MASSESZINE NO. 7 : THE SKATEBOARDING ISSUE

1

7

2

3

SEV EN

Editor-In-Chief

Rhysher Park

Mr. Wong of Zone5

Bryan Chin

@rhysherpark

@Zone5_Skateshop

@bryanbotakchin Editorial Designer

Masses Studio

Editor

Carmen See

14A, Jalan 1/77A, Pudu,

Jeremy Tan

@carmensee

55100 Kuala Lumpur.

@jeremiahnatusch Advertising Manager

Connect

Contributing Editor

Chloe Gan

hello@masses.com.my

Aaron Lee

@chloewenwen

www.masses.com.my facebook.com/massesmy

@inthefold Special Thanks

twitter.com/massesmy

Assistant Editor

Vans Malaysia

instagram.com/massesmy

Lim Jing Run

@vansmyofficial

@jrforeal DC Shoes Malaysia Writers

@dcshoesmy

Tunway Yeoh @tunway_futuremade

Pa’Din Musa @padinmusa

Khaliss Khair @muhamadkhaliss

Nizam Lee @nizamleedeathrow

Fazlur Redza @fazeatworld

Zaim Anuar @z.lion.a

Jojo Chan @poisedpeony

Khadijah Juswil @jahjus

Zhafirry Fenner -

Aliff Zulkifli of STBX @screwthebox

Photographer Safwan Sarimin

Wheel Love Skateshop

@_safwans

@wheel_love

4

CO NT ENTS

p.7 Editor’s Note p.8 From Tidal Waves To Pavements: The Creation Of The Skateboard p.20 Skateboarding 101 p.50 50 Years Off The Wall p.60 The Van Doren Spirit p.70 Vans 50th Collection p.76 Vans Family Interview p.96 Brands That You Should Know p.120 #waitwhat p.126 Past - Present - Future p.152 Surfing Concrete Will Never Die p.158 Vina Marwan of Cherry Bomb p.164 Reflection by Screwthebox p.170 Skin Deep With Hellbent Skateboarding p.176 Directory

6

EDITO R ’ S NOT E

In an attempt to encapsulate the freedom and exhilaration awarded by grinding wheels onto pavement, we will delve into the land surfing world of skateboarding in our 7th issue of MASSESzine!

Very much a Southern California tradition, skateboarding defined many a childhood, while influencing an entire culture based on making a playground out of anywhere with solid ground.

We take a look at the sport’s rich history, pick the minds of various personalities for a personalized view of the local skating scene, and get in touch with prominent icons in the global skateboarding scene to chat about a brand so influential to the culture, some would argue the brand itself is synonymous to skateboarding.

7

Vans geeks in particular are going to love this issue as we give you a series of articles covering a collection of the brand’s stylish sneakers, the shoemaker’s history from the eyes of the founder’s son, and interviews with some local Vans enthusiasts that are prominent within our niche community.

Anyway, I know I’m a little late to say this, but...Surprise! This marks the first time the foreword for an issue of MASSESzine isn’t written by our resident Buddha. He’s a little too busy bringing enlightenment with his shiny bald head, so here I am in his place.

Um... yeah. Hi! Till next time!

Jeremy Tan, Editor.

8

FROM TIDAL WAVES TO PAVEMENTS: THE CREATION OF THE SKATEBOARD Words by Aaron Lee

What if we could surf on land? It was likely this question that ignited the start of the skateboarding phenomenon and brought the freedom enjoyed riding the waves onto solid ground.

During the years when rock ‘n roll was still good and awesome, when Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were still hot (she’s actually still hot, him not so much), a time where streetwear and high fashion actually had clear distinctions, there was an age where skateboarding reigned supreme. That would be a time most of you would be familiar with, whether you are Generation X or Y. Usually related to teen punks and rebels, parents are now more accepting of their children learning to skateboard as they are no longer inclined to associate skateboarders to the activity’s antiestablishment roots. What’s interesting is how it has become such a widely accepted global phenomenon and a recognized sport similar to football or basketball.

Let’s dive into the history that’s shaped skateboarding today and how it continues to have an influence on popular culture, media and sports. There are so many milestones in skateboarding but we will include the primary factors that have defined it as a recreational activity, a method of transportation, an action sport and at its very core: a lifestyle.

9

10

20s – 40s

In the 1920s, the first known skateboard resembled a 3-wheeled, stamped metal device with pedal-car style wheels and an adjustable toe clip along with an equally adjustable heel cup. It came with a set of poles and was usually sold in pairs. Another 3-wheeled device named the “Scooter Skate” was born; the hybrid child of the skateboard and scooter after spending a night together. It came with steel roller-skate style wheels and could be ridden with or without its handles. In 1945, the “Skeeter Skate” was made with pedal-car style wheels and detachable handles. It would be the first time users

11

would be able to maneuver, as previous models were not designed for steering.

These early “skateboards” might not have anything to do with how the modern skateboard looks like or how it’s ridden now but they were influential in its current design. Note that during this timeframe, these devices were also not designed specifically for skateboarding but they would later on become the base for future board designs.

12

13

14 50s – 60s

Surfing in California in the 1950s became a subculture and after riding the waves, surfers started to look for ways to ride the pavement as well. It was this era that gave birth to the first true skateboard. It has never been clearly stated who invented the skateboard but you can thank the wild ideas of several hippies for the wooden plank (often from milk crates) on wheels we have all come to love and recognize. In those days, riding a wooden board made with clay wheels (introduced in 1959) was so fascinating that it would warrant more than a few stares. Early skaters would emulate the moves of riding a wave and perform barefoot. During this time only hardcore surfers would take skateboarding to the streets and it wasn’t until the 60s that skateboarding would truly take off.

In 1962, the Val Surf became the first known retail shop to sell skateboards and skateboarding began to be called “sidewalk surfing”. The strong connection with surfing has always given skateboarding its direction, from the moves and tricks you pull off with it to the clothes you would wear.

In 1963, skateboarding hit its first popularity boom and competitions began to emerge, which included the Downhill Slalom and Freestyle (ice skating with a skateboard, imagine that). The skateboard culture continued to go through evolutionary shifts which included a board manufactured from Bo-Tuff (fiberglass-reinforced epoxy) with a core made of maple wood, skateboard groups being formed and the release of the song “Sidewalk Surfing” by musical group Jan and Dean.

1965 was a year of many firsts for the skateboarding scene. Skateboarding became widespread and very popular while companies were struggling to meet demand. Skaters began exploring backyard swimming pools instead of the usual sidewalks and streets they were accustomed to. The first ever skateboard organization, the National Skateboard Championships Association (NSCA) was formed in Anaheim, California which held a skateboard championship that was televised on ABC’s “Wide World of Sports.”

Unfortunately, it was around this time that the “boarding” movement began to see a decline. Clay wheels didn’t grip the road well, resulting in many emergency room visits by skateboarders. Officials and safety organizations then urged the public to not buy skateboards, encouraged the ban of skating on the streets and decreed that the skateboard was simply not safe. As a result, the skateboarding fad took its first sudden nosedive in popularity.

Of course, die-hard enthusiasts continued doing their thing, taking to the pavement on skateboards regardless. Also, in 1966, the lockdown on skating in public did not stop brothers Jim and Paul Van Doren from building a shoe factory in Anaheim. This company would be later known as Vans. Starting with surfers, Vans would later become a popular choice for skateboarders with their ‘Off the Wall’ line of shoes specifically designed for skateboarders.

15

16 70s – 80s

1972 was the year that revolutionized boarding.

Frank Nasworthy started the company Cadillac Wheels with the invention of urethane wheels (Hobie Alter looked into it first in the 60s but it was too expensive then) and that made it possible for skateboarding to make its comeback. There were also two names that were featured prominently during the 1970s: the Zephyr team and Alan Gelfand.

The Zephyr team a.k.a the Z-Boys (with notable members comprising Tony Alva, Jay Adams and Stacy Peralta) was the first to show people the appeal of riding their boards low and smooth, something that was never done before they came along. In 1975, using styles from Hawaiian surfers Buttons Kaluhiokalani and Mark Liddell, the Zephyr team went on to impress the crowd at the Del Mar National Championships thanks to their new, progressive style of skateboarding and to this day remains one of the most influential teams in skateboarding history. The Z-Boys were also credited for the birth of vert skating. A year after, Vans designed its first skateboarding shoe.

In 1978, the low-to-the-ground style of skateboarding was only a few years into its popularity when Alan Gelfand would introduce to the world a revolutionary maneuver called the “Ollie”, which also happens to be his nickname.

The Ollie is a move that requires you to slam the back of your foot down on the tail of your board and jumping, propelling yourself and your board into the air. Today, the maneuver he invented lives on as most tricks are based on performing an Ollie before doing more complicated tricks. Alan Gelfand was recognized for his achievements and inducted into the skateboard hall of fame in 2002.

There was a decline in skateboarding during the end of the 70s, heralding the second time its popularity dipped. Skateboarding was still deemed a dangerous activity and combined with the fact that less people were skating, many public skate parks were forced to close. In fact, in 1978 – 1989, the use of skateboards was forbidden in Norway! However, a new underground movement was ushered in, keeping the skateboarding culture alive.

The streets during the 1980s became the skaters’ playground for grinding their wheels since most skate parks were shut down during this period. It was also during this time that VCR influenced the skateboarding scene and proved to be a key element in reviving it. In 1984, The Bone Brigade Video Show made its debut and was a series of episodes based on future skateboarding icons that included the likes of Tony Hawk, Kevin Staab, Lance Mountain, Steve Caballero and Mike McGill.

This was also a time when skateboarding began influencing media (the first issue of Thrasher was published in 1981), clothing styles, culture and music. But just as it seemed to begin to reach new heights, it took another nosedive in popularity.

Street skating was still around but it was the pro skaters who suffered the most. In fact, Tony Hawk suffered so much during this time (late 80s till early 90s) that he lost his first wife! But today, Tony Hawk is a household name in skateboarding. It goes to show how much passion this man has for this lifestyle. Rad!

17

18 90s – 00s

The early 90s saw a rise in popularity again with the emerging genre of punk music. Then in 1995, ESPN held the first ever Extreme Games in Rhode Island and it was a huge success, forever changing the scene in the process. Skateboarding evolved into a more mainstream sport instead of just a lifestyle (there were some who hated the fact it became mainstream) and sparked interest in the younger generation. It became apparent that it was the next revolutionary step for the skateboard movement.

Seeing skaters like Paul Rodriguez a.k.a P-Rod attaining fame and fortune via sports endorsements and the like made kids realize that traditional jobs such as becoming an accountant or a doctor weren’t the only jobs to get you good money.

Skateboarding shoes also became immensely popular with companies like Vans, Globe, and DC making millions off the skateboarding lifestyle. Nike came up with its own line of skate shoes in 1997, going up against more established skate companies like Vans and it was only in 2002 (when Nike’s SB line was introduced) that Nike began to see a more profitable margin. Even skate wear apparel turned out to be money makers with notable companies like Diamond Supply Co., RCVA and Hurley raking in the dough with apparel such as baggy jeans making the rounds.

Since the 2000s, skateboarding has enjoyed immense popularity in media. In 2005, Danny Way set another milestone for skateboarders by jumping over the Great Wall of China! Ushering in a new age for skateboarding, it could be seen everywhere from children’s skateboards to skateboarding video games featuring Tony Hawk’s likeness to Bart Simpson’s street surfing at every beginning of a Simpson’s episode. Commercialization has brought skateboarding very much into the limelight.

Although the skateboarding scene of today is experiencing yet another decline, you only have to surf YouTube for countless homemade videos of concrete surfing or skateboard tricks (and some devastating fails) for proof that it isn’t dead; it’s merely biding its time.

