Thrasher Magazine

Art by James Callahan  |   Words and animation by Adam Creagan


IT MUST HAVE BEEN one of the first thrills ever on a skateboard. The ancient art of hill-bombing remains a monster rush to this day and is a universal skate experience. No matter which way skating progresses, the urethane plunge has not diminished one bit and never will. Other than bending your knees there's no technical skills involved with a hill-bomb, yet basic "control" is required: you have to remain standing and keep those feet on the grip. It sounds easy, but it's a battle of nerves with huge consequences. When the descent gets hectic do you jump off early and take your guaranteed lumps? Or do you ride it out to glory yet risk a slam ten times worse?

A lot of skate tricks consist of an explosion of energy and momentum. They are over in an instant and generate a lasting impact. Yet a hill bomb is a prolonged, terrifying and awesome undertaking which can end brutally at any moment. And it isn't finished until you can step off the board, soak in the adrenaline, and hope that your heart doesn't explode out of your chest. You didn't just make it, you survived.

Here's some images of the sacred plummet from over the years. Plus there's a couple of videos that are worth a watch whether it's your first or fourtieth time seeing them.

(click images to enlarge )