The Best Skate Video that Nobody’s Seen
Being a shut-in gamer most of my life has prepared me well for the era of social distancing. I’ve been consuming content nonstop to pass the time, be it video games, whichever flavour of the month Netflix show is trending, or Caroline Calloway’s tweets. But even with my endless stream of entertainment, I have been missing the outdoors. A longing for physical movement has got me revisiting my favourite skate videos. Of course you have the classics, like Baker’s Baker 3, Girl’s Yeah Right, Toy Machine’s Welcome to Hell, and Enjoi’s Bag of Suck. And there are the newer greats, such as Purple by Converse, Cherry by Supreme, and Polar Skate Co.’s I like it here inside my mind. Don't wake me this time. Tossing some YouTube channels like Thrasher and lurknyc on top gives you a truly endless supply of skateboarding to occupy your time. But my favorite won’t be found anywhere above, and it encapsulates what makes skate videos so important.
This video was introduced to me back in 2016 when my friend Dakota tossed it on while pre-gaming for a party (remember those?). It’s a 51 minute, full-length video by Wesley Banford called Wet. There aren’t any big name skaters, and chances are you’re not going to recognize a single person (except maybe Deaton Chris Anthony, who may be known for his later music career, including “Racecar” ft. Clairo). The video’s main skaters are Jon Davis, Byron Avalos, Walter Farris, Logan Bonner, Andrew Lovgren, Deaton Chris Anthony, Eliseo Canete and Wesley Banford himself. Wet also features many guest appearances from Banford’s extended friend group, bringing the total number of skaters to 40. The full-length cut demonstrates a complete spectrum of skill levels and styles.
Speaking of styles, the outfits in Wet capture that skater look that continues to influence streetwear today. You’ll see a lot of big cuffed pants, vintage windbreakers and tees, tiny hats, and keychains hanging by a belt loop. The fits are beaten up and worn in— nobody is wearing these clothes hoping to get street styled. Some looks are especially wild, specifically Deaton Chris Anthony’s bowlcut and ENORMOUS pants (you’ll know them when you see them— they’re the ones that make him look like one of the elite four of the JNCO region).
And there’s more to Wet than guys landing tricks. Wesley not only shows when him and his friends nail their tricks, but he keeps it honest and shows the bails, as well. He demonstrates how with failed attempts also comes encouragement and celebration through the power of friendship. The video is rounded out with clips of the guys interacting with interesting people they meet during their travels, as well as a whole ass Deaton Chris Anthony music video mixed in. Wet doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s my favourite part about it all.
Wet brings me back to the summers before real responsibilities. Each different part comes together to capture everything I love about skateboarding. The groovy soundtrack, the DIY video transitions, and the wide variety of skaters make me feel like I’m back outside hanging out and skating with the homies. It’s a snapshot of people at the intersection of pushing themselves to get better and having a good time with their friends. Currently, Wet is sitting at 17k views on Youtube. Unfortunately, Wet isn’t going to fill the void of not being able to go outside and see friends. But it can remind you of the good times, and give you something to look forward to once we can all leave the house again.