Texas Beach Skateboarders
Cultural Deep Dive
Digital Magazine Development
Summary
Cultural perceptions can often skew how the general public views an activity and what they think about the people engaging in it. On the outside, skateboarding looks like a simple stress free hobby or an activity that has a great street style for clothing. On a deeper level, this is a lifestyle, community and a place where individuality thrives. Our ask was to simply observe skaters at this park for a week and record our findings to give outsiders an insiders perspective on what it looks, feels and sounds like to be a skater.
We focused on the little things that make skater culture stand out.
To understand a subsection of society on a more authentic level we must pay attention to minor details that are of the utmost importance in being accepted into the culture. We approached this project with curiosity, a surface level understanding from what media showed us what skateboards were like and an appreciation for how skater culture influenced other aspects of our lives without us not being aware that it did. We let the skaters show us what made them special through their actions and behavior in and out of the bowl.
Research Methodologies
Beachin’ It— Going to Texas Beach for a full week to look at everyone who was visiting
Searching Up Shredding Secrets— Social Listening on Reddit and Instagram to learn about big brands that influence the community
Our Findings
Younger and Older Riders could not be more different
Younger skaters are often more outgoing, energetic, and eager to master tricks to show off, usually wearing dark clothes. On the other hand, older skaters tend to be quieter and more focused on enjoying themselves and relaxing, often dressed in lighter clothing.
Respect for riding for pattern perfection vs riding for relaxation is an unspoken rule
At skate parks, skaters follow a routine, repeating tricks to improve. They start by running to the track, then smoothly rolling. Respect is key, as skaters observe others before taking their turn. The park has two main areas: “Hobby/Relaxation Skaters” stay on the edges, enjoying a slower pace, while “Showoff/Trick Skaters” perform tricks in the center.
Skateboarding fashion is influenced by a combination of rebellion, creativity, functionality and skill level
Skateboarding fashion and shoe culture are all about mixing style with function, reflecting the sport's rebellious vibe and creative edge. Skate clothes are usually relaxed and oversized, designed for comfort and freedom of movement. Shoes play a big role too, built with reinforced toes and grippy soles to handle tricks and board impacts. Brands like Vans and Nike SB have become staples in the scene, offering designs that are both practical and on-trend, making them a key part of skate culture.