The legendary L.A. High handrail, a staple in skateboarding history, has been brought back to life thanks to a collaboration between us and Cory Keen of Keen Ramps. For those unfamiliar, Cory crafts high-quality, pre-made ramps and obstacles, moving beyond the DIY days of scrap wood and shipping pallets.
Cory had a vision to recreate the iconic L.A. High handrail, the one that vanished from its original location about 15 years ago. We were immediately on board. This wasn’t about creating a new spot; it was about resurrecting a piece of skateboarding history, a shared experience for everyone. After some planning and research into the original spot, we worked closely with Keen to construct a faithful replica, aiming to recapture its former glory.
Last Saturday night, we carefully bolted the rail into the school’s stair set. Then, on Sunday morning, we invited a group of skateboarders to session the resurrected spot. Seeing skaters like Ishod Wair, Jamie Foy, and Neen Williams, who were too young to have experienced the rail in its first iteration, absolutely tear it up was truly inspiring.
The rail is currently accessible, and we’re not sure how long it will remain before the school decides to remove it, modify it with knobs, or otherwise alter it. So if you want to experience a piece of skateboarding history, we encourage you to get there soon.
L.A. High rail being installed
The process of bringing back the L.A. High rail was not just about recreating an obstacle; it was about reconnecting with skateboarding’s roots. We wanted to give a new generation of skaters the opportunity to experience a spot that holds significant cultural weight. The meticulous planning and historical research ensured that the replica was as close to the original as possible.
Skaters sessioning the resurrected L.A. High rail
The session on Sunday morning was incredible to witness. The energy and enthusiasm from everyone who participated underscored the importance of preserving these historical elements within the skateboarding community. It was a reminder that while skateboarding is constantly evolving, acknowledging and celebrating its past is crucial for its future.
Close up shot of a skater on the L.A. High rail
This project serves as an excellent example of how collaborations within the skateboarding community can bring about meaningful change. By partnering with Keen Ramps, we were able to combine our passion for skateboarding history with their expertise in creating high-quality obstacles. This resulted in a spot that is not only functional but also acts as a tribute to the past. The success of this project highlights the importance of community involvement and the desire to preserve the culture and history of skateboarding.
The L.A. High rail project was a testament to the power of skateboarding to connect people across generations, reviving a spot for both old-school enthusiasts and new faces in the skate scene. So, take advantage of this opportunity while it’s still available, and experience a true piece of skateboarding history.
Video by: Bobby Bils
Additional filming: Cameron Holland, Spencer Burdock, Blake Housenga
Special thanks to Cory Keen
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