From Vert Legend to Chopper Icon: Max Schaaf | Let It Kill You

[@VICE]

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[@moked5353]

Hey if you guys got a shop here in phx az let me work for ya

[@hubermanlab]

Schaaf rules. Best style, totally unique and trailblazing EAST BAY LEGEND.

[@cumintothevoid]

hell yeah, a legend appreciating a legend.

[@AmusedTractor]

Totally rules. He was ahead of the pack, 100%

[@student22044]

Hey, I thought I recognised you! Love your work; it's so interesting!

[@teamClermont]

@hubermanlab rules ! :)

[@MikeRay1978]

Damn it made me cry a little when she said “how could I not”. She chose to keep her little family together by sacrificing a traditional home and lifestyle for what the boys wanted. And I’d imagine there’s a bond that is unexplainable. Experiences that can never be recreated. That is love.

[@R.A.Mannino]

So true and well said My Brother :)

[@jaredhoward499]

I love that people like this still exist. Thank you brother.

[@tomibby]

Vice finally getting it's vibe back, such a beautiful piece about such inspirational genuine people

[@over-educated-sp]

FUCKING SERIOUSLY!

[@tomibby]

@@over-educated-sp what? it is a beautifully made piece, and the people are inspiring and genuine? You angry

[@over-educated-sp]

@@tomibby What are you talking about? I’m 52. I grew up in the 80’s, and 90’s as a skater, I RIDE CHOPPERS! MAX WAS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE BEST HALFPIPE SKATERS IN THE MID, TO LATE 90’s. What the hell are you talking about! This video was AMAZING? Mad? For what? Max builds some of the most unique, and badass choppers. Mark Gonzales is one of my hero’s, even though he’s basically my age.

[@tomibby]

@@over-educated-sp in my opinion it was a good video, calm down bro

[@TheFleckboyz]

​@@tomibby the dude was agreeing with you

[@michaelmartin5696]

Mom's the star of this one. I really appreciate what she said about willfully finding her joy after such a devastating loss..I can relate. And Max got some sweet bikes. Nice work

[@jeffl7852]

Frank Hawk did this too - RIP

[@Steezo_Romero]

As a dude who loves skateboarding, motorcycles and Max. God damnit it did I almost cry with that fist in the air riding shot near the end there. One of a kind man. Nothing but love and respect for what he stands for.

[@steeleejoe]

My dad brought my skate crew to that Iron Works ramp, we grew up a couple miles east from it. Saw the mom & Max skate it. Changed my life...

[@aaronstubbs4281]

What makes Max Schaaf so rad is that he couldn’t care less that he IS so fucking rad. Damn, this little doc really makes me want to go do something cool… a lot like skate vids always made me want to go skate. Thanks for this, Vice and thank you, Max.

[@muldoonmcsteny8015]

Awesome dude, I wanna hug his awesome mom. Great piece, rich in feels, do what you love and you'll have no regrets.

[@MauroskiSkates]

Grew up watching his mother walk her senior dogs every morning got a chance to see the ramp when Josh gave me my first real board. Maxx is a legend.

[@13_13k]

Thank You to those of you who made this video. It was well made, told a great story of a man's life who did his best and made the best of what he had. He didn't play the victim and become a dirtbag, he worked hard personally on himself and what his passions are. That's what we are supposed to do as humans.

[@JimSki43]

Have known this family since 1990 and just so you all know this clip doesn’t even scratch the surface of how great they all are❣️RIP Billy #799 Lightning Express. 😢

[@paradiseali47]

His mums an amazing lady

[@michaelluis5517]

She’s 75 and they look like siblings. Being an incredible, lovely person keeps ya looking young.

[@deni8222]

beautiful person

[@oldsrktracer]

This one hits home. I went from skateboarding to cars. I got into drag racing and I've done it my way differently. I work alone and have my own way.

[@chas4life]

What an beautiful relationship between adult son and his Mom. The love. Bless them both!

[@nazznomad]

Great documentary and story. This is classic Vice. Thank you for telling the legend of Max.