As you may have gathered, there’s a cycle here, similar to that of fashion or economic cycles. But it is more than just a cycle as skateboarding is still embraced by the younger generation even today. It has infiltrated our way of life; whether it is through our fashion choices, taste in music or even our attitudes. Skateboarding may not be as prevalent in culture now, it will make a comeback and we predict it will be sooner rather than later.

Perhaps there are some who are happy with the current state of skateboarding. As mentioned earlier, there are groups of skaters who miss the underground days and hate how mainstream skateboarding has become. But to simply hate is detrimental. There are many who would disagree but without commercialization, skateboarding wouldn’t be where it is today. After all, without mass consumption, there would be no capital to fund development and research for improved decks or skate shoes for instance, would there?

Where will the skateboard movement go from here? All we know is that skateboarding continues to progress as companies make stronger, lighter skateboards and skaters are constantly coming up with new tricks. Skateboarding by itself has always been evolving, so we see no signs of it ever stopping. So hold on to your decks and polish your sidewalk surfing skills for the day will come when skateboarding will rule the concrete once again… until the hoverboard arrives.

19

20

SKATEBOARDING 101

The process of choosing the perfect skateboard for your pavementsurfing needs boil down to a few questions. Are you more of a cruiser or a tricks-based skater, or somewhere in between? What’s the kind of terrain that you will mainly be wading on? And what size?

It’s not quite as simple an affair as it may originally seem; you need a skateboard that has the right tail kick and has a deck that is suited to your shoe width, for example.

Whether you plan on taking one right off the shelf or piecing one together yourself, understanding the various components that sum up the skateboard and what each one does is a fundamental step in ensuring that your skateboard and you are a match made in landsurfing heaven.

21

22

HOW TO CHOOSE A SKATEBOARD? Words by Rhysher Park Photographs by Rhysher Park

We recently got in touch with one of Malaysia’s skate shops, “Wheel Love” to discuss skateboarding 101. In their view, whether this is your initiation into the world of skating or you’ve been riding for as long as you’ve been walking, it’s important to be aware of how your equipment can help you progress. When most people purchase a skate deck, for instance, they aren’t really aware of the technicalities behind it.

Here’s a general guide from Affidzi of “Wheel Love” that hopes to discern what type of skater you are and the gear you should buy to help improve your skills and bring you to the next level.

23

24

SKATEBOARD DECK Skateboard decks play a big role in the amount of tricks you land (such as an Ollie) or the way the road feels under your feet, not to mention how long your set-up will last. Take a peek into what types of features, sizes, and construction techniques you should consider when buying or building one of your own.

25

Width

Length

The width of most skate decks range between 7.5” and 8.75”. Firstly, do consider your stature and the type of skating you do most. Wider boards perform better if you are into vert riding, such as shredding the pool or going off ramps.

The length of a skate deck is measured from the nose right down to the tail and tends to fall between 28” and 32”. Of course, there are also longboards which as the name suggests can be much longer than the typical shortboard skate deck.

For larger skaters, more room is needed for their feet, with the larger surface area helping to counteract their higher centre of gravity. Narrower boards make tricks such as kickflips much easier to pull off. So if you are into street skating the best choice is to go for a smaller board width.

The shorter the board, the more narrow it will likely be. Conversely, longer boards tend to be wider.

Smaller boards work better for technical street tricks, while bigger boards are more appropriate for vert riders. To improve stability and balance, you might want to consider getting a longboard or a wider board.

Note that larger decks are easier to catch. Skaters need to be aware of the trade-off between deck sizes; smaller decks flip easier while larger decks are better at landing.

Wheelbase The wheelbase is the measured distance between two sets of mounting holes drilled into the deck for the trucks. It is usually about 13” to 15”. Taller people will likely be more inclined toward a wider wheelbase (which lets them widen their stance while skating) though this is also largely dictated by personal preference.

26

SKATEBOARD TRUCKS Trucks, which are metal-like axles that hold the wheels to the deck, comprise the key components to any skateboard. There are two trucks per set-up which hold two wheels apiece. Trucks should be durable and long lasting; it has to be capable of withstanding the wear and tear of the daily “grind�. Typically, the trucks will be the only parts left standing when your deck and wheels finally bite the dust.

27

Baseplate

Hanger

A baseplate is the flat part of the truck, which mounts directly to the skate deck, ensuring even pressure and a secure hold. The baseplate comes drilled with four or six mounting holes which match up with the insert holes on your deck. To attach the baseplate to the rest of the truck, a kingpin (a large bolt that holds the entire truck together) is fastened into a central pivot cup on the underside of the baseplate, which is the surface that will face the ground when fully assembled. This allows the trucks to have a wider range of motion without too much grinding on the metal itself.

The hanger is the T-shaped aluminium alloy grind area of the trucks, with wheels attached on either side and the kingpin running up the interior, interlocking with the bushings. This is the part of the truck that will have direct contact with rails and curbs, so it’s essential that it be durable.

Typically, hangers are about 10-13oz. In addition to the hanger’s weight, the width of the axle should definitely be considered, as the wheels need to be situated in a comfortable position in relation to your deck’s outline. This is usually within 1/4” of the deck’s edge.

Kingpin The kingpin is the most integral part of any skate truck. This one thick bolt is the only thing that stands between the skateboard and it dismantling, as it fastens the axle to the support cushions and then to the baseplate connector.

Bushings Rubber bushings are a major factor in the way a board will respond to your movement as they provide the cushioning support between the pieces of the truck while it twists and turns during use. There are two bushings per truck – four in total- and they come in several degrees of hardness.

Harder bushings offer more resistance to rider input, a plus for heavier riders and technical riders who perform a lot of street tricks and don’t want a wobbly board. Softer rubber bushings mean more responsive trucks during turns, so if you’re big on cruising you may want to look into these instead.

Some people prefer a wider wheel stance, while others like the wheels set closer together. Heavier riders will likely have a wider deck and should therefore buy wider-set trucks. Otherwise, it’s a personal choice developed through trial and error.

Risers There is a little give-and-take to be acknowledged when considering risers. Risers are small, rectangular pieces of hard plastic or rubberlike shock pads that comes in varying levels of thickness. They are used to raise the skate higher off the ground, to absorb impact or to decrease vibrations while riding.

Each riser is punched with six screw holes so that they fit both for small skates and longboards. These holes are the main point to secure the risers between the baseplate and deck. In some cases, risers can help ease the vibrations and relatively high impact associated with street skating.

28

SKATEBOARD WHEELS Wheels will impact your ride in several ways, including your speed, the way you feel your board, and your ability to control its movements. Wheel choice is therefore a big factor in any skate set-up.

29

Materials Almost all skate wheels are made from a hard composite material called polyurethane (PU). The introduction of PU wheels in the 1970s changed the face of skating forever, lending characteristics such as durability and resistance to abrasion to a sport that was in desperate need of more appropriate technology.

Durometer The durometer of a wheel is the measurement of its hardness or resistance. The durometer measurement most likely to be found on general wheels are “90A” or “75A”, with higher ratings equating to harder wheels. Harder wheels generally possess a durometer rating of 90A or above, and appeal to technical skaters. Powerslides, Ollies and other tricks are easier with hard wheels as they do not bounce back during impact, making them the prefered choice for street and vert skaters.

Unfortunately, hard wheels don’t dampen the vibrations caused by rough roads, so if you enjoy cruising over making tricks you may want to opt for a softer durometer. Softer wheels are slower and wear out faster, but they make riding on bumpy surfaces more comfortable and fun.

If you are a: Vert Rider: Most vert surfaces are designed for harder wheels. They are smooth to combat the lack of vibration dampening and somewhat making the slick wheels easier to control. Go with a set of wheels at the higher end of the durometer scale, 97A or above.

Street Rider: Skaters who enjoy the technical side of the sport need a wheel that will add pop and road feel to their set-up. Hard wheels – 97A and higher – are best for all of park riders.

All-around Rider: If you rarely go anywhere without your skate, skaters are likely to cruise around town. You’ll need to compromise a little, so go for a medium-hard wheel, somewhere between 90A and 97A. Cruiser/Longboard Rider: Pavement tends to be bumpy and cracked, so a set of wheels that will ease the rattle of the road will make your board feel and perform much better. Soft wheels are designed for just this purpose; with durometer ratings of 75A through 85A, cruising wheels help dampen the vibrations to let you glide with style.

Diameter The diameter of your wheels affects your board’s top speed, acceleration and ability to turn. Skate wheels are measured in millimeters and typically range from 49-75mm. Bigger wheels will provide a faster ride, however it will be more difficult to make sharp turns and they don’t accelerate as fast as their smaller counterparts. Small wheels are more effective for performing moves such as powerslides and blunts.

Vert Rider: Bigger wheels mean faster wheels. Try out something between 55-60mm, but you may eventually want to go even larger down the line.

Street Rider: Smaller wheels equals a lighter board with a lower foundation, ideal for street riding with a diameter somewhere between 50-55mm. If you are an all-around skater you will need to find middle sized ground wheels to tackle most terrain comfortably, somewhere between 54-60mm.

Cruise/Longboard Rider: Longboard-specific wheels are generally about 64-75mm in diameter. Those who who like to carve out sections of road on big, fat boards are Longboarders. They most likely require larger wheels to give them speed and stability.

30

TRICK TIPS Words by Khaliss Khair Directed by Lim Jing Run Photographs by Rhysher Park

If you are inspired to start skating after flicking through the pages of our skateboarding issue, we got you covered! We managed to get in touch with a rare skater girl, fine arts student Khadijah Juswil a.k.a Jahjus to share her tips on how to perform some skateboarding tricks. On a side note, make yourself comfortable on how to roll, balance, maneuver, stop and not forgetting, falling with your board first before moving on with the tricks. Have fun!

31

32

How To Do An Ollie Step 1: Place your front foot in the middle of your board and your back foot at the center of the tail.

Step 2: Bend your leg and prepare to spring yourself up.

Step3: Push your back foot down and pop the tail as you jump.

33

Step 4: Roll your front foot forward on your Grip Tape.

Step 5: To level the board at a good height, tuck your knees to your chest and lift up your back foot.

Step 6: Land on top of the bolts and absorb the impact.

(It’s best to start with a stationary Ollie first)

34

How To Do Heel Flip Step 1: Place your back foot in the middle of your tail while your front foot should be on top of the bolts and at the edge of the board with toes hanging off.

Step 2: Pop an Ollie and flick the board using your heel.

35

Step 3: Wait for the board to do a full rotation before catching it with your back foot.

Step 4: Land on top of the bolts and absorb the impact.

36

How To Shove-It Step 1: Build up a comfortable speed, then position your front foot on the front bolts with your back foot on the side pocket of the tail

Step 2: Without stomping the tail, use your back foot to shove the tail to your heel side. Using your front foot to create the rotation, jump a little as the board begins to spin.

37

Step 3: Catch the rotation using your front foot.

Step 4: Land on top of the bolts and absorb the impact.

38

How To Do 180 Step 1: Wind your upper body against the direction that you want to turn.

Step 2: Unwind and pop the board with your back foot; kick your heel and spin together with the board.

Step 3: Land on top of the bolts and absorb the impact.

(Your shoulder play a big role in this trick)

39

40

How To Do Kick Flip Step 1: Position your back foot in the middle of your tail and your front foot on top of the bolts of your board.

Step 2: Initiate an Ollie, then flick your front foot down on the edge of your skateboard.

41

Step 3: Wait for the board to do a full rotation, then catch it with your back foot.

