Luchaskate
Magazine
#6
Sharkbait Brad David Hackett Julz Lynn The lifer skater magazine
Contents First word: roll by David Thornton
Photo Feature
Alexander Swilley
Skate Legend Interview David “HACKMAN” Hackett
SharkBait Zine Creator Brad Hayes
Word Association with Julz Lynn
Cover: Chad Crawford at Terry’s bowl, Memphis. Photo: Rowland Inside: Jack Carlson, boneless into a wet ditch. Photo: Swilley
Roll
Interviewing David Hackett made me think about skateboarding in a way I hadn’t for a while. It made me think about the basics. I remembered the first time I rode a skateboard.
First Word By D. Thornton
After finishing the Hackett layout, I watched his footage in the Skull Skates DVD Resist Control. If you have never seen this video, I highly recommend seeing it at least once. It is a very thorough trip through every decade of skateboard hisI still remember that first day. The tory. At one point it shows Hackett board was a thin, blue plastic deck skating. He isn’t doing any tricks. with miniscule trucks and tiny Instead, he is in a small park, carvwheels with open ball bearings. I ing up a storm. His fluidity and flow rode the curbs of Holdrege Neis amazing. He didn’t need to do any braska day in and day out. I had no tricks to be brilliant. No tricks necidea a carve was called a carve or a essary. Just pure skateboarding. Get kickturn was a kickturn. I just knew onboard and roll. that rolling on a skateboard was one of the best things I’d ever done..
some Abec 11 NoSkoolz wheels that confirmed this need to roll. A bowl that I had been skating for nearly two years was new to me again. It even brought back the desire for distance skating. I suddenly wanted to get on a board and roll for miles and miles.
Wheels. Meant to roll.
Keyword: Roll Skateboarding is, in the simplest form, rolling on this four wheeled contraption we all know and love. So, what makes a good (or great or amazing) skateboarder? It can be so many things. For some it is tricks. For others it is style. Some combine both. Since thinking about the word roll, I have been doing a lot of rolling. I managed to get my hands on
Too often skateboarding doesn’t celebrate diversity. Vert, mini ramp, cruising, bowls, street, downhill, slalom, distance‌all of these things are skateboarding and it is the variety we can choose from that helps make skateboarding great. I urge you all to forget what you think you know for a day. Head out to your favorite spot and just roll. Forget, for one day, rails and ledges and grinding. If your trucks are tight, loosen them. Throw some soft wheels on, and cruise. It is a great reminder of what skateboarding is all about.
Hand cut skateboard. Shaped.
This skateboard kills fascists.
Binger. Al Town.
Photo Feature:
The photography of
Alexander Swilley http://invertedphoto.tumblr.com/
Dumper. Al Town Wall Ride
Darius King Kill or be killed
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
McD’s. Jack Carlson ollie to water. Darius. Make. Zorro. Transfer at Tobey Park. How red is your neck? Zurra.
Legend Spotlight:
David Hackett If you are ever asked who the most influential, inspirational, and downright gnarly skateboarder of all time is and you don’t want a long, drawn out debate, just say Dave Hackett. David Hackett has been Racing cones faster and Slashing coping Harder and Arguably the Best All-Around Skateboarder than the other guys for over three decades. He turned pro in 1975 and is still killing it in 2013. In 1982, seven years after HACKMAN! won his first pro contest (at the age of 15), Glen E. Friedman took a picture of him that has become one of the OG HACKETT SLASH SHOT © GLEN E. FRIEDMAN most iconic BURNINGFLAGSPRESS.COM skateboard photos of all time, “The Hackett Slash.” This photograph has been immortalized in everything from t-shirts to sculptures to Tattoos. That is still, however, just the beginning. “The Hackman’s” influence on skateboard graphics and shape design runs deep as well. Along with Skull Skates, David produced two of the most iconic skate decks of the ‘80s, The “Street Sickle” and The “Iron Cross”. He helped start the 80’s clothing line Jimmy’Z. He is the founder and key designer of both Deathbox Skateboards and BLR (Black Leather Racing). He is even the oldest skater to ever do Tony Hawk’s loop of death (he made the loop at the age of 46).
Add to this list: Businessman, public speaker (THE Skateboard Hall of Fame Emcee & Host), fine artist, and above all else- Cancer survivor. All the while, Hackett has been unapologetically himself, taking each new life challenge on head first at full speed straight at the coping. I’m proud to have been given this opportunity to present these questions to David for you, the Luchaskate readers.
Because there is already so much information available on your accomplishments as a skateboarder, I’m going to assume that our readers are already at least somewhat knowledgeable about your skill and history (if not, they need to Google your name and get educated), so I’m going to jump into some deeper questions except for this first one. You have two brands: Deathbox and Black Leather Racing. Tell us a bit about the two. What do you do, and who are the players?
will make on bringing back Respect for my Generation of Guys and Wider decks. (At that time and all during the 90’s it was hard to find a deck wider that 8” or a Deck with a “Directional Shape” - Basically everything was Street/Popsickle decks.
