The Magician That Sweeps Venice Beach Skate Park | LOCALS

Our series “Locals” focuses on the often overlooked characters that surround skateboarding - the eccentrics, weirdos and local legends who are staples in the community for reasons outside of having a great back tail. It’s the people with no sponsors to answer to and no paychecks to lose. The people who skate for the love and have a routine unique to themselves.
Filmed by: Ian Michna ( / ian.michna ) & Ian Ostrowski ( / ianostrowski_ )
Edited by: Ian Ostrowski
Catch more of frank here: ( fthemagicia...)

[@sean78745]

This guy is the definition of punk rock, dude spends his days skating and bringing people joy while making money and a life on his own terms. Absolute legend and an incredible skater

[@MonsieurCeri]

Goosebumps Character. Legend!

[@TheGonzogibby]

He is oozing depression, but yea. loving the dream. Great episode Jenk

[@sirpattrick14]

@@TheGonzogibby Sounds like you're projecting, guy seems pretty happy even if he does just skate by.

[@TJV650]

I don’t know.. dude just kinda gave me a bad vibe.

[@TheGonzogibby]

@@sirpattrick14 I have suffered from depression in the past, yes. So I’m not projecting, just giving my POV from experience. Thanks though. You sound great.

[@dstr3ss]

In my local park theres an old man that every Sunday morning he comes and spend minimum 1.5 hours cleaning the whole park, he dont skate, but he say he love to see people having fun on their boards, the guy is a legend

[@TroopsofDoom666]

Hat off

[@neighbor9672]

These are the vibes the world needs.

[@CHR1SUND4Y]

Watch out He's a diddler

[@TupDigital]

That is terrific

[@notaspectator]

I hope you join him or do your bit another day friend :)

[@stvnd1]

The real magic is making a pressure flip bowl flyout look cool.

[@backwoodyben4360]

that no comply back 3 was fucked

[@bobdebuilda3877]

Like BUDDA

[@18JR78]

1:35

[@xiphiasoffishwell4781]

That was filthy dude. Going b/s with a no comply is already basically impossible.

[@fullertron]

So good!

[@Inexpressable]

@@xiphiasoffishwell4781 i've got back no complys and im a beginner, but to take it down something is next level.

[@frogfortress]

homie looks like he sells vaults

[@alexdelacotte9031]

Yo bro long time no speak!! Hope u good! I got that fetty if u need, hola :)

[@omgness14]

Spot on, spot on 👌😂

[@souluti0n]

Are we all watching Fallout? 😅

[@seanfknwilson]

​@@souluti0n na any real fallout fan finished that 8 hours after it came out and is now doing another full run-through of fallout 4... just ask OP

[@idkhowtospell]

"howdy howdy"

[@gregpnavarro]

This was beyond magic. A lesson on the human experience of simply being who we want. An incredibly refreshing film, I love strange stories and people like this. Congrats Ian and Ian! If Saul Goodman was a skater.

[@CockLobster]

Okay 😐

[@maximilianharing6740]

Damn i thought the same,sick

[@zachydan]

Skater Saul

[@Fightmusician]

Should have ended the video with a clearer image of his QR code so we could all send this man a $20 to continue on this rad life just a bit easier.

[@johncast9565]

I would give him my social he is so rad.

[@dalyje]

seriously

[@alvarorodriguez5409]

no joke to the qr code idea

[@timothyfleischmann6820]

There's basically zero chance he's living in that area and driving an SLK with lambo doors completely on a street performer's income. I'd put my money on there being a trust fund or something similar involved.

[@nozzzzy]

​@timothyfleischmann6820 That was my first thought. How the heck can anyone sustain themselves in So Cal on essentially part time donations? I guess it's possible. If each show is like 15 mins and 5 people give him a 20 per show, that's like $400 an hour. That's kind of insane, even if only a couple people toss him a 20 per show that's still good money lol.

[@myousickoflife]

That is the last car I would have expected him to be driving. Then he opens the door... WHAT IS THIS SORCERY?!?! THIS MANS A WIZARD

[@Remember-Death]

But... I did notice his windshield was cracked.

