This Old Ledge: Wallenberg

Departing from The City’s downtown plazas, Ted Barrow marches uphill to the haunted terraces of San Francisco's most famous schoolyard.
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[@pxsner]

Went to my car on the clock to watch this.

[@miked8075]

If I was the manager I would understand

[@Butchernamedbilly]

😂 this is some 17 year old Taco Bell worker shit

[@pxsner]

@@Butchernamedbilly 🤣 paint/body shop but same shit basically

[@TheSpleenboi]

Literally on break now 😂

[@TheCaseyvenegAS]

Literally watching this on the sales floor right now.

[@alexvogel7472]

Literally the greatest series thrasher has ever put out. I’ll be rewatching these when I’m 80

[@rustyshackelford5758]

agreed

[@samrose3205]

Come back to us then

[@CockLobster]

Literally like literally

[@levibennett5166]

I could listen to this dude talk about the history and impact of famous spots for hours

[@BIMONLAKI]

This segment is better than anything the berrics has produced in the last 10 years possibly ever

[@ablinkontime9890]

What have you done

[@rippendale]

wake up everyone, our favourite series is back!

[@CockLobster]

Oh shut up

[@tycrabs]

I kinda stopped what I was doing at work to check this out. This dude is so smart and so well-spoken I don’t even know what to say. 10/10 on keeping the history of skateboarding interesting

[@seekay101]

Simply the best series. The way skateboard reunites city, architecture and urban design is fascinating.

[@dannygonzalezskate]

Ted’s back story on the architecture was rad. May he mentioned my Kickflip backside and grab and Thrasher just edited it out 🤭

[@vancouverbill]

Haha, Phelps edited it from the grave lol. Kickflip bs grab looked amazing

[@dannygonzalezskate]

@@vancouverbillright… haha

[@jasondashney]

Skateboarding will always have politics.

[@vancouverbill]

@@jasondashney true but it might not have quite such a small amount of gatekeepers anymore now print is all but dead

[@jasondashney]

@@vancouverbill You're dead right. There are "KZbin skateboarders" that the old guard likes to clown, but those guys don't care because they are still professional skateboarders who make much more money than most establishment pros. Phelps et al aren't the ones who get to decide if you have a career or not anymore. I knew a pro back in the day who lost his career because he made one comment about a retail chain in an interview. These days you can go direct to your fan base.

[@kib0t]

Thanks for giving history of the area! Im currently working at that Kaiser hospital and pass by the spot every time coming to work, I always just see in my head the tricks that go down in this spot. It is massive in real life!

[@JaceOlson-p7h]

Your looking at the wrong spot . Its super small

[@TheBenjiLewis]

Danny Gonzalez did the kickflip melon so good down this!

[@kylesaxon2020]

He was banned from thrasher for something not long after. Shame about politics

[@jperkins3642]

The gap gets all of the notoriety, but the upper playground with the brick walls was the most fun place to skate. A perfect proving ground to show your flip tricks actually have pop. I used to skate there all the time back when I lived in SF, almost a quarter century ago (yikes!).

[@UrbanOutlawsSk8Co]

The bricks remember you still 🫡

[@jimbeam275]

I definitely spent way more time in the upper yard

[@williamwebb8696]

Loved the upper section. The see-sawing benches on the picnic tables, weaving lines over the brick walls, getting something good over the water fountain...so much fun. Had a lot of good sessions and met a lot of good people there.

[@josef9001]

​@williamwebb8696 the water fointa8n was so much fun. Felt amazing just ollieing it.

[@dadboard]

Can confirm that most SF spots are extremely more difficult than they look on video. When people were shitting on Tfunk getting TOTY for the ollie, all I could think was “you gotta see it in person”

[@MrCatcandance]

💯 That bench/bank combo looks literally impossible when you see it. It doesn’t make sense.

[@petermoglia]

Give Ted all the resources he needs to produce this series for as long as he feels motivated to do so.

[@iamtonedef]

I'm just going to echo every other comment. This series is absolutely phenomenal. I recently took a trip to SF for my 40th bday. My days of staircases and handrails are behind me, but seeing these spots in person with the added knowledge I've gained from Ted's videos was amazing.

[@titou1again]

I went to see that gap one day, it's purely insane how long it is. Shout out to anyone who landed any trick over there!

[@stokkejanraggio9091]

one of the best series

[@matthewjames206]

My favorite series. One must stand at the top of Wallenberg to truly appreciate it. Props to anyone who has ever attempted to, or landed anything down it 🤘🤘🍻

[@iamnotanumber100]

I can never get enough of skate history videos 🔥

[@mattd1659]

I guess the Danny Gonzalez Thrasher ban is still in place 20 years later 😅

[@weeeeee-bh4hg]

He said he was "The New Gonz"....