Originally, back in 1999, I heard that Stacy Peralta was doing the DogTown Documentary; DOGTOWN AND ZBOYS because he called me and told me he wanted to interview me. I got to thinking what an Impact that film NEW DEATHBOX HOMEPAGE IDEA, DAVE HACKETT DESIGN 2013.
I think Black LaORIGINAL DEATHBOX LINEUP, 2000. bel and Beer City were producing a couple wider decks, but my Idea for DEATHBOX was let’s ONLY do Wide and Directional Shaped Decks and Focus on Pool Riding and the Men who were some of ing Class Hero’s The Unsung the first Pool Riders and build Lords! You know who they are. the brand around those guys. It just so happened that Tod BLACK LEATHER RACING or Swank and Pineapple were (BLR) was started about 7 years thinking along the same lines, so ago by myself and Steve Olson. we all decided to create the We were going to all these Slabrand together with Tum Yeto lom and Downhill Races and seebacking it. The original ing all the racers wearing Silly DEATHBOX Team was Jay AdLycra tops and Tour De France ams, Brad Bowman, Mike Folhelmets and just looking like Homer, Myself, Tom “Wally” mos! We didn’t fit into ANY of Inouye, Doug “Pineapple” Salatheir team concepts of what a dino, Wentzle Ruml, Rick Black- HARDCORE SKATEBOARD
hart and Steve Olson. Blackhart & Olson Dropped out at the last minute but eventually made Guest Models later on.
RACER should look like- So we started our own team- BLACK LEATHER RACING! We wear all Black, sometimes Black Leather Racing Jackets and White shoesThe current Players for We have “A Look” and Chicks Dig DEATHBOX are my ManufacUs. We make Racing Decksturer and Distributor, Myself and Downhill, Tight, Hybrid and GiAny and All HARDCORE Skateant Slalom Boards, Longboards boarders who RIP, TEAR, & and Cruiser Decks and ComSHRED for the Cause! The Work- pletes as well- We have some KILLER SHIT!
Gnarly! As far as Mediums, I work with almost everything, but my medium of first choice is Paint. I LOVE “Liquid Color”! NEW BLR LINEUP, 2013.
Let’s talking a bit about art. You’ve had some of the most innovative board graphics, but you’re also a creative director, graphic designer and fine artist. What and who tend to inspire you artistically? What mediums do you prefer to work with? In the past, I was Really Influenced by Surreal Artists like Dali, and Duchamp and later on in Art School I got into really Appreciating local LA Fine Artists such as Ed Rucha, and Laddie Dill. Now, almost anything can an Inspiration- For example, this morning I watched a Documentary on the Sculptor who created Mt. Rushmore- Gutzon Borglum, who was a Danish Sculptor who before he sculpted and created Mt. Rushmore was a highly respected American/Danish Scupltor who sculpted Saints and Apostles and was one of the first to have a piece in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Tenacity and Drive of a Man like that to endlessly create despite living in the depression of the 1930’s is very inspiring and just
Follow up: What is your approach to coming up with new graphics and artwork? Well, without revealing any personal design “Secrets”- I do a lot of research with shops and online to see what size (Width & Length) is selling, then I do the same with shapes; wide tail? Round tail? pointier nose? more or less concave? I ask myself these questions and more before I sit down at the computer to draw the shape in illustrator. Once I have the shape, I start playing with different imagery and logos that I create in illustrator/Photoshop for that deck- If the new deck is a team rider’s new model, I usually either ask them to provide the artwork and shape, or I will work with them to create whatever they want- But try and keep it in the “DEATHBOX STYLE” of Artwork, Look and Feel of the Brand. I try and keep all of DEATHBOX’S artwork and Image HARDCORE & GNAR, but not all Evil/Devil Worship Crap. We’re HARDCORE SKATEBOARDERS - Not weak Evil Scumbag pieces of shit!
THIS IS HOW I LAYOUT THE SHAPE AND GRAPHIC - LATEST “SAN DAGO DECK”
Moving on to something of a personality assessment from what I’ve seen/heard about you. You are known as being a person with a very positive outlook and attitude toward life. What role has your positive attitude had toward your success? Well, you can imagine- When you’re Unsuccessful, NOBODY wants to know how you did it and asks “What’s your Secret”? So even if you are in a “Slump” or not Feeling too Great and Successful, sometimes you have to “Fake it ‘Till you Make it”...I use allot of Positive Affirmations. You know, sometimes it’s Rough being Human- We can tend to Naturally think Negative Thoughts. But our words are VERY POWERFUL! So we can
actually Turn a Negative situation into a Positive Successful situation just by Speaking The Word- And that in turn makes for a Positive Attitude and EVERYONE Loves a Positive Attitude! It really comes down to a Choice- Are you choosing to be Positive or Negative? Follow up: Originality. Being you rather than following trends. After all, there is nobody like David Hackett. I mean, even though you and Steve Olson are so often seen, photographed, and filmed together, you are both very much individuals. How is being yourself a key to your success and longevity? What could other skaters learn from it?
Funny you ask that, because being myself has also hurt my success probably more than helped it- Because I’m most always misunderstood or my thoughts have been a little ahead of the times, so it’s hard to get the right people or investors with my same vision to buy into some of my projects. But the Bottom line is- If you remain true to yourself and always do what makes you heart sing, you will not only find personal happiness but many times great financial success as well- “Do what you Love- The Money will Follow”.
