Skateboarding has morphed from an emblem of counterculture in the 1970s to a respected art and sports community in Vancouver today.
In this article, I want to show you the transformation of skateboard in Vancouver by talking about familiar figures like Kevin Harris and the unique intersection of skateboarding with urban art, and how I see all of this as an international student and new resident here.
(Ted McGrath | Flickr – Vancouver,BC)
In the 1970s, skateboarding emerged in Vancouver. As a kind of expression by young people against conventional values and lifestyles of that time, it was quickly accepted and introduced all over the city. Suddenly, skateboard parks appeared one after another. As little kingdoms isolated from each other they gave refuge and expression possibilities to skaters.
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Kevin Harris https://t.co/7iEe4RYiZA pic.twitter.com/4uME2a3aRk— SACRIFICE Industries (@sacrificeind) August 17, 2017
Kevin Harris, for example, is an iconic figure in the history of Canadian skateboarding. In 1982, he reached a professional level seldom before achieved by Canadians. Since then he has been one of the world ‘s ultimate freestyle skateboarders. He and his friends were instrumental in popularizing the sport in Vancouver and for some time even outside it. Known for his remarkable freestyle ability and for building his own ramps, he began jumping over hockey sticks.
Harris also sought to build up the infrastructure for skateboarding in the city, opening one of the first dedicated skate shops and tracks and Indoor gardens and skate complexes in small towns. He also owns Ultimate Skateboards, Canada’s main skateboard distribution centre for all, and Concrete Skateboard Magazine, which is the nation’s pioneering magazine on skating.
The skate parks in Vancouver and nearby cities are famous not only for their ramps and bowls but also as canvases for local artists. Vibrant murals and graffiti adorn many of these spaces, reflecting the culture and social issues of the city. This fusion of art and sport illustrates how skateboarding is more than just a recreational activity; it’s a form of artistic dialogue and personal expression
Today, I belive skateboarding is not only recognized as a legitimate sport but also as a crucial element of the local urban culture of various cities around the globe. Proof of that was the inclusion of skateboarding in the Olympic Games, Skateboarding made its debut appearance at the 2020 Summer Olympics in 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. It has also been provisionally approved by the IOC for inclusion at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris many cities has reinforced its support for the skateboarding community, investing in more parks and events that celebrate both the athletic and cultural aspects of skateboarding.
In Brazil, place where I come from, we have our own skate heroes, like Raissa Leal, for example, a young girl so full of talent. Seeing Harris revered here just as Raissa is in Brazil shows that talent and dedication are universal.
Let me invite you to see skateboarding’s world here in Vancouver during this summer. Isn’t just a pastime it’s a really fun sport and can be a showplace to know more about art from local artists too.
Want to see some places in person? I have separated three hidden gems that in my opinion are good to take a look:
Have you got any skate tales worth telling? Comment below. It would be a pleasure to know your experience.