The notion of what makes something truly resonate is subjective. It could be an embodiment of a generation, a technique that was ahead of its time, or a style that gained new appreciation with hindsight. This article explores seven video parts that, in retrospect, have an enduring quality, pushing beyond the surface-level admiration.
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We’re not here to discuss the obvious. While iconic parts like Anthony Pappalardo’s Fully Flared segment are undoubtedly impactful, we aim to delve into those that offer a unique perspective, those that have gained a new appreciation with the passage of time. These are the parts that, for various reasons, might have been overlooked initially but now reveal themselves as truly influential.
Evan Schiefelbine – What If? (2005)
When What If? was released in 2005, Evan Schiefelbine’s part was a bit of a head-scratcher. Who was this guy? Was he a team manager or a flow rider? His skating style, featuring varial flips and switch 180s, felt understated compared to the trends of the era. Where were the big tricks, the flashy handrails?
However, looking back, Schiefelbine’s part is a treasure trove of timeless skateboarding. It’s filled with slappies, wallies, backside bigspins, and a remarkable noseslide 270. His switch frontside 5-0, frontside 360 out is still mesmerizing today. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most understated styles age incredibly well.
Greg Hunt – Tincan Folklore (1996)
Greg Hunt’s part in Tincan Folklore is particularly noteworthy for its innovative 180 50-50 variations, a style that wouldn’t become popular until years later. The wallie up, across, and over the dumpster is also a standout, providing a sense of calm that contrasts with the often high-energy skating of today.
The mellow and atmospheric feel of the early Stereo videos, such as Tincan Folklore, laid the groundwork for skate videos like Magenta’s Hill Street Blues which appeared some fifteen years later. Both emphasize the interaction between the skater and their surroundings, focusing on the act of rolling and creating a connection with the environment.
Traffic – Moving In Traffic (2008)
Moving In Traffic, a short promo from Traffic, redefined the way skate videos could be made. The video consists of a brief montage, three minutes of Bobby Puleo shredding crusty New York spots, guest appearances from the team, and three minutes of Jack Sabback’s inventive nosegrind and nose manual variations.
Beyond documenting some of the finest East Coast skateboarding, Traffic’s approach of filming locally and releasing the footage online established the template for the modern internet-era skate video. It showed that you didn’t need a big production to create impactful skateboarding content, highlighting the importance of showcasing your local scene.
Jed Walters – Love Child (1992)
Amidst the stylish skaters at World Industries in 1992, Jed Walters stood out with his distinctive approach and Adidas Gazelles. His part in Love Child defied the trends of the time, with an absence of pressure flips and double flips.
Instead, Walters offered fast and crisp lines, including a long line at EMB, two of the first-ever switch 360 flips, and a clean kickflip over a curb cut gap. It’s said that Walters had the potential to turn pro but stepped away from the spotlight, leaving us to imagine what could have been.
Salman Agah – The Real Video (1993)
While Salman Agah’s reputation as an all-time great and pioneer of switch skating is secure, his part in The Real Video often gets lost in discussions about early ’90s skateboarding. Agah skated spots that were taller, faster, and longer, with a precision that surpassed his peers.
Many of the clips in Agah’s part could fit seamlessly into a modern video, a testament to his timeless style and technique. His innovative approach and clean execution make it a part that continues to impress and inspire. It’s likely we’ll see a late shove 50-50 at a New York curb spot in the near future, a testament to Agah’s enduring influence.
Shiloh Greathouse – First Love (2005)
Shiloh Greathouse, initially known for his schoolyard clips and tech ledge lines in the early ’90s, took a different approach with his 2005 First Love part. The part includes tasteful street grabs, wallride variations, bank-to-bench clips, early DIY ledge combos, and a no comply flip, all accompanied by the music of Echo & The Bunnymen.
First Love‘s impact can be seen in its spot selection, the increased popularity of ledge combos, and even the music selection in Rick Howard’s Fully Flared part. Greathouse’s decision to run a small board brand long before it was a common practice adds another layer of influence to his contribution to skateboarding.
Marisa Dal Santo – Strange World (2009)
Marisa Dal Santo’s Strange World part set a new standard for women’s skateboarding in 2009. While her gnarly tricks like kickflip front boarding rails and large gaps are well-known, there are many subtleties to her skating that often go unnoticed.
Her ability to navigate obstacles, land on skinny blocks, gap out over stairs, and grab her board mid-grind, years before it became trendy, highlights her exceptional skills and innovative approach. Strange World showcases a skater who was not just pushing the boundaries of the sport but also pushing the boundaries of style and innovation within it.
These seven video parts represent a diverse range of styles and approaches, each demonstrating how skateboarding can evolve, and how certain skaters can influence the landscape of the sport for years to come. They remind us that a truly great part transcends the trends of its time, leaving a lasting impression that continues to resonate.
