The golden era of skateboarding in 1970s California (photos)

BY: CONNOR BRIAN

In the mid-1970s an endless summer struck Southern California, evaporating water in drainage ditches and suburban swimming pools, catalyzing what would change the face of counter-cul- ture forever.

Maybe it was the dehydration, or maybe it was the sense of creativity that often sets in to fight boredom, whatever the case, as heat waves rose off the asphalt, a generation of sun-drunk kids began to bolt wheels to rough wooden planks and sail down every incline they could find.

The drought had created a city of endless potential. Once they managed to hop over a chain link fence; careful to not catch a leg on the teeth of their neighbour’s dog, they would lean into their boards, and coast down the concrete waves of empty swimming pools. The wild and restless had found a way to escape, and the golden age of skateboarding was born.

Photo by: Hugh Holland

It was the summer of ’75 when photographer Hugh Holland began capturing the waves of skateboarders that skidded across every boardwalk and parking lot in Venice beach. They seemed to understand what he wished he could. With every kick, push, and glide, they seemed to experience the electricity of the moment, not worrying about the trials of tomorrow.

For over three years, he photographed skateboarders as they reached the height of action. He was there from the beginning shooting Stacey Peralta, Jay Adams, and many other members of the Dogtown and Z-boys skateboard crews—the prototypes of modern day skate-legends like Rodney Mullen, Mike Mo, and Chris Haslam.

Holland’s series of photos called Locals Only captures the world of skateboarding before logos were stamped on every helmet and T-shirt, giving an unadulterated look into the celebration of

youth and rebellion. They give you the feeling that in the sun-dazed mind of a skateboarder, summer vacation never ends.