Lost in a turn, board and feet melting into pure expression, illuminated under scorching sunsets: photographer Hugh Holland's incredible portraits of 70s skate kids - pre commercialism and sponsorship - capture a magical moment in sideways culture.
Holland, just starting his career, was driving up from Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Los Angeles, when he spotted the bodies of brown kids weaving up the sides of the drain ditches adjacent to the canyon.
Impressed by their skills, grace and passion, this embryonic Southern California skate scene became his new subject: for the following three years Holland travelled across the state documenting 'sidewalk surfers' in LA, across the San Fernando Valley, Venice Beach, San Francisco and Baja, Mexico.
It was perfectly timed: a severe drought and high temperatures in the late '70s meant swimming pools lay empty ripe for trespassing skaters to ride: the birth of Dogtown and Z-Boys, led by the fiery talents of Stacy Peralta, quickly followed.
This new tribe - lost boys with deep gilded tans, bleach blonde locks, tube socks and vans - set against a parched SoCal backdrop - are the enigmatic stars of Locals Only.
Holland's work was first shown at the M+B Gallery in LA in 2006; a huge success shows followed in Paris and New York. But Locals Only is the first time his iconic images of a care-free time gone by have been captured and bound.
Published by Ammo Books, edited by Steve Christ and priced $39.95 USD it's a timeless tome for not just those with even a vague interest in rolling, but youth culture and inspiring imagery. Literary love.
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- video: Kassia Meador surfs Noosa, Australia
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- Beautiful surfboards by SurfSistas & Squire