A Moment in Black Skateboarding History: Marty Grimes The First Black Professional Skateboarder

Marty Grimes, renowned as the first black professional skateboarder, emerged onto the skateboarding scene in the early 1970s amidst the rugged terrain of Midtown, Los Angeles, California. Growing up in an environment fraught with challenges, skateboarding served as a beacon, steering him away from the perils of street gangs. Inspired by the fluidity of surfing, Marty honed his skills, joining the EZ Ryder team and later transitioning to Z-Flex, facilitated by the influential Jay Adams. His prowess on the board garnered recognition, earning him a coveted "Who's Hot?" feature in Skateboarder magazine, authored by Jay's mother.

Marty Grimes's indelible mark on skateboarding culture was further underscored by his regular sessions at iconic locations such as Bellagio and Revere schoolyards, as well as legendary pools like the original Key Hole and the revered Dog Bowl. Notably, the distinctive panther graphics on his Z-Flex pro model deck were meticulously crafted by his sister Angela, adding a personal touch to his skateboarding legacy.

In more recent years, Marty has ventured into entrepreneurship, founding Hoodwood Skateboards, a venture that blends his passion for skateboarding with craftsmanship. Notably, some of the skateboards under the Hoodwood brand are handcrafted by Marty himself, while others are manufactured by Watson Laminates, showcasing his commitment to quality and authenticity.

Beyond his contributions to the skateboarding community, Marty Grimes has extended his influence to the realm of filmmaking. As an executive producer of "The Spades," a forthcoming documentary, Marty seeks to illuminate the profound and often overlooked role of African Americans in shaping the landscape of skateboarding. Delving into the origins of skateboarding culture, the film promises to chronicle pivotal moments and locales throughout its history, debunking the notion that African American involvement in skateboarding is a recent phenomenon.

Tracing back to the late 1950s, when African American youths ingeniously crafted their own makeshift boards, to the emergence of professional skaters like Rick Blocker in the 1960s, the documentary aims to provide a comprehensive narrative of African American contributions to skateboarding's evolution. Marty Grimes and his brother Clyde stand as pivotal figures in this narrative, breaking barriers as the first African Americans to grace the pages of skateboarding magazines and films. Their serendipitous encounter with Jay Adams solidified their place in the annals of Dogtown lore, with Marty earning the distinction of being the first black skater to receive a signature skateboard model.
In essence, Marty Grimes's journey epitomizes resilience, innovation, and trailblazing spirit, serving as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring skateboarders and underscoring the rich diversity that defines skateboarding culture. Through "The Spades" and his enduring contributions, Marty continues to leave an indelible imprint on the skateboarding community, ensuring that the legacy of African American skaters remains firmly entrenched in the annals of history.

Check out the Hall of Famer below.