Despite the negativity you might encounter, New York City’s skateboarding scene is alive and well. While some businesses operate at limited capacity and people have moved away, the spirit of the city and its skaters endures. Jenkem Magazine offers a glimpse into their world, highlighting community, resilience, and the enduring passion for skateboarding in the face of challenges.
We’ve all had to adjust during this pandemic, but things are looking brighter. Jenkem HQ is buzzing with activity, the weather is still good for skating, and we’re working on exciting new projects for 2021.
Don’t just take our word for it, see what we’ve been up to behind the scenes as New York slowly reopens.
Richard Quintero hanging out at a watering hole upstate after moving out of NYC.
Our longtime friend Richard Quintero relocated upstate, a move many New Yorkers have made during the pandemic. We visited him and caught up at a local watering hole, a simpler way to connect before the digital age. This highlights the importance of real-life connections and the desire to maintain community even when physically distanced.
Christian Henry doing a trick on a bench in Times Square.
Remember our filming mission with Christian Henry and Naquan Rollings? We spent a day in Midtown Manhattan, skating perfect benches in Times Square. If you’re in NYC, hit up this spot before the tourists return and cover it in ice cream and mustard. This shows the resourcefulness of skaters in finding spots and the unique appeal of NYC’s urban landscape.
Christian performing a boardslide at an adjustable shipping container rail in Union Square.
We actually kicked off the day skating around Union Square. Here’s Christian boardsliding this adjustable spot. Just hop on the shipping control deck to adjust the rail height. Hey Woodward, you need one of these! The DIY nature and adaptability of skaters are showcased here.
Group of people at a cutty party in Bushwick at the end of an empty block.
Here we are at a small party on a dead-end street in Bushwick. That’s how we’re doing it these days: find an empty spot in Brooklyn, bring speakers, and invite a few friends. This emphasizes the importance of community and finding creative ways to socialize safely.
Rob Fraebel uploading a project to a hard drive before moving from NYC to San Francisco.
Our video editor, Rob Fraebel, also left NYC for San Francisco. He’s uploading one last project to our Lacie hard drive before the move. But don’t worry, he’ll keep working on Jenk TV and Google Earthers from across the country, thanks to the power of the cloud. Even with people moving, technology allows for continued collaboration.
Raspa sitting with friends at a gathering.
It’s not a hangout with Raspa without some questionable situations—in the best way possible, of course! We’re talking about the fun kind. This adds a touch of humor and highlights the unique personalities within the skate scene.
Raspa getting someone to do something wild on camera.
Raspa has a superpower: getting people to do crazy things on camera that they normally wouldn’t. Sorry if we’re exposing you, BA! The spontaneity and creativity of the community are on display.
German Nieves at a skate jam in Tompkins Square Park, wearing Paterson x DC shoes.
Here’s our friend German Nieves at a skate jam in Tompkins Square Park, celebrating the new Paterson and DC collaboration (check out his shoes). We’re excited about DC’s comeback, especially since they’re great for stepping in dog poop. DC, use that for your next ad campaign! Supporting friends and highlighting relevant product collaborations within the skateboarding world.
Spectators from the Paterson x DC celebration, including Mike Heikkila and Lee Smith.
Some spectators at the Paterson x DC party. That’s Mike Heikkila, amazing photographer, and Lee Smith from Menace, DQM, and now The Mission Statement podcast. Whoever identifies the third person in the comments gets free purified Jenkem HQ air! Recognizing and engaging with key figures within the community.
Miles wearing a Front Blunt hat as an ode to Owen Wilson's monologue in Yeah Right.
Years ago, we made these Front Blunt hats inspired by Owen Wilson’s Yeah Right monologue. We wanted to get a photo of him wearing one, but it never happened. If you know Owen Wilson or are just a dedicated fan, please help us connect with him! A fun, self-deprecating anecdote that adds to the personality of Jenkem.
Thanks for briefly stepping into my occasionally exciting life. I usually sit at Jenkem HQ, trying to keep things running. But there’s no point in living in NYC if you don’t experience it. Remember, jerking off at home only gets you so far.
The skateboarding community in NYC continues to thrive, finding ways to connect, create, and push forward despite challenges. This snapshot of Jenkem’s world highlights the resilience and spirit of the city’s skate scene.
