Summer and skateboarding go hand-in-hand, but with the heat comes an inevitable side effect: swamp ass. If you’re unfamiliar, it’s that uncomfortable feeling of having sweat-soaked denim clinging to you, leaving a rather detailed imprint on your board after a session. While there’s no magical cure, perhaps a bit of camaraderie can ease the pain. After countless hours of studying skate footage, focusing on the rear view, I’ve compiled a list of the most memorable examples of this phenomenon. So, whether you’re a seasoned skater or new to the game, prepare to see some prime examples and maybe feel a little less alone in your dampness.
swamp ass
The Khaki Classic
Danny Renaud, a legend of early 2000s skateboarding, often sported khaki pants. Digging through old footage, I found the perfect clip from Habitat’s “Mosaic,” showing Danny in all his swampy glory. The humid Florida streets, combined with those classic khakis, created a truly memorable visual.
Danny Renaud swamp ass
The Loaded Diaper
Chris Joslin is a repeat offender in this category. His shorter stature combined with baggy khakis resulted in a full-on “damp diaper” situation. Maybe Ethika should consider making some moisture-wicking underwear for him! This clip is a perfect example of how certain clothing choices can amplify the problem.
Chris Joslin loaded diaper
The Humid Hog
Blake, a Florida skate legend, proves that you can leave the swamp, but the swamp never truly leaves you. Even after relocating to California, this clip shows that the humid Florida climate can leave a lasting impression. I’m used to seeing wild boars in Florida’s marshes, but this is my first time seeing Blake’s humid hog.
Blake humid hog
The Soggy Backside
This Forrest Kirby clip has everything – a low angle, a frontside boardslide, a massive hubba, and a bright filmer flash. Add in a low-pressure system and you’ve got a recipe for a perfect swamp ass storm. Hopefully, Forrest took a late-night shower after landing this one.
Forrest Kirby soggy backside
The Dunk Tank
Bobby Worrest, it looks like you either lost a bet or just finished a swimming session. Whatever the reason, this clip shows us that board shorts aren’t always immune to the swamp. Nike, perhaps it’s time to add Bobby to the swim roster!
Bobby Worrest dunk tank
The GOAT Drip
This AVE clip has it all: a rolled-up pant leg, a David Bowie-esque vibe, and a perfect switch 5-0 180. While it’s a fantastic line, it also showcases some serious dampness. It appears capri pants do little to improve airflow, contributing to the overall effect.
AVE goat drip
The Wetsuit
Luan’s outfit here reminds me of how I looked after my high school homecoming dance: drenched in sweat in my best clothes. It appears that grinding to Lil Jon is comparable to a long day of street skating. This clip highlights that even the best skaters can fall victim to the swamp.
Luan wetsuit
The Peekaboo
Trevor Thompson’s nollie flick reveals a perfect landing strip of sweat, earning this clip the name “the peekaboo”. While the name might sound like a children’s game, this is not one for the little ones.
Trevor Thompson peekaboo
SAOTY- Swamp Ass Of The Year
Ishod Wair, known for effortlessly “wet” tricks, has earned the title of “Swamp Ass of the Year” in this context. While his skating is undeniably smooth, his soggy shorts here are the real highlight. It’s safe to say that 2023 Ishod would never let this happen. This demonstrates that even the most stylish skaters aren’t immune to the summer heat.
Ishod SAOTY
Ultimately, swamp ass is a common skateboarding experience. While it’s not the most comfortable, hopefully, these clips bring a bit of humor to the situation. Remember, you’re not alone, and sometimes the best approach is simply to embrace the swamp.