Static Video: A Legacy of Grit, Streets, and Cinematic Skateboarding
In the world of skateboarding, where glossy brand campaigns and viral clips often dominate the landscape, Static Video stands as a defiant, soulful counterpoint. Born from the gritty streets of Tampa, Florida in 1999, Static wasn’t a skateboard company in the traditional sense—it was a video series, a movement, and eventually a cultural institution. The brainchild of filmmaker and skater Josh Stewart, Static was created to showcase the raw, unfiltered essence of East Coast street skating at a time when the industry was obsessed with big tricks and California handrails.
Josh Stewart’s vision was clear: skateboarding wasn’t just about athletic feats—it was about atmosphere, architecture, and the rhythm of the streets. With Static, he captured the soul of cities like New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Miami, threading together scenes and skaters with a cinematic eye and a deep respect for the underground.
What Made Static Special
Static’s hallmark was its aesthetic. Shot largely on the now-iconic Sony VX1000, the videos had a grainy, textured look that matched the urban environments they celebrated. The editing was deliberate, the music curated with care, and the skating—while often understated—was deeply expressive. It wasn’t about the biggest trick; it was about the feeling of a line, the vibe of a spot, and the personality of the skater.
Over the years, Static evolved into a six-part series, each installment building on the last. From Static I to Static VI, the project spanned more than two decades, becoming a time capsule of skateboarding’s underground evolution.
The Skaters Who Defined It
Static didn’t operate like a traditional sponsor-based company, but it did cultivate a roster of skaters whose careers were shaped by their appearances in the series. Names like Ricky Oyola, Bobby Puleo, Kenny Reed, Jahmal Williams, Paul Shier, Danny Renaud, and Jake Rupp became synonymous with the Static aesthetic. These weren’t mainstream stars—they were street-level legends, chosen for their style, creativity, and connection to their cities.
Later installments featured skaters like Aaron Herrington, Ben Gore, Brian Powderly, and Jordan Trahan, continuing the tradition of spotlighting unique talent from overlooked scenes. Static gave these skaters a platform that was more about artistry than sponsorship deals.
From Video Series to Cultural Hub
As Static grew, so did Josh Stewart’s ambitions. He launched Theories of Atlantis, a distribution company and online store that became a hub for independent skate brands and filmmakers. Through Theories, Stewart helped distribute brands like Hopps, Magenta, Polar, Isle, and Traffic—each aligned with the ethos of creativity and authenticity that Static championed.
Theories also became a home for merchandise, DVDs, and curated skate content, extending Static’s influence beyond the screen and into the broader skateboarding community.
Where They Are Now
In 2023, Static VI was released—marking the final chapter in the series. It was a culmination of 25 years of filming, editing, and storytelling. Featuring skaters like Jahmal Williams, Steve Brandi, Aaron Herrington, and Brian Powderly, the video was a love letter to the streets and a farewell to one of skateboarding’s most enduring projects.
Today, Josh Stewart continues to run Theories of Atlantis from New York City, supporting independent brands and filmmakers who share his passion for skateboarding as an art form. While the Static series may have reached its conclusion, its spirit lives on—in the spots skated, the lines filmed, and the skaters who carry its torch.
Static wasn’t just a video series. It was a philosophy. A reminder that skateboarding is as much about feeling as it is about form. And in a world that often forgets that, Static remains unforgettable.
Bobby Puleo - Static 2
Ricky Oyola - Static 2
Jake Johnson's "Static IV" Part
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