Jake Phelps #3.

Hellrider in the sky.

Thrasher editor in chief Jake Phelps passed away on Thursday night. He used to write the product reviews for the mag and that was where I learned who he was back in the 1980s. Phelps would pen fair gear critiques. He wasn't afraid to point out if something sucked. At the same time, he would give credit where it was due, even for companies that didn't quite fit the image of Thrasher. As the years moved on, he became the editor and eventually the figurehead role of editor in chief. His approach to skateboarding maybe wasn't everybody's cup of tea, but there is no questioning his passion and commitment to the board.

My favorite recent Thrasher article was the trip to Ohio with Peter Hewitt, Grant Taylor, Raven Tershy, Frank Gerwer, and company to skate this crazy giant bowl thing. Jake's story about getting stabbed was pretty epic, but I mainly keep looking at the photos because the guys are doing amazing tricks in a ridiculously gigantic pool. Also you can tell from the pics that it was cold and crusty in the Buckeye State when they were visiting so that makes the article even more interesting to me for some strange intangible reason.

I also like how Emerica kept Jake's feet in Marc Johnson's first pro shoe from them, long after Marc left for Lakai.

Rest in peace.

Thrasher - August 1994 Volume 14 Number 8