LIVING ON VIDEO – Chapter # 7
Skateboarding is such a powerful visual medium so it makes sense that films and videos are a massive part of its history. The first skateboard film was released at the height of the skateboarding boom in 1965. “Skaterdater” was an 18-minute film that greatly influenced the popularity of skateboarding.
The film was shown in both movie theatres worldwide and schools. An April 1966 Time Magazine review called the story of “Skaterdater” ‘a minor theme polished to a “professional perfection. (It’s) a swift, sensitive and funny celebration of a small universal truth. Succinct as poetry, “Skaterdater” simply happens like a green spring morning, the lyric cinematic equivalent of light verse.’
“Skatedater” won the Palme d’Or for Best Short Film at the 1966 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award.
As editor of Concrete Wave, I had an opportunity to interview and hang out with Gregg Carroll, who was part of the cast. For the Vol 1 No. 4 edition, Gregg generously wrote a six-page story about his involvement with skateboarding and the film. His words capture the impact of “Skaterdater” beautifully:
“I don’t think anybody at the time had any idea that the film “Skaterdater” would be the classic it has become. Its eternal theme stands the test of time, and the cinematography is absolutely polished to brilliant perfection. There was nobody in our lives at the time that hadn’t seen the film, including teachers, friends, relatives, classmates, or just behind the local store register.”
Discussing Life and the Afterlife
In a previous book I co-wrote called “The Endless Wave – Skateboarding, Death & Spirituality,” I wrote about Gregg. Parts of this piece come from that book. A word of warning – I am going to be discussing death and dying. This might be a topic that could be unpleasant for some, but the truth is that death is a part of life.
As publisher of Concrete Wave, I travelled to California extensively. Although I didn’t have many face-to-face visits with Gregg, my time with him was truly special. He was a down-to-earth person and very spiritual. One day, I recall hanging out in Dana Point, sitting on two chairs, discussing life and the afterlife. It was truly an emotional experience that lasted well over 6 hours.
At the time we were sitting in Dana Point, Gregg had been diagnosed with cancer. It was starting to destroy his body, but his mind was still very sharp. Gregg had come to terms with his terminal illness. He had begun to reflect on his life and his contributions to skateboarding. Being with him during this time was a privilege because I knew that time was a precious commodity for Gregg. In November of 2013, Gregg died.
I was fortunate to attend the 2014 Skateboarding Hall of Fame in Costa Mesa, California. Gregg was inducted that night, and his daughter delivered the speech that he had written in advance. It was truly amazing to hear his words through her voice. Gregg had prepared every detail concerning the induction. Eerily, he had a premonition that he would be inducted into the Hall of Fame, which is why he wrote the speech.
For many in the room, there was a sense that Gregg’s spirit was there. I’d say he made his presence known by being truly prepared. Although this wasn’t a funeral or end-of-life celebration for Gregg, it sure felt like it. What I took away from it was to write something for my funeral that the family could read.
Funeral Director’s Assistant?
As some people know, when I sold Concrete Wave Magazine, I went to work as a funeral director’s assistant. I know it seems like an odd career move. Trust me, you don’t know the half of it!
What strikes me about Gregg is that he took the time to leave a message to those he left behind. It’s been eleven years since I witnessed this event, and I still think about it.
I probably attended over 750 funerals, but only once did I encounter the idea of leaving something to be read out at your passing. With the right amount of preparation and thought, your voice will reach well beyond the grave.
What you decide to put into this farewell address is entirely up to you. You can add humour, insights or whatever happens to be on your mind when you write it. I have my little speech hidden in a container that holds my socks. My brother knows where it is – so if I die unexpectedly, he’d know where to find it.
You also can keep adding to the words or edit out pieces you don’t think fit. I suggest revisiting the speech every year or two and refining it. Of course, you could write it and be done with it. Just make sure someone other than you knows where to find it.
Gregg’s final words to the audience brought everything into focus:
“When those tough days come when you feel the walls closing in on you a little, go jump on your skateboard and feel that special stoke.”
That is excellent advice, and the fact that it was delivered during the induction of Gregg into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame makes it that much more special.
Videos Become the Catalyst
When skateboarding died in the early 80s, it went underground. Backyard ramps, contests, Thrasher Magazine and fanzines helped keep the embers burning. But what was the catalyst that got people excited about skateboarding again? Ironically enough, it was two videos and one short segment in what turned out to be a blockbuster film.
Powell Peralta’s Bones Brigade Video hit in 1983.
Their second video, Future Primitive, arrived a year later.
In the early 1980s, VCR’s had just started to take off. Powell Peralta’s timing was perfect because thousands could watch and rewatch in their homes. When skate shops showcased the Bones Brigade videos in the store, it added fuel to the fire.
I have fond memories of watching both of these videos, which would be on repeat every time I stepped foot into my local skate shop. The freestyle parts, including Rodney Mullen and Per Welinder, mesmerized me. Tommy Guerrero’s ollie over bushes was so jaw-dropping that I remember asking the store manager to replay it a few times to try and understand what he was doing.
It’s estimated that over 600 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute of each day. It’s mind-boggling to think how much video is recorded and shared if you include Facebook, Snap Chat and TikTok.
Sometimes, it feels like we are drowning in a sea of video. But rather than becoming overwhelmed, I urge you to step back and think about the power of keeping things alive on video. Tapping into skateboarding’s roots through things like YouTube can be a blessing and not a curse. We can learn so much about our past by examining the films and videos that were the catalysts for drawing people into skateboarding. How do I know this? All you have to do is take yourself back to the future!
