Newcastle’s skateboarding scene has long been defined by its resilience and DIY ethos, slowly turning it into the melting pot of new talent it is today.

In the early days, backyards and self-made parks were beginning the birthplace of a culture, which now shapes the national landscape of the sport.

In 1979, two fibreglass quarter pipes were installed at Stockton Swimming Pool and an additional one in Bar Beach – now replaced by the iconic bowl.

The structures were built by the same crews who developed several parks around Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Early icons of the local scene began to use the facilities, including John Bogaerts and Anthony Simmons.

The next step came in 1986, when Bogaerts, along with other fellow skaters Sean Mussett and Michael Constantini, constructed a ramp in Ridge Street in Merewether.

“They built their own park in their backyard, and it was one of the best halfpipes in Australia at the time,” said local skateboarder, historian and publisher of Sprawlers magazine, Jim Turvey.

“It attracted people from all around the country to come and skate it.

“It put Newcastle on the map in a way, and it was self-funded and made, which is really part of skateboarding’s ethos to really go out and do these things yourself.” 

It was even graced by international figures in the scene, including Allen Losi, Gregor Rankin and Lee Ralph.

“If you look at every period of skateboarding in Newcastle,” said Turvey.

“We’ve always had something that’s quite groundbreaking or considered in the greater Australian scene as influential.” 

But, it wasn’t until the early to mid-1990s did things really start to pick up.

In 1994, a man from Stockton named Chris Yeoh founded Amnesia Skateboards, which is still one of Australia’s longest running skate company.

“It made a huge impact on the scene, and Amnesia gave us a bit of an identity,” Turvey explained.

“They released a really influential video called Amnesia Loves Ugly Children and it really put us on the map as far as bringing us up to speed with the rest of the country.” 

One of Newcastle’s most notable figureheads in the skateboarding scene is Ben Cox, who turned pro for the company in its early stages.

Since then, the Hunter region has been the home ground for some of the subculture’s most prolific athletes.

Rowan Davis turned professional for LA-based brand Girl Skateboards in 2023 – a  company co-owned by famous director Spike Jones – as well as being sponsored by Nike.

Known for his techniques and viral videos, Davis frequents the city’s iconic Museum Park, informally known as Civic.

“To have somebody like that at that level who is such a great influence on the young people around him is really special,” said Turvey.

Newcastle is also the home of Olympic skater Poppy Starr Olsen.

“She is representing young women in skateboarding for the rest of the country and for anyone who sees her at Bar Beach Bowl, makes it a reality for somebody who has those dreams,” Turvey explained.

“You’re not looking at it on Instagram, they’re right here in front of you and they’re accessible and you can talk to them.

“I think that’s really important.” 

Another notable figure is Marley Rae, one of Newcastle’s most celebrated bowl skaters, who has won several awards, including second place at the Bowlzilla Gold Coast Open in 2023.

“In Newcastle, the scene is really unique,” Rae told the Newcastle Weekly.

“Every skater is a little bit different which is nice.

“Growing up skating and looking up to people, who were older who brought their own flair and flavour to it, I just wanted to do that as well.” 

According to Rae, despite not as many people pursuing the sport professionally in recent years, the local scene is as strong as ever.

“People are actually outside skating which makes you realise how cool the city is to skate in,” he explained.

“We’ve got awesome spots, really good infrastructure and it looks really great on video.” 

As Newcastle’s skateboarding scene continues to evolve, its identity remains rooted in a spirit of independence and durability.

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