[@jamsineath]

😂ikr

[@las10plagas]

not a WIZARD, a *MAGICIAN* : )

[@sandnewts]

slk350 is like 7-15k, very attainable car

[@FrontalWaterbed]

@@sandnewts Yeah, but i still wouldn't expect him to be driving that. He seems like a subaru or volvo guy.

[@johncast9565]

We just winessed a man who does community service. skates (his passion) wins a lottery works entertains and excepts donations (Sams) he calls them. This guy inspires me Im happy to just do one thing he did in a day. This guy is truely living.

[@andrewalbertson1]

Glad your doing the locals thing. The locals and people around skateboarding make the whole thing up. Every town has got characters and I wanna know them all like them or not !

[@LilWockUV]

Holy shit it took 5 mins before I realized you were my favorite magician in town, I’ve watched your show 20 times in SM you’re dope…

[@dangolan3538]

I never comment on videos but what an absolutely rad dude. Fantastic journalism- more stories like this!

[@bobdebuilda3877]

What a backdrop, what a perspective, what a LIFE!! This man may have some down days, wondering about what could have been, but a lot of people do that sitting at a desk with some crappy boss. This man is having his worst days at one of americas greatest piers and places on earth. All about perspective baby, keep on L I V I N!!!!

[@jsteelsadventureandvariety4545]

Awesome comment Bob :)

[@grimetone]

frank is a santa monica legend

[@ghostfacedthrilla]

i have a print of this alex pardee smurf, big ups

[@bmutante7597]

I've always felt weird for cleaning at skateparks when i go skate... Skateboarders, young and old, can be little ungrateful pieces of shit, shitting and pissing on their own flatground, but this lifts my spirits :) I'll do it for you, Frank, so you are not alone in this

[@chyeaOGKush]

lmfao that double birds after the boardslide was legendary

[@myousickoflife]

cant forget the impossible!

[@Steezo_Romero]

Dude, yes! He rips. Great outlook on life too. Keep doing what you're doing!

[@user-hw2uq1wc1d]

I had a friend just like this guy. Almost exact. He only lived 17 years

[@keithmaynard2386]

Butterfly doors on the convertible Benz is sooo sick

[@b_vu]

Videos like these is why jenkem is the best. Great story on this guy. Inspiring in his own way

[@AlexWitkowski]

Next time i'm on Santa Monica pier im looking for this dude. What a legend. Respect for cleaning up the park and sharing the love for skateboarding

[@calsurf93]

Bless man, with how much fucking money California has... this man came in and is still doing it. Thank you Jenkem

[@Mark_GL]

This was great, i hope he gets a hat full of 20's

[@soloryderrr]

What a awesome little interview. I like his humility about not having a family, we share the same thoughts. I wish him all the best and hope to see him again on KZbin. Also, buddy shreds at skating! Im impressed

[@Andrew-kx1sq]

dudes no comply variations are the real magic

[@klex6009]

the story, to his skating, to the benzo, the lotto, the pier trick, the ending sales pitch the crowd, this video just kept escalating in the most interesting and creative way. dudes livin the life

[@P1Brand]

Thanks Jenkem. Please keep telling these unique stories and showing us some of the incredible people in skateboarding.

[@RiverheadSkate]

This one hit different, feels like his life could be a movie

[@glassboxes]

this guy invented being chill

[@jordancollett6312]

Dude is so rad. Bringing joy to the people, skating his heart out and full of wisdom to share with those willing to listen.

[@memorysometimers3067]

I shovel snow off of my local 6 months of the year up here in Canada. I’m too old to skate in the heat so I don’t mind -5c skating.

[@kcvillain87]

Hell yeah what a cool dude! Keep skating forever my man!

[@mikegroocock6279]

'' to exist is like winning the lotto'' this guy definitely has the 'knowledge' .

[@Lil-Britches]

He seems super chill in the best way possible. A Lil deep too

[@allenisasleep]

slippin jimmy the skater

[@allrounderbicycle7193]

As a father of two and owner of a dog that eats skateboard wheels, I say you’re truly living the dream. Spirit transcends genetics. May yours be reborn a millionfold.

