Bam Margera, the legendary skateboarder and TV personality, has been a prominent figure in the skateboarding world for over two decades. Margera gained fame for his unique style of skating, his wild stunts, and his appearances on MTV’s “Jackass” and “Viva La Bam”. However, there has been a lot of debate regarding his actual abilities as a skateboarder.
Many critics claim that Margera was more of a stuntman than a skateboarder and that his tricks lacked creativity and technical skill. Nonetheless, there is no denying the fact that Margera had a significant impact on the skateboarding industry and inspired a whole generation of skaters. In this article, we will examine Margera’s legacy and the impact he had on the sport of skateboarding.
Bam Margera’s Early Years in Skateboarding
Bam Margera’s early years in skateboarding began when he was just a child growing up in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He learned how to skateboard from his older brother, Jess Margera, who was also a professional skateboarder. Bam quickly developed a passion for the sport and spent most of his childhood in his backyard, practicing his moves on a homemade ramp.
By the time Bam was a teenager, he was already a skilled skateboarder and had gained a reputation for his fearless stunts and tricks. His unique style and creativity quickly drew the attention of the skateboarding community, and in 1997, he was invited to join the Element Skateboards team. Bam’s early career included competing in various skateboarding contests, filming skateboarding videos, and showcasing his skills on MTV’s popular show, “Jackass.” His impact on the sport was undeniable, and he continued to push the boundaries of what was possible on a skateboard.
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The Rise of Bam Margera’s Popularity
Bam Margera’s popularity within the skateboarding community began in the late 90s and early 2000s. He made a name for himself with his involvement in the CKY (Camp Kill Yourself) skateboarding videos, which showcased his unique and often dangerous style of skating. His fearless attitude and willingness to push boundaries quickly gained him a large following among skateboarding fans.
However, it was not just Margera’s skateboarding skills that propelled him to fame. He also found success as a television personality on the MTV series Jackass and Viva La Bam. These shows allowed him to showcase his larger-than-life personality and sense of humor, further cementing his place in pop culture. As a result, Margera became one of the most recognizable faces in skateboarding and helped bring the sport into the mainstream.
Influence of Bam Margera on Skateboarding Culture
Bam Margera has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on skateboarding culture. Not only was he an exceptional skateboarder with a unique style, but his larger-than-life personality and antics outside of the sport helped to bring skateboarding to the forefront of mainstream media. His popular MTV show, “Jackass,” which featured Margera and his friends performing outrageous stunts and pranks, helped to expand the audience for skateboarding to a wider demographic, including those who may not have been interested in the sport previously.
Margera’s clothing line, Element Skateboards, also helped to make skateboarding more accessible to the public, with his graphics and designs becoming synonymous with the sport. His influence on the skateboarding community was so significant that many young skaters of the time sought to emulate his style and personality. To this day, Margera remains an icon in the skateboarding world, with his impact on the sport and culture continuing to be felt.
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Bam Margera’s Innovative Tricks and Style
Bam Margera’s unique style and innovative tricks made him a standout skateboarder in the early 2000s. He was known for pushing the boundaries of what was possible on a skateboard and blending his sense of humor with his tricks. He was famous for his “loop of death” trick, which involved skating upside down in a loop, as well as his “banana board” which he rode with his feet facing backwards. His style was often unconventional, incorporating elements of freestyle and street skating into his runs.
Margera’s impact on the sport can be seen in the way other skateboarders have adopted and built upon his tricks. His creativity and willingness to try new things have paved the way for a new generation of skaters who are more focused on pushing the limits of what is possible on a skateboard. While his time as a professional skateboarder may have been brief, his legacy in the sport continues to inspire new skaters to think outside the box and push the limits of what they can do on a board.
Bam Margera’s Contributions to Skateboarding Films and Media
Bam Margera’s contributions to skateboarding films and media are notable. He became a household name thanks to his popular MTV series “Viva la Bam” which heavily featured skateboarding. He also starred in “Jackass” movies where he showcased his skateboarding skills in several stunts and challenges.
Margera also created several skateboard-centric films, including “Bam Margera Presents: CKY” which featured some of his skating footage and also helped launch the careers of other skateboarders. He also produced and directed “Bam Margera: Where the F*** is Santa?” which showcased the skateboarding talent of his crew.
Overall, Margera’s contribution to skateboarding films and media cannot be overlooked. He brought skateboarding to a mainstream audience and helped to make it more accessible and exciting for people who may not have been interested in the sport before. His legacy in this field will continue to live on for years to come.
Bam Margera’s Struggles and Controversies in Skateboarding
Bam Margera’s personal struggles took a toll on his career as a professional skateboarder. He suffered from alcohol addiction and depression which affected his performance and caused him to miss out on competitions. Despite this, Margera remained a fan favorite due to his street style and the unique tricks he brought to the table. However, his personal struggles ultimately led to his departure from the sport.
Controversy also surrounded Margera’s skateboarding career, specifically in regards to his relationship with companies and fellow skateboarders. He feuded with his former sponsor Element Skateboards and reportedly had conflicts with other skaters such as Tony Hawk and Ryan Dunn. Margera was also criticized for using his fame to prioritize his own brand over the sport of skateboarding. These issues contributed to his mixed legacy as a skateboarder.
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Bam Margera’s Legacy and Influence on Future Generations of Skateboarders
Bam Margera’s legacy in skateboarding is a complex one. While many purists may not consider him to be among the all-time greats, there is no denying the impact he had on the sport. From his early days as a member of the CKY crew, to his wildly popular TV show, to his various film projects and collaborations, Bam brought skateboarding to an entirely new audience. His flamboyant style and irreverent sense of humor helped to popularize skateboarding among a global audience, and he continues to be a major influence on younger skaters.
In many ways, Bam Margera paved the way for a whole new generation of skateboarders. He helped to break down barriers and bring the sport of skateboarding to a more mainstream audience. His influence can be seen in the way that many younger skaters approach the sport today, with a focus on creativity, individuality, and fun. While some may still debate his place in the pantheon of skateboarding greats, there can be no denying that Bam’s impact on the sport will be felt for generations to come.
Verdict
Bam Margera indeed had a promising skateboarding career during his early years in the field. He won several competitions and was part of the famous skateboarding group, CKY. However, his career and reputation dwindled as he gave more attention to his antics outside the skate park.
Despite his decline as a skateboarder, Bam Margera remains an influential figure in the skateboarding community. He introduced unconventional tricks and styles that inspired many skateboarders to follow in his footsteps. Regardless of his current state, Bam Margera will always be remembered for his contribution to skateboarding and his influence on the next generation of skateboarders.