Amid all the Rio hullaballoo, it’s easy to overlook the announcement that skateboarding will officially be included in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Not that it’s a new sport by any means: The first board was created sometime in the ’50s in—where else—California.
Today, we’re taking a look at five thoroughly modern poster kids for the sport, from boarders to photographers, and even a group of lawyers dedicated to preserving the gritty, guerrilla vibe.
#skateboarders #skatelife #skateordie #thrasher
@sierra_prescott
Sierra Prescott seems like a gift to the social media skate world from the time-travel gods. Looking at her feed raises the question, “1973 or now?” Her throwback fashion sense and completely unironic positivity make her a great girl-power ambassador of the moment. No offense to the Tabloid Queens, but Sierra’s a role model and a shredder.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Followers: 43.6k
@andrewjamespeters
The skate world is known for being a global exchange (fitting for a sport that’s all about motion), and Sydney’s thriving, pulsing skate scene has a recent export: Andrew James Peters, a 27-year-old photographer. He now calls L.A. home, and gave a super-refreshing and candid interview about the difference between the two cities to Huck magazine (a mag everyone should be reading).
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Followers:11k
@enwhytj
Most big cities have a skate heritage, but warmer, beachside spots tend to spit out skate talent faster. Which makes Tyshawn Jones, Bronx-born and a newly minted pro, even more of a lightning rod. He’s now partnered with Supreme, is releasing a mix tape, and in almost every interview—recently, there have been plenty—he’s staunchly committed to not being a follower. Plus, Tyshawn has a super-cute new puppy. And perhaps more seriously, he has the support of heavy hitters. Just a few weeks ago, Nat Geo-favorite photographer Jonathan Mehring posted his congrats on Tyshawn going pro.
Location: Bronx, NY
Followers: 80.6k
@chimaferguson
Another Sydney star: Chima Ferguson, who’s apparently something of a white whale for photographers. (In that Huck interview, Andrew James Peters said, “I don’t have the classic photo of Chima that I want yet.”) He has an eye for graphic design, too, and Real Skateboards tapped him for a collaboration on a few decks. This sunrise/sunset style is wall-art worthy.
Location: Sydney, Australia
Followers: 45.6k
@yescomplylaw
Skate videos are notoriously guerilla. (Who grew up rewatching CKY2K in a suburban basement?) They’re dangerous, and innocent bystanders come into play. For those reasons—and several more—skateboarders can really use good legal representation. Enter Yes Comply, *the* one-stop legal shop for skateboarders, filmers, and skate brands. If you think law is dry, check out the feed: trespassing, loitering, injury videos. It’s a behind-the-scenes look that’s typically reserved for a legal office.
Followers: 3,885
