Ollie into the literary world where the spirit of skateboarding is captured on paper.
Dive into personal odysseys and the evolution of skate culture, with these handpicked reads that offer more than just tricks—they narrate the ethos and the revolution behind the board.
Eager to flip through the pages that shaped the skateboarding scene?
Curious about the difficulty level of skateboarding? Read why skateboarding is the hardest sport.
Best Skateboarding Books:
- The Mutt – How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself
- The Disposable Skateboard Bible
- The Skateboard – The Good, the Rad, and the Gnarly: An Illustrated History
- The Answer is Never – A Skateboarder’s History of the World
- Skateboarding, Space and the City – Architecture and the Body
- Skateboarding – Legendary Tricks
- Stalefish – Skateboard Culture from the Rejects Who Made It
- Skateboarding – Book of Tricks
- DogTown – The Legend of the Z-Boys
Table of Contents
- #1 The Mutt – How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself
- #2 The Disposable Skateboard Bible
- #3 The Skateboard – The Good, the Rad, and the Gnarly: An Illustrated History
- #4 The Answer is Never – A Skateboarder’s History of the World
- #5 Skateboarding, Space and the City – Architecture and the Body
- #6 Skateboarding – Legendary Tricks
- #7 Stalefish – Skateboard Culture from the Rejects Who Made It
- #8 Skateboarding – Book of Tricks
- #9 DogTown – The Legend of the Z-Boys
- FAQ
#1 The Mutt – How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself
- ✍️ Author: Rodney Mullen and Sean Mortimer
- 📆 Year Published: 2004
- 📘 Genre: Biographies and Autobiographies
Explore the life of legendary skateboarder Rodney Mullen in “The Mutt – How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself.” Co-authored with Sean Mortimer, the book offers an intimate look into Mullen’s journey to skateboard stardom, his struggles, and his groundbreaking contributions to the sport.
Mullen’s deeply personal narrative takes readers through the highs and lows of his career, sharing the stories behind his iconic tricks and the relentless innovation that shaped skateboarding culture. This autobiography is a heart-rending, inspiring read, a true glimpse into the soul of a skateboarding pioneer.
#2 The Disposable Skateboard Bible
- ✍️ Author: Sean Cliver
- 📆 Year Published: 2009
- 📘 Genre: History
Sean Cliver’s “The Disposable Skateboard Bible” is a visually stunning tribute to the art of skateboard graphics and the history inherent in the decks themselves. A collector’s delight, this book is filled with over 1000 skateboard graphics from the last 30 years, outlining the evolution of design and the stories behind the boards.
It is a nostalgic journey that captures the spirit of skate culture, refracted through the artistic endeavors that have graced the bottoms of skateboards worldwide. Perfect for skateboard enthusiasts and art lovers alike, this book is a celebration of a unique visual legacy.
#3 The Skateboard – The Good, the Rad, and the Gnarly: An Illustrated History
- ✍️ Author: Ben Marcus
- 📆 Year Published: 2011
- 📘 Genre: History
Dive into the rich history of skateboarding’s past with Ben Marcus’ “The Skateboard – The Good, the Rad, and the Gnarly.” This comprehensive illustrated history documents the sport’s journey from its humble beginnings to its status as a global phenomenon.
With compelling photographs and narratives, Marcus tracks the technological advancements, cultural milestones, and pioneering individuals that have defined skateboarding through the ages. It’s an essential read for anyone looking to understand how skateboarding became not just a sport, but a way of life, impacting fashion, music, and youth culture around the world.
#4 The Answer is Never – A Skateboarder’s History of the World
- ✍️ Author: Jocko Weyland
- 📆 Year Published: 2002
- 📘 Genre: History
In “The Answer is Never – A Skateboarder’s History of the World,” author Jocko Weyland takes readers on a gritty, ride through the subculture of skateboarding. Weyland combines personal memoir with a nuanced history of the sport, reflecting on its rebellious origins, the evolution of its tricks, and its influence on society.
The book offers an authentic voice that echoes the defiance and creativity of the skateboarding world. Filled with thrills, spills, and the pioneering spirit of skateboarders, Weyland’s work stands as a testament to the sport’s enduring impact on popular culture.
