TEXAS
‘So many skaters love Texas’ raw stylish DIY culture sending love, their own stories and appreciation of making it happen.’
Chip Wright
Won’t Shut Up and Skate
April 2025
Can you tell us something about Texas people do not know?
Texas is from Tejas is the Spanish spelling of the Caddo Indians word, which means “friend” or “ally” and friendship is the Texas Motto. Most everyone associates Texas with cowboys, trucks, Guns, plus being loud and cocky/confident. Yet, we really are the most friendly hosts who love their state and love to show off all we have in Texas. Currently with one of the best and varied skate scenes of any state.
What makes it the best and varied skate scene?
Let’s start with 300 sunny days a year with a mostly good temperatures with exception of late summer heat, which just forces adjusting when we skate. Texas really does have everything a skater could dream; sure it might be spread out but there are also tons nearby. Again, more ditches than you could shake a stick at and every shape, size or length. Plenty of pools for the summers that tend to get drained for cleaning. Full pipes you have to sneak into to skate. Ramps we love backyard ramps to call home, big city downtown street spots, parking garages, curbs curbs curbs and approaching 250 Skate parks across the state. As stated previously, the best scene is where you are currently yet that can certainly depend on the above skate spots advantage but maybe most importantly are your buddies, crew and local skate family. We are a friendly bunch, enjoy supporting and everywhere you go to skate it feels like friends and family. The people make the scene which constitutes most of that variety with every shape, size, race, ethnicity and age around these parts who I see as a beautiful mix of passionate skaters of every ability all sharing the stoke. I’ve been around many great skate scenes in several states and Texans should be really proud to boast our scene.
In August 2023 you guys run a podcast about Texas skateboarding history, stories, scene, and its evolution. What triggered the idea?
Wow it’s been over a year, we were able to crank-out 9 Episodes, 3 Short Episodes and one PSA on fraud board makers. Barely even scratched the surface and very excited to get into the 1980’s and beyond where some of the Texas stuff gets juicy. Prior to our start, both Cary and I have been very involved in Skateboarding more than just part of the scene, through me with announcing/running events since 1986 and Cary as a park builder, XGames, designer and previous owner of a concrete park builder. We are both straight-up skate-nerds. We are both passionate about skating and especially the Texas history and scene. For years we travelled around the state for fun events and sessions where much of our conversation is about Texas skate history, skaters and all the great things over the years. Plus, for several years we have been proponents of pushing for interviews and all these great Texas stories documented before we all get too old, just never the time or combined efforts to make it happen and simply posting memories on social media was doing Texas history the justice deserved with proper documentation.
Were there any thoughts in putting a documentary together?
Back in the early 2000’s there was an attempt and actual start to a Texas documentary, where tons of interviews were recorded, old film and photos lent out for what looked to be an epic documentary. Several months into the project there was some conflict issue between the production company and some skaters on the direction, rights or ownership. Not really sure of the full reason but the project folded and those interviews, the barrowed film/photos and stories were all kept by the production company to have never seen light, which has been a sore subject for many. We have been researching how to uncover those documents and interviews, recently Jeff Newton provided a contract, so hopefully some answers soon. Additionally, after that failed docu, a couple of other Texas legends, Allen Gentry and Mike Laird started doing a very raw, Avant-guard youtube series called “A History of Texas Skateboarding”. With only 7 episodes of raw footage and stories that further sparked the need for our rich history documented. A few years ago, I had started to work with them and record some interviews, but that project got stalled by Covid until I used them as inspiration to start ‘Won’t Shut Up and Skate’ Podcast.
Within a short period of time, you seemed to have attracted quite a following. Surprised how many people dig what you are doing?
Oh absolutely, we already knew our close skater family and friends wanted these stories, interviews and deep history. We knew the history would carry itself, we just needed to put it out there. We are still nowhere near “influencer” follows or even close to 2-3 of the popular skate pods, but pretty damn cool to have over 1700 followers from all over in just a year and a few months. So many of the skate shops, skate brands and etc have cross promoted. Some of the coolest messages or comments have been from other states, they being so stoked for hearing about our stories and Texas tales. So many skaters love Texas’ raw stylish DIY culture sending love, their own stories and appreciation of making it happen. Just wish we could produce these faster, yet we evolve and will get through as much as possible.
Can you tell us something about yourselves?
