The skateboard culture of the 1990s was a fascinating and influential movement that helped to shape the youth subcultures of the time. As skateboarding exploded in popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it brought with it a distinct style and attitude that resonated with young people around the world. But a bunch of degens had the weird idea to bring back the skateboarding culture of the 90’s to the Web3.

In the 1990s, skateboarding was no longer just a fringe activity for rebellious teenagers. It had become a mainstream phenomenon, with professional skateboarders gracing the covers of magazines and appearing in commercials and music videos. Skateboarding had also become a key component of popular culture, influencing fashion, music, and even the way people spoke and interacted with each other.

I grew up in Lyon, a city that was considered the mecca for skateboarders in the 90s and 2000s. From a young age, I was surrounded by the skateboarding culture, with its vibrant energy and passion for creativity. Skateboarding was not just a sport or a hobby, it was a way of life, and it was a big part of my childhood and teenage years.

As a child, I was fascinated by the skateboarders I saw on the streets and in the parks. They had a cool and rebellious spirit that I admired, and they seemed to be constantly pushing the boundaries of what was possible on a skateboard. I was also drawn to the sense of community among skateboarders, who supported each other and encouraged one another to try new tricks and take risks.

In my hometown, there were several iconic skateboarding crews, including Cliché, ABS, and Psykopit. These crews were made up of the best skateboarders in the city and all over the world, like Ali Boulala, and they were known for their incredible skills and innovative styles. I was in awe of these skaters and dreamed of one day being a part of their world.

I started skateboarding when I was 14 years old, and I quickly became addicted to the sport. I would spend hours every day at the skatepark, honing my skills and trying new tricks. I was never the most talented skater, but I was determined to improve and be a part of the skateboarding culture.

I’m a kid from the 90’s

One of the key aspects of the skateboard culture of the 1990s was the DIY attitude of its participants. Skateboarders were not content to simply ride the same old skateparks and half-pipes that had been built for them. They were always looking for new and creative ways to ride, whether it was by building their own ramps and obstacles or by adapting abandoned buildings and structures into makeshift skateparks. This DIY ethos was a key part of the skateboard culture of the 1990s, and it helped to foster a sense of creativity and independence among skateboarders.

Another important aspect of skateboard culture in the 1990s was the emphasis on individual style. Skateboarders were not just athletes, they were also artists, and they took pride in the way they dressed, the music they listened to, and the way they rode their boards. Skateboarders of the 1990s were known for their laid-back, rebellious style, often incorporating elements of punk, hip-hop, and surf culture into their outfits and attitudes. This individuality and self-expression were key elements of the skateboard culture of the 1990s, and they helped to make skateboarding a truly unique and vibrant subculture.

Despite its mainstream popularity, skateboard culture in the 1990s was not without its controversies. Skateboarders were often seen as outsiders and rebels by mainstream society, and they faced numerous challenges in the form of laws and regulations designed to limit their activities. Nevertheless, skateboarders of the 1990s remained undaunted, continuing to push the boundaries of what was possible on a skateboard and making a lasting impact on popular culture.

Today, skateboard culture continues to thrive, but it is clear that the skateboard culture of the 1990s played a crucial role in shaping the way we think about skateboarding today. Whether you were a part of the skateboard culture of the 1990s or simply an observer, it is impossible to deny the enduring influence and impact of this unique and vibrant subculture.

Web3 culture refers to the emerging cultural and societal norms, values, and beliefs that are shaping and being shaped by the decentralized, blockchain-based web. It encompasses the ideologies, principles, and practices of the decentralized web, including data privacy, ownership, and control. It also involves a focus on community-driven solutions and open-source technology, as well as a decentralized approach to value creation, exchange, and governance. The Web3 culture prioritizes a new way of thinking about the internet and how we interact with it, moving away from the centralized and corporate-controlled web of the past towards a more equitable, user-centric, and transparent online ecosystem.

The internet has changed the world in ways we never imagined. From the way we communicate to the way we do business, the web has completely transformed the way we live our lives. But as the internet has evolved, so too have the challenges that come with it. From privacy concerns to the concentration of power in the hands of a few tech giants, the internet has become increasingly centralized and corporate-controlled.

Skateboarding meet the Web3 culture

Enter Web3 culture – a new way of thinking about the internet that prioritizes decentralization, community empowerment, and data privacy. This new cultural movement is shaping the future of the internet, and it’s driving a decentralized, blockchain-based web that’s more equitable, user-centric, and transparent.

At the core of Web3 culture is decentralization – the idea that power and control should be distributed among users, not centralized in a single entity. This means that decision-making is done in a decentralized manner, often through consensus-based systems, and that users have greater control over their data and online interactions.

Community empowerment is another key aspect of Web3 culture. This movement values community-driven solutions and collaboration, and it aims to empower users and create more equitable systems. For example, many Web3 projects are open-source, meaning that their code is transparent and accessible, and anyone can contribute to their development.

Data privacy and ownership are also central to Web3 culture. This movement values user data privacy and ownership, and it prioritizes secure and transparent methods for data storage, exchange, and usage. This is a stark contrast to the current web, where user data is often collected, sold, and monetized by corporations with little transparency or accountability.

The Web3 culture also values the use of cryptocurrencies and tokenization as a means of exchanging value and enabling new forms of economic activity, like NFTs. This has the potential to disrupt traditional financial systems and enable new forms of economic exchange that are more equitable and accessible.

As I got older, I became less involved in the skateboarding scene. Skateboarding was more than just a sport for me – it was a way of life and a big part of my identity.

Looking back on those years, I am grateful for the impact that skateboarding and the skateboarding culture had on my life. It taught me about determination, perseverance, and the importance of community, and it shaped who I am today. I will always be proud to have grown up in Lyon, surrounded by cool crews, incredible talents, and the vibrant spirit of the skateboarding culture, which 90’s kids represent today.