The Evolution of the Frontside Pop-Shove, Part 2

Skateboarding history just received an intriguing update, challenging long-held assumptions about the frontside pop shove-it. Renowned skateboarder Steve Rocco recently unearthed footage from a 1978 contest showcasing his execution of the trick—a significant four years before Rodney Mullen's famous performance of the flatground ollie. This tidbit not only repositions Rocco within the timeline of iconic skateboarding tricks but also raises compelling questions about how skateboarding’s evolution has been recorded and recognized over the decades.

Historic Footage and Trick Origins

The newly surfaced video captures Rocco executing a frontside pop shove-it during the Northern California Championship at just 18 years old. Interestingly, this trick has generally been credited to Mullen for its flat-ground execution, but Rocco's footage reveals he was pioneering similar maneuvers nearly a year before their collective recognition settled upon southern California scenes. Rocco stated in his correspondence that this clip represents the earliest known evidence of the trick performed on flat ground, broadening the narrative of skateboarding history as we know it.

A Personal Connection to History

Rocco’s relationship with the history of skateboarding runs deep. He highlighted the importance of this particular video, claiming, “I think I never counted it as a trick until I did it over something.” This reflects a mindset many skaters share: the notion that a trick isn't properly validated unless it is performed on an obstacle. The email exchange between Rocco and Tony Guerrero initiated this rediscovery. Guerrero facilitated the resurgence of this footage, displaying how community connections in skate culture can lead to historical revelations. It’s an excellent reminder of the camaraderie and exploration inherent in skateboarding.

The Impact on Skating’s Legacy

Digging deeper into the social dynamics, it’s essential to consider how narratives around skateboarding evolve and, at times, exclude figures like Rocco. His initial underappreciated role in trick evolution challenges contemporary enthusiasts to re-evaluate how skateboarding lineage is defined and remembered. Rocco’s recollections also shine a light on the competitive landscape of the late 1970s, where legends were being forged under unconventional circumstances. Despite Rocco’s first-place win at the Berkeley contest, he reveals that a fellow competitor, Dan Ewell, was regarded as the top skater in Northern California at that time. This dynamic paints a picture of competitive complexity that often skaters seem to acknowledge but shy away from publicly addressing.

A Lesson in Trick Naming

In conversation, Rocco expresses a whimsical take on names and trick executions, entangled with personal anecdotes about his skating and interactions with Mullen. He added a humorous touch when answering whether he named all the tricks he performed: “Naming the tricks is the easy part. Whether I am skating switch or not is a lot harder to tell.” Revealing an underlying self-awareness, he candidly questions the accuracy of his stylistic interpretations in front of onlookers and admits some slippage in traditional definitions of skill execution. Such remarks underline the subjective nature of progression in skateboarding—how style and execution vary not just year to year but from individual to individual.

Understanding the Legacy of Late Skateboarding Figures

In a poignant moment, Rocco also addressed the recent passing of skateboarder Marc Johnson, a figure who significantly influenced both Rocco and Mullen during their formative years. Rocco’s reflections illustrate the interconnectedness of personal and community histories within this space: “I hope he is in a better place now. If there is a Heaven he certainly deserves a place there.” Such statements remind us how skateboarding isn’t merely about tricks; it’s about relationships forged through shared experiences and passions. Recognizing Johnson’s impact emphasizes the critical lens through which we should view skating's legacy—a mix of innovation, tragedy, and community support even in the wake of loss.

Forward-Thinking in Skateboarding

This new video not only revitalizes interest in Rocco’s contributions but invites a broader conversation about how skating history is recorded and celebrated. As younger skaters engage with a deeper history, questioning previous narratives becomes vital. If you're working in this space or just a longtime skateboarding enthusiast, this serves as a reminder that the past may have more to tell us than we've previously acknowledged. Pay attention to the cycles of recognition and erasure, and how footage like this adds nuance to tales of skill and creativity.

Ultimately, Rocco's story and the rediscovery of his trick add layers to the rich fabric of skateboarding culture. This isn’t simply an exercise in changing names on a historical roster—it’s about acknowledging individuals who shaped the game before the fame, challenging all of us to appreciate the profound intricacies that comprise the legacy of skateboarding.