7 New Skateboarding Books Defining 2025

Unlike most skateboarding books that highlight tricks and pros, this one dives deep into the raw origins of California's skate culture through Hugh Holland's powerful photography from 1975 to 1978. You gain a vivid sense of the sport's early spirit—before commercialization reshaped it—via never-before-seen images and candid interviews that capture the rebellious energy of Dogtown and Z-Boys. Shepard Fairey's introduction and Nick Owchar's interviews add layers of cultural context, making it clear how these youthful street scenes still shape skateboarding's identity today. If you're drawn to skateboarding's roots and its cultural pulse, this book offers a unique window; if you're after technical how-tos, this might not be your pick.

Deborah Stoll explores the untold stories of female, queer, bi, and nonbinary skateboarders who reshaped the sport and pushed it onto the Olympic stage. Through detailed profiles of four pioneering athletes, you gain insight into the cultural and gender barriers they challenged over decades, from the punk roots in the 70s to the global spotlight of Tokyo 2021. The book offers a nuanced understanding of skateboarding’s sociopolitical evolution, emphasizing inclusion and identity alongside athleticism. If you’re interested in how skate culture intersects with gender and social change, this narrative highlights voices that have long been overlooked yet fundamentally changed the sport’s trajectory.

This tailored book explores the exciting developments shaping skateboarding in 2025, focusing on the newest trends and innovations that match your background and goals. It examines emerging techniques, evolving styles, and breakthrough insights personalized to your interests, ensuring you stay at the forefront of the skateboarding scene. Through a tailored approach, it dives into how recent discoveries influence performance, culture, and gear, blending foundational knowledge with cutting-edge advances. By focusing on your specific skateboarding journey, this book offers a unique learning experience that captures the dynamic evolution of the sport today, making complex concepts accessible and relevant to your personal progression.

Dan Adams's decades of involvement with RAD magazine led to a vivid chronicle of British skateboarding from 1978 to 1995. This book immerses you in the vibrant energy of a formative skate era, revealing how RAD wasn't just a magazine but a cultural beacon for an entire generation. You'll explore the magazine's unique editorial voice and its rich photographic archives that capture skateboarding's evolution alongside youth culture and street style. If you're interested in the roots of extreme sports or the intersection of subculture and visual storytelling, this book offers an authentic perspective grounded in firsthand experience.

The methods Alistair Ralph developed while navigating the skateboarding world as an experienced skater come through with clarity in this guide tailored for kids. You’ll learn everything from foundational balance and basic tricks to more advanced maneuvers, along with practical safety advice that’s woven throughout the chapters. For example, the book dedicates sections to protective gear and cultivating a personal skating style, making it as much about confidence as technique. If you're helping a young skater grow their skills or want a fun, structured path to progress, this book offers a well-rounded approach without overwhelming technical jargon.

Daewon Song's decades of professional skateboarding experience culminate in this approachable guide that demystifies the basics and culture of skateboarding. You’ll gain practical knowledge about selecting your first board, mastering foundational rides, and understanding skatepark etiquette, all while exploring the sport’s rich history and its role as a form of self-expression. The book also offers clear instructions on classic tricks, making it a solid entry point whether you want to skate for fitness, fun, or confidence building. If you're new to skateboarding or curious about its culture, this book provides a balanced mix of technical insight and personal enthusiasm without overwhelming jargon.

This tailored book explores the rapidly evolving world of skateboarding as it approaches 2025, focusing on emerging trends, innovations, and cultural shifts. It covers the latest discoveries and developments that shape the sport’s future, including advancements in technique, equipment, and community dynamics. By tailoring content to your background and interests, it provides a focused journey through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in skateboarding. This personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with topics that matter most to you, empowering you to navigate and contribute to skateboarding’s next chapter with confidence and insight.

During his extensive career as an industrial designer, Jonathan Olivares developed a deep appreciation for the intricate evolution of skateboards, which led him to document their transformation from basic wooden planks to sophisticated contemporary designs. In this book, you’ll explore over 100 iconic boards spanning six decades, each meticulously photographed to scale, allowing you to understand their unique dimensions and design elements. Olivares goes beyond mere aesthetics, diving into the materials, cultural shifts, and key figures that shaped skateboarding’s technical and artistic development. If you’re passionate about skateboarding history, design innovation, or the cultural impact of this sport, this book offers a rich, visual, and contextual journey that’s both enlightening and enjoyable.

Drawing from his deep engagement with skate culture, José Vadi explores skateboarding not just as a sport but as a lens on life, art, and aging. Through personal essays, he reveals how chipped boards symbolize persistence, cultural shifts, and mortality, weaving in reflections on skate videos, music, and urban spaces. You'll gain insights into skateboarding's influence on identity and creativity, with chapters that connect the physical act of skating to broader cultural narratives. This book suits those curious about skateboarding's cultural impact beyond tricks, especially anyone interested in how passion evolves with time and context.