We are all Skaters from the Houston area living in Austin with deep ties to Texas skateboarding from consecutive generations. Mine started late 70’s/80’s, Cary early 80’s/90’s and John late 80’s/90’s, all through current. We all have kept pushing and uniquely been involved in skateboarding in some form since we started, and it hooked us. My parents got me a subscription to Skateboarder Magazine, I got a better board a Banzai and I was off to 3-Wheels-Out on a plywood bank. Once the 80’s came around I was seeking spots, discovering ramps and gaining skill. Skating in High School, then College I was competing, Team Manager Skatepark of Houston and finding a raw skill of announcing events. Staying involved calling events has kept me close to the community. Skating keeps me centred. I love the nostalgia and now the podcast for giving back and sharing stories while preserving history.
How about Cary?
Cary states it well for us all “Skateboarding exposed me to new ideas, people helping see the world different which saved me from being normal while cursing us to never fit- in.” Cary literally fell his way into skateboarding with a friend’s borrowed board, which shot under a car, broke then having to pay for it kept him away, until a teacher allowed a kid at school to play the Bones Brigade video during a class. We all know that videos allure and remember that feeling after watching. Never looking back, instead spending years involved, owned a small skateshop, built many rad backyard ramps, helped others build, became a lead builder for the Xgames, owned a concrete park company and currently makes a living from skills learned from skateboarding. “Punk and skateboarding both had a strong DIY ethic and a countercultural-anti authoritarian spirit, which fit like a glove.”
If you could pick any guest for your show, who would it be and why?
If it is ANYBODY possible, for sure would be Jeff Phillips, no doubt, for pretty much any Texas fan you ask. It’s been 30 years since he left us at 30 years old and so very tragic. Cary and I are both so lucky to have been friends with Jeff, experiencing how amazing he was in so many ways. He was more than approachable as a pro, he cared about who he met, always asking about our scene, other interests. Certainly as second, who wouldn’t want Tony Hawk to come on with us? Met him several times and he certainly has Texas stories and tales, but he’s a tough one to probably get. You never know, one day.
‘He connected skateboarding with music and an offbeat attitude that was purely Texas skateboarding.’
Let’s talk about the skate scene in Texas. How would you describe it in a few sentences?
Texas Scene is diverse, born and bred DIY doing it for ourselves with focus on fun. We didn’t care how others were doing skateboarding, we made our own scene, our own style and culture. Ditches probably had much to do with that as there were so many, plus the whole skating something you’re not supposed to skate. When the parks died and skaters were just considered punks. We embraced that to find or sneak own spots, jump fences, ‘acquire’ wood for ramps, build in the woods and skate after hours. Out West it was a valid lifestyle, popular scene and cool, in Texas we fought and did what we needed to make it our own scene and style.
What is Texas influence on skateboarding’s evolution?
Our influence in skateboarding from day one is exactly why we look to share as much of our rich history. From the first wave toy fad in the late 60’s, to surf culture well-documented in Corpus Christie and Galveston emulating surfing, to Ft. Worths’ NASH skateboards one of the largest producers globally at the time, Texas was there from the beginning. The second skateboarding wave late 70’s with the second park opened in the US (May 1976) followed by many Texas parks showed California Texas had talent, spots, upcoming pros and powerful style. And when the parks closed 80-81 Texas really began to form a proving ground for our skate culture. We didn’t fall with the parks, we adjusted and went to the backyards building ramps, starting a ramp series that turned into the famous ‘Shut Up and Skate’ series which is where we often receive due notice with praise.
In previous interviews I heard about the Kahuna Ramp.
