It is a sad day when a magazine with as much history as Sidewalk loses its print edition. For 20 years, Sidewalk has been at the centre of the UK skateboarding scene (it was the only British skateboarding magazine when it was founded in 1995), documenting its legends and rising stars through endless iterations. Sidewalk made sense of an evolving culture and became, for many, the printed counterpart to a way of life.
In a move endemic of modern publishing, Factory Media decided to finish all of its print titles and concentrate on growing its digital properties. Sidewalk will continue in that spirit – building on its already-huge online community – and embracing new pixelly experiences.
Says founder Andy Horsley on the Sidewalk site: “Don’t get me wrong, I’m gutted that the print magazine will no longer grace the floors of skateboarder’s bedroom floors. But we want to continue to serve the ENTIRE UK skateboard scene as well as we did in print, and the best way we can do that now is online.”
Here are some great covers from the last 20 years of the print magazine.
Issue #1: Tom Penny
Issue #48: John Rattray
Issue #65: Nick Jensen
Issue #156: Gonz
Issue #221: Sam Beckett
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“Like skating an amphitheatre”: 50 years of the South Bank skatepark, in photos
Skate 50 — A new exhibition celebrates half a century of British skateboarding’s spiritual centre. Noah Petersons traces the Undercroft’s history and enduring presence as one of the world’s most iconic spots.
Written by: Noah Petersons
On Marrakech’s outskirts, a skatepark reimagines possibility for local youth
Tameslouht — Built on the grounds of the Fiers et Forts orphanage, a new spot is providing space for connection and purpose, while incubating top-class talent. Ellie Howard reports from its banks.
Written by: Ellie Howard
Eating concrete with London Skate Mums
Parental steeze — Founded during the pandemic, the group has ballooned into a community, giving mothers of various ages and abilities space to pull tricks, fall and express themselves. Sydney Lobe meets them at the legendary Southbank Undercroft.
Written by: Sydney Lobe
Leticia Bufoni is one of the greatest skaters ever. Now she’s tearing up asphalt.
Vamos, Leticia! — The Brazilian trailblazer helped rewrite the rulebook for women in skateboarding – and now she’s setting the pace behind the wheel for Porsche. For Huck’s 20th Anniversary Issue, she reflects on shredding stereotypes, building a career in male-dominated spaces, empowering the next generation, and the lessons that defined her journey.
Written by: Tracy Kawalik
Dropping in at Lahore’s first ever public skatepark
Skate Pakistan — Set right in the centre of Pakistan’s capital city, the free-to-use space has started a mini youth revolution in the country. Z. Raza-Sheikh tracks how it came to open its doors.
Written by: Z. Raza-Sheikh
The concrete skatepark oasis in the Navajo Nation desert
Diné Skate Garden — Opening in 2023, the Two Grey Hills spot is getting people of all ages on the reservation onto boards. We spoke to those behind the project about its impact, its growing importance as a community gathering space, and their ambitious vision for expansion.
Written by: Tyrone Bulger
