CKY: The Skateboard Brand That Became a Cultural Phenomenon

If you were skating in the late '90s or early 2000s, chances are you’ve heard of CKY—not just as a skateboard brand, but as a full-blown cultural movement. CKY, short for "Camp Kill Yourself," wasn’t your typical skate company. It was a chaotic blend of punk rock, DIY filmmaking, and fearless skateboarding that helped shape a generation of misfits and thrill-seekers.

🎬 Origins: Where It All Began

CKY was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, in the late 1990s. The movement was spearheaded by Bam Margera, a young skateboarder with a flair for the outrageous, and his crew of equally wild friends. It all started in a graphic arts class, where Bam and his buddies—Brandon DiCamillo, Ryan Dunn, Chris Raab (aka Raab Himself), Rake Yohn, and Bam’s brother Jess Margera—began filming stunts, pranks, and skate tricks in the fields behind their school.

The first CKY video, Landspeed Presents: CKY, dropped in 1999 and was a raw, unfiltered mix of skateboarding and absurd antics. It was distributed by Landspeed Wheels, a company under Tum Yeto Inc., and quickly gained traction in skate shops and underground circles.

🛹 Notable Achievements & Cultural Impact

CKY wasn’t just a brand—it was a revolution. Here’s what made it iconic:

• Video Series: The CKY series (CKY, CKY2K, CKY3, CKY4) became cult classics, showcasing brutal wipeouts followed by triumphant landings. These tapes were the blueprint for what would become MTV’s Jackass.

• Music Integration: CKY was also a band, fronted by Jess Margera, Deron Miller, and Chad Ginsburg. Their music—especially tracks like “96 Quite Bitter Beings”—became synonymous with skate culture.

• Jackass Connection: The CKY crew’s antics caught the attention of Jeff Tremaine, leading to their inclusion in Jackass, which catapulted them into mainstream fame.

• Skateboarding Legends: CKY videos featured appearances from pros like Tony Hawk, Mike Vallely, Kerry Getz, and Tim O’Connor, blending underground grit with pro-level talent.

🤝 Sponsorships and Collaborations

While CKY wasn’t a traditional skateboard company with a full product line, it was deeply embedded in the skateboarding world:

• Bam Margera was sponsored by Toy Machine and later joined Team Element, where he had signature decks and gear.

• CKY collaborated with brands like Volcom and appeared in Tony Hawk’s video game soundtracks.

• Jess Margera was briefly sponsored by Fairman’s Skate Shop and continued to skate recreationally even as music took center stage.

🔥 What’s CKY Up to Now?

Though the original CKY video series has long since wrapped, the spirit of CKY lives on:

• The Band: CKY the band continues to tour and release music. Their 2017 album The Phoenix marked a return to form, blending their signature sound with fresh energy.

• Live Events: CKY still performs at venues around the world, including skate-centric events like their appearance at South Bank Skate Park in London.

• Legacy Projects: Producer Joe Frantz remastered the original CKY videos for HD release in 2019, preserving the legacy for new generations.

What Made CKY So Great? with Bam Margera | Wild Ride! Clips

Skateboarding | CKY 1 | Bam Margera

Skateboarding | CKY2K | Bam Margera