Transworld Skateboarding – October 1998 – Jamie Thomas Cover
This issue kicks off with a wild ride through Slam City Jam, capturing the intensity and chaos of one of skateboarding’s premier contests. From street runs to vert hammers, it’s a who’s-who of late-’90s heavy hitters throwing down in front of a packed house.
The Jamie Thomas Pro Spotlight delivers a full-scale profile of one of skateboarding’s most driven figures. Known for his calculated risk-taking and intense work ethic, this feature dives deep into The Chief’s mindset, from battling massive rails to building the Zero empire. It’s a defining portrait of a rider at the height of his influence.
Casino Skatepark gives us a look inside the gritty walls of one of the more iconic indoor facilities of the era. Local heroes, visiting pros, and the sheer volume of tricks going down all point to the park’s essential place in the late-’90s skate scene.
In the Retrospective section, the mag reflects on pivotal moments in skateboarding’s recent history—turning points, forgotten tricks, and unsung innovators who paved the way. It's a thoughtful pause amid the otherwise fast-paced issue.
Sketches of Spain chronicles a crew’s exploration of Iberian spots, blending art, architecture, and aggressive skating. From crusty plazas to marble dreamscapes, the Spanish terrain reveals its flavor in full.
Brain Floss features illustrations by Brian Ralph, whose quirky, expressive lines bring a unique visual rhythm to the pages. Whether abstract or spot-on, his work captures skateboarding’s raw absurdity and beauty.
Other short features round things out: Golombia explores South America’s rising skate scene, Shiloh Greathouse gets interviewed at length, Texas Minute documents Lone Star madness, and Sightings puts names to faces across a spread of heavy tricks.
The cover? Jamie Thomas—no surprise—takes the spotlight, skating a long backside Smith grind with typical precision and power, encapsulating the era’s obsession with pushing limits.
