What is 411 Video Magazine?
In the 90s, skateboarding culture was evolving fast, and one series became the pulse of the scene: 411 Video Magazine. It wasn’t just a collection of skate clips — it was the definitive source for skateboarding news, events, and culture. Released in VHS format and distributed worldwide, 411VM brought the skate community together, showcasing the best skaters, tricks, and contests of the time.
Unlike skate magazines you’d flip through, 411 Video Magazine gave you the sights, sounds, and adrenaline of the skate world in motion. It was raw, real, and for many, it was a window into skateboarding they couldn’t find anywhere else.
The first issue, 411 Video Magazine Issue 1, set the tone for an iconic series in skateboarding history. It introduced fans to some of the most memorable features, skaters, and segments that would be hallmarks of the series for years to come.
Why 411 Video Magazine Issue 1 is Legendary
411 Video Magazine Issue 1 was released in July/August 1993 and was marketed as the “Extra Fat Premier Issue.” This issue wasn’t just an introduction — it was a declaration. It was packed with more content than skate fans had ever seen in one place.
Here’s why it stood out:
- Groundbreaking Concept: A “video magazine” was a novel idea at the time. No one had done anything quite like it.
- Iconic Skaters Featured: Jeremy Wray, Tony Hawk, Ray Barbee, and many more legendary skaters appeared in this issue.
- Unmatched Content: From Wheels of Fortune to Schoolyards and Contests, it set the template for every future issue.
- DIY Distribution: Skate shops and mail orders carried 411VM tapes, making it feel like an exclusive, underground release.
Watch the Full Video of 411 Video Magazine Issue 1
Here’s your chance to watch the full, uncut version of 411 Video Magazine Issue 1. Relive the era when skateboarding wasn’t just a sport — it was a lifestyle.
Key Segments in 411 Video Magazine Issue 1
If you’ve ever seen a 411VM issue, you know it follows a unique format. Issue 1 laid the groundwork for these classic sections, which would become mainstays for years to come.
1. Wheels of Fortune
“Wheels of Fortune” is where up-and-coming skaters got their first big spotlight. In Issue 1, riders like Aaron Bleasdale, Jesse Paez, Mike Hayes, and Paul Shapiro showed off their skills. This segment became one of the most beloved parts of 411VM, as it introduced the next generation of pro skaters.
2. Chaos
Pure, unfiltered skateboarding madness. “Chaos” is a collection of fast-cut clips of skaters pulling off quick tricks, bails, and funny moments. It’s frenetic, wild, and unforgettable. 411VM Issue 1’s Chaos section was a wild ride that left skaters buzzing to go try new tricks.
3. Schoolyards
Schoolyards were the heart of the skateboarding scene in the 90s. This section captured pros and up-and-comers skating famous school spots, like Los Angeles’s well-known schoolyards. It was a showcase of gritty street skating, where stairs, ledges, and rails became the ultimate playgrounds.
4. Contests
Sierra Madness, NSA Pro, Street Contests, and Northeast Invasion are all part of this section. Footage from these contests gave viewers a front-row seat to high-stakes battles between elite skaters. Fans got to see intense competition, jaw-dropping tricks, and the raw energy of live contests.
5. Advertisements
Yes, even the ads in 411 Video Magazine Issue 1 were legendary. Companies like Birdhouse, Etnies, Mad Circle, and Zero Sophisto ran ads that would later become iconic in skateboarding history. In the VHS era, even ads felt like a treat.
6. Profiles & Interviews
The interviews were a chance to hear directly from pro skaters. In Issue 1, we got to see exclusive insights from skaters like Josh Swindel. Getting to know the skaters behind the tricks made them more relatable and built their fan followings.
Notable Skaters Featured in 411 Video Magazine Issue 1
One of the reasons Issue 1 is so memorable is because of the skateboarding icons who made an appearance. These names are now legends in the industry:
- Jeremy Wray – Known for his smooth style and ability to tackle huge gaps, Jeremy Wray was a standout figure in the early 90s skate scene. His appearance in Issue 1 put him on the map.
- Ray Barbee – A pioneer of street skating, Ray Barbee brought unmatched creativity to 411VM. His unique style and effortless moves inspired a whole generation of skaters.
- Tony Hawk – While Tony Hawk is best known for his vert tricks, his presence in 411VM connected him with street skating fans as well.
- Rob Carlyon – A name not as well-known today but crucial to the DNA of 411VM. Carlyon’s contributions were key to the series’ success.
Conclusion
411 Video Magazine Issue 1 is more than just a video; it’s a piece of skateboarding history. It laid the foundation for what would become one of the most influential skateboarding media series of all time. From Wheels of Fortune to Contests, every moment of Issue 1 was unforgettable.
This video helped catapult careers for skateboarders like Jeremy Wray, Tony Hawk, and Ray Barbee, while bringing raw, unfiltered skateboarding to the masses. The legacy of 411VM lives on, and you can relive it right here by watching the full video of 411 Video Magazine Issue 1.