[@gosb88]

Dude, yeah it's like.. get over it D.Gonz kickflip melon grab ender in TWS: The Reason was the gnarliest trick anyone had done there at the time AND from what I've heard, was First Try

[@Mrgrapeberries]

And now Chris cole too Edit: I stand corrected

[@J.F.-yy8ji]

​@@Mrgrapeberries The fuck? Cole had multiple clips in this...

[@Psychic.Octopus]

Unreal they didn’t put that clip in. Cowards.

[@brendonmasters]

well said. i walked passed wallenberg and had no clue until i looked over and literally cried out. HOLY SHIT

[@mnguyen313]

I visited my sister in SF and she was driving me north on Masonic Ave to go to Target and I did the exact same! Like "holy shit is that Wallenberg high school?? right next to where you live??", and she said "i guess? why does a high school matter you're 25"

[@josephmayer763]

As someone in there mid 30s still skating since 99 I now truly appreciate learning ALL skateboarding history as the years go by These videos shred Keep up the great work guys 🤙✊️🛹

[@ryandelci370]

I live a mile away from Wallenberg, the history there is nothing short of amazing

[@Clarke1982]

This series is fascinating and the best Thrasher has done (imo). Ted Barrow is obviously a natural talker and extremely well-versed in skateboard and architectural history which makes this series so informative and easy to digest. I really hope we see more episodes, perhaps outside of America too.

[@Nick-lw7rj]

I've lived in San Francisco for almost 15 years and went for a run the other day, looked to my right and saw a big set of stairs, did a double take and then realized it was Wallenberg. Felt special to be in such a historic spot.

[@panictryouts]

SF is such a unique city. A skater's paradise.

[@kyle2441]

A law abiding taxpayers living hell tho...

[@panictryouts]

@@kyle2441 Its not. I lived there for 15 years. totally fine. its a beautiful city with so much to do and eat! Yeah it has some bad parts like any city does and its closer to rich people because its a 7x7 mile city. But i never had any bad experiences. Dont believe everything fox news tells you.

[@kyle2441]

@@panictryouts if its so beautiful safe and affordable how come you didnt stay? Ill wait for your lieing response

[@panictryouts]

@@kyle2441 Because SF houses mostly dont have yards and much smaller square space. I'm older now and I bought a house in the suburbs for more space. Im just a few minutes away and still go often. I dont need to live in the big city to party anymore and go to bars and clubs like all the younger people. just wanted less "city life" But you have a lot of hate in you. You see the city the way most outsiders see it, through the lens of the media and those that hate. But you should actually take a visit and stay out of downtown and the tenderloin and you will see a different perspective. People are super nice, theres no poop on the sidewalk and the restaurants are incredible. The views of the ocean and the across the bay to Marin is so beatuiful.

[@SubTRecs]

Whatever Mike Carroll said at 0:20 I felt that

[@theacgkid]

"itwasbetterdanalldaotheronesduhh"

[@FouglassDir]

Same shit in his yeah right intro , when he throws the board back in the water . Mumble Mike

[@EricRobbins8987]

@@FouglassDirlol I’m pretty sure there he says “illjustgetanotherone”

[@FouglassDir]

@@EricRobbins8987 Ahahah never knew

[@gronos1]

Thanks Ted , Happy birthday

[@betulaobscura]

I just love all these facts, trivia, stories and skate-[archite]-ctonic type analysis! Well done!

[@kryptothesuperdawg8043]

My favorite Wallenberg trick is the ss bs flip done by a totally unknown kid who came out of nowhere, landed it, and then vanished forever.

[@drivenbyfate]

I think about this one from time to time. It was so dope and then that dude totally disappeared.

[@bobbystax6177]

Yeah DJ Gaudin

[@CrystalVortex]

He also sw bs flipped Lincoln, that massive stair set Jerry bs nollie heeled in Bag of Suck

[@cmonfish1833]

DJ Gaudin switch legend

[@Jeremyramone]

The 360 flip by you know who was curiously omitted..⚖

[@mess_noise]

Been showing dad these episodes, he digs the historic aspect and equality digs the stunts performed 😂 cheers

[@decodierer]

It's been said a million times, but this is among the greatest series Thrasher has ever done. Please keep them coming

[@fredericsalvan7481]

Good job done, as usual. Discovering that those iconic ledges go back to the 50's, and what kind of neighborhood stood there is so awesome.

