It’s wild to think it’s been two decades since SkateMore dropped, marking a huge moment in the life of Torey Pudwill.
This video was a game changer for him, launching his career when he was just a kid fresh into his teens.
In a recent post, T-Puds shared how SkateMore came out when he was only 15, and how it completely shifted his path.
Right after that, he made a move - dropping out of high school to go on a two-month world premiere tour with some of the biggest names skating back then.
For a 15-year-old to suddenly be signing thousands of autographs and traveling to places he’d never even heard of before? That’s something else.
What really comes through in Torey’s message is how DVS wasn’t just a skate company to him.
It was like family, especially during those formative years when a lot of teenagers are trying to figure out where they belong.
He talks about the acceptance and support that came with being part of the DVS team, and how that helped him grow not just as a skater, but as a person.
It’s easy to forget that back then, it was pretty rare for someone as young as 14 or 15 to be picked up by a team like DVS.
But they saw something in Torey, and his teammates like Mikey Taylor and Jereme Rogers helped push for him to get that spot. And Tim Gavin, who offered him that contract, was a key part of it all.
Looking back, SkateMore still holds a special place on the shelf as one of those videos people come back to again and again.
It’s crazy to think it’s been 20 years, but the memories and friendships from that time are still alive and kicking.
T-Puds Posted:
"20 years ago today, SkateMore premiered, which changed my life forever. That was my big debut when I was only 15!! Straight after that, I dropped out of high school and went on a two-month world premiere tour with the biggest skate superstars of the time. I signed thousands of autographs for the first time and got to party in countries that I’d never even heard of. DVS was the family that raised me through my teenage years, giving me a sense of acceptance I’d never felt before. I’m beyond grateful for that golden opportunity which carved a path for my future and shaped me into the skateboarder I am today.
Back then it was rare for a 14 year old kid to get on a team, but they believed in me! Huge love to my teammates for their support, especially @mikeytaylor and @jeremerogers for co-signing me to get on, and Tim Fucking @therealgav for giving me that contract. Most importantly, Gabe. @beergut74 you were more than just a team manager. You sold me my first skateboard when I was 6, got me flowed shoes at 9, and brought me to the table when it was my time to shine. We’ve traveled countless miles together, you stood by me on my wedding day, and somehow kept me safe through all our years and wild nights. I fucking love you guys, and you’ll never truly know how much this all means to me.
More special thanks and memories:
@chicobrenes took me to Spain to film for the video. @daewon1song got pissed because I didn’t know how to wipe my ass, and I clogged the toilet before him more than once aha. @giovannireda... man, he broke me in! I can’t even begin to express my gratitude for all he taught me about manhood. Shout out to @dlakastan too. And, of course, @colinmkennedy — the master lensman and editor behind the legendary video.SkateMore will forever sit on the shelf as one of the greatest skate videos in history. Can’t believe it’s been 20 years!
The are too many more stories to share and friends that were made, you know who you are.. also friends that we lost.
RIP HUF <3 BOMHOLT <3 VAN <3 TONY E. <3"