Slam 102

This issue fires up with a cheeky investigation into whether skateboarding truly is a crime in Australia. The legalities of street skating are broken down with a tongue-in-cheek look at your rights, the risks, and how not to end up in cuffs while just having a roll.

Sunshine Coast's Dave Harris, better known as "Battlecat," takes center stage in a revealing and hilarious interview. Despite his self-described goofiness, Harris has had a breakout year, proving that quirky and talented go hand in hand.

Then it’s time for some death-defying action: Jake Brown, Jason Ellis, and Danny Way push the limits on the Mega Ramp. Jason Ellis’s brutal slam—dropping 14 feet onto his hip, then flipping another 20 to his back—highlights the extreme risks these riders take in pursuit of glory at the X Games.

In a more reflective mood, Joey Dodd shares his personal journey relocating to Melbourne, beautifully captured in a moody black-and-white photo spread by Steve Gourlay. But the serenity doesn’t last long—Richie Jackson and the Hammer Kooks stir up trouble in Canberra, bringing their disorderly antics and a fair warning for parents to keep the kids away.

Rounding out the issue, New Gen spotlight Koby Murphy steps into the limelight. This street skater’s sharp tricks and laid-back vibe make him one to watch.

Bonus extras include the voting form for the 2004 Slam Australian Skater of the Year, a spray-can-ready stencil, and a cheeky pull-out street sign to stick wherever you think skateboarding belongs.