Scarred for Life: Eleven Stories About Skateboarders

by Keith David Hamm

Skateboarding is a means of transport, a pastime, a lifestyle, an artful expression, and an ethos. Some even call it a sport. But until now, the scene has lacked an appropriate -- and accessible -- tribute. Scarred for Life is an intimate, you-are-there look into the culture and history of skateboarding, as told through the voices and experiences of those who have dedicated their lives to riding a wooden plank with wheels. Eleven chapters take readers on a wild ride through the evolution (and revolution) of skateboarding -- reaching as far back as the 1950s -- and includes oral histories and terrain reports of the major styles and techniques as they emerged. One hundred dynamic photographs capture skaters doing what they do best in pools and pipes, on hills, ramps, streets, and skateparks. From the early proving grounds of California hills and pools to the chaotic streets of modern New York City, Scarred for Life offers street-level talk and eye-to-eye truth-telling about skateboarders, scars and all.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published November 4, 2004

Reviews

[Adam Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb. Wish I’d read this 20 years ago when it came out, I might’ve actually started skating instead of just wishing I had for the last 20 years. Great book, you can tell how much love for skating went into it!

[Chad Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for skater enthusiasts. If not to read scarred 4life is filled with historic black and white imagery of sk8 gods & goddesses past to present.

[Matt Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've grown up skateboarding and like this title suggests, I will indeed be scarred for life. Skateboarding literally changes your view on everything. You 'll never look at a set of stairs the same, an empty pool isn't an eyesore, handrails will forever be checked out and driveway bumps look like hours of fun. This book encompasses all the subcultures within a subculture and gives some pretty illustrative anecdote. When I bought this book at it's signing in Santa Barbara I picked up on a quote in the book (can't remember the page number) that went along the lines of, "Once you master the intricacies of style, balance and confidence; everything else comes easily." I've yet to forget that line. As a skateboarder this book is a must own.

[X · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't make it through this. Skimmed quite a bit. I enjoyed the picture and my little skateboarder heart gave a hop, skip, and a jump at the thought of it but the writing didn't catch my attention. I'll try again another time.

[Stephanie T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, very interesting look into the lives of skateboarders. Of course, I'm a bit partial since there is a full-page photo of my brother on Page 58 !!!

[Austin myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

really good the reason i like this book is becuse i lke skateboarding and it tell u about all the skateboards in the city and it tell u lotss os new things

[Yossi Halperin]

Really good book. Not going to give anything away but will say that each story is unique in its own way and touches on the various aspects of Skateboard in some way. The last one is kind of sad