The skateboarding world saw a significant shift during the 2020 shutdowns. Many professional skaters left New York, heading to places like California and Florida, or simply returning home. New York’s skate scene became more local-centric, while Florida briefly turned into a vibrant hub, with visiting skaters filming and local businesses hosting small premieres. This period highlighted the diverse experiences within the skate community and offered a unique perspective on how different regions adapted.
A skater stands on a sunny street in LA
Instead of joining the influx of skaters in Florida, I opted to split my time between storage and trips to Los Angeles, while Larry, Alexis, and the team managed things in Brooklyn. I hoped that our LA coverage offered something different for Jenkem, avoiding the pitfalls of being overly industry-focused while still delivering authentic skate content, far from the usual tropes. The aim was to find a balance, providing a refreshing take on skate culture without falling into predictable patterns.
A skateboarder on a ramp in an LA park
In skateboarding, coolness is often a sought-after quality, stemming from various motivations. Some seek validation due to childhood experiences, while others aim for sponsorships and industry success. This is why hanging out with someone like Kelly Hart is so refreshing. He embodies the spirit of skateboarding – down-to-earth, enjoying a good laugh without any pretension. He’s the kind of older brother figure in skateboarding who just wants to have a good time, free from the pressures of the skate industry.
A group of skateboarders casually hanging out
Professional skateboarders often form sub-groups based on shared interests beyond skating. These include an entrepreneurship and investment circle, a golf clique, a group into EDM and partying, and even a small tennis group. These diverse interests reveal a more nuanced side of the skate community. These hidden cliques show that even within a seemingly homogenous group like pro skaters, diverse personalities and hobbies thrive. Perhaps someday I’ll get an invite to the elusive BDSM Appreciation clique.
Remy Tav ollies in an alley in LA
During this trip, I had the chance to get to know Remy Tav better. Despite initial expectations of him being a stereotypical stuck-up Frenchman, he was a pleasure to work with—upbeat, charming, and not overly self-absorbed. However, introducing him to a group of girls might result in them gravitating towards him and his friends. This highlights his charismatic personality and the attention he draws.
Cambryan Sedlick standing in LA
Cambryan Sedlick continues to embrace the LA workwear style. His dedication is admirable. What sets him apart is his support for the obscure Russian board brand, Rassvet. This adds a unique element to his style and separates him from the typical skater scene in East LA or Long Beach. This shows a conscious effort to stand out from the crowd and support something different.
Joey Sinko standing in front of a wall in LA
To create compelling skateboard videos or art, drawing inspiration from outside the skateboarding world is crucial. Joey Sinko, known for his “Odes” series for Jenkem and his work with Jim Greco, exemplifies this approach. His work stands out because he draws inspiration from directors like Les Blank and Martin Scorsese, rather than just copying past skate videos. This highlights the importance of diverse influences in creating original and engaging content.
Ian Reid in Venice, CA
Running into Ian Reid in Venice was a surprise; he initially seemed like a “psychic religious hobo.” The coincidence of us both being on the same block, despite living thousands of miles apart, felt surreal. This random encounter serves as a funny anecdote in the often unpredictable journey of the skateboarding life.
An I-beam on the ground in LA
We quickly abandoned our attempt to move a heavy I-beam, realizing its impracticality. Instead, we joked about resorting to scamming people with NFTs. This humorous anecdote highlights the absurd situations one can encounter during a skate trip, blending the physical world with the digital.
Jud Farhat skating on a DIY rail
The LA skate scene is highly competitive, requiring skaters to push boundaries, like using twisted pipes at a DIY spot to stand out. Jud Farhat’s ability to center his weight and ride the rail shows skill and precision, emphasizing the need for innovation and technical expertise to excel in this scene. This illustrates the level of difficulty and creativity needed to stand out in a saturated market.
A person standing in front of a building
The way Europeans pronounce “hubba” – “HOO-BAH” – is much softer compared to the American “Hub-Uh.” I might just adopt the European pronunciation to annoy the super hardcore skaters. This playful observation adds a light-hearted touch to the piece.
Various items in an outdoor space in LA
Spot the five items in this picture: a pizza oven, a jump rope, some premium seltzer water, a skateboard, and a person who has contributed to the Brooklyn skate scene since 2001. This interactive element adds a fun and engaging dimension to the post. It also highlights key aspects of the skate lifestyle.
Erik Ellington posing with a power tool
Erik Ellington is pioneering a new pose involving power tools. Expect to see more skaters incorporating drills and saws into their photoshoots. This humorous observation reflects the ever-evolving trends in skateboarding and the creativity of its participants. It’s a fun, tongue-in-cheek look at how trends are created.
Cambryan Sedlick at a hot spring
Our trip concluded with a visit to some hot springs, north of Bakersfield, known for their sulfurous smell. We spent hours there until our skin felt like it was melting, after which Cambryan drove us back to East LA. This final experience provided a fitting end to the trip, showcasing the camaraderie and unique adventures shared by the skate community.
This trip to LA provided not only a plethora of skate content, but also a deeper understanding of the diverse personalities and experiences within the skate community. From the casual hangouts to the intense sessions, every moment offered a unique perspective on the world of skateboarding and the people who make it so vibrant.
