Ben Raemers’ Tragic Death Sparked a Mental Health Movement | Skating and Talking – VICE

In May 2019, the skateboarding industry was left devastated by the news that British pro skater Ben Raemers had died by suicide at the age of 28. Ben’s approach to skateboarding – with his unique blend of transition and street skating – meant that he was one of a small number of British skaters to gain an international reputation over the past decade.

In this film, friends and family reflect on Ben’s rise to US sponsorship, and the struggles that came later as his mental health deteriorated. His tragic death sparked a mental health reckoning within the skate community, with other pro-skaters now questioning their assumptions about mental health and sharing stories of their own.

The Ben Raemers Foundation was founded in an attempt to end the stigma that prevents skaters from discussing mental health issues and to provide much-needed education about suicide prevention.

You can find out more about The Ben Raemers Foundation and donate HERE.

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JENKEM – Watching “5ive Flavors” With the Mad Circle crew 23 years later

In 1998, Justin Girardi and Mad Circle released “5ive Flavors,” a beautiful video of classy street skating in San Francisco and New York City. Jenkem was able to get the whole team back together along with photographer Mike Blabac for a video call in which the guys reconnect, reminisce, and rewatch the parts through the long lens of over two decades past. All of these pioneers have continued to be involved in skateboarding in the 23 years since “5ive Flavors” was released, working with or owning various companies including Supreme, Adidas, Polar, Maxallure, etc. This condensed edit of their conversation captures a bit of what it was like for them to grow up together skating in a golden era.

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Robert Neal | The Nine Club With Chris Roberts – Episode 206

Robert Neal discusses growing up in Long Beach CA, getting his first board in second grade, not really starting to skate until 7th grade, why he loves snakes and animals, never filming a sponsor me video, getting flowed by Primitive by skating a best trick contest, how he got hooked up with Nike SB, turning pro for Primitive, what being sponsored by StockX consists of, filming for the new full length Primitive video and much more!

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