[@jasonblanzy]

My favorite series on KZbin. Always look forward to these episodes! Good style, rhythm, and such a cool breakdown of the detailed history-not just of the spot, but San Francisco.

[@BetterSkateThanNever]

love these! sick time for Wallenberg, such dope tricks by Silvas, Jaeb, Toby & Brandon Turner, legendary

[@johnnypea43]

I truly hate the word "content" but thank you for producing this kind of content. It is a great history lesson, well curated and on all levels, is a series worthy of The Mag.

[@TheLeotedesco]

Could watch this guy talk about a regular curb in some random neigbourhood...would still be interesting

[@petermoglia]

Ted knows the architects responsible for it.

[@levismallwood2611]

Need more vids like this! super cool

[@peachy-tay]

ted's knowledge of skate history is unmatched!!

[@jimmyg7806]

Went to the toilet off the clock to go watch this

[@icantollie]

Where I work this would clinch Employee of the Month

[@tunelowplayslow5623]

So many good photos on display here but that one of Jovante doing a K grind with the purple shirt on is just too perfect. The skater, the spot, the kit, the angle, the filling of the whole frame. It's perfect to define that era.

[@DeadPixelProductions]

This could be a #1 Netflix show.

[@mikenoface]

Mark Gonzales.... not from SF.... but ollies and christens the Gonz gap at EMB, and... was the first to just blast over the full set at Wallenberg. Respek.

[@ubidubi04]

greatest series. Always get super pumped when a new episode is out

[@icantollie]

If my U.S. history class had been anywhere nearly as good as this doc I never would've skipped school

[@qrs8705]

Love the vibe of this video with attention to architecture and design along with skateboarding history and development. Very cool and informative!

[@guillaumegodfrind]

the crispy sounds on these old videos ❤

[@coverlovercomics2579]

Thank you. Another fantastic piece. ❤

[@JawnCoaltrain]

Best series on YT.

[@shaneelhinds9084]

loving this series

[@shanesparks9888]

Captivating. Extremely grateful for this amazing series!

[@non_brewed_condiment]

I just watched the hubba hideout episode and wished there were more then the next day this comes out

[@victorperfecto7472]

Danny Gonzales’ heel flip melon is the best thing dropped on these ledges

[@Bazukosoniko]

6:35 best fakie tre flip in the history of fakie tre flips?? FUCKING RIGHT

[@lucask111]

This series is the best please keep them coming, your research is great!

[@daviddillon62]

This is my favorite series

[@Idiosensory]

This is how you do skate culture and history. They aren't trying to sell you trading cards or rocks from the chipped asphalt (so tired of all the grift in skateboarding). Thrasher is the truth, it's why they will always be the North Star of skateboarding.

[@DagnerJayson]

Had it all to myself in 95’ To feel it all is another level! ✌🏻 fantastic work put into this.👌🏻

[@dizzychizzy1]

WOW, never would of guessed the brick ledges and plastic tables were at the same place Chico Brenes B roll line of DOUNUT DUTY LINE… made my day!

[@jasondashney]

Lots of spots are like that. You are there and you walk around a corner and feel like you're in another world, or across the street you see 2 more famous spots.

[@micahpacis]

Gonz - Backside alley oop/switch 50-50/180 out, was bonkers 😵‍💫

[@BrandonHoyt]

Love this series so much. Sickest city on the west coast without a doubt. I had the pleasure of grinding those steps a few years ago too 😎

[@scootcho]

Markovich's kickflip attempts were gnarly as hell too.

[@thelocal-trashpanda]

Always love the deep dive into the history of the architecture. But Ted didn’t mention how much he loved Reynolds fs flip down that thing

[@joshyoung]

Please keep these coming on the regular!!!!!

[@bennyshambles]

Ted rocking the River Phoenix/My Own Private Idaho barn jacket. Nice.

[@PwrthrupN]

I was skating Wallenberg around '95, when a guy was skating the lower ledges on the 4, and didn't know a guy was above him pushing down the street to ollie the 4, and this guy flew- launched a perfect ollie and slammed right into the guy below, knocking him out cold for minutes. It was the most insane concussive impact ive ever seen, and i sure hope those homies were good after that shit. Growing up and skating in the city was the best man.

[@longrodlseries]

My neighborhood! Parents moved to the area because I was born and I went to Anza before it became Wallenberg and grew up at Sears and the curb at Sears and Wallenberg were my backyard for skating.

