About Strange Notes

Strange Notes: The Underground Pulse of Skateboarding Culture

If you were a skateboarder in the late '80s through the early 2000s, chances are you’ve heard of Strange Notes. More than just a company, it was a cultural conduit—an unfiltered lens into the raw, rebellious, and creative world of skateboarding. Born from the legendary Santa Cruz Skateboards and distributed by NHS Inc., Strange Notes launched in 1987 in California, right at the heart of skateboarding’s golden era.

What started as a humble skate zine quickly evolved into a full-blown media powerhouse. From print to VHS, DVD, and eventually YouTube, Strange Notes adapted with the times while staying true to its gritty roots. It wasn’t just about tricks and gear—it was about attitude, style, and the stories behind the skaters.

The Faces Behind the Lens

While the brand was deeply tied to Santa Cruz and NHS, the creative force behind Strange Notes was a collective of passionate skaters, videographers, and editors who lived and breathed the culture. Though individual founders aren’t often spotlighted, the ethos of the brand was shaped by the same minds that helped define Santa Cruz’s rebellious identity—people like Rich Novak and the NHS crew.

What Made Strange Notes Legendary

Strange Notes carved its niche by producing skate content that felt real. No polish, no corporate gloss—just raw footage, behind-the-scenes antics, and candid interviews. It was the anti-commercial antidote to mainstream skateboarding media. Their video magazine format became iconic, with titles like Hai Karate, Ozfest, and Tastes Like Awesome! becoming cult favorites.

They were also known for their deep integration with skate brands like Independent Trucks, OJ Wheels, Ricta, and MOB Grip. Product features, team rider spotlights, and demo tours were all part of the Strange Notes experience.

A Roster of Legends

Strange Notes wasn’t just a media outlet—it was a launchpad for some of skateboarding’s most influential riders. Over the years, they featured and supported a staggering lineup of talent, including:

• Andrew Reynolds

• Chad Muska

• Chris Haslam

• Cairo Foster

• Lizard King

• Ryan Sheckler

• Geoff Rowley

• Kenny Anderson

• David Gonzalez

• Peter Hewitt

• Sid Melvin

• Louie Barletta

• Antwuan Dixon

And that’s just scratching the surface. Their videos were a who’s who of skateboarding royalty, often capturing riders before they hit mainstream fame.

Where Are They Now?

Though Strange Notes officially wrapped up its run in 2016, its spirit lives on. The archive of videos still circulates online, and its influence can be felt in the way modern skate media embraces authenticity and rider-driven storytelling. NHS and Santa Cruz continue to produce content in the same vein, often nodding to the Strange Notes legacy.

In a world where skateboarding is now an Olympic sport and brands chase viral moments, Strange Notes remains a reminder of what skateboarding was—and still can be. Gritty. Honest. Unapologetic.

So if you ever stumble across an old Strange Notes clip, take a moment. You’re not just watching skateboarding—you’re witnessing a piece of its soul.

NHS Strange Notes skateboard video NY To Shanghai 2006

Strange Notes NHS Skateboard Video "Tastes Like Awesome"

Strange Notes Video Magazine "NHS Promotional Video 2004" (2004)