#5 Skateboarding, Space and the City – Architecture and the Body
- ✍️ Author: Iain Borden
- 📆 Year Published: 2001
- 📘 Genre: History
“Skateboarding, Space and the City – Architecture and the Body,” by Iain Borden, is an academic exploration of skateboarding as it intersects with urban spaces and architecture. Borden, an architectural historian, delves into how skateboarders reinterpret and interact with the built environment, transforming public spaces into arenas of creative expression.
The book is a thought-provoking analysis of culture, space, and the embodiment of skateboarding as a form of social commentary. It critically examines how skateboarders challenge conventional uses of cities and offer a different perspective on the environment around us.
#6 Skateboarding – Legendary Tricks
- ✍️ Author: Steve Badillo and Doug Werner
- 📆 Year Published: 2008
- 📘 Genre: Strategy and Coaching
“Skateboarding – Legendary Tricks” comes from the collaboration of Steve Badillo and Doug Werner, offering a step-by-step guide to mastering some of the most iconic tricks in the skateboarding world.
Perfect for both aspiring and seasoned skateboarders, this manual covers everything from fundamental moves to the most advanced techniques made famous by the sport’s legends. Clear photography accompanies detailed instructions, ensuring that readers have the guidance needed to elevate their skateboarding skills. This is a practical and inspiring book for anyone looking to push their boundaries on a board.
#7 Stalefish – Skateboard Culture from the Rejects Who Made It
- ✍️ Author: Sean Mortimer
- 📆 Year Published: 2008
- 📘 Genre: History
In “Stalefish – Skateboard Culture from the Rejects Who Made It,” author Sean Mortimer unveils the untold stories of skateboarding’s rise from the streets to mainstream acceptance. Mortimer, himself a former pro skateboarder, draws upon interviews with the sport’s most influential figures to craft an authentic narrative that honors the rebels and outcasts who carved a culture from concrete.
This book provides a raw account of skateboarding’s evolution, the battles fought for its recognition, and the spirit of defiance that continues to drive the sport forward. A compelling read for enthusiasts and historians alike.
#8 Skateboarding – Book of Tricks
- ✍️ Author: Steve Badillo and Doug Werner
- 📆 Year Published: 2003
- 📘 Genre: Strategy and Coaching
Steve Badillo and Doug Werner’s “Skateboarding – Book of Tricks” is an essential guide for skaters looking to learn and perfect their craft. From fundamental skills to advanced maneuvers, this book breaks down each trick with clear instructions, diagrams, and photographs.
Aspiring skateboarders will find invaluable tips for safely progressing through various skill levels while enjoying anecdotes and advice from seasoned professionals. This instructional manual is an indispensable resource, promoting a step-by-step approach to becoming a well-rounded and stylish skateboarder.
#9 DogTown – The Legend of the Z-Boys
- ✍️ Author: C.R. Stecyk III and Glen E. Friedman
- 📆 Year Published: 2000
- 📘 Genre: History
“DogTown – The Legend of the Z-Boys” chronicles the revolutionary skateboarding crew known as the Zephyr Competition Team, or Z-Boys, whose aggressive style and street-smart aesthetics reshaped the sport in the 1970s.
Authored by C.R. Stecyk III, a key figure in the Dogtown scene, and renowned photographer Glen E. Friedman, the book captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit that characterized this influential group. Atmospheric photography and personal accounts bring the reader into the heart of a subculture that defied convention and laid the groundwork for modern skateboarding. It’s an intimate portrait of the riders who made skateboarding what it is today.
FAQ
What are the best Skateboarding books of all time?
“The Mutt: How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself” by Rodney Mullen, “Skateboarding: Book of Tricks” by Steve Badillo, “Hawk: Occupation: Skateboarder” by Tony Hawk, “The Disposable Skateboard Bible” by Sean Cliver, and “Skate the World: Photographing One World of Skateboarding” by Jonathan Mehring are the best skateboarding books of all time. They offer a mix of autobiography, technique, culture, photography, and history.
What is the best Skateboarding book for adults?
“The Impossible: Rodney Mullen, Ryan Sheckler, and the Fantastic History of Skateboarding” by Cole Louison is the best skateboarding book for adults, entwining personal narratives with the evolution of the skateboarding scene.
What are the best books for Skateboarding fundamentals and strategy?
“Skateboarding Made Simple Vol. 1” by Aaron Kyro and “Mastering Skateboarding” by Per Welinder and Pete Whitley are the best books for skateboarding fundamentals and strategy, providing step-by-step guides and professional tips for skaters of all levels.
