Bolts 3

BOLTS: Issue Three (Winter 2012) leans even harder into its wild-eyed, gonzo take on Australian skateboarding culture. Gritty, scrappy, and defiantly unfiltered, this second issue builds on the anarchic tone of the first, serving up a mix of chaos, character, and creativity that could only come from the streets, parks, and industrial fringes of Oz.

The Departments are as cheeky and abrasive as ever, with titles like Gnarlore (“fuck man, that hurts”) and Form Guide (“bail out of boredom”) setting the mood early. Skateshops and scenes are spotlighted not with reverence but with honesty, humour, and often a hint of disrespect.

In the Features, the pace doesn’t slow. Push the Parameter celebrates endurance and skate stubbornness; Andrew Beauchamp steps into the spotlight with one of Brisbane’s most serious beards and a reputation to match. Raging Waters dives into the visceral thrill of bowls, hams, and the occasional backflip, while Alex Powell earns his dues in the lore of St. Ives Skatepark. City Squared captures the social glue of skating—bio-counts, hi-fives, and hard slams—while Bloodline and Blitz keep the energy turned up with fast-paced skating and crew showcases.

The 2012 SBA Am Series rounds out the issue with a sense of connection and longevity—proof that behind all the carnage are lifelong bonds forged on the coping. With a cover that dials up the danger (Son Ricklin, edge of a freeway, hurtling into oblivion), BOLTS cements itself not just as a skate mag, but a raw broadcast from the bleeding edge of the culture.