Detroit, a city known for its rich history of Motown, techno, and the modern assembly line, also harbors a vibrant skateboarding culture. While its contributions to skateboarding might not be as globally recognized as its other achievements, Detroit boasts a strong DIY skate scene. Led by figures like Derrick Dykas and the builders at The Wig, there’s a palpable thirst for “crust” – the raw, unpolished skate spots – in the city. This led The Earthers™, along with some guests from OJ Wheels, to explore the unique skating terrain Detroit has to offer. This adventure required plenty of bondo, patience, and the resourcefulness that The Earthers™ are known for.
Ryan Townley performing a trick on a skate spot with a chair in the background
The Skaters and Crew
The team for this Detroit exploration included the following talented skaters:
- Ryan Townley
- Mike Krok
- Alex Foy
- Kevin Braun
- Pat Galloway
- Jake Keenan
- Adam Mueller
The video was captured by Fritz Pfaff, edited by Dean Kubaseck, and photography was done by Evan Hutchings. These creatives helped document the skaters’ experiences and the unique atmosphere of the Detroit skate scene.
The Earthers crew posing for a photo
This episode of The Earthers highlights not just the skill of the skaters but also the spirit of DIY and community that thrives in Detroit’s skateboarding scene. The focus on unique, “crusty” spots adds an extra layer of interest for viewers looking for a different perspective on skateboarding. The need for resourcefulness in dealing with these spots also gives a sense of the real challenges and rewards that come with exploring unconventional skate locations.
This exploration of Detroit’s skateboarding scene with The Earthers and OJ Wheels showcases the unique blend of creativity, resourcefulness, and community within the city’s skate culture. It highlights that skateboarding isn’t just about pristine skateparks; it’s also about the adventure of finding and conquering unique spots with grit and determination.
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These articles offer a variety of perspectives on skateboarding, from interviews with influential figures to explorations of unique skate spots and events.
Comments from the Community
Here’s what some viewers had to say about the episode:
- Ditch Diggler noted that the roll-in and climb up the crusty ditch looked more challenging than the tricks at the top.
- Skull Bong wished for longer episodes, expressing excitement about the last location featured.
- Stef asked for the title of the last song in the video, and notskatingnowcausemykneeisout identified it as “2+2=?” originally by the Bob Seger System.
- Kiss exclaimed, “Detroit rock city!”, expressing enthusiasm for the Detroit setting.
These comments show engagement with the content and a shared appreciation for the gritty nature of the skate spots featured in the video.
The Earthers’ Detroit adventure, paired with the community’s response, shows that the spirit of skateboarding isn’t confined to smooth skateparks. It lives in the exploration of unconventional spaces and the shared passion for overcoming challenges with creativity and determination.
