Skateboarding In 1970s California During The Golden Age Of Skate Culture

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Dovas
Community member

Skateboarding culture in California in the 1970s has left an indelible mark on the sport and on America’s cultural identity, and photographer Hugh Holland perfectly captured the spirit of this golden age in his beautiful street photography album – Locals Only: California Skateboarding 1975-1978.

Curiously enough, the drought that hit California in the 1970s played a huge part in skateboarding history. Swimming pools and drainage ditches lay empty and dry, allowing kids to carve them up with their skateboards, some of which were simply coarse wooden boards with wheels – a far cry from today’s laminated creations.

Though Holland wasn’t a skateboarder, he still spent three years following these kids to document their unique 70s style subculture. His vintage photos can be found on Amazon, so if you want a glimpse into this by-gone golden age, check these cool photos out!

More info: hughholland.com | Amazon | Facebook (h/t: demilked, designyoutrust)

“During the mid-1970s, Southern California was experiencing a serious drought,” writes Hugh Holland

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The drought emptied drain ditches and swimming pools…

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…which are PERFECT spots for skateboarders!

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You can find Hugh Holland’s book on Amazon!

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Dovas

Author, Community member

There is a beast with heart of cold stone
that dashes like lightning, shreds flesh from bone. //
Bewitched by this beast, I fell to my knees.
My mouth babbled madness and mumbled soft pleas. //
I stared down the ravenous, gnashing dark maw of a cute cuddly kitten with yarn in its paw