[@imnotracistbut-9559]

Guess it’s all about perspective bc I’d probably switch places with you provided the mom is a dime lol

[@Pollockdinner]

@@imnotracistbut-9559 lol

[@mikeymike341]

We need a full doc on this guy. Make it happen jenkem

[@BZA_]

he shreds

[@curbfruit]

It's always inspiring seeing people live by their own ways and means

[@la9202]

I hate the word content with a passion, but I have to say that this is proper, wholesome content

[@pw1045]

As someone who cleans at my local skatepark on the reg, I respect this man!

[@tommyvi77]

This is what makes Jenkem stand out. Great work!

[@aric85]

The pressure flip was actually flawless

[@furleyforever]

This guy still has it. The style, skill, look and attitude. OG punk skater.

[@michaelnorman9441]

Can we see more of this guy? I'd watch him every day

[@PHATKIDS]

Man this was amazing

[@malle777]

"Hes fuckin weird" bro cares for the community and tries to do whats best for everyone else and is hated on lmao

[@TopherJimmy]

That fucking piano behind the Monologue was incredible, cheers fellas

[@anthonyblundetto4909]

Brother, that is the instrumental to Life on Mars by David Bowie. You can thank me later.

[@raichu56k]

i love jenkem for showcasing niche hobbies of fellow skaters makes you realize how complex and multidimensional humans can really be

[@tdawes33]

a proper adult in 2024. homie's out there doing impossibles

[@literallynooneimportant2337]

This guy is like a character from better call saul. Love him

[@Night.League]

Exactly

[@OM3N1R]

THIS is why jenkem is the best skate media by miles. Most people wouldn't even pay attention to this guy, but you found the story and it's fucking magic.

[@Group_Anonymous]

When I skate everyday my back never hurts

[@dylanstandingalone]

I can kinda understand that aggro "you're weird and don't do anything, you just skate!", but at the same time most people skate just to have fun and forget their troubles. Not everyone lives at the skatepark and has their whole lives built around it.

[@thecombatcactus4254]

"my fingers never leave my hands" lol this guy rules

[@joshnelson125]

i could have watched this for another hour easy. that man was gone from my life too soon

[@SpecialAgentDepak]

Dude you’re a legend and should be treated a such. Any skater that gives him problems has problems with me. Venice is in my top 10 parks of all time. The atmosphere is non other. Thanks for taking the time out your day to clean up such an iconic spot.

[@liammcooper]

Missed opportunity not interviewing that shoeless drifter

[@GettingHyphy]

Loved when we saw him in a later shot just wandering around the sand lol

[@DJJOOLZDE]

Mad respect for still knockin out some of those tricks!. I know it ain't easy as we get older hehe.

[@spiritsandnature]

seen him on nka before, he's talented. what passion too

[@x-man9372]

Great series! This dude shreds and has good outlook on life. Gotta respect it

[@MarsLonsen]

i was about to like the video then I realized that I had already liked the video.

[@StanleyKubick1]

appreciate you, man. it's people like this who keep everything from going to ish

[@nicolasbottin5882]

Love that guy

[@nozzzzy]

This guy might be my new favorite person. What a strange life. I guess my only question is how can this dude possibly make enough money to live in SoCal on part-time donations? Are people really that generous? I mean, they must be, cuz hes there, living the dream. Thats wild.

[@sebastianvaccaris2951]

made my week - thank you for this! all the very best and long life of joy and skating for the home

[@dalegribbel]

He’s got a bag of tricks for sure. Creative line.

[@shaneb4923]

Your A Rad Dude!! Miss The 80’s Skate Vibe!! Hope You Have Much Success.

[@earthsskin]

Loved this great job Frank and Jenkem. There is magic in each moment when we make it.

[@samrollup]

What a wholesome video

[@JonnyDIY]

Rippin' my man!!! Lifes a grind, may as well be on a skateboard 💕🤙

[@mwmingram]

What a useful and sensible human being. Totally impressed.

