🛹 Reese Forbes: The High-Flying Legend of Skateboarding

If you’ve ever watched a skateboarder defy gravity with an ollie so high it seems to bend physics, chances are you were witnessing the magic of Reese Forbes. Known for his explosive pop and effortless style, Forbes carved out a legacy that still resonates in skateboarding culture today.

📍 Origins: From Maryland to the World

Reese Forbes was born in 1976 in Gaithersburg, Maryland. His early skateboarding journey began in the heart of Washington, D.C., where he honed his skills at the iconic Freedom Plaza. The East Coast scene in the '90s was gritty, raw, and full of energy—perfect for a young skater with a hunger for progression. Reese’s natural talent and dedication quickly set him apart, and by 1995, he turned pro for Element Skateboards.

🚀 Signature Style and Tricks

Reese Forbes became synonymous with one word: pop. His ollies were legendary—not just high, but stylish and powerful. He was so renowned for his vertical leap that he hosted the “Reese Forbes High Ollie Challenge,” a contest that pushed skaters to reach new heights, literally.

Beyond ollies, Reese was known for:

• Crisp kickflips with serious hang time

• Frontside flips that looked like slow-motion art

• Manuals and ledge tricks with precision and control

• Stylish pole jams and grinds that showcased his finesse

His skating was never just about landing tricks—it was about how they looked and felt. He brought a sense of flow and rhythm that made every clip memorable.

🧢 Sponsors and Collaborations

Throughout his career, Reese Forbes was backed by some of the biggest names in skateboarding and streetwear:

• Element Skateboards (his first pro sponsor)

• Nike SB, where he co-designed the iconic “Denim Dunk” with Natas Kaupas

• Quiksilver, which released the best-selling “Reese Forbes” jeans

• Stacks Skateboards

• Spitfire Wheels

• Rasa Libre

• Even Jaguar Automotive, which once gave him free cars for a year—yes, really.

His influence extended beyond skateboarding into fashion and branding, helping shape the look and feel of skate culture in the 2000s.

🛹 Pro Model Decks

Reese had several pro model decks over the years, including collaborations with Verb and Stacks. His graphics often reflected his clean aesthetic and East Coast roots, and his boards were sought after by collectors and skaters alike. The “Portrait 93 Til Series” deck is one standout, blending nostalgia with timeless design.

🎥 Video Parts That Shaped a Generation

Reese Forbes delivered unforgettable video parts that showcased his explosive style:

• Element’s “Third Eye View” – a defining part that introduced his pop to the world

• Eastern Exposure – raw East Coast footage that captured the essence of '90s street skating

• Appearances in Transworld, Thrasher, and The Skateboard Mag – often featured in editorial spreads and ads that highlighted his tricks and style

His footage wasn’t just about tricks—it was storytelling through movement.

🧠 Beyond the Board: What’s Reese Up to Now?

After decades of skating and shaping the industry, Reese Forbes transitioned into a new chapter. He now lives in Southern California with his wife and two sons, and he’s still deeply connected to skateboarding. In 2015, he reintroduced Stacks Skateboards as the Stacks Skateboarding School, mentoring the next generation of skaters.

More recently, Reese has made waves in the real estate world, applying the same drive and creativity that defined his skate career. He’s active on social media as “Reese the Agent,” blending skate culture with entrepreneurial spirit.

He also serves as an Athlete Advisor for Obsesh, a sports marketplace platform, helping athletes monetize their skills and connect with fans in new ways.

Classics: Reese Forbes "Eastern Exposure 3"

REESE FORBES -NIKE SB - NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH (2007) skateboard video part

Reese Forbes - 'Promo' GIA (1994)