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Photo Essay: San Diego Skate Park Fashion

Get to know the people, the passion, and the attire that makes the city's skate scene so rad
San Diego skater fashion featuring a skateboarder jumping into a bowl at Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach
Photo Credit: Becka Vance

“[There was] a study done [showing] that the anticipation before you do a trick gives you more dopamine than actually landing the trick. It gives you that shot to be like, ‘Okay, go again. I almost have it. It’s right there.’” –Jesse, 28

San Diego skater fashion featuring a skateboarder at Prince Memorial Skatepark in Oceanside doing a 180
Photo Credit: Becka Vance
Prince Memorial Skatepark, Oceanside

“Skating is the one thing I’ve had a passion for—the thing I get the urge to go out and go out and go out [and do]. Whatever is going on, if it’s a bad day, and [you] don’t want to be home, you can just go skate.” –Jacob, 20

San Diego skater fashion featuring pro BMX cyclist Angie Marino on her bike in Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach
Photo Credit: Becka Vance
Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach

“[I have] a dream job, honestly. I get to be creative on my bike. I get to travel and experience so many cultures and see the world from a different point of view.” –Angie Marino, 34, professional BMX cyclist

San Diego skater fashion featuring a skateboarder's pink shoes on a skateboard deck at Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach
Photo Credit: Becka Vance
Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach

“During Covid lockdowns, skating was the only thing available. I decided, ‘Oh, maybe I’ll give it a try.’ I used to be a figure skater. [The transition] was pretty easy because balance corresponds to everything.” –Nina, 14

San Diego skater fashion featuring professional skateboarder AJ Nelson sitting on his skateboard deck at Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach
Photo Credit: Becka Vance
Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach

“Skating doesn’t owe you anything—you could do the same trick a million times, and the million-and-first try, you’ll fall and bust your ass. You can’t take it for granted, but it’s one of the best escapes from reality.” –AJ Nelson, 28, professional skateboarder

San Diego skater fashion featuring father and daughter skateboarders at Chicano Park Skatepark, Barrio Logan
Photo Credit: Becka Vance
Chicano Park Skatepark, Barrio Logan

“I like how my dad skates right next to me.” –Sophia, 7, with her dad, Biscuits, 26

San Diego skater fashion featuring a young girl dropping into a half-pipe at Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach
Photo Credit: Becka Vance
Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach

“I really like dropping in—I like the feeling in [my] stomach.” –Sayen, 9

San Diego skater fashion featuring a skateboarder about to drop into a quarter pipe at Prince Memorial Skatepark, Oceanside
Photo Credit: Becka Vance
Prince Memorial Skatepark, Oceanside

“I buy my expensive pants from skate shops and my cheap shirts from Goodwill.” –Koa, 18

San Diego skater fashion featuring professional BMX cyclist Kevin Peraza at Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach
Photo Credit: Becka Vance
Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach

“With action sports and in BMX in general, it’s about freedom of expression, so whatever mood you’re in is what you’re going to wear. I would say if you’re gonna wear baggy clothing, make sure you know to tie up one side or cuff them so they don’t get caught in the chain.” –Kevin Peraza, 29, professional BMX cyclist

San Diego skater fashion featuring A girl stepping on a skateboard deck at Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach
Photo Credit: Becka Vance
Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach

“I try not to care too much about the graphics because [they] always get rubbed away, so I actually try to get a board I’m not a huge fan of.” –Aaliyah, 21

By Amelia Rodriguez

Amelia Rodriguez is San Diego Magazine’s Associate Editor. The winner of the San Diego Press Club's 2023 Rising Star Award and 2024 Best of Show Award, she’s also covered music, food, arts and culture, fashion, and design for Rolling Stone, Palm Springs Life, and other national and regional publications. After work, you can find her hunting down San Diego’s best pastries and maintaining her three-year Duolingo streak.

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