Thrifting in Brooklyn with Aleka Lang and Jess Wong: A Skater's Guide

Recently, the skateboarding world saw Aleka Lang and his girlfriend Jess Wong, known for their previous cooking video collaboration, take a break from Vancouver to explore the skate scene in New York City. During their visit, they also went on a thrifting adventure around Jenkem HQ, seeking out vintage clothing finds and tasty food.

The area around Jenkem HQ in Brooklyn proved to be a perfect spot for both thrifting and food exploration. The day involved visits to several thrift stores, followed by a warm ramen meal to combat the brisk December weather. Even with shopping bags in tow, Aleka managed to squeeze in some skateboarding tricks, demonstrating that thrifting and skating can go hand-in-hand. This unique outing sparked an idea: what other gems could skaters find at thrift stores in the area? If you’re curious about future thrift adventures, let us know who you’d like to see join the Jenkem crew next.

Brooklyn Thrift Store Locations

The day’s thrifting took place at several locations in Brooklyn, each offering a unique selection of vintage and second-hand goods:

Urban Jungle: 118 Knickerbocker Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
L Train Vintage Knickerbocker: 120 Knickerbocker Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Bklyn Classic: 1095 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

After a long day of searching for hidden treasures, the group refueled at:

Ichiran: 374 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Aleka Lang and Jess Wong browsing through clothes at a Brooklyn thrift store.

The blend of thrifting and skating highlights a unique aspect of skate culture: the search for value and individuality. Thrifting allows skaters to find unique items that reflect their personal style, which is an extension of their skating. It’s not just about getting cheap clothes; it’s about finding one-of-a-kind pieces that can’t be found anywhere else.

Aleka Lang and Jess Wong with shopping bags after a day of thrifting in Brooklyn.

This day wasn’t just about scoring great deals; it was a chance to explore the neighborhood and hang out with friends. The combination of thrifting, skating, and ramen illustrates the sense of community that thrives within skateboarding culture. These shared experiences, whether on a board or browsing through racks of clothes, form the core of the skateboarder’s lifestyle.

Aleka Lang performs a skateboard trick while Jess Wong watches, showcasing the blend of skating and thrifting.

The exploration of Brooklyn’s thrift shops with Aleka and Jess showcases the fun that comes with combining skating with other activities. Whether you’re searching for unique apparel, delicious food, or a new spot to skate, the journey is just as important as the destination. The blend of skateboarding and thrifting highlights the creativity and resourcefulness that defines skate culture.