Step 4: Land on top of the bolts and absorb the impact.

42

How To Pop Shove-It Step 1: Position your front foot on the board like how you would before performing an Ollie, but place your back foot at the toe side pocket of the tail.

Step 2: Pop an Ollie, scooping the tail harder than you’d normally do when pulling off a normal Shove-it, and let the board rotate 180 degrees.

43

Step 3: Catch the rotation using your front foot.

Step 4: Land on top of the bolts and absorb the impact.

44

TYPES OF DECKS

Popsicle

Cruiser

Pocket Rocket

Old Skool

45

Wheel Cutout

Double Kick

Pintail

Single Kick

46

YOU ARE WHAT YOU WEAR: SKATEBOARDERS EDITION Words by Jojo Chan Illustration by Ramesh Weston

The skateboarding culture is often associated with youth and a very easygoing lifestyle. One of the more intriguing things about the culture is the various types of skater-oriented fashion styles that you see when venturing into the scene.

Besides kicks, fashion’s love affair with the skater aesthetic extends from the ankle up, too. The clothing styles that skateboarders gravitate to seem to reflect the attitude of the sport and the person itself. Skater clothing has come a long way over the years, with celebrities and designers carrying different styles and incorporating more sleek and sophisticated looks into the mix.

From vanguard skater catalogues to preppy skater captures, these hip skater styles are bringing that classic California vibe back into mainstream fashion. No matter how you dress, if you feel comfortable skating that way then go ahead, don’t let anybody stop you. Anyone looking to break free from all the constraints and limitations that come with wearing formal attire should check out these hip skater styles.

Do note that this is a light hearted piece and should not be taken too seriously. Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, let’s dive right in!

47

The High End If you have the means and urge to splurge, you might as well go big or go home. When it comes to the latest and greatest skate brands, it is no surprise that Supreme and Palace are atop the list. These are some of the brands that are rare and limited, which is great if distinction through exclusivity is your target in the fashion department.

Though considering the culture’s hype has escalated lately thanks to the prevalence of hip hop icons, there’s much more to these skate brands than what most are saying on the style forums. Truth is, they might not even know much about the brand but thanks to the hype, they want a piece of their own regardless.

48

The On-A-Budget

The Hipster

We know the drill when the budget’s tight, so work with what you already have. If you have a good ole’ t-shirt that is still appropriately presentable, you’re good to go. Skaters who are on a budget are content to wear the same shirt they’re comfortable in on an almost daily basis. We’ve also seen budget skaters with really short skateboards (Short skateboards?!

What?). Due to the lack of cash, they tend to not fix their skateboards, or perhaps couldn’t even be bothered to get a new one. Sooner or later after skating for a long time, the friction will eat up the edges of their skateboards. So the next time you see someone with a really beat up board, just give them a pat on the back and say ‘it’s okay’.

Hipsters, hipsters everywhere. You can easily spot one by the high waters they tend to wear. If you have no idea what high waters are, they’re pants that fall around the ankle, which is perfect for flaunting your sexy legs. Though if that’s not your style, swap the high waters for skinny jeans, and top it off with a lumberjack shirt and a beanie to maintain the stereotypically cool hipster look.

49

The No-F*cks-Given

The Poser

The title says it all. They don’t give a dime about what they wear so long as they have their skateboards with them. They’re usually just clad in oversized tees and kargos. To them, fashion is secondary to comfort. A good skater doesn’t need no statement tee to stand out.

The Mr “Stylemeister”. They have the looks and the style. Tip-top fashion sense, and usually distinguished by their bomber jackets (because the local weather should never be an obstruction to fashion) and shorts with leggings underneath. Don’t be surprised if they’re all style and no substance, and probably don’t really know how to skate. So if you are into impression management, feel free to bust out that bomber jacket from the closet.

50

50 YEARS OFF THE WALL

Over the years the Vans name has cemented itself as a central gear in the machine fuelling the skateboarding culture across the globe.

Utilitarian and stylish in its simplicity, Vans apparel- primarily its footwear- tends to be the go-to choice for any hipster or skateboardsavvy individual in modern times.

But what ignited this behemoth trendsetter on its path to greatness?

We take a peek at the history of this footwear and apparel giant to discover its humble beginning and everything thereafter.

51

52

1966

Early 70s

1976

1966 Authentic

Brothers Paul Van Doren and Jim Van Doren along with partners Gordon Lee and Serge Delia open for business at 704 E. Broadway in Anaheim, Calif. on March 16.

The Van Doren Rubber Company is unique in that it manufactures shoes on premises and sells them directly to the public.

1976 Vans #95 (Era)

The Vans #95, now known as the Era, with a padded collar and different color combinations, is designed by Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta and becomes the shoe of choice for a generation of skateboarders.

On that first morning, 12 customers purchase shoes, which are made that day and ready for pick-up in the afternoon.

Vans #44 deck shoes, now known as the Authentic, are born.

The name House of Vans is coined for the first time and is showcased on the windows of the Anaheim location.

Vans’ “Off the Wall” logo makes its debut.

Skateboarders who like Vans’ rugged make-up and sticky sole are seen sporting Vans all over Southern California.

53

1977

1978

1982

1977 Vans #36 1978 Style 38

Vans #36, the Old Skool, debuts with the now famous Vans Sidestripe. The Old Skool is Vans’ first skate shoe that incorporated leather panels for increased durability. What started as a random doodle by Paul Van Doren was originally referred to as the “jazz stripe” and has become the unmistakable hallmark of the Vans brand.

The Vans #98 is also introduced and with the help of skateboarders and BMX riders, Vans Classic Slip-Ons become the rage in Southern California and will come to be the original Slip-On silhouette that will be known as an icon for generations.

By the end of the 70s, Vans has 70 stores in California and sells through dealers both nationally and internationally.

The Sk8-Hi was introduced in 1978 as “Style 38,” and showcased the now-iconic Vans Sidestripe on yet another innovative silhouette. As only the second model featuring the recognizable marker formerly known as the “jazz stripe,” the Sk8-Hi took skate functionality to the next level—above the ankle, where skateboarders used and abused their lower extremities the most. The Sk8-Hi not only shielded bones from skateboards catapulted at them but also brought a whole new look to the park.

Vans Classic Slip-Ons gain international attention and appeal when they are worn by Sean Penn in the film Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

54

1988

1991

Vans makes initial public offering of stock at $14 on the NASDAQ stock exchange.

The Vans Steve Caballero, the first signature skate shoe, is introduced.

1995

1995 Vans Wraped Tour

Vans sponsors the Warped Tour for the first time; In 2001 Vans will buy a controlling interest in what is now the Vans Warped Tour, the longest running concert series in America.

55

1996

1997

1998

1997 Vans Triple Crown 1996 Vans x Supreme

Vans and Supreme launch longterm partnership with a series of co-branded Old Skools.

1998 Vans Skatepark

Vans begins creating the world’s leading action sports series with the purchase of the Triple Crown of Surfing; by 2000 the Vans Triple Crown Series will include events in skateboarding, BMX, surfing, wakeboarding, snowboarding, freestyle motocross and supercross. The Series is broadcast on ESPN2.

Vans opens first of its kind, 46,000 square-foot indoor/ outdoor Vans Skatepark at the Block at Orange mall in Orange County.

56

2000

2003

2005

2003 Vans Vault

Vans launches the Vault by Vans collection, an offering of timeless footwear melding the worlds of high-fashion and premium design to Vans’ classic silhouettes.

2000 Lord Of Dog Town

Vans assists with the production of “Dogtown and Z-Boys,” Stacy Peralta’s look at the beginnings of skateboarding and the personalities that evolved the sport. The film takes the Audience Award and Best Director Award at the Sundance Film Festival. The film is narrated

by Sean Penn.

2005 Vans Marc Jacob

Vans continues to forge innovative collaborative efforts through the Vault by Vans line with Vans sneaker combinations with design giant Marc Jacobs and OC up-and-comers Trovata flying off shelves.

57

2007

2010

2012

Vans opens the House of Vans event space in Brooklyn, NY with music by Public Enemy and a hard charging bowl session headlined by skate legends Tony Alva, Steve Caballero and Omar Hassan.

2007 Vans x The Simpsons

Recognizing the cultural relevance of the Vans Warped Tour and its significance to the punk-rock and skate community, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland opens an exhibit documenting the Tour’s first 12 years.

Vans releases perhaps its most anticipated special collection to date with the Vans x The Simpsons series that features artwork from Kaws, Stash, Gary Panter, Geoff McFetridge, Dave Flores, Futura, Mr. Cartoon, Sam Messner, Taka Hayashi, Tony Munoz, Todd James and Neckface.

326 schools across the United States participate in Vans Custom Culture, the high school shoe customization contest which culminates in four schools traveling to Vans’ home turf for a weekend of activities including the final showcase at the Orange County Museum of Art. Winning school Rio Rancho High School of New Mexico receives a $10,000 grant towards the school’s art programs.

Vans opens first of its kind, 46,000 square-foot indoor/ outdoor Vans Skatepark at the Block at Orange mall in Orange County.

2012 No Room For Rockstar

No Room for Rockstars debuts in April as the first full-length documentary film about the Vans Warped Tour, produced by the same team that brought to life Dogtown and Z-Boys. The film is accepted into the Slamdance Film Festival as a featured presentation and shoots to the top of the iTunes Documentary Chart.

58

2013

2014

In an anniversary year, Vans celebrates 10 years of premium sneaker design with the anniversary of the Vault by Vans collection.

Vans collaborates with rock band Metallica. Each Metallica member – James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo – designs his own shoe and collaborates with Vans athletes including Pat Moore, Steve Caballero, Nathan Fletcher and Tony Trujillo for a special OffTheWall.TV series further defining what is means to be a part of the Vans family.

In July, Vans becomes the title sponsor the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California.

House of Vans takes to the Mohawk Stage at Austin’s South

by Southwest music festival.

Professional skateboarder Chima Ferguson and Vans create the Chima Pro shoe collection, the first signature pro model in six years.

album and film.

2014 Living Off The Wall

Vans launches it’s Living Off The Wall brand campaign.

The campaign features documentarians from around the globe using words, images and motion pictures to embody the roots of originality defining Vans as Off The Wall.

Vans takes off to a galaxy far, far away for an out-of-this-world collection featuring artwork from the original Star Wars trilogy.

The Force is strong with Vans, offering products that extends from Classics and Vault by Vans footwear to men’s apparel and women’s accessories. By combining heritage Vans prints with iconic Star Wars characters, both entities present a truly unique capsule this universe has not yet seen.

In March, Vans opens a 42,000 square foot skatepark in Huntington Beach California.

1,000 people attend opening day skateboarding elite Geoff Rowley, Johnny Layton, Kyle Walker and Christian Hosoi.

2014 House of Vans London

Vans teams up with the Beatles franchise to create the Spring 2014 The Beatles Yellow Submarine by Vans collection inspired by the iconic artwork from The Yellow Submarine

In August, House of Vans London, a 3,000sqm art, music and skate space under Waterloo station opens in

59

2015 London’s creative playground.

Representing the eclectic diversity of London and the cultures that have embraced Vans from its humble beginnings, through five decades, House of Vans opens with a showcase of creativity and a commitment to nurturing its next generation.

Steve Van Doren along with legends Tony Alva and Christian Hosoi, traveled to Boston in October to break ground on the long-awaited Lynch Family Skatepark that will open in Boston in 2015. For more than a decade, the Charles River Conservancy has battled to provide a safe environment and free park for local skateboarders and BMX riders.