The new Kahuna Ramp at the ‘Skatepark of Houston’ was Texas bigger, faster and gnarlier than any of the ramps pros were use to riding. With a steel surface standing 10′ transitions, 2′ vert and an elevated roll-in open-ed the eye of the pros that could handle the size. While watching the Texans skate they realized they could boost higher with more air-time and extend lip trick or inverts with more transition. That year both the Rocket Air from Hosoi and the Crossbone Lien from Miller were invented along with a slew of others as everyone was blasting and loved it. Soon after most other pro ramps were rebuilt with this size to maintain that blasting progression. Until the NSA determined it slightly too gnarly (giving some Texans advantage) later noting the “Standard pro ramp at 9.5′ with 1.5′ vert = 11′ which stayed for years until the current modern of closer to 13′. The second big influence would be the Houston street scene which was a highlight for pros’ visiting to skate the Skatepark of Houston as the HTown downtown has everything the skaters loved, which really grew and evolved the local culture tremendously. Additionally, Dennis Eppinette the Skatepark of Houston owner, was one of the fist parks to regularly update and change the street area to evolve with the growing street scene overtaking vert in the late 80’s. Texas was right there helping influence with little recognition. Lastly, starting with Jeff Newtons contribution to Thrasher starting in 81 helped shape and influence so much of how they grew content becoming the standard for skaters to follow. Currently the last few years there is Texas influence continued at Thrasher with Head Michael Burnett a Texan, contributions from Michael Sieben Austin and Videographer Rye Beres from San Antonio, brother of Anti-Hero Pro Raney Beres. Other notables would be Tony Buyalos RIP Austin started Shortys brand, Jeff Taylor Houston DC Shoes Plus, Jimmy Coleman Dallas Announcer XGames and Kelly Bird the first Texas Street pro now one of the leads for Nike Skateboarding.
‘I’ve been around many great skate scenes in several states and Texans should be really proud to boast our scene.’
Chip Wright
‘Skateboarding exposed me to new ideas, people helping see the world different which saved me from being normal while cursing us to never fit.’
Cary Jackson
Which city is the skate capital of Texas?
Well this question right here could cause a local ruckus! The quick answer would be the Texas Scene is where you are currently is the best. Several cities would brawl over where is our “Skate Capital” and it would be required to start with Houston/ Galveston, Dallas/ Ft Worth Or Austin/San Antonio/Central Texas, all Metro Areas for all the obvious reasons. Although Corpus Christi does get the rightful claim of the first modern concrete skatepark in Texas – Holly Hills opening May 1976. The first opened in Carlsbad CA, just 2 months prior. Corpus continues to have a solid scene, parks, ditches, ramps and fun coastal scene.
Houston
Cary and I both grew up in Houston, so it would be very difficult to not say HTown, especially with the huge influence of the ‘Skatepark of Houston’, EZ-7 ditch, Tradewinds (Roller rink skatepark night), the downtown street scene and all the national events that took place in the 80-90’s. Houston continues to have a huge varied scene with so many options and even more rippers. Gibson, Todd Prince, Ken Fillion, Troy Chasen, Bryan Pennington, David Neilsen, Chris Gentry, Kelly Bird, Guru Khalsa and many others.
Dallas/Ft Worth
Dallas/ Ft Worth oddly is the only major Metro city that does not have a public park = Travesty. But surrounding Dallas are so many great parks, ditches and also great downtown for street. Dallas has the most amazing Non-Profit park 4DWN with Mike Crum and Rob Cahill leading the way on modern approach while giving back to the community. Plus, Home of Zorlac, Jeff Newton, Dan Wilkes, Craig Johnson, The Abrook Brothers, Billy Smith, RIP Jon Comer and Jeff Phillips.
Central Texas
Central Texas covers some ground with less star power but so many rad AM’s like Cory Thornhill and RIP Tony Buyalos (Shorties) with wide variety of spots, parks, ramps, ditches and fun downtowns as well. We are locally biased loving our scene where I see with all varieties of people and sharing the stoke. There is almost too much to choose around here, and any choice is probably great. Plus, just north of Austin in Georgetown is a brand newly built vert ramp, 120′ long, size tampers down with a bowled end. Its literally like a snowboard pipe. Big. Perfect spot to rewind a little and review the early Texas skate years long before social media. In the earliest Texas Skate years 1963-65, Skateboard marketed as a toy the Nash company in FT. Worth was partly responsible for the Christmas 1967 popular Fad with huge sales. These of course were small steel wheeled, mass produced and sold at department stores. Due to poor quality, super sketchy and high number of injuries, this led to the first death of skateboarding. “I never considered Nash a Real Skateboard” quote Jeff Newton. Forward to early 80’s where this point gets fun is prior to the famous SUAS ‘Shut Up And Skate’ series, Newton and others first started the ‘Texas Back Yard’ series since all the parks were gone, which directly “pitted” cities/scenes against each other as the series travelled to Austin, Galveston, Corpus, Dallas and etc. This did two things, first it kinda provided pride for your city competing and it allowed a quicker skills evolution as the skaters would learn from each other to compete at the next event. This created tall tales about the Texas Triangle pitting Houston vs Dallas vs CenTex, plus gave Jeff Newton tons of Content for Thrasher magazine. (laughing)
What is Texas skate community most proud of?
