G is also for Gator… Alongside various skate gods of different eras we also find references to Steve Douglas’ “Go For It” zine from the dark ages and (topical note: there was a fuss about a BBC DJ using the word “gay” raging at the time of this post) Gay Twists.
GODOY Art & Steve
Prime example of a surprisingly rare species: skating brothers. Originally had a double model out on Skull then went their separate ways (H Street and Circle A). Then re- joined to form Iron Cross skateboards
GAFFER TAPE
The wonder stuff: essential skate accessory for patching/ holding together everything from shoes, to pads, to ramps. Always scam it: it is NOT DONE to own your own roll.
GATAIR
Boosted 360 Foot-plant originated by Gator (Mark Antony)
GATOR
He’s used this name consistently but,See: ANTHONY, Mark
GAY TWIST
Fakie 360 Mute Air
GECKO
Seventies UK skate manufacturer/ distributor. Imported brands like ACS, G&S, Powell Peralta at one time. Also manufactured Pacer Catalina boards which gives a clue to the current incarnation of the same people as Pacer.
GELFAND, Alan ‘Ollie’
Rose to prominence from Florida in late seventies along with Mike McGill. One of the first Powell Peralta skaters. Bequeathed the no handed aerial which was named the ‘Ollie’ after him.
GILLINGHAM
Bad timing: One of the last UK Skateparks Construction designs to appear. Opened just as seventies craze died out. Survived right the way through the down period as a haunt of hardcore skaters, bikers and rollerskaters. Demolished in 1987, just in time for the resurgence of skating, earning Gillingham Council our award for the most pratish bit of timing in the decade.
GNARLY
Harsh, extreme, on the edge. Good, but with more than a touch of danger. Of moves, places, things and people. The essence of skating for many.
GO FOR IT
Early eighties UK skate zine produced by Steve Douglas. One issue was even printed. The next one was the classic ‘swindle’ issue — glossy cover, but photo-copied inside. Copies now command high prices.
GODOY Art & Steve
Prime example of a surprisingly rare species: skating brothers. Originally had a double model out on Skull then went their separate ways (H Street and Circle A). Then re- joined to form Iron Cross skateboards
GOFF, Sean
As the eighties revival began the question was who would emerge as the first British star figure. Webster cleared off to America and it was Sean who ended up bearing the brunt of the official hype. Moved from Vision (Goff sticker, but no board) to Brand X (early prominence and first models) finally finding true happiness with Fox and co on Death Box. Rad skater. Now also has a share in SS20
GONZALES, Mark
You’d be hard pushed to over-rate his skating ability. Gonzales is unique. A true skating legend, he’s generally associated with street skating, but that’s not even the half of it. Definitive example of the skater as (creative) individual.
GOOD-BUDDIES
Fakie frontside Hand-plant.
GOOFY
To skate with your right foot forward.
GORDON & SMITH
One of the very longest established surf/clothing/skate companies. Dominated 70s boom with solid decks (Peralta Warptail), flexy fibreglass/wood laminates (Fiberflex) and then maple laminates (SP Warp 2) and YoYo wheels. G&S skater, Neil Blender had huge influence on direction of eighties skate movement. One of first teams with non US pros (eg Webster), Guerrero & Bo~p”4hm lead Euros.
GOTHBERG, Hans
Skating legend, the wild man from Sweden, the land of early eighties big burly ramps and big burly skaters. Example: leaping out of the crowd when they called his name at the 87 French Open, throwing off his rucksack and taking his run in knackered old ordinary shoes. ~ve
CAPTIONS:
GOFF, Sean. Madonna, it has to be
GONZALES, Mark, Air Lein Crossbone, Latimer