The future of skateboarding. Skate parks are popping up everywhere again, and skaters who were previously only accustomed to skating stairs and ledges are carving bowls. What would you like to see change as far as skate coverage within skateboard media? Two things- 1) I’d like to see skateboard magazines and media stop focusing on Street Skating as the main or only Discipline skateboarding has to offer- Because it’s not. and 2) I’d like to see more Skateboard History and Respect for that History and Riders who Paved the way for today’s generation.
CHARGING THE COURSE HARD, BLR STYLE! Photo: Greg Fadell © 2013
I’m most always misunderstood or my thoughts have been a little ahead of the times For the final question, I’m gonna bring it back to the surface. Most memorable session. First one that comes to mind (I’m sure there are millions). Where were you? Who was there?
ANOTHER ALL TIME GREAT SESSION! L-R, ARAB, GARY OWENS, SPIDEY, HACKMAN! SUPER JIM GRAY, JAY ADAMS, MY BIBLE, DAVE DUNCAN AND DANIEL CUERVO! HOURS AND HOURS OF HARDCORE SHREDDING AND FUN!!
Of course there have been Thousands of Rad Sessions, but one of the More recent ones that was ALL TIME was at the Bible Bowl, with these Guys: Thanks again for your time. It is a pleasure and honor to be able to share this with our readers! Thank You! The Pleasure was Mine and here’s a Parting Shot: JUST RE-LEARNED INVERTS AFTER NOT DOING ONE FOR TEN YEARS! NEVER TOO OLD!! BLESSINGS, HACKMAN!
SharkBait 1.
Who is Brad Hayes?
on the side of my old Just some dude– I loke skateboarding, blog, and my wife, my friends, photography, now I have a making art, putting out ‘zines, seeing wordpress music, and trying to stay happy. I am (http:// NOT the Brad Hayes who was sponsharkbaisored by Acme in the ‘90’s (even though that guy was rad) if any of you tabq.wordpress.com/) which kind of remember him. sucks, and I try to put them in the little web store (http:// 2. When/why did you start the ‘zine? sharkbaitabq.bigcartel.com/) but the I started it 9 years ago to accompany last issue pretty much got consumed my friends, Aaron and Kira Frisby’s in town and sent to people who art show. I’d recently quit drinking, helped fund it through Kickstarter. but still wanted to bring some misSorry about that to anyone who chief into the uptight setting of the wanted one. I’m also turning agsinst restaurant it was held at, and that doing reprints. Not that I want to be was the best way I could think of. It’s part of the bullshit “limited edition” just really fun. Initially, thought, it scene, I just want to move forward was just to make my ffriends lagh. and not backwards. As much as I love Devo, I don’t want to devolve. 3. Sharkbait. What was the inspiration/meaning behind the name Sharkbait? No inspiration or clue on the name. It really was only intended to be made once for that party, bt I like the name, so fuck it… 4. What is the best way to keep up with new issues that come out? I used to put them
Wallie ph- Pat McDougal
5.
most productive I’ve ever been. There’s so much beauty around, you just want to contribute. That sounds pretty corny, but Latino culture has an eye for beauty and it’s contagious. 6. Finish this sentence: Skateboarding is… ...everything. It’s why I’m alive, it’s why I have everything I have that matters, and I trip out if I go more than 3 days without at least cruising around. It hasn’t changed for me, I still love it as much as I did as a 10 year old. 7. Shout outs:
Tell us a bit about your art. It looks maybe somewhat native American inspired?
I love my wife, parents, and all my friends. Thanks to Microwave skateshop for having my back and giving I’ve got some Injun in me and grew up me a place to lurk. Thanks to anyone in Oklahoma, so that makes sense. I who has ever read Shark Bait or love Native American culture and can showed me a spot. Thanks to people tell you they have the best senses of who let me do art stuff in their spaces. humor I’ve ever encountered. My art Thank you for the interview, David! I sucks and sometimes it’s great– I go hope everyone is out there fucking up, on benders where it consumes me and because that’s the only way to learn then leave it alone a while. Living here anything! in Alburqueruque had made me the Latreesh!
Photo: Pat McDougal
Word Association
with Julz Lynn Matt Gaudio photography Work: Hard Labor Love:" is Evol spell it backwards I"ll show ya" -eminem Blood: Reign in blood!! Aaaaahahahaha!Slayer Home: Orange County CA where the palm trees blow by the sea and you can paddle out. the mountains have snow. Any time you can moto. All my family. No place I'd rather be! Grind: smith grinds (drooling)
Skateboard: where when how why mine!!! Now!!! Tunes: I wanna Jammin with you mon! Jams beats rhythms raps and reasons God: the universe the trees the birds the bees. Let light surround me and stay moving positively on the path to our destiny. Life: Some Crazy shit man‌ Futures: our brain already knows what our future will be by how we manifest our life's daily.
Team Rider: Zach G. Midtown Skateshop 651 N. Mcclean blvd. Memphis TN 38107
(901) 552-4547