San Jose’s legendary skateboarding scene

San Diego may have been the birthplace of skateboarding, but just 450 miles north was a city hailed as the “skateboarding capital of the country” from the late 70s into the 90s. That’s right — our very great 408.

Skateboarding legends were born here, including Steve “Cab” Caballero who Tony Hawk admitted was one of his earliest skateboarding heroes. Classic tricks like the “caballerial” (sound familiar?) and funky forms like the “switch stance” both originated from San Jose skaters.

🛹 The history

Before large-scale skateparks, many skaters were doing tricks everywhere from the August Boeger Middle School steps to the Cesar Chavez Plaza’s fountains + rails.

When Winchester SkatePark opened in March 1978, excited skateboarders rushed the two acres of cement, rails + ramps. 16-year-old Steve Caballero was said to have spent eight or nine hours a day skating Winchester’s pink pool.

After injury liability concerns led to Winchester’s swift closure in 1981, skating was pushed back to the streets and DIY skate culture had skaters passionately practicing their craft anywhere they could.

San Jose-based, pro skater Salman Agah described how skaters would haul jump ramps or railslide bars to an empty lot, bus depot, or park for a “skate jam.” These makeshift parks were a community effort, allowing people to skate for free while enjoying a barbeque + booming tracks from a make-do PA system.

The continuous push for the skate scene to stay alive got refreshed in 2008 when Lake Cunningham Skatepark opened— one of the largest skateparks in California — which is a 67,000 sqft concrete jungle with a fullpipe, vert wall, and cradle.

Tony Hawk brought his Birdhouse team to Lake Cunningham for a demo in 2012, and many other prolific skaters brought rad talent to the competitions hosted at the skatepark.

🛹 The skaters

The names Cab, and Brauch may not ring a bell for non-skaters, but professionals + amateurs around know that these men are legends — and bothall hail from San Jose.

Steve “Cab” Caballero

Steve picked up his first board at the age of 12, and the rest was history. His parents were supportive and helped Cab build a quarter-pipe in his front yard for him to practice — unknowingly shaping his historic career. In 1981, he invented the “caballerial” — a skateboarding trick involving a fakie backside 360. He was also consecutively named “Skater of the Year” from 1981-84, as well as being named “Skater of the Century” in 1999 by Thrasher.

Tim Brauch

This legendary pro-skater grew up in San Jose and executed an impressive performance that made him the winner of the 1998 Vans Triple Crown Street Competition, accelerating his skating career on the world stage. Unfortunately, his career was cut short when he suddenly passed away from cardiac arrest in 1999. Since then, his family holds the Tim Brauch Memorial Contest each year to celebrate his love of skateboarding — which has become a renown competition for skaters around the country.

🛹 What’s kickin’ now?

The skate scene has changed a lot in the last few decades, but there are still some classic San Jose skaters who help keep the scene alive.

You can still catch him today — early 80s pro-skater Bob Schmelzer founded one of the only skate shops still around today, and recently made it into half a cafe. Circle A Skateboards made its way from a 1842 Victorian house in the middle of downtown to a sleek, glass storefront on Paseo de San Antonio.

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Schelzer, a former undefeated amateur freestyle champion, said he was shredding curbs + garages with friends near where his shop is located now, and happily assists new skaters with their first boards.

Skateparks like Plata Arroyo, Lake Cunningham, and Roosevelt are still lively as ever, with skaters still offering a welcoming energy to newcomers. The skate scene of the 90s may be gone, but if you ever want to try a hand at skating now — you might catch some local legends who will give you a hand.