Vans, is chosen as “Brand of the Year” by Footwear News during the trade publication’s annual Achievement Awards in December 2014. Carol Lim and Humberto Leon of Opening Ceremony and creative directors behind Kenzo, present the award to Vans President Kevin Bailey.

In the summer of 2015, Vans releases the Disney and Vans ‘Young at Heart’ and the Vault

by Vans x Takashi Murakami collections. These collaborations become instant fan favorites selling out across the globe.

Vans debuts Geoff Rowley’s first signature apparel collection with the launch of the new Rowley Solos in Pro Skate.

2015 Propeller

In May 2015, Vans makes skateboarding history with the highly anticipated launch of PROPELLER: A Vans Skateboarding Video, Vans’ first-ever skateboarding film.

This momentous occasion saw valuable international exposure for the Vans Pro Skate Team and even more global recognition for Vans’ storied legacy in skateboarding. PROPELLER becomes one of the fastestselling skate films to ever hit iTunes.

2015 Rowley Solos

You can find more Vans story here : http://www.vans.com.my/about-vans/vans-off-the-wall-since-66/

60

THE VAN DOREN SPIRIT Words & Interview by Bryan Chin

Steve was only 10 years old when his dad, Paul started the company back in 1966 together with his uncle Jim. It’s been 50 years since then, and the Vans brand has grown from a small shop in East Broadway, California to being one of the largest shoe companies in the world, with various distribution channels all across the globe that boast an annual sales of $2 Billion.

61

62

Although the company has grown to great heights, Vans has always managed to keep it “authentic” (pun intended) and shy away from massive marketing budgets and celebrity endorsements to sell their shoes, choosing to focus on building a culture organically instead. Even during the company’s beginnings, Paul Van Doren wouldn’t invest in marketing his products, instead focusing his effort on making great shoes that would outlast, outstyle and outshine the rest, which would mean being in direct contact with the consumer and hearing their feedback and improving from there.

Steve Van Doren, the son of Paul Van Doren, is one of the very few people that’s been around since the company’s humble beginnings, and is still very much a part of Vans today. Although Vans is no longer owned by the Van Doren family, he still continues to instill that “Van Doren” spirit into the company, anchoring the company to its roots. We managed to get a hold of Steve while he was doing an Asia tour to speak about all things Vans, and what the future holds for the brand.

63

64

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the brand, and being one of the very few people who was there since the brand’s beginnings, what is the first thing that goes through your mind when making the trip down memory lane?

I am very honored to work with Vans for 50 years, a company my father started. The first thing I think about when I look back on Vans’ history is the people that have made the brand what it is today.

From the employees that work for the brand, to our athletes and the artists that have used our shoes as their canvas, the young and the young at heart that have sought out Vans to be their favorite pair of shoes. Vans has encouraged so many forms of creative expression with generations of Vans fans who have truly defined the Vans “Off The Wall” spirit. I thank the thousands of people who have worked hard and long to build Vans as a worldwide brand. My father, Paul Van Doren, always said that he did not start a shoe company but he started a people company who made shoes. 50 years later we are still in business making great shoes and apparel that appeal to people around the world.

When people think of skateboarding, the majority of them will most likely think of Vans. Tell us how important skateboarding has been to the brand and how did the relationship between the brand and the sport start?

Skateboarding is the foundation of Vans’ heritage.

Back in the ‘70s, skateboarders adopted Vans as their shoe of choice and 50 years later Vans is still the number one skateboard shoe in the world.

Skateboarding is a part of everything we do, whether it’s hosting a local Girls Combi contest or activating our new global skateboarding competition, the Vans Pro Skate Park series. Vans’ priority is to support creative expression and the ultimate form of expression is skateboarding. I’m happy to say that I’ve seen this company grow for the past 50 years and one thing hasn’t changed: Vans equals skateboarding.

Back then, did you think that skateboarding was just a passing trend, or that it was going to last the test of time?

I didn’t think skateboarding was a trend so I made sure to stay with it. I liked the attitude of skateboarders; they were rebels and wanted to wear footwear that was made for them. Skateboarders wore Vans because they liked how the waffle sole gripped to their boards. Vans made sure to support these young guys so they could keep skateboarding and have the product they needed to push the boundaries of the sport.

What’s the biggest difference between the skateboarding scene back then and now?

The culture of skateboarding hasn’t changed too much since its introduction. It’s a very inclusive sports that allows all participants to really express their individuality. However, skateboarding today is much more accessible around the world versus just being found in Southern California. Skateboarding has also grown from traditionally being just a male sport to including women pro athletes as well. You’ll also find that most people who skateboard start as a kid but don’t stop when they reach a certain age, they just keep going. Skateboarding just becomes a normal part of life for a lot of people.

Who are your three favorite skaters and why?

It’s hard to choose because we have so many unique individuals as part of the Vans Pro Skate team. Legends like Tony Alva, Steve Caballero and Christian Hosoi will always be some of my favorites.

They set the bar high for the sport back in the early days and can still ride a bowl till this day. They also travel the world giving high fives and signing millions of autographs spreading that Van Doren spirit that is so important to the DNA of Vans. They pass on their dedication to the sport to the next generation of skateboarders.

Sneaker culture is huge currently. Tell us what do you think about the sneaker culture, and how does Vans fit into it?

Over the last decade the sneaker culture has continued to grow and social media platforms have really pushed the culture on a global stage. I love that Vans is as popular as other big brands in the sneakerhead community.

What are your thoughts on collaborations? Is it necessary? Is it overdone?

I think collaborations are great because it allows Vans to be interpreted by an outside designer to their audience without changing Vans classic design.

Tell us your favorite superhero.

“I AM NOT A BIG SUPERHERO GUY AS MY DAD HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY HERO. BUT AS A KID I LIKED SUPERMAN.�

67

In the past 50 years of the company’s history, what was the toughest moment for Vans?

I would say the mid 1980s was the toughest time for the company. In 1984 Vans filed for Chapter 11 to re-organize and re-focus the brand. We strayed from producing products that our brand was known for and it put us in a bad place. But we learned a lot and came out from that stronger than ever. I also learned that Vans fans never left us and were true to the brand even during the hardships. It’s those people that have made Vans an everlasting brand.

Previously, Vans had branched out into making baseball shoes, basketball shoes, soccer shoes, and even skydiving shoes. Any plans on making more silhouettes and models in the near future?

We had a lot of fun creating these styles but we learned that we weren’t staying true to our heritage in design and durability. You’ll see more silhouettes and models in the future but the designs will always remain true to the Vans DNA that has made the brand so successful.

68

When Vans first started, your dad wanted to make shoes for everybody. It could be customised to your own liking and done within a day. Any plans on making that possible again in the near future?

Absolutely. Customization has never left Vans. But you’ll start to see a new way of producing Vans Custom footwear in 2016. It’s a secret right now, so you’ll have to stay tuned for more information!

What shoe do you feel best encapsulates the spirits of Vans?

The best shoe to sum up Vans is our Classic Authentic. Why? Because it has survived the test of time! In 1966 it was introduced and it is still one of our number one selling shoes in the line.

What does the future hold for Vans?

Vans’ primary goal has been to support and enable creative expression. The next 50 years will be the same! You’ll start seeing us bring the House of Vans to more places around the world and the addition of a new skateboarding competition, making the sport more and more accessible to introduce skateboarding to a whole new generation.

With all your experience working with Vans, and going through all its ups and downs, what life lessons have you learned from it that you can share with our readers?

During the time when Vans was struggling, I learned about integrity from my dad. He saw his life’s work almost fail, but he came up with a plan to pay back all the debt and in less than four years he never owed another dime to anyone else ever again.

I’ve tried to instill and lead by integrity through everything I do. I’ve worked with the brand for 50 years and I want to share that Van Doren spirit that has made the brand what it is today.

69

VANS 50TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION

1966 AUTHENTIC PRO Printed Textile ’66 Duke/Red/White Available 16/3/2016

Duke Kahanamoku helped spread surfing throughout the world. This Hawaiian surf legend, actor and fivetime Olympic medallist handed Vans founder, Paul Van Doren, the shirt off his back to make custom shoes.

The Authentic Pro ’66 print and his legendary meeting with Paul Van Doren.

71

72

1974 AUTHENTIC PRO Canvas ’74 Navy/White Available 16/3/2016

As one of the original members of the ‘70s Z-Boys skateboard team, Peggy Oki revolutionized the sport alongside other skate pioneers, including Stacy Peralta and Tony Alva.

The Authentic Pro ’74 commemorates the Zephyr team’s explosion into the skateboard scene at the 1974 Del Mar Classic.

1976 ERA PRO Suede ’76 Navy/Red Available 16/3/2016

An original Z-Boy, filmmaker and co-founder of Powell Peralta Skateboards, Stacy Peralta brought his skate expertise into the design of Vans’ classic Era style in 1976.

The Era Pro ’76 combines next-generation function with the classic style of the first-ever Vans ‘Off the Wall’ shoe.

73

74

1979 MID SKOOL PRO Suede/Canvas/Leather ’79 Blue/White Available 16/3/2016

One of the most innovative skateboards of all time, Tony Alva brought his brash, aggressive influence and ideas to create modern skate culture.

The Mid Skool ’79 continues what T.A. startedskater driven design built for progression.

1982 SLIP-ON PRO Printed Canvas/Canvas ’82 Checkerboard Available 16/3/2016

Vans’ most iconic style was introduced to the world in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. California’s youth culture, along with the Classic Slip-On, became widespread phenomenon… thanks to a surfer and his kicks.

Jeff Spicoli’s classic checkerboard Slip-On goes Pro with the Slip-On Pro’82.

75

76

VANS FAMILY INTERVIEW Words & Interview by Tunway Yeoh Directed by Lim Jing Run Photographs by Rhysher Park

When dissecting the science behind the art that is skateboarding, one will discover that it is an extreme sport governed by the principles of momentum, gravity, friction and centripetal force. However, what makes skating beautiful isn’t the science behind it, but the culture and experiences that are created around it.

Check out Vans enthusiasts Porock, Engku Iman and Donald Abraham with us to discover their stories and their favorite Vans kicks.

77

78

POROCK LUIS

The street has been made a single-way lane to alleviate the ever-increasing side path traffic brought on by the dreaded rush hour.None seem keen to give way for anyone, selfish as we are, until Porroc carves out his own pathway by skating against the crowd’s direction.

Porroc, a Sabah-born skater that has been stacking clips all year around, has travelled all over the place showing off his talent on the board. Such a talent is not inborn, but a physical tribute to his 10-year effort of honing his art of skating through the streets.

Catch up with Porrock in this interview and watch how he wades through life on, and off, the skateboard.

79

80

How did you first start doing what you do now?

Do you remember your first Vans?

I started skating under the influence of friends back in Sabah when I was playing football in the field while they were skating around. After school, I joined them and it became the starting point of my skating journey. There are a number of skate parks in Sabah but none of them are well maintained, making them unsuitable to skate on. I then decided to take my skating to the streets. I am not from a wealthy family. In order to support my hobby, I worked different kinds of jobs back in Sabah but it didn’t work out well. Therefore, I decided coming to KL to get sponsors. By working at a skate shop, I was fortunate enough to be discovered and am now a full-time skater.

Vans Rowley Sex Pistol, I got it secondhand from a friend. The way to appreciate a good shoe is to wear it. I walk, skate and go anywhere with it rather than letting them cry on the shelf.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Anthony Van Engelen, also known as AVE, who is the one who inspired me to skate on the street.

What does Off The Wall Means to you?

Off The Wall is “Freedom”, I am fortunate enough to take my hobby as a job and I feel unconstrained when skateboarding.

What is your most OFF THE WALL moment so far?

