SkateVideoSite (SVS) has long been a go-to resource for skaters seeking the soundtracks of their favorite videos and for editors looking to avoid using overplayed songs. This invaluable site is now preparing for a major relaunch with expanded features and data. For nearly two decades, the team behind SVS has meticulously archived skate videos, from underground gems to big-budget productions, all driven by a deep passion for skateboarding and its history. Their work in documenting the ever-evolving world of skateboarding is essential and will have a lasting impact. We spoke with Markus Seppälä, the founder, and moderators Maikel Jas and Paul Jensen to discuss their work and vision for the future of SVS.
Group portrait of Markus Seppälä, Maikel Jas, and Paul Jensen, the core team behind SkateVideoSite
Markus Seppälä: The Founder’s Journey
The Genesis of SkateVideoSite
When did you start skatevideosite.com?
The journey began around 2003, initially under the name xtreme-net.org. In 2005, it evolved into skatevideosite.com, marking a clearer direction for the site’s purpose.
What inspired you to create this reference site?
As a lifelong skater with a knack for computers, the fusion of the two felt natural. Coding became a passion, leading to various projects during my free time, from basic text games to more complex graphic ones. These early experiments fueled my decision to pursue an education in IT. The site’s focus on data and simplicity emerged after much trial and error. Web design was always a challenge, but the emphasis on data was always the core.
Do you see yourself as a librarian of skate culture?
While the term accurately describes the work, it wasn’t a conscious goal. The need to document skateboarding’s rapid evolution and prevent its history from being forgotten drove the project.
Markus Seppälä, founder of SkateVideoSite, in a portrait shot.
The Data Collection Process
How did you gather all the data for the site?
The process started with online resources like skimthefat.com. Then, came the meticulous task of watching countless skate videos. I listed skaters and songs when credits were available, otherwise, I had to identify tracks through painstaking lyric searches.
How much time have you invested in the site?
It’s impossible to give an exact number, but it certainly exceeds 10,000 hours, with a significant portion dedicated to data collection. And that doesn’t even take into account the time put in by the entire team.
The Team and Challenges
Tell us about the site’s team.
The team is small, less than 10 people, primarily from Europe with a few from the US. I manage the technical aspects, while others contribute by adding new videos. Software engineer Sean Villars is currently leading a complete overhaul of the site. Many of the team members have been with the project for over a decade.
You mentioned the site was hacked. Can you elaborate?
The old site’s security vulnerabilities led to a devastating hack, resulting in the loss of valuable data, particularly high-quality DVD covers. While backups were available, the move to WordPress was a temporary solution. We’re working on a complete makeover, including the return of the highly requested song search feature.
A screenshot of the SkateVideoSite interface
The Evolution of Skate Videos
Does your data show a decline in full-length skate videos today?
The rise of YouTube and Instagram has indeed led to a surge in short clips and independent parts. While full-length videos might receive less attention, they are still essential as they can tell stories, share feelings, and inspire new tricks. It may be my nostalgia talking, but I still view them as pieces of art.
Why have you continued the site for so long?
SVS has become an integral part of my life, leading to many friendships and connecting countless individuals. Preserving this data is essential, otherwise, much of skateboarding’s history will be lost.
Maikel Jas: The Dedicated Moderator
Finding SVS and Joining the Team
What’s your story with SkateVideoSite?
I joined as a moderator in 2005. I got hooked on skate videos and their diverse music. I started searching for soundtracks, and stumbled upon xtreme-net.org, the early version of SVS. I added my own finds, which led Markus to invite me to become a moderator.
Maikel Jas, a moderator for SkateVideoSite since 2005, pictured in a portrait
What are your hopes for the site’s relaunch?
I plan to create content on the Instagram account that highlights the history of skating, not just the latest tricks. Many new skaters aren’t aware of legends like Arto Saari, and that’s something I hope to change.
The Importance of Skateboarding History
Why is it important to document skateboarding’s history?
Skateboarding is an inclusive culture, and sharing that with the world is valuable. Archiving the history provides a tangible way to communicate and connect with other cultures.
What do you do for work?
I am currently working as a data analyst for music, working behind the scenes with spreadsheets.
The Evolution of Skateboarding Media
What’s been the best part of being involved for so long?
I’ve witnessed the evolution of skateboarding media firsthand, from big videos and print magazines to the digital era. I hope people will keep making full-length videos, rather than focusing on the commercial aspects of social media.
A different view of the SkateVideoSite interface
Paul Jensen: The Visual Archiver
Becoming a Moderator
How did you get involved with Skate Video Site?
I discovered the site around 2009 during my deep dive into skate videos. I started contributing, filling in gaps in the data. My contributions led to Markus inviting me to be a moderator.
Why are you drawn to this type of data archiving?
It’s just my nature to be organized, and it makes sense to contribute to this kind of project. The goal is to build a complete database so it’s not just knowledge I hold onto myself. I focused on adding local Minneapolis videos to the site, helping to showcase some of the scene’s hidden gems.
Paul Jensen, a moderator for SkateVideoSite since 2009, in a portrait
The Community and the Future
There’s a lot of anticipation for the site’s return.
I know, it’s a passion project that I’ve fallen into. People are constantly asking about the site on social media platforms. I see the new site upgrade as an opportunity to involve the user base, possibly with editor positions and a more organized community.
What’s the community of moderators like?
It’s a diverse group that has evolved over the 12 years I’ve been involved. The European contributors bring in a lot of content outside of the American scene, while others from Spanish-speaking countries and Brazil have also been key to the site’s growth.
A different view of the SkateVideoSite interface
The Importance of Visual Culture
Why is data archiving in skateboarding important, even to non-skaters?
Skateboarding is driven by a visual culture that goes beyond just the tricks. The music, the filmmaker, and the composition of the video are all essential. That’s why I also create videos.
The site has a rich history and many moving parts.
Indeed, we even had companies sending us hard copies or digital downloads to ensure we didn’t have pirated videos on the site. We’ve also received many submissions from unexpected sources. It’s great to have access to skate scenes outside the mainstream, witnessing the influence of big videos on smaller scenes.
A final view of the SkateVideoSite interface
Conclusion
SkateVideoSite is more than just a database; it’s a labor of love, a historical archive, and a vital resource for the skateboarding community. The dedication of Markus, Maikel, Paul, and their team is a testament to the importance of preserving skateboarding’s rich history. As they prepare for the relaunch, their work ensures that the past, present, and future of skate videos will be available for generations of skaters to come. Stay tuned for the return of SkateVideoSite, a true gem for all things skateboarding.
