Slap Magazine: A Legacy of Skateboarding Culture

If you were skating in the '90s or early 2000s, chances are you knew about Slap Magazine. It wasn’t just another skateboarding publication—it was a cultural force, a visual diary of street skating’s golden era, and a platform that helped shape the voice of skateboarding media. Let’s dive into the story of Slap Magazine: where it began, what made it iconic, and where it stands today.

🛹 Origins: Born from Thrasher’s Shadow

Slap Magazine was founded in 1992 in San Francisco, California, under the umbrella of High Speed Productions, the same company behind Thrasher Magazine. The idea was sparked late one night by Kevin Thatcher and Fausto Vitello, two Thrasher veterans who wanted to create a fresh, alternative voice in skate media. They handed the reins to Lance Dawes, a young darkroom technician at Thrasher and a passionate skater who frequented the legendary Embarcadero plaza.

The first issue dropped in April 1992, featuring a backside 50-50 by Mike Carroll—shot by Dawes himself. From the start, Slap had a raw, authentic vibe that resonated with skaters who lived for the streets, not the contests.

📸 What Made Slap Stand Out

Slap wasn’t just a magazine—it was a movement. Here’s what made it special:

• Street-Level Perspective: Unlike glossy mags that focused on big-name pros and polished events, Slap celebrated gritty street skating and underground scenes.

• Editorial Freedom: With editors like Mark Whiteley and contributors such as Joe Brook, Dave Schubert, and Brandy Faucette, the magazine had a distinct voice—honest, unfiltered, and deeply rooted in skate culture.

• Photography-Driven: Lance Dawes’ background in photography gave Slap a visual edge. The magazine’s covers and spreads were often raw, moody, and iconic.

• Cultural Commentary: Slap didn’t shy away from skateboarding’s social and artistic dimensions. It covered music, art, and the personalities behind the tricks.

🧢 Sponsorships and Influence

While Slap wasn’t a sponsor in the traditional sense like a skate brand, it played a huge role in elevating skaters’ careers. Being featured in Slap was a badge of honor. It helped spotlight skaters who weren’t getting mainstream attention—those grinding rails in back alleys and bombing hills in the dead of night.

The magazine also collaborated with brands like Nike SB, and its influence extended into product design, video projects, and cultural events. It was a tastemaker, helping define what was cool in skateboarding.

🖥️ The Digital Shift and What Slap Is Doing Now

Slap Magazine ceased its print publication in December 2008, but it didn’t vanish. Instead, it evolved.

Today, SlapMagazine.com is home to one of the most active and influential skateboarding message boards on the internet. It’s where skaters go to:

• Discuss industry news and rumors

• Share video parts and edits

• Debate gear, style, and skate politics

• Keep the spirit of skateboarding alive

The message board is infamous for its brutal honesty, deep knowledge, and passionate community. It’s not for the faint of heart—but it’s undeniably authentic.

SLAP - Map Masquerade Tour Full [All Episodes]

SLAP - One In A Million 2010 Full [All Episodes + Follow Ups]