Ohio Skateboard Connection

If there is such a thing as a Founding Father of the Ohio skate scene, GSD might be best described in that capacity. Garry Scott Davis first picked up a skateboard around 1976 while growing up in Cincinnati. His style emulated the famed Z Boys team, repurposing Cincinnati schoolyards and ditches in the cold and grey of Ohio to something closer to skateboarding's surfing origins in California. Alongside running his own highly influential skate zine Skate Fate throughout the 80’s and managing a  successful pro career, GSD was a key member of the creative team at Transworld Magazine for about a decade beginning in 1983. In this episode we talk about punk music, Cincinnati in the 70s, Stacy Peralta, Tracker, DO’s, moving to California in 1982, inventing the Boneless One, and so much more. We only begin to scratch the surface of his fascinating career on and off the board in our conversation, but for now I will just say this is one of the episodes of the podcast I never dreamed would happen. Thanks to all of the listeners for their continued support and encouragement. Now please go out and buy a copy of The Best of Skate Fate Too, as well as the new 50th Anniversary deck he designed for sale over at: https://www.blurb.com/b/12605077-the-best-of-skate-fate-too-softcover?srsltid=AU7gw4XDaDn6cvIXvionJnGMEsBdnIuiU04ME-OPAn7Ql1zeQtSYrnLy    

Michael is a Groveport, Ohio raised skater who started out in 1987. He worked at famed local shop Sunsports at the Carriage Place location from 1999-2005. When the store closed he then worked for Alien Workshop from 2005-2013, and then became a core part of Theories of Atlantis distribution out of NYC and the numerous brands under its umbrella. Needless to say he’s been involved in the crème de la crème of the skate industry.  In this episode we about looking up to Donny Humes, retail during the THPS era, movies, life in New York, artistic influences, and much more. Mike was always a friendly face in the Columbus scene and has now led an entire life and career supporting skateboarding with tasteful brands. He regularly designs board graphics and is an active illustrator with several published pieces. He currently lives in Crown Heights Brooklyn where he maintains his long time position since 2013 with East Coast powerhouse Theories of Atlantis. 

Episode 23 with Dave Ackels! Dave grew up in West Chester, Ohio and has been a staple of the Dayton/Cincinnati scene since the late 80’s. A gifted visual artist, Dave was mentored at the Wright State film school under Academy Award winning documentary filmmaking team Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar. He has also had stints working for Cow Skates, Alien Workshop, DC, and Ohio Surf & Skate (where he was also a team rider). He ran his own brand and video series Absorb around 2009 for several years, and its impact loomed large in the Dayton scene. Dave continues to skate regularly, and just participated in an art show last month with fellow Ohio legend Doug K. Currently he works as a brand director for local BMX brand DK Bicycles. In this episode we discuss various topics such as formative punk music, Neil Blender, Jimmy George, music videos, the first DIY in Dayton, The Breeders, being a gay skater in the 90s, and much more. Dave has led a fascinating life and is a legit skate historian, so this conversation really covers a lot of important Ohio skate lore.    Timestamps   11:55- Background info/Moving to West Chester 26:20- Getting first video camera 36:40- Making the Basic video 40:00- The Dayton scene 44:35- Film school 55:30- The perils of making films 1:03:35- After college/ Cow Skates / Alien / DC 1:17:30- Being an openly Gay skater 1:31:20- Fairborn DIY, Nate Jones, Eye Level 1:40:00- Doug K 1:49:45- Solid Brand/Fat Mike’s/Mike’s Backyard Bowl/ Jimmy George 2:06:00- Dayton Legends 2:20:55- Absorb 2:31:30- Social Media 2:35:35- Art world 2:44:00- Closing thoughts/ Working in the BMX world 2:51:00- Influential Ohioans  

Tim Cernanec is one of the leaders of Ohio's downhill skateboarding scene. Better known under the Instagram handle shoreline_boarder, Tim comes on to talk about his history with the sport, traveling the world to compete, gnarly crashes, top speeds, and much more. He also discusses some of the misconceptions of downhill and slalom, and how it interacts with the broader skateboarding scene. He provides detailed information on the upcoming Sweaty Palms event in Cincinnati on May 2, and other happenings in the regional scene. Please reach out to Tim if you have any questions on how to get started or how to come check out an event. These guys and gals have serious balls, and have earned the respect of the four wheeled community. Join us for a deep dive on a fascinating and under discussed subculture within a subculture.

Toledo native Dave Shaheen is the founder of Davis Skate Club. Operating out of the heart of downtown Cleveland, the organization is committed to exposing the precious gift of skateboarding to high school students at Davis Aerospace & Maritime High School, where Dave happens to teach. Lessons, workshops, field trips, and exposure to the art and culture of skateboarding are all part of the programming. With help from other organizations (like previous guest Advocate SkateWorks, Dave is getting primo boards and gear into the hands of underserved communities. Lots of positive momentum is building right now in the Cleveland scene. This upcoming Friday March 13th, Dave will be hosting the annual Art Show auction/fundraiser at Lakewood's Westside Skates. Please show up and support his mission and go home with a quality piece from one of Ohio’s finest. Join us for a wide ranging interview including Woodville Skatepark, Athens, teaching high school social studies, Westside Skates, and the future of the Cleveland scene. Dave currently lives in Lakewood, Ohio with his wife and kids.   Time Stamps:   1:30- Background info 5:10- Discovering skating  8:25- The Toledo scene 35:35- Davis Skate Club 52:17- The Kids 1:08:10- Difference in skate culture today  1:12:06- Key contributors 1:20:40- Art Show (March 13th 2026) 1:26:25- The Future/Cleveland Scene 1:32:02- Most influential Ohio Skater  1:35:18- Closing thoughts