[@kovy689]

It’s another reuploaded video…

[@fuzzylumpkins6034]

I grew up in the 70s 80s and 90s in Dallas. That matters because I grew up skating under bridges with Tex and some of the zorlac lads and later'd with Jeff b4 he self deleted. Those guys taught me how to be a guy. I had the good old absent dad and those cowboys took me under their wings and we hung. It is important to grab all the riff raff in the hood and include them. The skills and talent that come from it and coolmunity* is unmatched. I ended up slinging ink and later building computers. We all still dip in and out of skating but most importantly, we still have a community. Our time came and went with Bachman park and Jeff Phillips skate park when most of the younger crowd went to street but the community still exist. I appreciate the path. My kids look at all my old boards, guitars, photos and say I am just old. Our lads will have a path of their own.

[@RobbyJHope]

Theyll wake up one day and realize how cool their dad was and is. It all comes back around.

[@fuzzylumpkins6034]

@@RobbyJHope It sounds Disney, but I agree- circle of life. All our fore fathers paved the pathed, some of us just carved it

[@LoFiTechGuy]

Well said! My friend, the late Jon Comer introduced me to that park, and Jeff. Good times! R.I.P my brothers!

[@fuzzylumpkins6034]

@@LoFiTechGuy At 48 I realise how much my boys will never know who I was , who taught me how to be me, what I did and what lipslide meant. Good times. In 1990 a lock in at Jeff Phillips skatepark taught me how to 50/50 rail slide and dark slide. I was 14. To this day I do not under stand how current pros can not execute tricks I did on a BBC pennigton board 30 years ago.

[@fuzzylumpkins6034]

@@LoFiTechGuy Jon lived 2 miles away from me in North Garland. There is a huge reason his death was not revealed. I almost didnt comment regarding Jon. Jon was superb with fisheye. He was always relagated to filming others and locally never thought of as being superb due to his leg. I guess in this 4 year weird period he would be seen as special in the woke life, while he was amazing, many of my brothers found his prosthetic leg as an advantage. He would not get the same fatigue as the rest of us. I am not ashamed for knowing this, it is fact, Jon had his own demons. RIP Jeff and Jon. Jeff for the vert, Jon for the fisheye. edit. Wicked comment seeing anyone especially so quickly regard Jon in the small circle of 20 guys we had and Jon being the least spoken about. Nothing against his skating or connection to Powell, just how underrated in the local Dallas scene Jon was after he put so much in. His passing would be highly controversial if anyone outside Dallas (really Garland- roach feed and seed bros) would even speak about it. 1 last edit, my sons are named Austin due to Jon, and Jon because of Jon.

[@EVAASIVEOne]

Very happy to see more of Schaaf especially through O’Dells lens ❤️ thank you Max and Patrick for your time, talent, and passion to tell a story of life & hard work

[@Tom_FLHCS]

I skated street in the 90s (somewhat badly) but was a huge fan of Max's, then 20 years later met him briefly at a chopper show and he was just a super nice down to earth dude. More than his skating or bikes, I respect his ability to just be himself and do what he loves to do.

[@architectjeff]

This guy has a great story. I get the impression that he’s just a humble, genuine person. It’s what we should all strive to be.

[@monkeykid797]

Seeing people who are so unapologetically themselves, who drive for pure, unfiltered, originality, is such a beautiful thing. Almost made me cry.

[@realskateboards]

Max and Mark together on the ramp....

[@dojahman]

His mom is amazing for supporting and letting them do their thing. Seeing the result of that is a nice confidence boost for me, because I try to raise my daughters free like that and keeping them out of the conventional brainwash system. We homeschool them and go surfing and skating with them and let them do their arts and crafts all day as long as they want. They are so developed and learn everything by themselves. Yet, the amount of hate and ignorance you get from people for not walking in line is insane.

[@heathschmidt7516]

We raised are boys the same way.Speaking from experience…you will not regret it!

