Locals only: Sun-drenched vintage photos show the dawn of Californias skateboarding culture in th

In the 1970s when Southern California was experiencing a serious drought, it left a surplus of empty swimming pools across communities that ultimately became playgrounds for young boys from Venice Beach with skateboards in their hands. The increase in empty pools coincided with a rising generation of wavy-haired, sun-bleached skateboarders who would make up the pioneering competitive skate team Z-Boys. In the blink of an eye, a subculture that had evolved out of surfing culture had staked its claim, and California’s back yards and asphalt were its main platforms to shine.

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