I have participated at the House of Vans in Hong Kong, that’s the most OFF THE WALL moment for me. That was my first visit to Hong Kong and everything was crazy. Simple things like hanging out and skating together with the US and Hong Kong Vans riders were rather fascinating.

81

82

83

84

ENGKU IMAN

Fine art artist Engku Ahmad Iman, or better known as @punkenstein, has recently completed her showcase at the “Khabar Dan Angin� exhibition in Kelantan. Being young, courageous and straightforward, she has through her art challenged the mindset on topics society has deemed taboo.

As one of the rising stars in local art scene, exhibiting her artwork is the most enjoyable moment for her, as she often incorporates personal ideas in her pieces.

Hoping to inspire others through the story behind each art piece, her strong sense of ironic humour and parody often spice up the discussion about her artwork.

85

86

How did you first start doing what you do now?

Art is really something important in my life as I started drawing since I was young. As per growing up in a conservative family, I was told to study hard and get a good job in order to live a better life. However, I can’t stomach the idea of working in an office from 9 to 5. Being forced to head to work for a set number of hours will drain my creativity.When I was 22, I finished my architecture diploma and realized that was not the thing I was into. Deciding against pursuing my degree, I wanted to do something with my drawing talent instead. I realized the potential of my artistry because of the shows I got into. Those big shows really opened up the door to more opportunities and now I am really comfortable doing this, at least I don’t need to face the Monday Blues. (laughs)

Where do you get your inspiration?

I don’t really believe in inspiration; when things have to be done I will get it done. However, it is really easier for me to work when I am on Facebook all the time because I can’t stop talking about everything on it. Topics ranging from political to current issues, those are the topics that I take as my subjects Though speaking of who inspires me, Ai WeiWei and Jean-Michel Basquiat are the reasons why I do art.

Do you remember your first Vans?

My first Vans is in purple but I can’t really remember the silhouette. My first boyfriend bought it for me and I’m still keeping it. I am not really a sneakerhead but sometimes I will just wear Vans to skate and hang out with my friends.

What does Off The Wall Means to you?

A song by Pink Floyd, “Another Brick In The Wall” with the lyrics “All in all it was all just bricks in the wall”. For me, the song is about being somebody rather than just being another brick in the wall. So, get off the wall!

What is your most OFF THE WALL moment so far?

My most wicked moment was when I went to a music festival called Soundwave in Australia when I was 21. I went all the way there by myself and it was pretty scary. It was the last show of a band called ‘Thursday’ for Soundwave and I was there for them.

87

88

89

90

DONALD ABRAHAM

Artist, skater and father, Donald Abraham’s proficiency with the paintbrush has typically manifested in stunningly vibrant yet deformed interpretations of reality. A specialist in graffiti and urban street art, the Sabahan native claims his dream-like illustrations are never the result of premeditation, but the product of unadulterated spontaneity. In his words, there are neither technicalities nor rules inhibiting his visual expression.

Donald began his foray into the skateboarding scene in 1997, when one of his brother’s friends from Kota Kinabalu introduced it to the group. Not wanting to be alienated from their little community, Donald took up skating, fashioning a makeshift skateboard from plywood, trucks, wheels and sandpaper. While the average person starts skateboarding by learning how to balance on deck, Donald started by learning how to do an ‘Ollie’, a fundamental skateboarding trick where the rider and board leap into the air without the use of the rider’s hands.

Why? Peer pressure.

“You can only come back when you know how to do an Ollie,” his older brother’s friends had teased.

And on Donald went, him and his makeshift skateboard leaping countless times into the air, showing his seniors he would risk injury to get what he wants. Where, then, does his love of both skateboarding and art intersect? We sat down with the 30-something year old man for a quick chat, to pry briefly into his past and his life as a skater and an artist.

91

92

How did you first start doing what you do now?

Well, this is interesting. Back then you can barely see a skate shop in Sabah, the skateboarding culture was not really a big thing. We would plan out and visit a skate shop whenever I got the opportunity to be there. My eyes stared at the graphic of skateboard and it really inspired me. Every single stroke, color palette and figure looked alive. I almost felt like I could touch it. The feeling is totally different from seeing them in a magazine! Seeing that encouraged me to start drawing on the decks.

By drawing, I can express my emotions and think without constraints. A little fact about me— I suffer from dyslexia, which made it difficult to study when I was young. So I actually learnt to draw before reading.

93

94

Where do you get your inspiration?

I look at different things at different stages of life.

For now, my daughter is the greatest gift and she always inspires me. I wouldn’t stop her from drawing on the wall because her drawing reminds me of how one can easily draw without any influences, only pure ideas. Just like skating, it happens naturally without any strict constraints and unnecessary thoughts.

Do you remember your first Vans? If yes, what is the style?

Yeah, of course I remember. It was a Vans Era in red and blue. I bought it from bundle when I first started to skate. Vans Era had more cushioning and was bulkier over its counterparts, making it superbly comfortable for skateboarding. Consequently, it became my everyday shoe.

What does Off The Wall Means to you?

As an artist, a wall is always a medium for me to express my art. I remember how I started to draw on a wall is because I simply didn’t have a paper with me. I like to work with existing things around me.

With some paints and brushes, I can draw on the wall spontaneously. If I were to draw in a jungle, I might use a tree as the medium. (laughs) I am often excited to see how my artwork looks like when it is on a bigger scale but it is somewhat dissimilar from painting on canvas or paper; it requires a great deal of concentration and consideration.

What is your most OFF THE WALL moment so far?

You know what, I feel so proud when my artworks started to get recognized and got to participate in X-game in 2001. Out of these, the most OFF THE WALL moment is the delivery of my daughter. She has made a huge difference in my life, motivating me to be wiser and aim higher.

95

96

BRANDS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Fashion defines culture, and the skateboarding world is no different. In the same way that one considers the classic Mustang as synonymous to muscle cars, or that one cannot dismiss A&Ws when thinking of classic fast food, certain brands come to mind when visualizing skater fashion. We take a closer look at some of the big fashion labels that have defined the perception and look of skateboarders everywhere.

97

98

HISTORY OF THE NIKE SB Words by Tunway Yeoh

Dunk Before SB The tremendous success of Nike SB is not merely due to aesthetics. In an effort to enter the rapidly growing skateboarding market, Nike fused the sport’s rich culture into a brilliant marketing strategy that has clearly worked since.

Though when speaking about the Nike SB, we must not forget the original that kickstarted it all, the Nike Dunk basketball shoe.

A shoe driven by performance and innovation, Nike Dunk first made its debut in 1985 and was deliberately designed for the Nike College Colors program.

The program urged students to “Be True To Your School”, and fans had the opportunity to pick up sneakers in the colorway of the colleges which were associated with Nike. Topping off those sneakers with an oversized college jacket and cap was the hype back then.

The 90’s witnessed a huge impact of professional American sports franchises on Hip-Hop streetwear culture. Nike subsequently saw a window of opportunity to tap into the skateboard clothing market as such apparel were typically worn casually instead of for the actual sport. The rise of media resulted in old school trends exploding in popularity, creating demand for the retro sneaker in 2000.

Nike had also experimented with various shoe models to meet the demands of the sport. This experimental project took inspiration from the silhouette of its previous success story, the aforementioned Nike Dunk, and released a new range of the Dunk Low shoes, the Pro B series to test the market in 1999.

The Dawn Of Nike SB In 2002, Nike SB officially waded into the world of skateboarding and it defined one of the sneaker’s golden eras. The Nike SB Dunk retained the form of the original Nike Dunk but featured a few alterations.

SB Dunk had a thicker tongue which provided more cushioning and came with signature round laces.

Thereafter, thicker padding was added to the areas around the ankle and the tongue. For an even better skating experience, Nike also added the Zoom Air insole.

Learning from its experience with the Air Jordan range, the apparel and footwear supergiant revised its marketing strategy to utilize celebrity endorsement and a limited global release to enhance the feeling of exclusivity in owning one of these sneakers.

Predicting that skateboarding will become a huge phenomenon in the US and playing to the demand of the retro sneaker during the late 90’s, Nike’s very first SB silhouette began to emerge.

99

100

SB On The Rise When people realized their favorite artists were starting to play a part in shoe design, it was apparent Nike SB was going to be a mainstay. To fuel the hype, Nike collaborated with artists the likes of Michael Lau, Futura, Pushead, SBTG and released the first City Pack collection (comprising fashion elements from Tokyo, London, Paris and New York) to create a buzz in the sneakerhead community.

Supreme, Stussy, Huf, Diamond, Zoo York and Concept are among the brands that NIke have embarked on joint ventures with before. Through these collaborations, Nike absorbed the brands’ segmented audiences into their loyal customer base.

Nike also heavily associates itself with numerous renowned skaters such as P-Rod, Brian Anderson, Chet Childress, Gino, Todd Jordan, Chet Childress,

Danny Supa, Daniel Shimizu and many others.

With such a solid roster on board, Nike released a skateboarding video named ‘On Tap’ in 2004. With the help of P-Rod’s achievements in the X-Games, it shaped the potential of Nike SB. When Nike SB Dunk first released, they were sold at low retail prices but resellers realized the shoes were essentially diamonds in the rough and thus inflated the price, doubling or even tripling what it originally was.

During Nike SB’s initial launch, only 12 models were released in the first year, making them extremely limited products that would leave sneakerheads frothing at the mouth. Out of the 12 models, one is the result of a collaboration with Zoo York, while two others were the offspring of a Supreme-Nike partnership.

101

1.

2.

3.

4.

Bite-Size Facts: 1. The Nike SB Dunk range maintained the classic Nike orange shoebox design, with the words “DUNK SB” being spotted on the box’s size tag.

2. In 2003, Nike SB unveiled its signature shoebox with silver accents, however the logo was incomplete due to the lack of the “SB” wording.

3. In 2005 Nike SB changed its shoebox color to pink, thus beginning an unwritten tradition of changing their shoebox design once every one and a half years.

4. The Nike SB logo first made its mark on shoeboxes containing their footwear in 2016.

102

THRASHER: MORE THAN JUST A MAGAZINE Words by Fazlur Redza

Biography If you’ve heard of the name “Thrasher” then you probably know this independent skate brand stands out from the rest of its kind within the skateboarding scene. Thrasher has been a prominent monthly skateboarding magazine since 1981, which was founded by Kevin Thatcher who illustrated and designed the magazine. He had the help of his closest buddies Eric Swenson and Fausto Vitell from the Independent Trucks, who were both pioneers that made the skateboard trucks.

Skaters, gravity-defying masters that skitter gymnastically through the streets and around public buildings, leaping on and off curbs, flying down stone stairways or sliding down metal banisters, exemplified an authority-defying spirit, and this is precisely what Thrasher magazine reflects.

The magazine is primarily focused on skateboarding and music related articles. Not only that, the magazine also maintains a website, which includes various segments, an online store, a video collection, a radio show, and a forum for registered users. The company also owns and operates the

Double Rock indoor skateboarding facility.

Website Online Segment The magazine’s website features regularly updated episodes of a multitude of content and hosts a forum in which registered users can engage in online discussion. The online segment includes Burn Out, Full Parts, Double Rock, Firing Line, Hall Of Meat, BFF’s, Classic, Classic Cover, Magnified, Bru Ray, Thrasher Radio, Hot Spot, Traffic Talk and Stateline.

Skater Of The Year Thrasher Magazine awards the title of “Skater of the Year” annually. The tradition began in 1990, which was first won by one the founding members of the Bones Brigade, Tony Hawk, and the accolade remains one of the most respected awards in global skateboarding culture. The title is bestowed to one skater annually, based on public vote, and announced by Thrasher’s editor, Jake Phelps. Chris Cole and Danny Way are the only double recipients of this award.