[@GettingHyphy]

This dude shreds. If i'm ever in Venice i'm gunna hit the park at like 9am and skate with the homie

[@adil1715]

We need more people like this. Being social and people that understand what impact their efforts can have. People got so hard these days there, the fuck it mentality.

[@paulsilva1357]

This dude is rad af without the lambo doors on the SLk. Then you see it and ur like… homey is just rad to the bone forget about it. My man is doing it his way.

[@86supra420]

Incredible story with an incredible video to tell it! Great work. Need more like this

[@stevee.7419]

Hell yeah, man. Your doing a great deed.👍🏼

[@megaw9571]

Jenkem this kicked ass and man I admire this guy! Hope he keeps killin it!

[@matthewjames206]

This was awesome. And Frank rips. Jenkem please keep the great content coming 🍻

[@thepancakemann]

This was a dope video. Skaters are the most talented people I know.

[@SlampthChompth]

2:07 has me in tears. Skateboarding can be dangerous you could crush a shoulder.

[@RidgeRunner333]

Pretty sure Frank the Magician used to live in Louisville Kentucky. I remember a skateboarding magician hanging around the skatepark there.

[@TheAnimeist]

The Santa Monica triple set. Looking forward to it.

[@butterknutts5888]

Would love to see Monster hook him up with something..

[@JrgenFrderbergTvedt]

A very magical and rad person. Enjoyed watching this :)

[@garliclasagna]

this was beautifully edited.. .thank u

[@forestreader]

wow I really love this guy. I kind of feel like I've known him my whole life. What a great short film

[@Dug6666666]

I thought tipping culture was strong in America. I didn't see a rush of appreciation for being entertained. Cool dude. I like his public spirit keeping the skate park clean.

[@jsteelsadventureandvariety4545]

Really enjoyed watching this:) Frank is awesome and I think he is following the path he was very much meant to be on

[@ostias]

Love these seriese ! Respect to this dude. He still got the magic. Skate is life ! the world doesn't need more people, it just need more human beings ;) !

[@Algumby]

the pressure flip on flat was ignant

[@genuineparticle]

Great stuff here. His magic card in the mouth trick was so on point.

[@adammoss9363]

Jenkem always have the best! This video is incredible. The life on mars instrumental is so dramatic to the situation. Bravo jenkem bravo

[@MikeLao2G]

This guys a legend , also adding “Life on Mars” was a nice touch Jenkem

[@Burritoast]

yo! that no-compy 360 was pretty fresh!

[@jaypeter1498]

THAT LAST TRICK WAS AMAZING.....!!! HOPE TO SEE IT LIVE SOMEDAY.....!!!!

[@crazyzorimonkey1]

This guy's a real one.

[@skateshut13]

Another cool idea of a series, great video.

[@souluti0n]

How can one pay rent from a few dollars earned doing magic tricks by only being allowed to work every couple of days? 😮 That’s the real magic trick!

[@johnnyboy2653]

...and drive a Mercedes Benz. I mean I'm happy for the guy and all but yeah. He's got something else going for sure lol.

[@neighbor9672]

Homie looks like he don’t have a lot of lifestyle creep. Probably just lives super lean, doesn’t need to buy a bunch of stupid shit. Just lives a simple life. People forget you can just live a simple life and be totally happy. You never have to conform to someone else’s way of life. Make your own way I guess.

[@roxys999]

yeah plus the fact that he doesn't have kids and he's in his late 40s, he must have a bunch of savings. his only major expense is probably the benz though lol

[@Remember-Death]

He's not "only being *allowed* to work every couple of days." He *CHOOSES* to work every couple of days. He has other options, (other than magic) but he's refusing to do those other options.

[@Tomdatruth]

​@@johnnyboy2653 I basically live week to week and could go out right now and get a Benz on finance.. idk cars but this looks old, possibly left to him in a will.. trust me, that performance tells me he does really need that money to live

[@drone-vision]

This dude is sick!!!! Well done mate, i wish we had more ppl like you in UK!!!