Best Skateboarding Books

"Locals Only" captures the essence of the legendary Dogtown and Z-Boys skateboarders in Southern California during the mid-1970s. With over 120 beautiful color images, follow the journey of a young photographer enamored by the athleticism and grace of the skaters surfing the streets of LA, San Fernando Valley, Venice Beach, San Francisco, and Baja California, Mexico. Discover how the empty swimming pools of suburbs became the perfect training grounds and witness the classic look of this group through its requisite bleached blonde hair, tanned bodies, tube socks, and Vans. The book also includes an insightful Q+A with the artist, allowing you to experience the memories and inspirations that went into creating this masterpiece.

Discover the dramatic and inspiring story of a world-champion freestyle skateboarder who revolutionized the sport with his groundbreaking trick, the ollie. After winning 35 world titles in under five years, his father pressured him to quit the sport he loved. But Rodney Mullen refused to give up and went on to become the most famous skateboarder of his era, ushering in a new era of street skating. His videos and video games are still beloved by fans worldwide.

Discover the fascinating rise of skateboarding in the 1970s with DogTown. This iconic book tells the story of the Zephyr Team, a group of young surfers from west Los Angeles who revolutionized the sport and changed the face of competition skateboarding forever. Featuring never-before-seen photos from Glen E. Friedman and articles by C.R. Stecyk III, this new edition is a must-have for skateboard enthusiasts and anyone interested in underground sports. Don't miss out on this indispensable companion piece to the Sony Pictures Classics film Dogtown and Z-Boys.

A former skateboard prodigy and Jackass star shares his wild rise to fame, spiral into addiction, and journey to sobriety. Discovered by skate legends at the age of fourteen, he toured the US with elite skating teams, appeared in magazines and films, and signed autographs. But his heroin addiction took over, and he ended up living a down-and-out life of theft, lies, and begging for change. This is the story of an addict who finally believed in himself and worked towards sobriety, with the help of his friends and castmates from Viva La Bam. Raw and shocking, this book is a must-read for fans of skate culture and those on the path to recovery.

This photography book showcases over 200 exhilarating photos of the world's best professional skateboarders in action across six continents, from New York to Hong Kong to Istanbul. Accomplished skate photographer Jonathan Mehring brings readers along on his adventures capturing the heart and soul of skate culture through the lens of his camera. Featuring skate legends like Tony Hawk, Nyjah Huston, and Eric Koston, Mehring's book celebrates the joy of skateboarding and its power to inspire young people to overcome obstacles, both on and off the board.

Explore the dynamic world of skateboarding and its colorful history through the vibrant artwork of Jim Phillips. This retrospective captures decades of skate culture with decks, logos, ad art, photos, and stickers. Gain an inside look at Phillips' creative process, his studio team, and their graphic assignments. Witness the evolution of skateboarding and the impact of this California artist on the sport and its global following.

Discover the secret history of how the Ollie - a no-handed aerial - transformed the world of skateboarding in the 1970s. This groundbreaking invention has influenced the evolution of street skating, surfing, and snowboarding, leaving a permanent impression on popular culture and language. From the technology that made it possible to the pioneers who revolutionized the sport, this is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of skateboarding.

Explore the rich history and unique culture of skateboarding in "Skateboarding and the City." Through the eyes of a lifelong skater and architectural historian, discover the evolution of the sport from its roots in '60s California to its current status as a billion-dollar industry. This vibrant and visually stunning book showcases the creativity, physicality, and controversy of skateboarding, offering a vivid understanding of how skateboarders interact with their urban surroundings in an unparalleled way.

This photography book captures the beauty and function of Southern California's skateparks. Artist and skateboarder Amir Zaki uses high resolution, composite photographs to showcase the sculptural forms and unique perspectives of these parks in the early morning light. Featuring insightful essays from skateboarder Tony Hawk and architect Peter Zellner, this book is a stunning exploration of the relationship between design and skateboarding culture.

Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk shares his incredible journey in the sport, from inventing over 80 tricks to winning countless professional contests. Despite facing numerous injuries and setbacks, Hawk's determination led him to become the first skater to land the 900. In his memoir, Hawk describes the less glamorous side of being a skateboarder, including the unpredictable ride of the industry and dealing with the loss of his number one supporter - his father. With honest and often humorous stories, Hawk shares his experiences with skateboarding legends and provides an insight into the past, present, and future of the sport.