103

104

King Of The Road In 2003, Thrasher initiated the King of the Road (KOTR) skateboarding competition. In KOTR, preinvited teams of professional skaters are each given a booklet containing a series of challenges. Points are given at the completion of each challenge. The teams compete at the same time over a two-week period, in which they travel across the U.S. to complete as many challenges as possible.

KOTR has been held annually since its inception.

Thrasher and Converse also hosted the competition in China, with the participation of the four biggest Chinese skateboard deck companies.

Skate Rock Thrasher released a music compilation series titled “Skate Rock” under the High Speed Productions label. The first release was in 1983 with Volume One, and continued until Volume Seven in 1989. The series started out featuring Californian punk rock bands, including bands fronted by skateboarders, such as Steve Caballero, Tony Alva and Klaus Grabke under the name Eight Dayz. All seven volumes were produced as cassettes available through Thrasher Magazine. Some volumes were also available as vinyl records.

PlayStation Games for Thrasher Thrasher: Skate and Destroy is a skateboarding video game developed by Z-Axis and was released in 1999 for the Sony PlayStation console game. A Game Boy Color version was also developed, but was later cancelled. This was likely due to it being largely overshadowed in the wake of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, much like many other skateboarding and extreme sports games released after.

Despite having less recognition, the game received high scores from both IGN and Game Spot, being seen as “technically superior to Tony Hawk” and an “almost sim-like approach to the sport”. Aside from less advanced graphics, this was ironically one of the reasons Thrasher was ignored, as the learning curve, due to unconventional controls, is fairly steep compared to the ‘pick up and play’ style of the Tony Hawk games.

The objective of the game is to take one of the six fictional skaters and work through a total of 12 levels across the globe, gaining sponsors, decks and clothing, and eventually appearing on the front of Thrasher magazine - from which the game takes its name.

105

106

INVENTOR MEET LEGEND Words by Khaliss Khair

How it started?

The company who has been making skateboards for more than 30 years started out when the founder, aerospace engineer George Powell, began experimenting with a range of materials to build a better skateboard for his son. Having access to some of the high-tech resources at his workplace, he then combined spruce-and-honeycomb composites with Fiberglas and aircraft aluminum to create a flexible, tougher and lighter skateboard.

George was inspired and saw an opportunity to get into the industry after meeting with a famous skater of that era called Tom Sims, who had just launched his own skateboarding company in 1975. Seeing that Sims was in need of high-end flexible boards made him realize that the time was right to start venturing into the business too.

The man ended up selling his house after failing to get the funds he needed and used half of the money to kick-start his own company, Powell Corp. His very first line of skateboards produced under the

new establishment was Quicksilver, a long deck that according to him looked like “silver torpedoes”.

Partnering with legendary Zephyr Skater In 1978, the company changed its name to Powell & Peralta after George made a partnership with Stacy Peralta, a legendary skater from the well-known Zephyr Team.

“It was something I just felt deep within me that I needed to do. I also wanted to make products that was a reflection of what I am as a skater and not what some manufacturer was telling me I wanted,” said Stacy.

The partnership turned out to be the perfect marriage as they complemented one another like peanut butter and jelly. George’s engineering experience and Stacy’s smart approach toward marketing led them to be among the most prominent brands in the industry.

107

108

Bones Brigade Bones Brigade is a skate team under Powell & Peralta comprising Rodney Mullen, Tony Hawk, Tommy Guerrero, Lance Mountain, Mike McGill and Steve Caballero. Stacy Peralta himself had formed the team as a way to steer away from the traditional “Action Shots” marketing style. He believed that it was best for the company to use a group of young skaters as a way to create an image that represents the culture of skateboarding.

“If I couldn’t be on the world’s best team, then I wanted to create it,” said Stacy, who dreamed to be part of a team once again.

All the skaters under Stacy’s supervision were akin to world-class athletes. Consistently performing

well and outdoing their rivals, they have won almost every contest they participated in. Looking back through skateboarding’s history, each member of the team was responsible in altering street surfing into the technical masterpiece it is today. Ollie, Flip tricks, 360’ Ollie, Board Slide and 900 are some of the main tricks that can be credited to the Bones Brigade.

They were also the pioneers in documenting skate tricks and the skateboarding culture through videos, while promoting their brand as well as the skaters themselves. Stacy’s natural talent in filmmaking and unique ideas in marketing has now become a trend and necessity for every company in the industry.

Their debut skate video “The Bones Brigade Video Show” was released in 1984 and followed by eight other videos that in a way had a strong influence on present day skate videos.

109

110

20 YEARS OF DC SHOES THROUGH THE LENS OF MIKE BLABAC Words by Bryan Chin

111

112

113

114

Mike first started skating back in 1986, the same year his parents bought him his first camera.

Merging both his passion for the sport and his love of snapping the shutter together, Mike got hooked on skateboarding photography.

Over the next few years he would hone his skills both as a photographer and skateboarder in his hometown of Lansing, Michigan. It was not till 1994 that Mike moved to San Francisco - dubbed the epicenter of skateboarding at that time - where he mingled around with the local skaters and quickly acclimated to the city’s culture, fostering close friendships along the way.

He was just a random skater from the midwest, but what made him stand out was that everyone knew he shot photos, and they needed a photographer. More importantly, he was a photographer that skated, which gave Mike an advantage of being intimately familiar with skating, its technicalities alongside knowing the right angles to capture the perfect shot.

He was the perfect fit for his perfect niche.

After days and nights in the streets of SF snapping shots of some of his favorite skaters, he managed to land a photography job for Madcircle and Girl Skateboards.

In 1999, the man scored his first assignment with DC, which entailed following the legendary Philly skater Josh Kalis during the summer, shooting him at all his favorite spots at Love Park (JFK Plaza) for the release of his signature shoe. Later that year, he would get another assignment from DC to shoot Danny Way, and got to witness the latter jump out of helicopter onto the biggest vert ramp he had ever seen.

DC Shoes has always made history be it in or out of the skateboarding scene, and for the past 15 odd years, Mike Blabac was fortunate enough to be the one documenting it. Be it Danny Way jumping over the Great Wall of China to Nyjah Huston skating on rails bigger than most can imagine, Mike has always been there, ready to immortalize the moment.

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the DC Shoes brand, the company worked together with Mike back in 2014 to release a 136-page coffee table book titled “Defy Convention”, which covered the company’s history and developments over the past 20 years. It’s been over a year since the release of the book, and with special permission from DC Shoes, we are able to share with you some of the images from the book. Enjoy the 20 years of DC Shoes through the lens of Mike Blabac.

115

116

117

118

119

120

#waitwhat Photographer: Safwan Sarimin Model: Syahiir Daniel

121

122

123

124

125

126

PAST-PRESENT-FUTURE

The local skateboarding scene may be as impenetrable as Kevlar when it comes to gauging its history and developments through the years.

Though the culture is hardly as rich as it is in the place of its birth, skateboarding has woven its way, perhaps subtly, into the social fabric of a portion of the millennial demographic.

Through the words of a trio of the skateboarding scenes’ residents, we take a look at how the culture has affected individuals in the past, present and future.

127

128

PAST: PA’DIN Words by Khaliss Khair Directed by Lim Jing Run Photographs by Rhysher Park

Malaysia skateboarding icon Ahmad Padin Bin Musa a.k.a Pa’din is by far the most recognizable name in the local skateboarding scene. With two X-Games gold medals under his belt, he then became the only skateboarder from the country to qualify for the 2004 Summer X Games in Los Angeles, California.

Between flipping and grinding tricks, the 39 year old legend and business entrepreneur also designs skate parks, runs his own motorcycle workshop and a café called Abah & Sons. To kick off the first part of this article, we sat down with the legend himself, to pick his brains for his likes and dislikes, his thoughts on the skate scene and life after skateboarding.

129

130

Tell us how you picked up your first skateboard.

What’s the story behind it?

It all began at the age of 12 when I started watching people skate while I was working part-time together with my elder brother during the school holidays at The Penang Festival. I remember that the majority of the skaters in Penang were “Mat Rock” at that time, and one of them happens to be ARU from (Koffin Kanser) whom my brother approached to get to know more about the sport. We were instantly hooked by the idea of skating, but my brother was the first to venture into it as I was staying at a hostel. Fast-forward two years later, my brother bought a new set of skateboards and gave his old one to me.

back then?

There was not even a single skate shop in Penang during the early years I started skating. The only way I could get my stuff was to take a bus ride all the way to Kuala Lumpur then head straight back to Penang in the same day. Pacific Gold in Sg. Wang was the usual go-to shop I frequented as it is within walking distance from Pudu Bus Station. The other shops that were available in KL at that time were Mega Skate and Skate Warehouse.

How did you learn new tricks without the help of the Internet?

I do my own thing, mind my own business and skate every day from Monday till Sunday for at least 4 hours per day. It became my routine that I went through when I was 14 – 18 years old.

Many people have asked me that as they are curious to know how I became so Terer. Well, I was lucky to have “Mat Salleh” as my mentors, 12 of them were students from Dalat International School in Penang. To be honest, those guys weren’t your typical skateboarders as they got mad skills on par with the most terer skaters that you can find here in Malaysia. It is through them that I learnt how to skate; they are the ones who taught me the foundation of skateboarding from the time I’ve spent skating with them on weekends. I have also been invited to their house multiple times where they showed me their collection of skate videos and magazines. Before meeting them, this Kampung Boy bought a skateboard thinking it can only be used to roll around and also believed that people glued their foot on top of the board to Ollie.

Has your family ever discouraged you from skating, as it is considered as a dangerous sport?

What was the scene like when you started skating compared to today?

Did your family support your skating hobby?

Initially, I didn’t get the support from my family as skateboarding used to be considered a weird “Western” sport. It is because the common sports that most boys my age are into during that era were football, badminton and takraw.

How did you overcome it?

It was not me getting hurt that they worried about, their main concern at the time was finances since skateboarding is an expensive sport. A brand new set of deck costs around RM200 and could you imagine how much it was worth back then? A lot! So in order to support myself, I worked different jobs, being a caddie and working in a furniture factory in Penang.

These days we can easily locate a skate shop in almost every city in Malaysia, but how was it like

First, it is easier to get skateboard gears now and the number of skate parks and skate competitions have increased over the years. Besides that, today’s skateboarders are only good at skating in the park but are less likely to be good street skaters. They aren’t creative as they have gotten used to skating in areas where the skate line has been prepared for them, while the previous generation of skaters needed to find their own way at the streets in order to execute their tricks. As a result, it trained them to have superior reflexes when they skate. Have a look at the old skate videos and see how fast the skaters are able to skate on the street.

What are your other interests besides skateboarding?

Motorcycles.

the value of it has skyrocketed through the roof! The Lambretta that I bought many years ago only cost me around RM100-500 but today it can easily worth up to RM30k! If only I knew about it beforehand, I will certainly buy all the vintage motorcycles or cars and be filthy rich now. (laughs)

Where did you learn to repair motorcycles?

Mostly from Internet and YouTube.

What’s your best and worst experience?

The very first bike that I owned is a Honda Ex5 that I bought in 1994 and I still have it with me today.

I consider all my experiences to be my best experience since I am the type of person who lives life to its fullest. But, if I have to pick the “greatest”, it will definitely be the time when I went to Mecca to perform my Umrah.

What is your most favorite bike in your collection?

Do you still take part in any skate competitions?

I love Lambretta and Harley’s.

