About Skateboarding

Words and photos by J. García

Javier Gaztambide – Hato Rey, Puerto Rico – 1999

It’s hard not to get sentimental when I talk about skateboarding. I’ve been riding for over 30 years, and it’s given me a multitude of adventures, friendships, and life lessons. The images within this page are a testament to it.

Take – Tokyo, Japan 2016Jose Beanie & Derek Marengo – Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico 1997

Feliu & John Eric – Punta Las Marias, Puerto Rico 2014 J. Garcia (me) – Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico 1998

JP Souza – East L.A., California – 2017

Ryan Johnson – Aguadilla, Puerto Rico 2008Trent McClung – L.A. High, California – 2017A view from the skate van – Managua, Nicaragua 2005

In November 2023, I had the honor of speaking to a first-year Anthropology of Skateboarding class at UCLA, taught by my friend Justin Dunnavant. The experience took me down memory lane as I reflected on how skateboarding has shaped who I am and how I approach life. It was thrilling to share that with such an engaged group of freshmen students.

Robert Lopez Mont(RIP) – Beijing, China 2006

“I’ve been skating for 29 years. The best thing about skate trips is going to amazing places to skate and sightsee with your homies” – Kelly Hart

Kelly Hart – Tokyo, Japan 2016

Brother & Sister – El Almendro, Nicaragua 2005Baby steps – Los Angeles California 2012Anthony Acosta shoots Luis Tolentino – El Almendro, Nicaragua 2005Chico Brenes – Barcelona, Spain 2005

My talk focused on how we connect through skateboarding and how our shared passion facilitates understanding, mutual respect, and appreciation for one another.

The Stoke is real.Uriol MadRican – Ponce, Puerto Rico 1998Not sure why. (me) – Japan 2016

Javier Gaztambide – Tampa, Florida 1995

My sons on a skate mission – Downtown L.A. – 2020My son and my skateboard – Los Angeles, California – 2010

Chico Brenes – Los Angeles, California.

“Skateboarding means freedom, something I enjoy either by myself or with friends.” – Chico Brenes

Kids Learning – Barranquitas, Puerto Rico 2000Migue Ortiz, Reinaldo Santiago & crew – Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico – 1997Mecky Creus, Javier Gaztambide & Esteban Jaime – Lost, Puerto Rico 1998

“Llevo corriendo skate por casi 35 años. Skate para mi es diversion, habilidad, relajación y amistad.” – Jose “Nuni” Rodriguez

Migue Ortiz – Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico 1998Lengy Toledo – L.A. High, California 2005Some Fun – Downtown, Los Angeles 2020Jose “El Negro” Cantre – Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico 1998

“I’ve been skating for 35 years. Grinding a pool is one of the best feelings I’ve known in skateboarding. It can be cathartic, a fast thrilling ride…” – Fred Hofheinz

Fred Hofheinz – Los Angeles, California 2019

Anthony Clarval filming Robert Lopez Mont (RIP) – Shanghai, China 2006Anthony Clarval filming Rodrigo TX – Barcelona, Spain 2004

Wilfredo – El Viejo San Juan 1996Tim Guza – East L.A., California – 2021Eric Koston – El Viejo San Juan 1999

“I’ve been skating for 22 years. The urge to win a battle makes me keep coming back to a trick until I roll away” – JP Souza

JP Souza – Los Angeles, California 2016

Tiago Lemos & Friends – Los Angeles, California 2015 – Los Angeles, California Tim & Fred – Los Angeles, California -2023

Jose “El Kido” Benitez – El Viejo San Juan 2000

Ricky Ronda – Simi Valley, California 1999

As a kid, I was captivated by Peter Pan and the idea of never growing up. Maybe skateboarding became my own Neverland—a mindset where I stay the same kid who first discovered it all those years ago.

Chico Brenes & Seu Trinh – Los Angeles, California 2015Skater in the wild. – Los Angeles, California 2022Tito – Aguadilla, Puerto Rico 2008Tools for life – Japan 2016

Skating hurts way more as I get older, but the joy and fulfillment it brings have not changed.

The Filmer – Mito, Japan 2016Lee Smith & Jeron Wilson – Yabucoa, Puerto Rico 1999Hasam Los Angeles California 2023

Tim Guza – Los Angeles, California – 2019

“I have been skating for over 40 years, and I would describe it as a human-powered rollercoaster” – Tim Guza

Anthony Acosta, Jerry Hsu, Matt Eversole and others – Shanghai, China 2006Lucca García – Downtown L.A. – 2020

Steven Cales – Hato Rey, Puerto Rico 1998Shanghai, China 2006Keep on pushing.

I’m thankful for that wooden plank on wheels, and I know a lot of fools out there feel the same. Cheers. J.