[@McDabsIt]

What a badass video

[@xmnrb4496]

Beste Serie - hands down ❤

[@OrionGem]

Best series EVER 🫶🏻

[@TunnelJumper]

8:58 "LINDSEY!!" Phelps all hyped up, screaming things at the skaters while they're in the air always made me laugh.

[@marvinshenk]

I lived in SF 98-2002. Got to skate or at least go to all the legendary spots. Wallenberg, Ft. Miley, China Banks, Hubba, Pier 7, Black Rock. By the time I moved there, EMB was being renovated and not skateable, but there was still some brick areas left that were pretty rough. All those spots except Pier 7 and Black Rock were really rough to skate on. I grew up skating Freedom Plaza in DC, so I guess I had been spoiled by smooth marble.

[@caseystu123]

That angle of Dylan Jaeb's fakie flip was perfect. Often the other angles don't capture how fast the skaters are going. It also shows the length of the set by being right in the middle of it rather than ahead of it.

[@jasondashney]

Pause on how far back he popped his tail.

[@esveles]

Best series ever

[@BrandonHanson]

This is an incredible documentary. I still tell people when Steve Nesser did a Pop Shove-It in a 411VM issue and their lost for words.

[@the43rdparallelthrift34]

Sociology and history - there's a lot of it in skateboarding. They go, hand and hand, really. This video did a good job, illustration, how important a "spot" can be. It's a meeting place for skaters (trust me, there aren't enough "meeting places" for skaters, we'd come together more, if there were) and that becomes a place for skating to evolve or for a local scene to grow and evolve. People meet, friendships are formed, SKATE is played and you help each other, get "better", maybe like minds come together and start a company... That doesn't happen if there isn't a spot to go to and meet up. Not everyone has a skatepark and frankly, I grew up skating in the streets of Flint and Detroit, not skateparks, so those are ok places to meet up but it's not always a great place or even, an option. Please, never stop celebrating and sharing the history of all of the legendary skate spots (big and small, if they matter, it doesn't matter) because they will not last, forever, and neither will those who can tell the history of some of these places. Nobody is getting any younger and these new generations, rippers as they may be (which they are), need to know where these thing started from and where it found it's way, along the way.

[@NatGreenOnline]

Huf's helmet hair at 9:37 is iconic. RIP Keith.

[@nascarvintage17]

one of my favorite serie on the trasher channel

[@pierrewikberg]

Quality journalism. 10/10.

[@zdzichuZ]

This is my fav series on Thrasher

[@georgekatsios_]

Please keep this series alive

[@wesrundle6326]

I truly love this series!

[@rustyshackelford5758]

i love the history and the mention of the architecture relating to the spot. Wallenburg is insane. Like he said, everything in SF is much more gnarly in person than it is in real life.

[@marcm1982]

at 7 min mark saying SF is harder to sk8 then NYC kinda crazy . 31 yrs sk8ing both coast i think diff.great series .much love

[@thewampus97tj]

Ted with the Rubert bear outfit 😂😂😂

[@JeremyLasley]

Really enjoying this series. Thanks for the education!

[@macmarchemacmarche3911]

absolutely love this series!

[@nicholasmercado6545]

Best series by far. The china banks one felt like a movie

[@kevingeorge7843]

Ted always has crazy drip too

[@kosamedia4107]

No Danny G kickflip melon mention is crazyyyy

[@danprokes2353]

Definitely my favorite type of history lesson!

[@jeremylamovsky9868]

God Huff was amazing...and so is this series

[@gadfanad]

Thrasher: can we get a "This Old Ledge" book?

[@jasondashney]

Only if it's done right as a legit coffee table book. The people old enough to remember all these spots can afford it.

[@dmh1947]

I love this series, Ted, and the Jazz!

[@skateoldies]

lovely to see it all put together. such a sleeper spot that became something so important.

[@HannaNeumann-m2k]

Your channel is where every video is a new story and discovery. Keep on surprising and inspiring us!🍈🕋♠️

[@CF565]

6:54 This is such a real statement about how heavy the spot in SF are. People watch GX1000 vids and say from their couch "Oh man, that's a crazy hill bomb" Then you go to SF in person, and realize *just how* steep those hills are, and *just how* gnarly the ground is, and *just how* heavy the traffic is, and only then do you realize that those dudes are on another level.

[@bob8776]

Frank Gerwer is the fucking man. I don’t think we give him enough credit for being the absolute shredder that he is

Thank you Thrasher, thank you Skateboarding 🤙

[@ScottJones-od4no]

I could switch 180 it all day. That tony manfre switch ollie looked good.

[@scumbagkai]

happy birthday ted