Pier 7, a name synonymous with San Francisco skateboarding, emerged in the mid to late 90s as a haven for skaters. Located near iconic spots like EMB and Hubba Hideout, its smooth ground, multiple manny pads, and bay breeze created an ideal environment. Immortalized in classic skate videos like Trilogy, Mouse, Five Flavors, Nonfiction, and 411VM, Pier 7 became a breeding ground for a unique style of skating.
Pier 7 in its prime, a legendary skate spot in San Francisco.
This spot was more than just concrete; it was a place where skaters of all levels could connect, session with their heroes, and develop their skills. Unfortunately, over time, the ledges were modified, making the manny pads less accessible. Pier 7 fell into a semi-dormant state, a shadow of its former self. However, recently, a group of local skaters took it upon themselves to restore the spot. Removing skate stoppers, filling cracks with cement, and smoothing the surface, they have brought Pier 7 back to life. This resurrection has sparked a wave of nostalgia and excitement, uniting older skaters revisiting their roots and a new generation experiencing a legendary spot for the first time. It’s as if the gap between skateboarding’s past and present has momentarily closed. To capture this unique moment, we spoke with several skaters – from legends to locals to new faces – about their memories, fantasies, and feelings about the revitalized Pier 7.
Henry Sanchez
What are some strange memories you have from the Pier?
There were times when taggers, who didn’t skate, would come around. They’d tag the building that allowed us to skate, and I’d throw their pens in the bay. We couldn’t let them mess it up for the rest of us!
For people who haven’t skated it, what makes it so special?
It’s important to the history of skateboarding, especially SF skating. For me, it was a training ground when I filmed Sight Unseen because I wasn’t getting much recognition at that time. Being back at Pier 7 has been amazing, and every time I go, I meet someone I used to skate with, which makes it even more special. It feels like the old spot, even though there are fewer ledges and the lines are more limited. I might have a career and a family now, but being back there brings back that carefree feeling we all miss.
Any other thoughts you have about the resurrection of Pier 7?
It’s great to see the younger guys killing it at Pier 7 and doing their own thing. They might even realize how timeless some of our tricks were, especially Marcus McBride’s.
Henry Sanchez, a legend, skating at the newly renovated Pier 7.
Seph Quiming
What do you remember hearing about Pier 7 when you were little?
When I was younger, my older brothers and cousin would skate the Pier constantly. I remember hearing some crazy stories like when Lennie Kirk showed up with a sawed-off shotgun, or when my cousin got his shoes stolen, found the thief, and beat him up to get his shoes back and taking the dude’s shoes off his feet, leaving him barefoot at the Pier! I also heard about having to dodge the cops or face a big fine for skating there.
What stood out to you in the old videos?
The skating of Marcus McBride, Henry Sanchez, Karl Watson, and Lavar McBride was amazing.
What’s it like to skate a spot that until now mainly existed in videos and your imagination?
It’s incredible. It feels like we’ve traveled back to the 90s. Before the wood was removed, we still used the ledges as manny pads, but now, being able to grind them like in the old days is awesome. Shout out to whoever made this skateable again; you’re doing the work of a saint.
Seph Quiming, skating a line at Pier 7.
Mark Suciu
What was your relationship to Pier 7 as a youngster?
I skated there a bit when I was younger. The first video I saw was Sight Unseen, so I was familiar with the spot. I loved Henry Sanchez’s skating in that video and the footage of Marcus McBride, it was like a movie to me. When I realized that it was a real place, it was hard to believe. I have an early memory of going perpendicular to all the ledges and doing front blunts, and Nick Matlin giving me his business card, wanting to hook me up with gear. I was around 12 then.
When you think back on old videos, what stuck out about that style of skating or the spot?
I didn’t think of it back then, but skating there now, I realize it’s more of a plaza than just a spot. It’s like Love Park, with endless options. You can skate in a circle and stay there all day. It’s a complete experience; you’re at the center of everything. Having those blocks made it so much better since you could skate the spot from all sides.
How else has the Pier changed?
