The Leap of Faith is one of the most memorable moments in skateboard history.
At the time Jamie Thomas was rapidly becoming a household name, and the gap was the tallest drop that anyone had yet attempted. In terms of notoriety, the moment is on par with the 900, jumping the Great Wall of China, and Jeremy Wray’s water tower ollie.
What separates Jamie’s attempt from those other tricks, is that he never rode away from it. And to build up the lore of the spot a little more, the Leap of Faith was only attempted by one other skater, Richard King, who broke his leg on impact. Today, the spot is unskateable, making the Leap of Faith, the most famous skate spot to never have a make on it.
photo: J. Grant Brittain
Related Posts
-
SURPRISING ALI BOULALA WITH AN RC CAR
Ali was always into radio controlled cars growing up, so we decided to surprise him with one to reawaken his inner child.
-
LOCALS: THE MAN DOCUMENTING HAWAII’S SKATE UNDERBELLY
Meet Sean, a long time filmer and Hawaii local who captured the grittier side of the island.
-
THRIFTING IN BROOKLYN WITH ALEKA LANG AND JESS WONG
We showed the Canadian couple around our neighborhood and watched them sift through old clothes in search of gems.
-
ATTEMPTING TO SKATE MICHAEL HEIZER’S MEGA SCULPTURE IN THE DESERT
Our newest intern proved he's willing to go the extra mile(s) for some good old-fashioned #content.
-
PREMIERE: PETER PAN SYNDROME SECTION FROM “LENZ III”
Plus an interview with Shinpei Ueno on how making a 90-minute skate video will make you go crazy.
-
SHOP TALK AT DLX SKATE SHOP IN SAN FRANCISCO
We flew from coast to coast to hear some takes from the SF locals.
-
EXPLORING DITCHES IN NEW MEXICO WITH MARIAH DURAN AND FRIENDS
Explore some famed New Mexico ditches for that American Southwest skate flavor we rarely feature.
-
GROUND GLASS: BRAD CROMER
If you're looking for a fast way to burn money, try shooting a skate part on 16mm film.
Comments
Popular
-
ANGELA WHITE IS BRINGING SKATING’S MOST ICONIC CAMERA BACK INTO PORN
Her 2000s, gonzo-inspired tour de force was filmed completely on the sleek, sexy, grainy VX2000.
-
WATCH A VIDEO FROM KAZAKHSTAN’S ONLY SKATESHOP
Wallride skateshop's video "Dirty People" showcases unfamiliar spots in unfamiliar territories.
-
A SMOKE BREAK CHAT WITH KYNAN TAIT, FILMER FOR EPICLY LATER’D
Kynan has made his impact quietly, operating as the silent hand in the background behind one of skateboarding’s favorite shows.
-
VISIT THE EDITING DESK OF SOME OF SKATING’S FAVORITE FILMMAKERS
Knick knacks and rage quits to uncomfortable chairs and editing Andrew Reynolds.
-
WILL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CHANGE THE WAY SKATE CONTESTS ARE JUDGED?
"Most sports work in absolutes. A strike is a strike because it is within the strike zone. A kickflip isn’t absolute."
January 17, 2023 1:44 pm
I actually ollied it in 2002. It was in the shop video “digging in” by varcity. I snapped my board but instead of it stopping my roll like Jamie I was able to roll a good 10 feet.
Very rare video and extremely limited release. Truly one of the best kept secrets out there. Not time to release this legendary trick yet but if anyone has the video and wants to upload, then you have my permission as you were probably part of the scene when it came out.
January 17, 2023 6:37 pm
@Volpe @Jenkem y’all need to look into this claim!!!
January 17, 2023 7:29 pm
It’s the year 2023, you 100% have a phone with a video camera. Screenshot it, upload it to Youtube, and post the link here. Otherwise, your claim is total BS.
January 18, 2023 10:56 am
/\ Homie wants to see that footy baaaad! He wants to bask in the glory in between checking his Facebook and lurking Instagram. Oh and peeping tik tok. It is 2023 after all!
January 18, 2023 2:30 pm
Did you BS Flip El Toro too?
January 17, 2023 6:08 pm
Richard Kings attempt is in 411 issue 13 in an add. This is the first background I’ve have heard of it.
January 17, 2023 6:34 pm
There is a section on Richard Kings attempt in a video called “manual labor” from the year 2000 by Dave Schlossbach and Jean-Jacques Briquet.
January 17, 2023 6:44 pm
Thank you so much for this. Quality journalism as always
January 18, 2023 2:14 pm
amazing. interesting.
quality as always