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Mar 11 2014

How Skateboarding Works

45 min 4 movies discussed
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Skateboarding started out as something bored surfers did when the waves weren't breaking, but after a few improvements to the design, it took off like a rocket to become its own cultural phenomenon. Come gleam the cube with Josh and Chuck.

AI Summary

Josh and Chuck roll through the fascinating four-wave history of skateboarding, from its humble 1950s beginnings as "sidewalk surfing" to today's mainstream phenomenon. They explore how key innovations like urethane wheels, improved trucks, and the kicktail transformed skateboarding from a dangerous fad into an art form, while diving into the legendary Dogtown Z-Boys crew who revolutionized the sport in empty swimming pools during California's 1970s drought. Along the way, they break down skateboard anatomy, riding techniques, and classic tricks like the ollie that form the foundation of modern skating.


Movies Discussed

Back to the Future
Back to the Future
1985 1h 56m
★ 8.3
"if you've seen the movie Back to the Future when Marty McFly rips the little milk crate off the front — Josh references the movie when explaining the origins of skateboards and how they evolved from homemade wooden scooters." — Josh
Dogtown and Z-Boys
Dogtown and Z-Boys
2002 1h 30m
★ 7.0
"if you've seen the great documentary, Dogtown and Z-Boys — Chuck recommends this documentary about early skateboarding culture and mentions it has amazing footage and good music." — Chuck
Hey Dude
Hey Dude
1989
★ 6.8
"stars of the cult classic show Hey Dude — The show is mentioned in a promotional segment for another podcast hosted by the show's former stars."
Lords of Dogtown
Lords of Dogtown
2005 1h 47m
★ 7.1
"highly recommended over the movie version, The Lords of Dogtown — Chuck compares the documentary Dogtown and Z-Boys favorably to its fictional movie adaptation Lords of Dogtown." — Chuck

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