From the early days it was mostly focused on Cali scene, skaters and lifestyle, yet they often boasted bragged about their scene. This in part is where the whole ‘Shut Up and Skate’, ‘Fuck you we’re from Texas’ slogans were born. Meaning to stop the chatter and show us what you have instead, that’s what we respect. So, we are very proud that we have always done this without much applause, direct support from Cali or the industry. We have simply done it DIY on our own terms, our style and for the love of skateboarding. We do it for ourselves, our crew and our scene.
Least proud?
Well from our experience, I know that would definitely be different answers from both of us. For me I think it’s how the industry neglects Texas as a whole as a serious market/state to invest back when Texas has provided so much to skateboarding. The industry certainly loves to visit, tour through, write articles, show spots, loves us and so many great pro’s hail from Texas. Yet it remains if Texans don’t go to Cali, they will fight to get noticed, filmed/photos or the “benefits” if they are near the industry. And with current technology the “proximity” of where a skater lives shouldn’t matter really anymore. Yet it still does matter, unfortunately. So instead of the “industry” embracing Texas/ non-Cali with fresh spots, people and scenes, it takes all the goodness it can market while leaving us to our own. Although side note, if any current city outside of Cali is getting a little good hype the last couple of years, it’s been Austin for sure. For the obvious good reasons. Cary might answer with his least proud note is a certain named skater who boasts a name similar to Tony Hawk, just another bird. That’s a whole other very interesting Texas discussion we hope to have with mentioned infamous skater.
Do you think the industry neglects just Texas or pretty much any other state outside California?
This is certainly not just a Texas thing and pretty much everywhere that’s not California. We just feel it here often and are stating the point, other cities/ states probably have similar issue. Cali is where the industry is mostly based so proximity makes a difference to those running brands. Unfortunate with so much radness here and so many skaters have moved to Cali or otherwise so they couldn’t follow their dream. Pros and Am’s here starve from sponsors or need to move if they pursue more. Maybe it’s better that way, yet in this era of internet, media and working remotely this part will evolve. Maybe we will do it ourselves like we have always done because we don’t want to be Cali, we just want more of the spotlight and industry support, especially for events. We do have several great skateboard brands, shapers, great skate shops, even a new large board factory/distributor and wheel plant outside of Austin. So maybe we just keep doing it how we know best, for us, those who support and make our own way. That is part of the Texas style.
Who is the ultimate godfather of the Texas skate community and why?
There are several who might be considered a Godfather of Texas Skateboarding so maybe a collective group. From 71 year old Jimmy G from Corpus, Holly Hills Texas first Skatepark pass holder #1 and still skating, Bobby Marrow Galveston first Texan signature model board on Prime Skateboards, Al Cocker, Dallas AKA the Grindfather Texas Skateboard Museum and certainly others I am not mentioning. Yet at the top it’s hard to deny Mr Jeff Newton the status of Texas Skateboard Godfather. Soon as he could drive, he ventured Texas to the various parks in the late 70’s to follow the growing scene. As the parks died he connected with a new magazine called Thrasher. They needed content, the backyard scene was evolving and Jeff realized he could provide articles, content and photos. Started Zorlac Skateboards then a Texas backyard ramp series that became ‘Shut Up and Skate’ series (85-92) that brought attention, pros and skaters to Texas. He connected skateboarding with music and an offbeat attitude that was purely Texas skateboarding. Plus, so much of Zorlac and Texas influenced how the rest of skateboarding evolved at that time, so Jeff is way more important than he is recognized. Note-Travesty that Newton is not in the Hall of Fame yet, simply wrong. Someone get on that quick for 2025.
Last question. If you could interview any person in the world, who would it be?
Jeff Phillips lives forever! There is no doubt he is one many would love more from. Yet there are so many we want to interview sooner than later, huge contributors, lost too soon. Just a few names of what would have been amazing if they were still around. Jeff Phillips, Jon Comer, Wild Bill Pro Designed Pads and recently Frank Gardner Texican Skateboards. Part of why our podcast is important is so we can hope to catch the all tales, stories and personalities before all the dust settles.
‘More ditches than you could shake a stick at and every shape, size or length.’