Cars and skateboarding, seemingly an unlikely pair, have a surprisingly rich history of collaboration. Beyond their primary function of transportation, cars have served as unique canvases for skateboarders to express their creativity and push the boundaries of the sport. From iconic boardslides to mind-bending flips, skaters have transformed these metal beasts into objects of both admiration and destruction. This article pays tribute to the most unforgettable moments where cars became an integral part of street skateboarding history.
Heath Kirchart and Jeremy Klein destroying a car
Natas Kaupas – Streets on Fire [1989]
Natas Kaupas is often hailed as a pioneer in street skateboarding, and his innovative approach to obstacles extends to cars. In his groundbreaking part in Streets on Fire, Natas executes a stylish boardslide on a car. This trick not only showcased his unique style but also sparked a trend, leading to many early 90s skateboarding contests featuring a random car on the course. While his fashion choices, like high tops with high socks, may not have endured, his influence on skating on cars remains undeniable.
Vincent Alvarez – Out There [2022]
Vincent Alvarez brings a raw, unpredictable energy to skating. For a Thrasher lifestyle video, he not only skated a car but also took things a step further by smashing the back windshield of his Volvo. This clip perfectly captured the blend of raw energy and creativity that car skating embodies. While it raises questions about the actual safety of Volvos, it certainly inspires skaters to look at cars as more than just means of transport.
Pablo Ramirez – El Camino [2018]
The name GX1000 is often associated with a bold, no-holds-barred approach to skateboarding. Pablo Ramirez’s ollie over a car in El Camino perfectly embodies this spirit. The sheer power and skill demonstrated in this clip make it an instant classic. It’s a moment that needs no complex analysis, just pure admiration, much like the reaction of the “mean aunt” looking spectator in the video.
Heath Kirchart & Jeremy Klein – Destroying America [2001]
Parking lot demos were an essential part of skateboarding culture in the past, offering fans a unique opportunity to witness their favorite pros in a raw, unfiltered environment. The Destroying America section highlights this era. It showcases the chaotic and entertaining nature of these events, with Jeremy Klein driving around in a car with a flaming dashboard. Heath Kirchart’s noseblunt across the roof box is a highlight, but Jeremy’s burning car is an unforgettable moment that epitomizes the chaotic energy of old-school demos.
Daewon Song & Marc Johnson – Broadway Bullet [2017]
Daewon Song and Marc Johnson are known for their technical wizardry and unique approaches to street skateboarding. Filmed under the BQE in Brooklyn, Broadway Bullet captures their creativity as they skate on and around a car. The gritty urban setting perfectly complements their style. The mention of the car being used for other purposes hints at the raw reality of the locations, while also adding a touch of humor and street credibility.
Brandon Bonner – Instagram Clip
Brandon Bonner’s car skating is a testament to the evolution of the sport. His innovative trick involves jumping out of a moving car’s window, landing on the roof, performing a perfect back 360, and then seamlessly hopping back into the driver’s seat. This display of skill and control defies expectations and showcases a next-level approach to incorporating cars into skateboarding. The seamless transition back into the car and driving off adds a touch of cinematic flair.
Jake Johnson – Static IV [2014]
Jake Johnson’s skating is known for its smoothness and grace, and his car skating is no exception. His effortless wallie and clean roll across the hood of a car epitomize how every skater wishes they could approach this type of obstacle. The fluidity and control make it appear easy, even though the difficulty is high, which is a hallmark of Johnson’s style.
Jordan Taylor – String Theory [2020]
While pickup trucks are often associated with practicality, Jordan Taylor transforms one into a dynamic skate obstacle. His front board pop out on a moving truck challenges the norm and redefines what’s possible with a seemingly ordinary vehicle. This trick highlights his skill and creativity and showcases how unconventional vehicles can be incorporated into skateboarding.
Ariana Spencer – The ’94 Camaro Edit [2020]
The Camaro is a car with deep roots in pop culture, and Ariana Spencer’s contribution adds a new dimension to its legacy. The ’94 Camaro Edit from Fancy Lad shows the car being smashed, window broken, and tires slashed before becoming the subject of some seriously impressive skating. Ariana’s ass-slide-power-slides capture the raw and rebellious nature of skateboarding. The edit perfectly encapsulates the fun and creative destruction that car skating can entail.
Tom Penny – Menikmati [2000]
Tom Penny is known for his smooth and effortless style, and his skating on contest courses during the late 90s and early 2000s was captivating. His hippy jump through the front window of a car is a prime example of the creativity and boldness that defined this era. It stands in contrast to the more commercialized approach to skatepark design today, highlighting the unique and innovative nature of the early days of skateboarding.
Blondey – Palasonic [2017]
Blondey’s hood bash to front flip is an unexpected and highly impressive addition to this list. This trick pushes the boundaries of what’s considered possible with a car, and its sheer creativity and technical difficulty make it a standout moment. It is a clear demonstration of the evolution of car-based skateboarding and how it still continues to be redefined.
In conclusion, the history of skateboarding on cars is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of skaters. From iconic boardslides to revolutionary flips, these moments have pushed the boundaries of the sport and inspired a new generation of skaters. It proves that cars are more than just modes of transportation; they’re blank canvases for imagination and rebellion.
