Cleveland Skateboarding Storytellers - Episode 1: The Introduction

[@MrRlav]

Great episode! I had no idea street plant was done. good thing I bought a couple skate rat boards a while back to keep me riding till spring of 2025. Look forward to seeing the new board!

[@HeavyJudy]

Kristian Svitak has done so much for skateboarding but in particular he’s put the spotlight on the Ohio scene. The Ohio scene is so strong and I can’t fathom why that is, other than people like Kristian, Brian Smith, Brad Fishbaugh and Mike Larkey. Cheers to you all! 🙌🏼

[@Steven-nv7ho]

I know who you are dude! Your 88 shoes were one of my favorite shoes back in the day

[@TommiChong]

From Solon. Skated with Chuck and them. Graduated 1992. I just stumbled across this today. Today is also the day I started back skateboarding at 50. SFMF

[@markslak8107]

The black label polska deck totally represented Cleveland in my mind and i was hyped to ride it

[@notfarfromgone1]

What? No "how I almost died in Youngstown" stories? Kristian stood out - just had that perfect balance of beast/ease. Damn - your story is like my own. Blue collar AF, getting jumped, but having the post-industrial shred scene and endless suburbs to expand into meant everything. You know how it was - there were micro-crews all over, richer dudes, dead-ass broke weirdo crews, inner-city crews. It was just like a f-ing choose your own adventure book. And launch ramps, man... back then, those were like totems that just brought the gnar and built a lot of connections. I know we hung out a few times at Section 8 or Half Pipe Mikes or somethings. Always a big inspiration. You and Dave Kaule (Pittsburgh). Best of health and happiness. Gratitude.

[@SalBoulders]

There was a time when all my friends were riding Beer City blanks.

[@scottlistenfelt4895]

Awesome episode 🤙💯🛹

[@THCrimsonGhost]

Good job Kristian.

[@HeavyJudy]

Also, Bill Elliot and his brother. I’m sorry I don’t remember Bill’s brother’s name but he was super cool to me as a new kid at West Side.

[@whoisghettojoe]

Scott Elliott

[@jizzo385]

Blockhead is making some of the sickest shapes. Really loving their boards and their vibe. You joining them is a super rad fit.

[@graftonholler6029]

i lived in cleveland off x on a few times 02-04. i remember mike larkey, tall skinny dude, filmed or took pics more than skated circa those couple yrs i was there. knew a kid named austin who ripped, worked at westside skates, a tall black kid named abraham who lived on east side like me x did noseslides. also had a junkie neighbor rob who i could drag to tower city once in a while. one of my favorite cities to skate. i'd run into a lot more skaters but i can't remember any others specifically.

[@HeavyJudy]

Mike Larkey was a guy I always looked up to along with his good friend Brad Fishbaugh. When I first got into skating in 1997 in Oberlin, OH I was putting roller skate wheels on k-mart boards and I know Mike and “Burley” Brad thought I was some poor white trash kid who knew nothing about skateboarding …. And they were right. Eventually, they took me under their wing and I remember the first time they gave me a used deck they had. Skateboarding was one of the best things that happened to me and the Cleveland scene is such a cool part of the culture.

[@twanchy]

Jay is the man!

[@HeavyJudy]

Would love to see Brian Smith, Brad Fishbaugh and Mike Larkey get interviewed. These guys repped OHIO more than any others.

[@MatthewMinch-p6v]

Prolific Joe pushed Jay off the ramp because trunk industries. I wasn't there I think but the daggers told me. So it must be true. Then we played kickball.

[@mattferrara6312]

Garfield skateshop (with the wizardwheel qp outback i think lol) was the place i got my first board. Jeff hooked me up with one of your decks. . Smashing pumpkin head i think it was.. anyways. Thanks for doing this man. Much love from the 216.

[@Pointlesshandle48]

Team Insanity

[@rahGrebelsoulsound]

👍