Footage

Joe Hiddleson, a dedicated skate videographer from the East Coast, played a key role in documenting the street skating scene. His recent release of unseen snippets from his archives provides a rare look into this period of skateboarding history. These tapes not only include legendary locations like DC’s Pulaski, but also highlight the vibrant scene in and around Philadelphia and New York City. His footage is a historical document, preserving a crucial period in skateboarding’s evolution.

A Young Bam Margera and Friends

The footage from the summer of ’92 is particularly captivating. It features a very young Bam Margera, often referred to as “mini” or “baby” Bam, alongside Mike Maldonado and Jimmy Chung. This raw footage shows these skaters before their fame and provides insight into their early talent and style. It offers a unique perspective on their development as skaters and their contributions to skate culture.

Spotting Future Legends

Besides Bam, the archival footage features other skaters who would go on to become influential figures in the skateboarding world. Skaters such as Fred Gall and Tim O’Connor are seen in their early years, showcasing their skills and style. These early glimpses provide valuable context to their later contributions and demonstrate the depth of talent that existed during that period.

The ’90s Skateboarding Aesthetic

The videos also serve as a time capsule for ’90s fashion and style. From the clothing to the board graphics, the footage is a visual reminder of the era’s distinctive aesthetic. For anyone interested in the fashion of skateboarding, these videos are a gold mine of inspiration, showcasing the trends of the day. The retro ’90s aesthetic is not only fun to look back on but also is constantly being referenced and revived in today’s culture.

Discover More

Joe Hiddleson’s archives are an important resource for skate historians and enthusiasts alike. By exploring his videos, viewers can get a firsthand look at the early days of street skateboarding and see the roots of modern skateboarding. This collection of footage is a testament to the significance of documentation and the rich history of skate culture. The footage provides not only entertainment but also educates and inspires.

In conclusion, the release of Joe Hiddleson’s footage is a gift to the skateboarding community. It allows us to revisit a transformative period in skateboarding, appreciate the early days of legendary skaters, and celebrate the unique style of the ’90s. It’s a reminder of the importance of preserving history, and it provides a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of skateboarding. Be sure to check out Joe’s archives for a dose of skateboarding history.