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
You might like
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
Inside the London rollerskating scene’s fight for space
Chop & shuffle — A new, young generation is skating with a style unique to the UK’s capital, but they’re up against security guards, dog units, and padlocks. Sunny Sunday reports on the community’s search for a home.
Written by: Sunny Sunday
In Palestine Skating Game, rollerblading is resistance
Inline protest — Blending influences from Jet Set Radio and Tony Hawk Pro Skater, the psychedelic video game sees players move through the West Bank and tag occupying soldiers with spray paint. Amaar Chowdhury speaks to the team – some living in Gaza – who are currently developing it.
Written by: Amaar Chowdhury
Brick rattling memories of San Francisco’s skateboarding golden age
EPICENTER — In the early ’90s, the city’s scene revolved around the Embarcadero Plaza, or EMB as it was lovingly known. Now, with the area facing redevelopment, a new book by Jacob Rosenberg immortalises its heyday.
Written by: Isaac Muk