An old trend is resurfacing in New York City that dates back as far as the ’80s, but is now being rediscovered through Instagram, TikTok, and anywhere else where you can go viral.
It’s potentially fatal, carrying such a disregard for safety that it’s difficult to look away. It’s Subway Surfing, a stunt that has found unexpected traction among a daring pocket of New Yorkers, particularly in the borough of Queens.
And no, this isn’t some nostalgic homage. It’s an exploration of why such a risky activity—one that seemingly faded away—is back. Is it just a quick way to go viral? Is it a quest for identity and belonging? Or is it maybe a response to the monotonous bore of the digital age?
Take a look as we attempt to go beyond the cheap thrills and understand why today’s teens in New York City are literally risking it all for Subway Surfing.







The Shop
Related Posts
Comments
Popular
-
KEITH HUFNAGEL ON THE FUTURE OF HUF
We heard a rumor that HUF was going out of business, so we talked with boss man himself to find out.
-
HANGING OUT WITH ANDREW HUBERMAN, SKATEBOARDER TURNED NEUROSCIENTIST
Curious what it would be like to hang with this guy outside of a stuffy podcast studio? Us too.
-
GETTING KINKY WITH DANIEL VARGAS
Daniel Vargas' philosophy on whips, chains and getting choked out.
-
CASTLE BAM TO LIL JERRY SPRINGER: A JENKEM TRAVEL DIARY TO RICHMOND
Armed with the Genius skate crew, we hopped from DIY to DIY, leaving a graveyard of crushed cans along the way.
-
CHECK OUT THE ZINE IMMORTALIZING EARLY ONLINE SKATEPARK FIGHTS
Filled with altered screenshots, Colton Abernathy’s zine distills these fight videos into a single moment.

























January 8, 2024 7:34 pm
bunch of little bitch ass pussies
January 9, 2024 3:35 pm
yo you corny!
January 8, 2024 8:55 pm
That was an excellent bit of documentary filmmaking. I’d like to see a longer version where you dig deeper into the psychology behind these kids and their decision making process. I’m wondering what the demographics are of the kids surfing the cars and if that speaks to a larger social issue or issues. Good work, Jenkem!
January 9, 2024 3:33 am
Once they get creamed on a bridge or signal, get their little buddies to mop and scrape that shit up. Not a pretty sight to see someone covering 100 yards of track.
January 10, 2024 3:21 pm
Yeah those kids are dumb, but that was really good. Well done, well edited. Also LOLs that some of em are riding razor scooters?!