[@infinidominion]

Taking the tank in from the cold into the warmth produced condensation under the paint. I used to employ a method for easily getting resin out of a blown glass pipe by putting it in the fridge for 15mins and when you take it out, condesation forms between the glass and resin so it comes right out clean 😎

[@DavidCheetham-k1l]

Hi everyone I'm dave a 58 year old family man from Macclesfield England I find this insightful film of max inspiring on many levels I've just started skateboarding myself I find it a creative thing and most of all it's fun I'm also into bikes and I'm in the prosess of getting my yamaha Sr 250 back on the road max is the real deal and when you find something you love stick with it

[@getoutgetrad]

I got to share this with my kids... Max defined culture. So grateful for his continual contribution, and what a great capture of his story! KEEEEP THESE COMING!!

[@oliverholzmann2588]

What a genuine person he is. Such a cool dude,...Thanks for sharing!!!

[@o021455]

Amazing video. I appreciate all the hard work you guys put into it. Keep it up! Max needed this, I needed this, and the world needed this.

[@dnbsoldier7259]

Skating, art, motorcycles and being a loner...It's been a long time since I related to anyone's story this much. Ramona is such a wonderful person, I'm glad she was given her time to shine in this story alongside her son. Thanks for brightening my day.

[@GeorgWanek]

Wonderful documentary! Being inspired by 90s Vert Skaters I noticed Max at the Jim's Ramp Jam contest video. Strong and powerful skating, shaved head, Real T - he represented something very authentic in skateboarding I wanted so much. Surrounded by people and brands which seems to be well selected and also ceasing what does not fit. Clean vert style, astonishing lines, and really outspoken guy. I was stoked to meet him at some Euro comps, with Brian Howard on a subway train in Dortmund and later at Mystic Cup in Prague. I love the approach of really focusing on once craft / art / passion and thereby creating a gift to the world. Max continues to inspire!

[@richo220665]

What a fantastic story about who does what they want in today's world that's a rarity ❤ love it

[@222welder]

I can remember him riding that bike up to the Berkley skate park in the early 2000s and listening to him excitedly explaining how he made the oil tank. He was always so cool to all the kids, hell to everyone. This explains a lot about the man I saw.

[@RaggedRecordsMusic]

Wow, Max's mom's work is amazing. Easy to see how she inspired him so much.

[@FORCE_PBC]

That feeling of being on the bike and not giving a F about anything around you while you are totally at peace with the wind in your beard can’t be duplicated… Im glad he found it. Most people never will……..

[@jakesharp3072]

Yeh well some of us can't grow fucking beards. We rawdog the wind with our bare chins.

[@TupDigital]

Saw him everywhere in ads and whatnot growing up in the mid to late 90s. This video is high substance gold.

[@sk8mike]

This is a part of skateboarding history I never know about. I recognize that vert ramp from some 90s videos, but never knew the story behind it.

[@scottieskatan4219]

Same here went ahrr 411vm seen it plenty of times great to find out.....

[@over-educated-sp]

I got my first board in 1982, and never looked back. So CA was a skaters paradise. The Pipeline, was definitely my favorite skate park. Kids these days have it so good when it comes to skateboard areas. I can’t imagine having a free skate park, something most cities now have, that we could have used to shred at. GREAT PIECE VICE! STAY OUT OF NON PARTISAN POLITICS! THESE ARE THE STORIES THAT SERIOUSLY RESONATE WITH US ALL!

[@shakeandbreak2938]

I would always watch Max's parts because his skateboarding was always above what was out there style wise. What a great episode. It's one of my favorites.

[@datravels]

Great video. Loving that you included Mom in the video. She is an incredible lady. Not everyone is lucky to have such a supportive mother. I am blessed with one as well. Love your shop as well.

[@rosie3589]

Great story! The editor really did a great job! 😮

[@beautyxp3639]

Wow she makes beautiful rugs ❤

[@Sheabonez]

Well done! For over a decade, I’ve seen people kiss his ass and stab his back. Regardless, he continues to grow and innovate. 🍻

[@truthhurts7637]

Is he Jewish? Got a running bet you should settle it for us

[@skatearmyy]

Hand Made Is Always Best, Awesome Vid, Your Sk8 Style has always been inspirational to me. Much♥Max!