I don’t take part in skate contests any longer, however I do go to skate during contests only when the obstacles are challenging and unique. If there is only a ledge and everyone is attacking the same thing, it will be a lot more fun for me to let them do their things while I mix around with people and say hi to my friends at the contest.

What is your first bike?

If you can time-travel to anywhere would you go to the past or to the future and why?

I wish I can time-travel to the past so I could keep the vintage motorcycles and cars at my kampong as

133

134

Was it hard to get sponsorships before?

Performing well in skate competitions used to be the key and the only way to get noticed. We couldn’t do “sponsor me” skate videos back then because it was hard for us to find a guy with a camera to record it. To be honest, it doesn’t really matter how good you can skate at competitions nowadays as the companies are aiming for those that come in a package of having good style together with a good look. You can be a badass at skateboarding, but if you are not handsome it will still be a little bit tough for you to get sponsors. We can’t really blame the companies as looks do help sell the products.

I wish the people who are responsible in building skate parks here in Malaysia would listen to the skateboarder’s point of view when designing one. They also need to hire someone that has the experience and expertise in developing a proper skate park. Look at the number of horrible skate parks in our country like the one in Puchong, Klang, Kluang and Cameron Highland being the worst of them all. That is the result you will get for appointing a playground company that only refers to the Internet for the models and then builds it blindly. Besides that, we can no longer afford to have skaters with the attitude of “Takpe lah…at least ada skate park”. We should think about those who wish to take skateboarding seriously but don’t have the right place to practice.

Street or Skate Park?

I prefer street skating as it requires you to be creative. Also, the number of skaters that are good at it are very few. So…I win! (laughs) To top it all up, the days of running away from security guards during skate sessions are now behind me because I can slow talk with them over the fact that we are roughly at the same age now.

Has anyone ever told you that skateboarding is a waste of time? If yes, what is your comeback?

Yes, and my answer to them is easy! - “Aku terer hang tak terer” with a thick Penang accent.

When was the time you realized you could make a living from skateboarding?

Many people think that I have successfully made my living from skating itself when it is actually through the skateboarding businesses that I am able to pick up the cheques. Based on what I’ve seen, you can’t really survive by solely depending on skateboarding since our local scene and industry isn’t that huge.

Nevertheless, you can live through the money you earn by venturing into businesses that are related to skateboarding like doing events, skate parks or running your own skate shops.

You have been in the scene for a very long time, is there anything that you hate or wish to change?

Do you think skateboarding should be in the Olympics?

I believe it’s good for skateboarding to be part of the Olympics, because when that happens it will be much easier for us to get funding and support from our government. On the other hand, I also think that it will eventually take the fun out of skateboarding as people will likely skate only to train for the Olympics when they should just skate for fun.

Tell us about your relationship with Vans.

I have been together with them for 6 years now and I enjoy every moment I have spent skating with the team. We rarely meet each other but we bond easily whenever we go for a trip. I can say that the team is unique and different compared to the other skate teams that are available here. Our team isn’t that terer but each of us is special as we have our own distinct styles and skills.

What can we expect from you in the future?

I am currently working my way up to having my own motorcycle brand that will be made and produced locally.

Any last words?

Enjoy life the positive way!

136

PRESENT: NIZAM LEE Words by Fazlur Redza Photographs by Rhysher Park

27 year old pastry chef and classic car enthusiast Shahnizam Bin Mohamad Sharom a.k.a Nizam Lee has always been passionate about skateboarding for the past 15 years. He’s been going all out on a journey documenting his skate tricks from one place to another.

One of the founding members of “The Push” skate team that coined the infamous “Push Atau Mati” phrase, Nizam went on to be one of the most notable members of the team, not just locally but internationally as well when he was featured on a popular skateboarding website, and was also invited to skate at the exclusive ‘invite-only’ “The Berrics” Skate Park in Los Angeles, California back in 2014.

Nizam would go on to put Malaysian skateboarding on the map and give the world a taste of local skateboarding.

137

138

What inspired you to start skateboarding?

I first started skating because of my brother. I saw him skate and started following him back when I was only 12 years old, which allowed me to discover my love for the activity. From then on, I’ve been skating along alleyways, car parks and we even made our very own DIY obstacle because back then there were no proper skate parks for us.

There are a lot of other sports that you can engage in besides skateboarding, so why did you choose to skate?

I don’t like to play sports that have strict rules. It’s not that I hate those kinds of sports, it’s just that skateboarding gives me freedom. Skateboarding isn’t just about how you skate, it’s the ability to use your free will when performing tricks.

139

How did you get the nickname Nizam Lee? My close friends once thought my hair, years ago, looked like Bruce Lee, so it kind of went from there. I think it’s loads better than having a weird nickname, like dickhead. (laughs)

Nope. As you grow older there are more things that you need to take care of on a daily basis. Personally, I skate just for fun because it really makes me feel relaxed and stress free.

What is your advice to those who are trying to get sponsored?

What advice can you give to the people who are interested to try skateboarding but are afraid to do so, given it is a dangerous sport?

Every sport in the world has its own dangers. If you’re really into skateboarding just go for it and don’t worry about how dangerous it is.

Do you think skateboarding can be a fulltime career in Malaysia?

Just skate for fun. Don’t expect too much on getting sponsors. It will come eventually.

What do you think about the current skateboarding scene in Malaysia?

It’s okay I guess. There’s a lot of talented skateboarders out there as shown in various postings on social media, and there are a lot of skate competitions too.

140

141

142

Are there any local skate heroes that you look up to?

I would probably say Pa’Din because he is cool as heck.

I would pick Batman, because he’s cool, rich and handsome. He’s got a lot of awesome gadgets and a master of various martial arts. I think he can beat Superman anytime.

What are your other interests besides skateboarding?

What is the worst and best experience you’ve had so far?

For now, I spend most of my time with my cars and also going out on dates too.

My worst experience would be the one time I got kicked out from college because I played around too much. That moment was a turning point in my life.

As for my best experience, there are far too many fun moments that I’ve had so I can’t decide.

Since you’re in a relationship, does skateboarding affect things between you and your girlfriend?

I guess not, she seems to be okay with me when I ride the skateboard.

If you can skate anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

You’ve said that you like cars. Out of the many antique cars why do you prefer Volkswagen Beetles?

Seri Muda, Shah Alam because that’s the place where I started to skate and learn various tricks. It really is nostalgic to be there.

Ever since I was young it was like a family thing; my father and I both share the same interests when it comes to Volkswagen vehicles in general.

If you had to choose between Superman versus Batman who would you pick and why?

What can we expect from you in the near future?

For my upcoming project I’m currently working together with Obey and Loser Machines on their video. Last year I went on tour with them to shoot for the film. They’ll be premiering the video after Chinese New Year if I’m not mistaken.

143

144

FUTURE: ZAIM Words by Jojo Chan Directed by Lim Jing Run Photographs by Rhysher Park & Lim Jing Run

Only 17 years old, Zaim is a talented skater who is sponsored by various big brands. He is an avid skater, of course, but also a full time student. So how does he cope and manage both of his skater boy and school boy life?

145

146

147

148

149

How did you start skating and who influenced you?

It actually started pretty randomly, I bought my first skateboard during Hari Raya at the Bazaar Ramadhan and it wasn’t even a skateboard of good quality. Then, I started skating in front of my house with my neighbour and that’s about it.

Does skating affect your studies?

Not really, everything goes rather smoothly. My usual everyday routine is to take a rest after school is over, then skate in the evening and study at night.

Since you started skating at a very young age, have your parents ever discouraged you from skating?

Well, yeah, initially they did not like it and told me to cut down on skating because I was really engrossed in the activity.

I am sponsored by Lakai, Screwthebox, Triad Skate Shop, and Seshsquad.

If you were given a chance, would you choose skating or education?

I would choose both because I can manage both pretty well. It pretty much depends on yourself, if there’s a will there’s a way.

Where is your favorite skating spot?

Anything is fine as long as I can skate there; I don’t have a special preference. I usually skate at the skate park in Mont Kiara and Putrajaya.

Other than skating, what are your other interests?

I’m actually really interested in animation. Once I’m done with my SPM, I will venture into animation and hopefully become an animator.

How did you work your way around that?

I showed them good results in my studies and good grades in examinations.

What is the one thing that would make you give up on skating?

How do you afford your skate gears?

The rain... actually, nothing will stop me from skating.

150

151

152

SURFING CONCRETE WILL NEVER DIE Word & Interview by Jeremy Tan Photographs by Lim Jing Run

Once associated with drug-addled youth and the lepak culture, skateboarding has undergone a cultural renaissance of sorts in Malaysia. In recent years since scrubbing the proverbial dirt off the slate began, skateboarding has metamorphosed into an accepted pastime, sport and culture.

What was the catalyst for this change, though? We spoke to an enduring businessman in the skateboard scene to seek a personalized view on the culture’s shift in the last two decades, and the next possible evolution the local scene may experience in the years to come. Meet Uncle Wong.

153

154

155

As the owner of the oldest surviving skate shop in the country, Uncle Wong could be rightly considered as an enduring relic within the local skateboarding community.

Venturing into the skateboarding business two years before the start of the 21st century, the head of Zone 5 has since accumulated plenty of insight on the state of the local scene, not merely from a business standpoint but also a cultural one.

is something I always tell people when they ask me how I even got myself into this venture.

"I had never intended to run the business, but Desmond eventually had other business interests in mind," he says.

Deciding then it was time to be truly invested in his business, Uncle Wong has kept the shop running ever since.

Originally, however, when his nephew, Desmond, and him bought over the company in 1999, Uncle Wong was hardly physically invested in the business.

Desmond assumed the head of what was, at the time, a small scale skateboard-selling operation.

The man believes that if you are fully submerged in the skateboarding business, the only way you are going to be successful is if you are attuned to how the skaters would feel when they surf the concrete on wheels.

"We were doing the same things we do now prior to 2007, but it was small scale. In those days, you'd probably only see a single row in the shop dedicated to skateboards, about 20 to 30 of them, and that didn't even fill the row," Uncle Wong recalls of the earlier days.

"Personally, I do not skate," he notes frankly,"but despite that, I can feel the skaters' passion for the sport, so I know what they need."

He took the reins of Zone 5 only in 2007, after he noticed his nephew beginning to exhibit a declining lack of enthusiasm for running the shop.

"I took up ownership of this place by accident, which

"In Malaysia, the skateboarding market is not big; it is a very niche activity, and not many people understand it," Wong says.

Being almost two decades into the business, he notes that skateboarding as a whole has witnessed a positive shift in reputation from the less-than-ideal image it used to have.

156

157

"Back in the 90s, skateboarding was always associated with loitering and drugs, with the skateboarders themselves typically considered to be rebellious and violent characters," he says.

"Right now, there are also clinics on skateboarding that have started to be conducted in schools, and is the beginning of gradually integrating the sport into the school co-curriculum," he adds.

Juxtaposed with the state of the scene in modern times, skateboarding is now seen as a much more "clean" sport, which Uncle Wong claims is largely due to the government significantly increasing its support for this demographic niche since the early 2000s.

With the possibility of the sport being featured in future Olympic games somewhere down the line, he says that this development could cause the activity to explode in popularity locally.

"Whether you like it or not, skateboarding is a Malay-dominated sport. The government likely sees their investment for the community as an opportunity to reach out to a portion of the Malay youngsters here."

This had the domino effect of Zone 5, among other skate shops, seeing a steady increase in earnings, as riders sponsored by the government to take part in the X Games, for instance, now had the financial cushion from a slice of government coffers to purchase the apparel and gear they needed for the sport.

