In today’s skateboarding scene, filming and photography are integral parts of the culture. It’s almost a given that when you go out skating, you’ll be capturing footage or photos. But that wasn’t always the case. In 1980s New York City, casually documenting skateboarding was far from the norm. In fact, it was often viewed as intrusive. Cameras changed the dynamic, making people conscious of being watched, which could kill the vibe. However, a local skater named Stana Weisburd defied this norm, capturing candid moments of the NYC skate scene, and her photos provide an invaluable glimpse into the era.
Stana, a well-loved figure within the downtown skate community for her personality and humor, was able to navigate the social scene and capture these moments. She recently rediscovered the negatives, which have been digitized, providing a rare window into the past. The following is a collection of epic photos from the era, paired with insights and memories, offering a look into the 1980s NYC skate culture. Keep in mind, these are based on personal recollection, so some details may vary.
The Washington Square Park Crew
Before the age of beepers and cellphones, meeting up with friends involved going to the right place and time, like the concrete benches near the fountain in Washington Square Park. In 1986, the hardcore skaters of NYC were a tight-knit group of about 40 individuals. If you weren’t one of them, you were considered an outsider. This was a time when skateboarding was still underground, and those who participated were a close crew.
Ian Frahm: King of the Brooklyn Banks
Ian Frahm was considered the best skater in NYC back in 1986. Known for his gnarly style and graffiti skills, he also appeared in Future Primitive with the Bones Brigade. The Brooklyn Banks were his domain, where his skating was unmatched. When Christian Hosoi visited the city, Ian represented the New York skate scene.
Blueberry Bacon Mobiles: The Cops and the Skate Scene
In the 1980s, skateboarding was an illegal activity. Skaters would get arrested, summoned to court, and have their boards confiscated. Often, skaters would be crammed into police cars, which they nicknamed “Blueberry Bacon Mobiles”. One particular spot became known for arrests, as skaters would be packed into the back of cop cars, creating a “skater sandwich”.
The Evolution of Skate Style
NYC skateboarding culture was unique and counter-culture, leading skaters to embrace an unconventional look. They blended punk, hip-hop, and high fashion influences, creating a “New-Wave-Clown-Pirate” aesthetic. This photo of Pepe Torres, a 1970s vert skater, alongside a stylish downtown girl named Deva illustrates this mix. The picture captures how different styles merged between high fashion and street skaters.
Inventing Street Skating Tricks
Skaters back in the ’80s were experimenting with tricks, constantly trying to figure out new ways to use the urban landscape. This photo shows Eli Morgan Gesner, the author of this article, and Christian Lepanto, co-owner of Soho Skates, trying out different street plant variations. The boards were heavy, with small noses, making tricks like the ollie a significant accomplishment.
The Mysterious Girl Skater
Female skateboarders were a rarity in 1980s NYC. Stana captured an image of a girl skater whose identity remains unknown. What stood out was her unique board, which looked like a 2×4 with a wedge attached. It was a unique skateboard design, one that hasn’t been seen since.
Posers and the Periphery of Skate Culture
During the 1980s, a “poser” boom occurred in NYC. Many kids on the edges of the scene would just carry their boards and watch without actively skating. The term ‘poser’ came from this phenomenon. It was a strange dynamic where some individuals seemed intimidated by the city or unwilling to try skating.
John Grigley: A True Pioneer
John Grigley was one of the first real professional skateboarders in NYC. He moved to the city, surprising local skaters, as they were unaccustomed to seeing pro skaters outside of magazines. Grigley, a true pioneer, still lives in NYC.
Drawing Crowds in Washington Square Park
Grigley’s pole walk inverts were advanced for 1986. Skaters in Washington Square Park would often attract crowds, becoming like street performers. Regular people were fascinated by the skateboarding, although the skaters were not performing for them, they were just enjoying skating together.
Dave Hackett’s Stunts and NYC Visits
Dave Hackett, a pro from Skull Skates, was another visitor, showing up with Christian Hosoi. He is known for his skateboarding stunts, including jumping over three cars with a rocket-powered skateboard, a feat that was definitely out of the ordinary for the time.
Christian Hosoi’s Superstar Arrival
Christian Hosoi’s arrival in NYC was like a visit from a superstar. He had a level of fame akin to an MTV star of the 80s. No modern pro skater can compare to the celebrity status he had back then.
Hosoi’s First Session at the Brooklyn Banks
Hosoi’s first session at the Brooklyn Banks was a memorable one. At the time, many skaters were still learning the ollie, so they mostly did boneless tricks. The Banks themselves were still new and rough, with sharp brick edges that could easily rip a board.
Hosoi’s Revolutionary Ollie
Hosoi ollied the banks wall, a feat that no one had attempted before. He examined the wall closely, marked the spot with a sticker, and after much effort, successfully landed a five-foot ollie over the tall wall, marking an incredible moment in NYC skateboarding history.
Harry Jumonji’s Passion for the Ollie
Harry Jumonji, originally from Brazil, was a unique local legend with a love for the ollie. He would constantly shout “Ollie to New Jersey!” as they tried to master the trick on their 3” nosed skateboards. Despite many hardships, he has remained a dedicated skateboarder.
Harry Jumonji’s Style and Powerslides
Harry Jumonji had a distinct style and mastered powerslides, both ways, which was a popular trick of the era. The photo depicts Grigley watching on while Jumonji performs one of his signature moves.
Pushing Through the City
This image encapsulates the timeless feeling of pushing through the city with tall buildings towering around you. It’s a simple pleasure that has not changed much, even as NYC has evolved.
Mario Sorrenti: From Skateboarding to Fashion
Mario Sorrenti was a local NYC skater who beat the author in a competition at the Brooklyn Banks. Mario later quit skating, and pursued graffiti, modeling, and fashion photography. He became known as the guy who beat the author and his varied career path was a surprise.
Stana Weisburd: The Photographer
Stana Weisburd was the woman behind these amazing photos, captured in her 1986 Keith Haring tee. Her photos preserve moments in time that would have been lost. It’s remarkable how a few pictures taken by a teenager in the 80s can hold so much meaning today, demonstrating the importance of documenting our histories.
These photos by Stana Weisburd and the stories behind them offer a glimpse into the skateboarding culture of 1980s NYC. The era was marked by a unique blend of style, creativity, and camaraderie, captured through the lens of a young skater. Her work immortalizes these moments, offering a look back at a pivotal time in skateboarding history.
Photos by: Stana Weisburd
Captions by: Eli Morgan Gesner
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