Left for Dead (2005) | 20th Anniversary Re-Release | Dimension Streetboards

WORDS BY JAY NOWMAN.

THANKS TO .DIMENSION STREETBOARDS & VICTOR MURSTIG FOR COLLATING THE PICS.

SOME PHOTOGRAPHERS NAMES LOST TO TIME. DM TO CLAIM

A GOLDEN ERA OF STREETBOARDING

Watching Left for Dead 20 years later is bittersweet for me.

Yeah there is a part of me, having joined to Dimension crew for three weeks of the three years it took to film, that watches it through rose tinted glasses.

The main reason though is. In the 20 years that have past many parts of it would still stack up today as an on the limit street video.

Ismael Calvo Backside Boardslide La Jolla 21 Stair ~Photo Victor Murstig
Ismael Calvo Backside Boardslide La Jolla 21 Stair ~Photo Victor Murstig

We have been documenting recently here on Red Pen the history of the sport through the videos that pepper its history.

Firstly as a way to collate everything in one easy to find spot for the next generation.

Secondly though, as a call to action. To show the next generation of where the high tide marks are.

Of where they should be aiming for, and then to push past.

Many consider The Left for Dead era the Golden era of Streetboarding.

I believe though that Streetboarding's golden era is yet to come. Its tomorrow. Just after midnight. Its about time.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REVIEW

The Slams.

The first thing that watching Left for Dead again after all these years is: The Slams are brutal.

It feels like these days, you do not see it. Quite possibly because many ride only in the designated, purpose built echo chambers that are skateparks.

By nature. they are not, to use a millenial phrase, gnarly.

Its not that I wish them upon anyone. But how do you know where the limit is unless you push past it?

WATCH LEFT FOR DEAD HERE

THE PLANNING

The planning that goes into filming a video on the scale of Left for Dead is immense. The above shot is a perfect example.

Nicolas "Spit" Frega, seems alone in his battle against the almighty La Jolla 21 stair rail.

It is though a true team effort. The homies putting in the work. Knowing next time. They will be the one facing the beast.

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  • Alex Morton. Backside Lipslide. Hollywood High. Photo: Victor Murstig.
  • Nicolas Frega. Self filmed ender.

Want to experience for yourself the challenges, the overcoming of them and ultimately the immense satisfaction, that only putting together your own street section will bring to you?

The Streetboard World Series in collaberation with Red Pen Streetboard Magazine are currently running the inaugral Real Street Video Contest.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

THE RIDE: LESABRE

Every crew needs a ride. My VW Polo of circa 1999 with subs bigger than the boot is stuff of legend.

We also used to roll in a Rover called Agnus, piloted by Brodie. That's a whoel other article right there.

For Left for Dead it was Victor Murstig's Buick LESABRE. A true All American couch on wheels.

It cornered like a mattress on jelly and accelerated like a tired old dog — but it always got us where we needed to go.

The Bosses: Vicot Murstig & Josh Mick

THE NAME

Left for Dead is named after a horrifying incident that occured during the filming. On a filming road trip that I was on all round gentleman streetboarder Jack Johnson was literally, unknowingly by us, left for dead.

Whilst messing about playing hide & seek Jack could not be found. The next morning police knocked.

He had fallen out of the back of the gym two stories and laid there all night until found.

Jack is still with us. Howdy partner.

NEXT: Read The Section Reviews.