In 1997, Jeremy Wray did one of the greatest tricks ever done on a skateboard – a 16-foot ollie from one water tower to the next.
Yes, you read that correctly, we’re claiming that an ollie – the first trick every skater learns – is the greatest ever. We claim it as the greatest because in the 23 years since Wray did it no other skater has had the nerve to charge at the gap. A lot of the mind-blowing trick we see, like a kickflip into a bank or a 25-stair ollie, allows the skater to take as many run-ups as they need. For Wray, at the speed he was going, if he jumped off the board it would’ve meant falling from the top of the tower to flat.
For years, we’ve wanted to talk to Wray about his water tower ollie, so while we were out in California we tracked him down and convinced him to meet us close to the towers, about an hour outside of LA. And if it wasn’t nostalgic enough, we even had to hop the fence to stand in between the towers and soak in the madness. Not only should you check out our video, but go back and watch all of Wray’s parts because he is criminally underrated when it comes to ’90s and early ’00s skating.
Related Posts
Comments
Popular
-
INSIDE THE MIND OF ROGER BAGLEY
From success doctors to controversial guests, this one’s long and Roger didn't hold back.
-
A CHAT WITH LUDVIG HAKANSSON, THE OLDEST SOUL IN SKATEBOARDING
The man loves to read Nietzche, skates in some expensive vintage gear, and paints in his own neoclassical-meets-abstract-expressionist style.
-
HOW A TENNIS BALL SPARKED SHAWN HALE TO INVENT HIS OWN FOOTWEAR
It's not a new grip tape formula or some sort of carbon moon pop deck. Instead, Shawn Hale created a shoe for rehab and recovery.
-
OUR NEW SERIES “SKATEPARK PROFILES” POINTS THE CAMERA ON YOU
Dedicated to the skaters and locals keeping shops in business and the scene vibrant.
-
GETTING TO KNOW SAL BARBIER, THE MAN BEHIND ONE OF SKATING’S MOST ICONIC SHOES
Follow along as Sal takes us through his hometown in the Bayou.
January 21, 2020 2:19 pm
Vid is down. In the UK at least. Isn’t on your YouTube channel either.
January 21, 2020 8:26 pm
First pro I ever met – blockhead tour in 1993 or so – they were skating spray painted world industries boards. Wray was crushing this manual pad such a nice guy. Great segment Jenkem Folks
January 21, 2020 8:43 pm
Mr. Kimball – 100% on point brotha!
Jeremy Wray is a fucking legend.
January 22, 2020 5:33 am
I wonder what Sturt is up to.