The Z-Boys were a formidable team of teenage skateboarders from Santa Monica, California who revolutionized the sport of skateboarding in the 70s. Led by legendary surf shop owner Jeff Ho, the Z-Boys pioneered new tricks and hot-dogging stunts that had never been seen before and made them overnight celebrities.
The creative and wild style of iconic Z-Boys skaters such as Tony Alva, Jim Muir, and Jay Adams was groundbreaking for its time, providing an outlet for a growing passion for extreme sports. The team’s success brought them lucrative endorsement contracts, deals to manufacture their own custom skateboards, and even movie roles.
Unfortunately, as with many stories of overnight fame and success, not all members of the original Z-Boys fair well afterwards; some fell prey to drugs and crime while others suffered from ego issues. These struggles are chronicled in the documentary Dogtown and Z-Boys by former member Stacy Peralta.
This film is sure to be a captivating watch for anyone interested in skateboarding culture or extreme sports in general. Taking you through the highs and lows of the original Zephyr Skate Team – from their humble beginnings at Jeff Ho’s Surf Shop to their meteoric rise – Dogtown and Z Boys is not only an inspiring story but also an important reminder of what makes these sports so special: dedication to one’s craft despite immense odds. So make sure to check it out!
