Another year has come and gone, and hopefully, you’ve got some great skate stories to tell. Whether you conquered a massive set of stairs or landed a gnarly grind, we salute your efforts and triumphs. To recap the highs and lows of 2022, we spent a solid 45 minutes brainstorming to bring you this definitive list of skateboarding superlatives. Prepare for some laughs, some head-scratching, and a healthy dose of skate culture as we dive into the trends and collaborations that defined the year.
Previous editions: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021.
Best Lookbook
SUPRA
Supra Lookbook
Supra’s 2022 lookbook earns the top spot for its aesthetic appeal and creative presentation, showcasing the brand’s unique style and commitment to skateboarding fashion.
Mindfield to MAGA
Mikey Taylor
Mikey Taylor
Mikey Taylor’s journey from skate icon to political figure sparks debate and discussion, highlighting the unexpected paths that skateboarding figures can take, and prompting questions about their influence and impact on the culture.
Softest Beef
Elijah vs. Austyn
Elijah Berle
The perceived conflict between Elijah and Austyn was a brief but talked about moment in skateboarding, exemplifying the sometimes overly sensitive nature of the community, even amongst friends and fellow skaters.
Finest Wine
Spanky
Spanky skateboarding
Spanky’s timeless style and enduring presence in skateboarding, make him the ‘finest wine’, proving his relevance throughout the years with his technical skills and smooth skating.
Swing and a Miss
Thrasher x Lacoste
Thrasher x Lacoste Collaboration
The Thrasher x Lacoste collaboration missed the mark, sparking criticism and highlighting the challenges of blending high-fashion aesthetics with the gritty roots of skate culture, resulting in a collection that didn’t resonate with many skaters.
Just Log Off
Mikey Alfred
Mikey Alfred
Mikey Alfred’s online presence and sometimes controversial opinions led to this “Just Log Off” award, symbolizing the need for skaters to sometimes unplug and focus on real-world experiences rather than online drama.
That’s One Way to Handle It
Axion
Kareem vs Axion
Axion’s approach to dealing with Kareem Campbell showcased a unique way of addressing issues within skateboarding, highlighting how brands and skaters handle conflict and business disputes in the public eye, and bringing up questions of ethics and authenticity.
Filming of the year
That Varial Heel
Louie Lopez Varial Heel
Louie Lopez’s perfectly captured varial heel, filmed by Ben Chadourne, exemplifies the art of skateboarding cinematography, combining technical skill with aesthetic beauty, and demonstrating how film can elevate skateboarding tricks to art forms.
Celeb Power Couple
Riley Hawk & Frances Bean Cobain
Riley Hawk and Frances Bean Cobain
The union of Riley Hawk and Frances Bean Cobain, two figures with iconic skateboarding and cultural legacies, earned them the ‘Celeb Power Couple’ title, exemplifying the cross-over appeal of skate culture with other areas of entertainment and artistry.
The Cheesiest
Supreme x Kraft Mac N Cheese
Supreme x Kraft Mac N Cheese
The Supreme x Kraft Mac N Cheese collaboration was deemed ‘the cheesiest’ for its unconventional blend of skate culture with mass-market food branding, highlighting the absurdity of some collaborations and the commercialization of skate culture.
FREE GRAPHIC IDEA
Tyshawn’s Table Diagram
Tyshawn Jones Table Diagram
Tyshawn’s table diagram offers a unique insight into skateboarding trick mechanics and was recognized as a “Free Graphic Idea” for its innovative approach, highlighting the intersection of skateboarding and graphic design and its potential for future creative expressions.
Written by: James Lee
Illustration by: Michael Giurato
This year’s superlatives showcase the unpredictable and diverse nature of skateboarding culture. From fashion collaborations to political debates, the skateboarding world continues to evolve and surprise us. As we look forward to the next year, we can only anticipate more creative expressions, unexpected trends, and of course, great skateboarding. Share this with a celeb power couple on Facebook and report this as too cringy on Instagram and Twitter.
