Skateboarding is more open and inclusive then ever but for many people over the last four decades it had felt like a private boy’s club. Vans China proudly presents a look into the life of local ripper known as 66, along with the rise of women skateboarders in Shenzhen, China.
The Tony Alva Story | Jeff Grosso’s Loveletters to Skateboarding | Skate | VANS
One of the key figures in the early evolution of skateboarding from a wholesome, contest based “sport” into the freewheeling art form that it is today was Tony Alva.
Tony is now 63 years old, the oldest professional skateboarder in the world, is considered by many to be the godfather of modern day skateboarding. Alva’s brand of aggression and bravado in the 70’s set the stage for the way skateboarding would be forever defined.
Vans’ The Tony Alva Story chronicles T.A.’s humble beginnings on the streets of Santa Monica to his rise to superstardom as part of the legendary Z-Boys, his inevitable drug-induced implosion and his ultimate rise from the ashes to accept his rightful place as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations of skateboarders the world over.
Written & Directed by Rick Charnoski & Coan “Buddy” Nichols/Six Stair Productions
Starring: Tony Alva, Jeff Grosso, Wynn Miller, Steve Olson, Shepard Fairy, Gus Van Sant, Josh Brolin, Jeff Ament, Glen E Friedman, Robert Trujillo, Brad Bowman, Pete Zehnder, Jeff Ho, Stacey Peralta, Elijah Berle and more.
Vans Presents: Quasi Skateboards | Skate | VANS
Chad Bowers has a natural compulsion to do his own thing. He knows what he likes, what he wants to create, and is agnostic to any one style, look or prescriptive when it comes to his work on his brand, Quasi. Vans goes inside the brand’s creative process in this short film, highlighting why Quasi continues to build a cult following, supported by a roster of heavy-hitting pros. Directed by Patrick O’Dell.
Tony Hawk Pro Skater: Behind The Scenes | Skate | VANS
To celebrate the launch of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+ 2, the game’s iconic Warehouse level was re-created in real life, so Tony could skate this famed virtual spot in the real world.
Vans went behind the scene to capture what it took to be able to allow Tony to shred the physical re-creation of this virtual industrial paradise. From Covid restrictions to Chris Gregson’s key shot nearly being shut down; it was equally dramatic on both sides of the camera. Take a peek behind the curtain to understand everything that went into bringing this once-in-a-lifetime moment to life.
Kyle Walker Pro 2 – Get More | Skate | VANS
Bigger stair sets. Longer, crazier rails. With help from his friends, family and the right support, anything is possible. The Kyle Walker Pro 2, built with the super supportive Vans Wafflecup. You won’t just get by. You’ll get more.
Jeanne Duval’s 21. | Skate | VANS
Sharing the common vision of a purely black and white aesthetic, filmmaker Claudia Lederer followed Vans’ French skateboarder, Jeanne Duval, through an urban quest made of lines, curves, simplicity, details, shadows and light.
Vans Cash Out | Skate | VANS
Vans’ French skate team had the chance to go on a Las Vegas adventure right before lockdown for some four-wheeled fun in the sun. Ten Frenchies shredding Sin City, what could go wrong? Cash out! Featuring Oscar Candon, Hugo Westrelin, Nabil Slimani, Sam Partaix, Nico Gisonno, Quentin Boillon, Mika Germond, Lilian Fev and Jessy Jean-Bat.
LGBTQ+ Love Note: Extras | Jeff Grosso’s Loveletters to Skateboarding | VANS
While the full-length Loveletter to LGBTQ+ episode is already 36-minutes long, Vans had a ton of additional footage to share after five months of filming that deserves to be seen, as well as a few skaters they missed on the first round. In this final LGBTQ+ Love Note there are some skater-submitted gems that gracefully encapsulate the hard-hitting universal truths, along with the creativity, friendship and raw skate talent from the LGBTQ+ community as well as some Extras, Outtakes and Omissions.
LGBTQ+ Love Note: A Conversation With ChandlerBurton | Jeff Grosso’s Loveletters to Skateboarding
Chandler Burton played a huge part in the making the LGBTQ+ episode of Loveletters to Skateboarding. Burton introduced Grosso to many of the skaters featured in the piece and remains an encouraging voice for the queer skate community. Burton tells his story of coming out as a queer skater, how he battled societal norms, and the importance of allyship.
Vans is thankful to everyone who shared their story, strengthening the community of skateboarding. If you are a person in crisis or in need of a safe and judgement free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386.
LGBTQ+ Love Note: A Conversation With Elissa Steamer | Jeff Grosso’s Loveletters to Skateboarding
Grosso catches up with skate pioneer, Elissa Steamer, to talk about queerness in skateboarding and the hardships of communicating identity within the skate community. Hint: language is everything!
Vans is thankful to everyone who shared their story, strengthening the community of skateboarding. If you are a person in crisis or in need of a safe and judgement free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386.
Loveletter To LGBTQ+ | Jeff Grosso’s Loveletters to Skateboarding | VANS
Vans’ Loveletters To LGBTQ+ was filmed earlier this year, before the passing of legendary skater and host Jeff Grosso, who was a champion for inclusive skateboarding. We believe this message of unity and equality must be told, and that all voices of the LGBTQ+ community deserve to be heard. Grounded in the brand values of inclusivity and being open to everyone, Vans believes this unifying message must be told, and stands in support of the LGBTQ+ Skate Community as we continue to drive positive change. – Vans
Vans Presents: Justin Henry’s World Peace | Skate | VANS
Filmed earlier this year, Justin Henry’s World Peace uplifts the importance of rallying around community and youth, and fostering a kinder world with equality for all. Grounded in the brand values of inclusivity and being open to everyone, Vans believes this unifying message must be told, and stands in support with Justin as we continue to drive positive change.
With strong ties to his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, and its local skateboard scene, Quasi Skateboards’ Justin Henry grew up skating crusty spots and learning the value of putting in work and making each try count. He invited Vans inside that world recently, recounting his journey from young talent to pro, and his determination to give back to the community that has shaped him. As part of an upcoming footwear collaboration with Justin Henry releasing July 6 at select skate retailers, Vans is giving back to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio with a $10k donation. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Directed by Patrick O’Dell