Uploaded July 2019 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
With long, dark winters and temperatures often dipping below freezing, most people might not consider #Anchorage to be a location with a growing skateboarding community. But Garrett Swenson, a lifelong Alaskan and confident skateboarder, says the scene has been in #Alaska for years and is even expanding. The extreme seasons and lack of #skateboard venues have created a close community of people who often skate in underground parking garages, on abandoned concrete traffic barriers, and on makeshift backyard ramps.
Video and Story by Valerie Kern
With video provided by Daniel Hernandez
Music by FirstCom Music
For more on Anchorage's thriving skateboard scene, check out this article by Alaska Public Media's Zachariah Hughes: alaskapublic.org/2017/12/29/ak-anchorages-thriving-skateboard-scene-retreats-underground
INDIE ALASKA is an original video series produced by Alaska Public Media in partnership with PBS Digital Studios. The videos capture the diverse and colorful lifestyles of everyday Alaskans at work and at play. Together, these stories present a fresh and authentic look at living in Alaska.
Click on the Subscribe button above to get notified when new episodes are available.
Consider supporting Alaska Public Media and ensure storytelling like INDIE ALASKA continues into the future. Make a donation today at: alaskapublic.org/support/donate-splash-page
All INDIE ALASKA episodes can be found at: alaskapublic.org/category/programs/indie-alaska
With long, dark winters and temperatures often dipping below freezing, most people might not consider #Anchorage to be a location with a growing skateboarding community. But Garrett Swenson, a lifelong Alaskan and confident skateboarder, says the scene has been in #Alaska for years and is even expanding. The extreme seasons and lack of #skateboard venues have created a close community of people who often skate in underground parking garages, on abandoned concrete traffic barriers, and on makeshift backyard ramps.
Video and Story by Valerie Kern
With video provided by Daniel Hernandez
Music by FirstCom Music
For more on Anchorage's thriving skateboard scene, check out this article by Alaska Public Media's Zachariah Hughes: alaskapublic.org/2017/12/29/ak-anchorages-thriving-skateboard-scene-retreats-underground
INDIE ALASKA is an original video series produced by Alaska Public Media in partnership with PBS Digital Studios. The videos capture the diverse and colorful lifestyles of everyday Alaskans at work and at play. Together, these stories present a fresh and authentic look at living in Alaska.
Click on the Subscribe button above to get notified when new episodes are available.
Consider supporting Alaska Public Media and ensure storytelling like INDIE ALASKA continues into the future. Make a donation today at: alaskapublic.org/support/donate-splash-page
All INDIE ALASKA episodes can be found at: alaskapublic.org/category/programs/indie-alaska
