In 1997, Jeremy Wray etched his name into skateboarding history with a breathtaking feat: a 16-foot ollie, soaring from one water tower to another. This wasn’t just any ollie; it was a testament to courage, skill, and a touch of madness. It’s been over two decades, and this incredible trick still stands as a benchmark in skateboarding.
We’re calling this the greatest ollie ever, not just because of its sheer distance, but because in the 23 years since, no other skater has dared to replicate it. Many incredible tricks, like a kickflip into a bank or a massive 25-stair ollie, allow skaters to build up speed with multiple attempts, however, Wray’s water tower ollie was different. At the speed he approached the gap, bailing meant falling from a great height to the unforgiving ground below. The consequences of failure were significant, which is why this trick remains unparalleled.
For years, we’ve wanted to revisit the location of the iconic water tower ollie with Wray himself. During a recent trip to California, we finally tracked him down and arranged a meeting near the towers, located about an hour outside of Los Angeles. The experience was both nostalgic and surreal, as we even had to hop a fence to stand between the towers, absorbing the magnitude of the feat.
Jeremy Wray's iconic ollie from one water tower to another
Not only do we encourage you to check out our video where we talk with Jeremy about the ollie, but it’s also worth revisiting his various video parts. Wray is a criminally underrated skater from the 90’s and early 2000’s, whose impact on skateboarding deserves more recognition.
The sheer audacity of Wray’s water tower ollie lies in its simplicity, an ollie being the first trick most skaters learn. Yet, the height, distance, and inherent risk involved transformed this basic move into a legendary moment. It’s a reminder that greatness isn’t always about complexity; sometimes it’s about taking a fundamental trick and pushing it to its absolute limit. The mental fortitude and physical precision required for the water tower ollie set it apart from other tricks in skateboarding history.
Jeremy Wray standing in between the two water towers where he performed the ollie
The location itself adds to the mystique of the trick. The imposing water towers, standing tall against the California sky, serve as a silent testament to the incredible feat that occurred there. Being there in person made the magnitude of the jump even more impressive. We wanted to capture that sense of awe and respect that the ollie continues to inspire in skaters.
While the technology and styles in skateboarding have evolved greatly since 1997, Wray’s ollie remains a timeless moment. It is a perfect example of how a skater’s creativity and fearless attitude can lead to legendary status within the sport. It shows that progression in skateboarding isn’t solely about complicated maneuvers, but also about redefining the limits of what’s considered possible. This trick continues to be a point of discussion and inspiration.
A close-up shot of the water towers and surrounding area
Ultimately, revisiting Jeremy Wray’s water tower ollie isn’t just about looking back at a single trick; it’s about celebrating the enduring spirit of skateboarding. His willingness to challenge the impossible continues to inspire skaters of all ages. It’s a story that underscores the importance of taking risks, pushing boundaries, and honoring the history of skateboarding. If you’re looking to challenge yourself, try pushing the limits of the simple tricks and see what amazing things you can come up with.
Filmed by: Alex Raspa & Ian Michna
Edited by: Rob Fraebel
