🛹 Channel One Skateboards: A Cult Classic in Skate Culture

In the ever-evolving world of skateboarding, few companies have managed to carve out a legacy as enigmatic and influential as Channel One. Though not as widely known today, Channel One was a pivotal force in the 1990s skate scene, remembered for its raw aesthetic, underground appeal, and a roster of riders who helped shape modern street skating.

🌟 Origins: Where It All Began

Channel One Skateboards emerged in the early 1990s in the United States, founded by Darryl Grogan—a skater and creative visionary with a passion for gritty, authentic skateboarding. The brand was born out of a desire to showcase the raw energy of street skating, unfiltered by corporate polish. Channel One quickly gained traction among skaters who valued style, substance, and a DIY ethos.

🎥 What Made Channel One Notable

Channel One wasn’t just a board company—it was a media force. The brand is best known for its influential skate videos, which captured the spirit of the streets and the personalities of its riders. Two standout productions include:

• "Intermission" (1994): A lo-fi, full-length video that featured skaters like Chris Senn, Kale Sandridge, and Justin Regan. It was gritty, fast-paced, and unapologetically raw.

• "Lo-Fi Explosion!" (1995): Another cult favorite, showcasing talents like Anthony Van Engelen (before he became a household name), Chet Thomas, and Will Harmon.

These videos weren’t just entertainment—they were cultural artifacts that documented a transitional era in skateboarding, moving from vert ramps to urban landscapes.

🧢 Sponsored Skaters and Team Vibes

Channel One had a stacked team of riders who would go on to become influential figures in skateboarding. Some of the notable names include:

• Anthony Van Engelen (AVE): Known for his aggressive style and later fame with Alien Workshop and Vans.

• Chris Senn: A powerhouse skater with a punk rock attitude.

• Chet Thomas: A versatile skater who later helped shape the industry through his work with Darkstar.

The team wasn’t just about tricks—it was about attitude. Channel One riders embodied the rebellious spirit of skateboarding, often skating spots that were rough, unconventional, and far from the glossy skateparks of today.

📼 The Fade and Legacy

By the late '90s, Channel One had faded from the mainstream spotlight. The reasons are murky—some say it was due to financial struggles, others point to the changing landscape of skateboarding media. Regardless, the brand left behind a legacy that still resonates with skaters who value authenticity over hype.

🔍 What’s Happening Now?

As of now, Channel One is no longer an active player in the skateboarding industry. It exists more as a nostalgic reference point for those who lived through its heyday. However, its videos continue to circulate online, and its influence can be felt in the resurgence of lo-fi skate media and the appreciation for underground skate culture.

There’s no official relaunch or current product line, but the spirit of Channel One lives on in the skaters who still seek out its videos and remember its impact.

Channel One, 411 Industry (1996)

Chris Senn - 'Intermission' Channel One (1994)