One of the blocks is now in a restaurant’s dining area and is used to stack plates, which changes the flow, but there’s still enough to make it feel like a complete plaza. I was recently there with some friends and we skated there for days. I saw a kid skating off one of the pads as a drop, and I thought of how skaters in the 90s would have reacted – they would’ve heckled him. Now, it’s different. No one would ever treat a kid like that.
Mark Suciu performing a technical trick at Pier 7.
Why is the Pier so special?
If you just put three blocks in a parking lot, they would be just three blocks. But, the way the blocks at Pier 7 are laid out allows you to hit the edge of one, and then the end of the other, just like the Verizon bar commercials. You can skate it the way Marcus [McBride] did with the switch ollie over and switch back tail. You can go up the two and hit the ledges in a row, or around the toilets. It’s not a spot where you do one trick and leave. It’s so iconic, with a beautiful view.
I did that switch ollie and switch back tail line because I was thinking about Marcus. And it was hard! It was cool to learn firsthand just how difficult the stuff they were doing was.
That’s a really cool point. You’re sort of embodying someone else.
Yeah, and being able to redo that line, you realize how difficult it is. You’re in a place that stimulates you to come up with your own stuff, while also understanding what they were going through.
The ledges are so old, rounded, and chunky, which is a thing of the past. When I skated Love Park, I had to relearn back nosegrinds because the ledges are so rounded that you have to get on the very corner. It’s the same here; you have to put your entire body weight into a crook. You feel like you’re a part of history when you’re switch crooking through that ledge. This spot is definitely thirty years old!
Pier 7 Jacob (Jacob Canedo)
What are some special memories you have from the Pier?
Pier 7 was like a movie that never stopped. There was always something happening, from professional skaters doing amazing tricks, to people throwing water balloons. I remember an army guy getting mad when he got hit with a water balloon and none of us would tell him who did it. We just laughed him away!
For people who haven’t skated Pier 7, what makes it so special?
The chunky ledges, the constant fresh air from the bay, and the atmosphere, from the cool cars rolling by to friends yelling out the window.
What was unique about the time in your life that you associate with the Pier?
During high school, I lived in the Tenderloin, and the Pier was my escape from all the chaos. It was a fun place where I could get away from the negativity.
How has the spot changed?
There used to be more blocks, more space, and a different crowd. It was more of a local spot, where everyone knew each other. Growing up, I would watch people do incredible tricks, and I wanted to do them all. Now, as an adult, I am able to focus on a trick until I land it.
Any other thoughts you have about the resurrection of Pier 7?
I want to thank everyone who was involved! The city appreciates it! They always try to take our spots, and we need to take them back sometimes!
Jacob Canedo, a regular at Pier 7, showcases the iconic spot.
Karl Watson
What are some special memories you have of the Pier from back in the day?
I remember going to the Pier with a lot of product and holding free raffles for everyone. I loved those days. The atmosphere was great, with a mix of people, and the spot right by the water.
I associate that time in my life with freedom, skating, and having no responsibility. Going back to Pier 7 made me appreciate the atmosphere and realize just how unique it was. It’s hard to find another place that has so much life and excitement.
How has it changed?
The spot hasn’t changed much, but my ability to skate it like I used to has. The blocks feel higher these days! For anyone going there for the first time, you will have to be aware of the cross-traffic on the sidewalk and street, so you will need to heighten your senses while skating there.
Karl Watson, a seasoned veteran, back at Pier 7.
The resurrection of Pier 7 is more than just a restoration of a skate spot; it’s a revival of a cultural landmark. It’s a place where skaters of different generations connect with the history and progression of skateboarding. This revitalization underscores the importance of community, the power of nostalgia, and the enduring appeal of a truly iconic spot. Pier 7 is back, and its story continues to inspire skaters worldwide.
Words by: Matt L Roar
Matt L. Roar is the author of, My War, a hybrid novel about growing up skating in the Bay Area in the 90s, forthcoming from Spork Press in 2021.
Photo by: Mark Suciu
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