[@johnnyc.3261]

Legend. Much love, Max. I’ve gotten really into motorcycles since I’ve gotten older and can’t skate much anymore so this was just all around amazing to me.

[@BobbyHart-b1m]

Simply refreshing to see there is still others out there that don't fear being themselves. Its a rare thing in this modern world, as most are happy to live in comfortable lies.

[@matthewjames206]

Max is a real f'ing G. I've always enjoyed his skating. And his wonderful mom is an amazing artist. This was awesome. I wish him continued success 🍻

[@natekola1151]

Wow very touching, I grew up skating 80’s and 90’s never got super good becasue of fear however always loved and admired guys who juts did what they loved. I don’t recall much about max however greatful to know him now, interesting I’m a custom car builder but have my own small Solitude space and can relate to lots of this. Thank you so much for brining this into my soul

[@patpearse5647]

His mother gave him the ability to do what he did. See what happens when u have a person that loves you enough to let you be you. Magic happens, you just have to let it happen! Koodos to Max and his Mother.

[@elephanthead92]

This was so fucking incredible

[@NicholasLagaso]

LOVED every moment of this and I'm a HUGE fan of all that Max does. Those Motorcycles are my DREAM to own!

[@angrymulegarage23]

Great job vice! I’ve been skating almost 30 years now and absolutely love my motorcycles. This one was a home run for me! Great job.

[@recordingroom2427]

When Max says “this is 4Q conditioning “ at the end of the video with his arms wide open, you can feel the love for his craft on the other side of the screen that it’s almost magical!

[@highonangeldust]

Max is such a solid dude. Great watch. I need to go back and watch his Epicly Later’d again. Great skater.

[@airkoshh]

So good! And his mom's work is amazing!

[@Davivd2]

"Let it kill you" at the end. That was deep. The realization that we are all going to die, and to just do what you love all the way through. Until you accept that, you will live a mundane life, trying to eek out an existence built towards longevity, but not living what you love.

[@RickDeanLangley]

Can we just make her mom of the year 🤓 Max you're a winner 🛹🛹🛹🛹🎸🎸🎸

[@rustyshovel8771]

Max is a great inspiration to me..Keep putting your heart out there..

[@CampbellMilligan]

This is amazing, congratulations... Max's mom is the best.

[@TRAVIESO_NA]

I started skating in 95’ at 7, I started hanging out with teenagers double my age, because they wanted to skate with me, and looking back those years were more formative than I ever realized. I learned everything about skating and the culture. How to do tricks everything about the gear ⚙️ the boards.

[@riverbum8721]

Max is one of those dudes, that is a living legend through and through!!

[@antoniovilasboasqjr]

I was raised by my mother and my father left home when I was six. He left us to live with another woman in the same town here in Brazil. It was really hard for my mother to provide me as a taylor. I got into skateboarding a couple years after and into motorcycles in my twenties because I watched Max's part in the "The Real Video". He's a huge influence so as his mother today after watching this episode.

[@adamfleming2474]

😊 one of the best to ever do it. Much respect, Max 👊🏼✨

[@toddmichaelroberts614]

Bless you Max. You’re a fkn inspiration. And your Mom too!

[@bmcowan1]

Great little doc, Max has always been the real deal.

[@hanageyodare]

already in love with this docu first 30 seconds

[@frikkiejacobs8858]

I needed to see this today. Needed to hear this. Thank you.

[@Bassillerco]

Bunch of smiles watching this one. Glad I took the tarp off the bike today.

[@the6ig6adwolf]

I didn't know anything about Max other than what I watched in Fourstar videos, but he always seemed like a real chill dude. Good vibes and laid back. Good fit for Fourstar.

[@BERNIE817]

So sick. I already genuinely liked his skating, How he used to pop out of lip tricks on a vert ramp. But, after hearing his story he is undoubtedly my favorite skater! ❤❤❤

[@frank2107]

This guy had a big influence on me getting my motorcycle license years back. Absolute legend.

