Discover the untapped artistry found within the skateboarding world; a creative freedom for skaters in their culture.
This Skateboarding Day, dive into the diverse world of skateboarding. From creating different ways to keep skateboarding alive, coloring the walls and pavements with visuals reminiscent of skate experiences, to transforming public places—like roadsides, eskinitas, and underbridges—into spaces for skaters to experiment.
Fingerboarding
Fingerboarding is one of the many arts in skate culture. Tech Deck—this name might ring a bell for y’all, especially to the skaters in the scene or the wanna-be skater kids back in the day. It’s the brand of the toy that started it all.
With miniature skateboards made out of material resembling life-sized ones—many kids, teens, and adults from the ‘90s to early 2000s enjoyed this hobby of using their fingers to do mini skateboard tricks in any space accessible to them.
For many people, fingerboarding may be thought of as a lost art, but surprisingly there are still people who keep this knack alive. From building a mini skate park, playing with fingerboarders (or those who want to learn), to creating artistic mini skateboards—fingerboarding is still here to ignite the inner child of each skater.
Fingerboarding is more difficult than you think, but it’s hella fun! Check out Aliw Fingerboard or Vector Fingerboard Shop and try this hobby out.
Deck Art
When we talk about “art” in skateboarding culture, deck art is probably the first thing that comes to mind. It is simply (also iconically) visual art and graphic design on a board.
These art under skateboards come to life in many different ways: from sketches to custom painted illustrations, digitally designed images to screen printed ones, and even scratching and spray painting the boards.
Skateboarding is freedom of self-expression; it’s tailored to fit one’s personality. And what better way would this come to life than to choose your own deck?
If you’re a simple person, who likes classics—maybe a black and white minimalist board is for you. For a gal who likes to express her femininity, a Barbiecore-themed skateboard with hot pink wheels might be the one for her. A metal rock god can pick a board with Iron Maiden on it; a person proud of their queerness can choose a board resembling their flag or LGBTQIA+ influences.
At the end of the day, these skateboarders can let their individualities shine all while skateboarding through town.
Wanna own a board? Find the right one for you at Wang Hardware.
Graffiti and Street Art in Skate Parks
If you noticed, the places where skateboarders usually roll along are the ones with spray painted tags on alleys, colorful and larger-than-life graffiti on walls, and statement stickers on sign posts that often call for a more progressive society.
This is no coincidence. Although skateboarding and graffiti are two different street subcultures, their connection is unbreakable. Why? Because they are both art forms that reclaim public spaces.
Graffiti and skateboarding are undoubtedly two transformative experiences intertwined. In graffiti, you make your mark with vibrant colors and distinct styles on any blank canvas, whether it be an old brick wall, ramps of skate parks, or the pole of a road sign.
Meanwhile, in skateboarding, you express yourself through pushing yourself on a skateboard from one place to another, doing tricks in the air, flying on land with wind beneath your arms, and feeling the adrenaline rush through your veins—all in all, an overwhelming feeling of freedom amidst everything.
Look at Manila’s “Graffiti Wall Spot” back in the day and take a peek at this quick video.
Skate Videos
Right now, in the ‘20s, TikTok and Instagram Reels are the go-to platforms for skaters to post their skate videos—usually these takes are posted as is for a more authentic vibe; for the viewers to feel like they are there in the moment with them.
But before the easy takes and quick posts on social media, the roots of skate videography go way back: in a world with limited storage, no available backups, and retro handheld camcorders.
The art of filmography can definitely be seen in skate videos: documenting the life of skaters on streets and parks. Through these lenses, you’ll encounter skaters’ failed tricks, dangerous trial and errors, mind blowing ollies that make you gasp, and ramp/grab stunts.
Nevertheless, the aesthetic of skate videos back then in showing these experiences are embedded in many people’s minds, with Shackle Me Not as its trailblazing film. Aside from the heart-stopping happening, the trademark gritty visuals like the VHS and fisheye lens effect bring a long-lasting impact to film and skate enthusiasts everywhere. The hip-hop, grunge, and punk music in these films are just a bonus.
Now, skate videos have truly evolved, but somehow you can still catch glimpses of classic elements in these takes. And of course, the everlasting subject: skateboarders on the street.
Filming these may be more accessible than ever, but the timing of tricks, closing up on wheels, and even skaters holding the cam/phone from their POV—are still a work of art.
Watch the local skate videos here Raw Files Skatevideos and threedown.
The Creativity of Skaters Everywhere
Here’s something that’s not often talked about: the creativity of skateboarders utilizing spaces that are available and accessible to them; the resourcefulness and bravery of these people despite the hostile environment they skate in—all for them to express themselves; all for them to claim their freedom in a repressive society.
The skate community is a collaborative one, no doubt. And at the end of the day, as long as they don’t step on other people, they would continue skating and expressing themselves, no matter how much they are stifled by outside factors—whether it be societal pressure, people who do not understand their craft, or anyone who instills fears in them.
Salute to all our skateboarders out there. Stay safe, rock on, and Happy Skateboarding Day!
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