Bolts 1

The inaugural issue of BOLTS: Issue One—dives deep into the raw nerve of Australian skateboarding. Independent, punchy, and full of character, it plants its flag in the gritty soil of the national scene with a distinct tone and bold editorial direction.

The feature interviews include Dawesy, Rowe, Fardell, Gabbers, and Kenworthy, each offering a personal look at skating culture from the inside. Their voices are loud, their stories honest, and their sessions relentless. There’s also a historical nod with High Noon ’87, reconnecting with a foundational moment in skate heritage.

The departments in this issue keep the pace wild and unpredictable. In Poison Idea, tic-tacs fly like shrapnel. Top Notch takes a jab at scooters, Terra Firma gets weird, and Foreign Affair channels chaotic travel tales. Gnarlore makes a case for inverts as functional tools, and Depot questions its own severity with a wink. Shakedown and Keep On Truckin’ round things out with thoughtful perspectives on the skate hustle.

On the feature side, King of Coops looks at the joy of repeating the pain next year, while Bronx Rail Revival details an alcohol-fueled session. Reel to Real taps into worm wisdom, and Eight Day Week closes out a contract with flair. Other standouts include Dark Horse, Bloodline, and Blitz, each spotlighting skaters and scenes where the unexpected shines through.

Cover: Canberra’s Reece Warren hits a long-stared-at hubba with a heavy backside 5-0, sealing the first-ever BOLTS cover.
Contents shot: Aaron Nannup throws down a frontside blunt at the Munster ditch in Perth—pure power and grit.

BOLTS is loud, unfiltered, and fiercely local—everything a first issue should be.