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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Vans Presents: Lotties Skateshop | Skate | VANS

Skate shops are more than a place to buy product, they are the cornerstone of our skate family. Lotties Skateshop has quickly become a community hub and safe haven for young skaters in Los Angeles. Owner Mike Gigliotti’s love for the shop and the community is what truly makes this space special. Vans recently spent some time at Lotties to understand what inspires Mike to create art, elevate local talent, and preserve the skate shop subculture for generations to come.

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Welcome to The Family – Andrew Reynolds | Skate | VANS

Vans is proud and honored to officially announce the addition of one of the most influential skateboarders of all time, 1998 Thrasher Magazine “Skater of the Year” Andrew Reynolds, to the Vans family. Andrew’s dedication to skateboarding and commitment to excellence through both his professional skate career and his brand Baker skateboards have made him a household name across the globe. Andrew “The Boss” Reynolds continues to foster the next generation of skateboarders by constantly seeking out new and up-and-coming talent. We are honored that he’ll be supporting Vans’ mission to promote and grow skateboarding globally.

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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.

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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.

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