[@satevo462]

Damn, the first 20 seconds is the best motivational speech I needed to hear.

[@dpratt5431]

wow so inspiring to be honest with yourself and have your soul shine through you work!

[@montereyjp]

I didn't know who Max was until I saw the documentary.. 😊 it was awesome and inspiring.. well done 👍

[@okcmpter]

this is super good, this man has had a story to tell for so long but didnt havet to tell it. thanks for letting us in a bit max.

[@Mkbshg8]

Really nice video. Life isn't easy but there is always love and hope so never give up, ever.

[@Justsomelightwork]

Beautiful update. Legend and artist. Humble beginnings always turn into history.

[@michaelkelly6154]

Omg blown away. So great, Max rules.✌️

[@blancomsk]

max has always been an inspiration to my skating but even more now as time goes on~ I lost my mom 4 years ago and she was my first sponsor with skating, and hearing his moms feels about the situation really made how i feel, feel a bit more "seen" I dont know what my life would be like if skating didnt get introduced so early on but I doubt itd be as fulfilling

[@randynewtonsr9659]

Dude , what a f***ing awesome guy 🤙🏻🤙🏻 I was never much good at skateboarding living in the country , but I totally get the transition to custom bike building being an outlet for the ups and downs of life as a way to deal with it/ cope. When I saw the XLCH he built with the Knucklehead engine I was like that’s it , finally someone I can relate to because I want to build an XLCH someday with a Panhead or Shovelhead power plant. Awesome video Gents , Thank You all for highlighting a legend like Max he is so worthy of it for sure 👍

[@ALOHAJOE1313]

I REMEMBER THIS VISION STREETWEAR PRO JAM!! Think it was Chicago BLOW OUT! THATS WHEN SKATERS WERE ROCKSTARS!!! BEST ERA OF SKATING!!! IT CHANGED MY LIFE!! Tommy G! One of my IDOLS!🛹🇺🇸🤘🏻😎

[@bollacompany]

Beautiful piece! Max is the best

[@edwardhernandez-dm5wt]

Art, motorcycles, skateboarding, freedom

[@roddas26]

Thank you for making this ❤

[@ryanmvickerman]

Thank you for this...this came to me at just the right time.

[@twocupstwodrams7535]

19 Harley-Davidsons so far and I keep going back to the Sportster, "So much f*ck'n fun". Thank you for sharing, Ride Free

[@shanemedbery8199]

Fantastic documentary. Thanks for sharing. Dude is a legend.

[@CRASSsk8s]

I really appreciate this series. Let it kill you.

[@ChrisC-yv8bz]

I skated the verkeley ramp a few times and i was so nervous when max was there and stopped to watch me drop in, thinking id slam. Hahaah. Made it!

[@puiazaidarhzauva9928]

absolutely amazing, Max Schaaf is freaking legend,

[@astralflight6151]

the perfect guy as a subject for one of these

[@adamdennis7167]

Beautiful documentary guys on a living legend to be fair the hole family are legends

[@pqhouston]

Thank you for this piece. I identified with a lot of the sentiments and perspectives in this video. More inspiration to be myself everyday and be good to others while doing what you have passion for.

[@bennyjones2373]

Absolute legend, one of the dudes growing up that really made me wish i could skate transition

[@TravisDeeter]

Excellent story and shot beautifully, what an amazing journey and builder

[@longrodlseries]

Gave this a thumbs up before watching and it didn't disappoint! Max and and his Mom are rad!

[@cashoutfilms4709]

Master piece ! Grew up not knowing who he was from the fourstars video

[@darksaga80]

Its completely insane how many creatives just kind of fell into skateboarding and then once they got out of skateboarding, they find another niche in doing something that fed that creativity.

[@juanbrito-nina2877]

Beautiful story❤ I love it! Glad you survived... Very inspiring

[@christianmenendez5284]

Thanks Max! I’ve learned life lessons from you no joke

[@SeanBolisVlogs]

Absolutely amazing