"In the mid 2000s they even started to build skate parks around the country, which can be used for free. The first skate park that you actually had to pay to use was in Mid Valley, and that was a failure because skaters didn't believe in paying RM6 per hour just to skate," he says.

"Also, with the sport being cultivated at schools, this will only make the community, and the business, grow even further. I believe that if we want to be competitive in any sport on the global stage, the sport itself has to be nurtured from the grassroots, which is where schools come into play."

"It's difficult for the sport to grow without government support and its promotion at the school level. Both exist in some form here though, so I see good things to come for the skateboarding scene in the next five to ten years," he adds.

Whether or not the Olympics dream comes true, one thing is for sure: although a niche movement, the skateboarding culture in Malaysia looks set to grow.

Let's all just hope we can leave a competitive mark on the world when skateboarding in the Olympics becomes a reality; Malaysia should be famous for more than just smashing shuttlecocks... and RM2.6 billion donations. I wonder if a portion of those donations were allotted to help the skateboarding community... we can only dream.

158

VINA MARWAN OF CHERRY BOMB Words & Interview by Jojo Chan Photographs by Lim Jing Run

We had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Vina Marwan, an enthusiastic yet professional girl skater from the Cherry Bomb crew.

The team consists of a big group of male skaters and Vina is known as the extreme girl skater in the group for doing crazy downhill tricks, but all in all, she’s just a girl. We usually only see skater boys on the road and it is rare to see girls participating in this sport. With skating comes the likelihood of bruises and scars, which is something few girls are willing to risk. For Vina however, she has got scars all over her elbows and a small scar on her face as a physical reminder of her skating injuries. We’ve got a tough girl here, guys.

There’s a prevalent thought that girls cannot skate as well as boys can. How does she get accepted by the entire crew as a respectable girl skater? What are the some of the challenges that she has to face along the road of her skating journey?

Find the answers out right here!

159

160

161

When did you start skating?

How did you become a part of Cherry Bomb?

It all started about 3 years ago, when I was in the Netherlands. I have a friend who has a small business. He owns a garage where he makes his own skateboards and stuff. So one day, he took me around the neighbourhood and showed me how to do carve and cruise. That’s when I first stepped onto a longboard.

I became friends with the co-founders of the crew, but back then Cherry Bomb wasn’t formed yet. We were all just a bunch of friends skating together.

After about two years, they decided to form the crew, and naturally I became one of the group’s riders. We recruited more and more riders and we would gather and skate together once every month. We are like a big happy skating family now!

162

As skateboarding is more of a guy activity, what do you think are the disadvantages for girl skaters?

I don’t think there are any disadvantages, I see it more as a challenge for myself because there are no girls skating with me and the boys are always so good, they tend to pick up the skills faster, hence, it motivates me to keep improving myself. It’s easier for me to learn thanks to that and it builds myself up as well.

We heard you’re one of the most extreme skaters in the crew. How do you define extreme?

It’s probably because I can do downhill skating whereas the others just do cruising. I love going out to explore and search for new steep hills to ride on.

It’s really fun and exciting. The narrower the hills are, the more I like it.

What is by far the worst injury you have ever had?

I’m actually having a broken rib right now due to an accident that happened several weeks back. I was practicing for my first international competition and I was so stoked about it. When I was practicing, I wasn’t really familiar with the roads so I slid and hit the pavement with my ribs. I had never broken any bones before that. No big deal though, I’m still skating as usual now despite the broken bones...

God bless me.

Other than skating, do you plan to venture into something else?

Work wise, I would love to make a lot of money of course! As for skating, I want to brush up my technical skills and compete in international competitions.

Where do you see yourself in 3 years time?

I will still be skating, definitely. I will probably be more active in international competitions and hopefully will have a trophy in my hands.

163

164

REFLECTION BY SCREWTHEBOX Words & Interview by Fazlur Redza

Most skateboard-related videos are typically all about trick executions or failures. It’s media content designed to be visually impressive, occasionally amusing or elicit second-hand stress whenever we see a skater plummet scrotum first onto a handlebar following a stunt failure.

SCREWTHEBOX’s latest short film, on the other hand, reflects on the nature of the sport and its rippling effects on our society, which is fitting when considering the film’s title, “REFLECTION”. We spoke to Aliff Zulkifli of SCREWTHEBOX to delve deeper into his latest film, and what the company is all about.

165

166

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m Aliff Zulkifli, and academically speaking, I studied Interior Design, but now I’m in my 8th year of filmmaking. Still learning.

for the #screwthebox web series, which featured different skateboarders doing 10 tricks each, on a simple square box.

What is the SCREWTHEBOX mission and vision?

Who inspired you toward filmmaking /videography?

I was inspired by filmmaking itself. After being on my first film set, I was hooked. Upon completion, I couldn’t wait to get on to the next film, as cliché as that sounds.

Why SCREWTHEBOX? What’s the meaning behind the name?

It’s meant to discredit the overused phrase of “think outside the box”. We should just think, and do. If we try too hard to be creative, we might hinder our actual learning and creation process. We believe that most of the time, something simple but well executed is worth a lot more. We kept to this idea

As it has always been from the start, we want to promote creation, the process of it, the completion, and the birth of ideas. We might change the product and output (currently we are a web skate channel) but that will always be the core mission and vision.

Can you tell us about your latest upcoming project, “REFLECTION”?

It is a short film, which takes a closer look at skateboarding, the mark it leaves on society and skateboarders themselves, whether big or small, permanent or temporary. The enclosed newsletter is a collection of pictures from the filming, look out for the full video on www.screwthebox.tv

168

Can you tell us why the name of the film is titled “REFLECTION”?

In skateboarding, tricks have always been the main focus in a skate video/film. This film explores skateboarding from the perspective of the street and surroundings itself, the ledges, stairs, etcetera.

We explore the mark that a skateboarder leaves on society. We reflect on the progress of skateboarding in this region in terms of the impact on society, the signboard that prohibits skateboarding, and the skate stoppers, all in a society that adopted the

culture and made it their own. Our existence and presence here are felt. Now matter how small.

Any accomplices or other teams beside STBX that help’s make the project a success?

The project wouldn’t materialize without the collaboration with Obey Clothing Malaysia & Loser Machine Malaysia (Wing Meng) and their skateboarders Fauzan Fuad, Nizam Lee, Haziq Nazli and Nizar Hashim. We got the opportunity to work

169

with the guys from “Mutha Puaka” as well, which was an amazing experience.

While making the film, what were the good or bad experiences that you’ve encountered?

It’s all in good fun, there were injuries here and there but ultimately, being able to travel and explore because of skateboarding is the best experience a skateboarder can get.

What can we expect from SCREWTHEBOX in the near future? Will there be another upcoming new project?

We have a mini series lined up for the channel and another short film in discussion.

Any last words from you?

Screw the box. Just think and do.

170

SKIN DEEP WITH HELLBENT SKATEBOARDING Words & Interview by Zhafirry Fenner

Hellbent Skateboarding officially established itself in 2011, and is based in Sg. Besi, Kuala Lumpur. In 2013, we opened up our first concept store but had to close down 6 months later because of financial reasons. One of our most mentionable ventures was Principle Footwear, our own shoe brand which lasted for a good 3 years starting from 2012. The footwear brand was a big failure in terms of business sense despite its success in becoming the 1st Malaysian Skateboard Footwear Brand. Today, Hellbent Skateboarding is just a brand and no longer operates as a company and all of our current products are being sold and distributed by 45skateshop.

171

172

Mission Created from a pure love toward skateboarding, our mission is to support and help the local skateboarding scene by keeping it alive through product supply and extensive promotion of the culture. All of our products are made by skateboarders, for skateboarders. We always take on every challenge as if it's another skateboard trick to master and we never give up. To us the glory is never when we land a trick, but it is the many obstacles while learning the trick and the persistence required before landing it.

Vision We envision ourselves to be the most influential skateboarding brand in Malaysia. As a brand, we aim to come out with a steady supply of products and keep improving and innovating our product design, customer service, distribution reach and promotion content in line with the current trends in the skateboarding world.

173

174

Products We supply skateboard products and apparels at affordable prices. Our products are sold and distributed by 45skateshop. We currently own two retail stores, one in Sg. Besi and the other in Ampang Park. Our products range from skateboards, apparel, headwear and accessories. Our skateboard decks have great shape and the quality is up to par with other famous U.S. brands. Our apparels on the other hand are unique yet minimalistic in design, very comfortable and highly durable.

Sponsored Skateboarders Our sponsored skateboarders are our brand ambassadors. We have two levels of sponsorship;

Bro which is our own version of Pro and Flow, both of which are managed by our Team Manager. Gjoy Azizul and Porock Luis are the two Bros in the team and have their own line of signature products. Mus, Koya, Aliq, and Adam complete the Flow team. The current team is very professional and are doing a great job in promoting the brand to the masses through our video/promo/marketing content that is mostly released through social media. Though the team rosters have changed many times during our 5 years of existence, we would like to acknowledge each and every one who has been in the family/ team for their contributions towards the brand which made Hellbent Skateboarding what it is today.

175

Relationship with 45 At first, 45skateshop only served as Hellbent Skateboarding’s distribution arm during the first phase of the company’s downscaling period. A year later, it took over the brand in tandem with the whole operation, which covers the brand’s direction and sales, as part of our efforts to further market reach and expand the brand to a wider audience.

Why create 45?

Our first venture in retail business through Hellbent Concept Store was a great learning experience for us. We noticed that, no matter how hard we tried, it was really difficult to increase sales and expand due to the niche market and lack of capital. Thus,

we made the decision to open our doors to other brands to sell on a consignment basis in order to attract a wider range of customers to our stores. Our space also serves as grounds for small or new local skateboard brands to sell their products in a retail setup without them having to invest in their own.

This way, we managed to increase our sales while at the same time help other brands reap their own profits.

176

D IR ECTO R Y

Kuala Lumpur

Selangor

DC Shoes, KLCC

Cover By Crossover, Sunway Pyramid

DEPOT By Devise, TTDI

Crossover Concept Store, Sunway Pyramid

Heavy Weight, Fahrenheit 88

Dc Shoes, Sunway Pyramid

Hoops Station, Lot 10

Dc Shoes, Paradigm Mall

Hundred%, Lot 10

Dc Shoes, Setia City Mall

Krookz 651, Bangsar

Grafa Cafe, Subang

Macbeth Footwear, Robinsons @ The Gardens

Heavy Weight, Sunway Pyramid

Pestle & Mortar, Bangsar

Heavy Weight, One Utama

SHOWROOM, Times Square

Major Drop, Sunway Pyramid

SHOWROOM KL, Pudu

OBEY Clothing, Tangs @ One Utama

Sole What Pop-Up, Midvalley Megamall

OBEY Clothing, Tangs @ Empire Shopping Gallery

Sole What, The Gardens

Rare Distr0, Bangi

Stussy KL, Pudu

Sole What, One Utama

Snackfood, Bangsar

Tea Code Coffee, Balakong

The Super Sunday Store, Bukit Bintang

The Cap City, Subang The Yard, Subang

Melaka

Wheel Love, Subang

Kickstart Cafe, Alor Gajah

17 Gallery, Subang

Corm Kafe & Distro, Jasin Aku Design Store, Melaka

Johor Crossover Concept Store, Johor Bahru

Kedah

Crossover Concept Store, AEON @ Tebrau City

Conquer Store, Alor Setar

Gent Utopia, Johor Bahru

Pahang Amity Concept Store, Kuantan Terbang Headquarters, Kuantan KRASS, Kuantan

Penang Bricklin Bar, Georgetown Pik Nik, Georgetown The Alley, Georgetown

177

179

www.masses.com.my