For Dublin skateboarders in the 1980s it was the best of times and the worst of times. The sport that first flourished in sunny 1950s California wasn’t exactly a mainstream pasttime in Ireland and in the harsh economic climate of the time, skateboarders were seen as something of a public menace for their tendency of turning public spaces into impromptu skate parks. These difficult circumstances had the happy consequence of forcing these like-minded few together, creating a burgeoning scene that grew exponentially over the course of the following twenty years. This dynamic is captured with wit and warmth by JJ Rolfe in his documentary Hill Street.
The focus for the film is the eponymous street which became a second home for young skateboarders. Located in the heart of North Dublin inner city, it was home to Clive’s of Hill Street, a skate shop run by the charismatic Clive Rowen. Rowen is the talsimanic hero of this tale – his shop became a hive of activity as young boarders flocked there to meet, skate and bunk off from school. Rowen built ramps for his young customers to practice on before moving on to bigger premises and organising events that brought some of the biggest names in professional skateboarding to the city.
Composed of vintage VHS footage and interviews with the leaders of the Dublin scene as well as some big names of international skateboarding (including household name and jolly nice bloke Tony Hawk), the film builds up an evocative picture of teenage spirit. Hearing these now middle-aged misfits reflect on their younger years is great fun. Best of all though is the VHS footage taken by the boarders themselves at the time. This footage may be rough but it captures an enthusiasm and fellowship that is heart warming (as well as some truly wince-inducing wipe-outs that play through the closing credits).
I can’t profess to being a huge enthusiast for the sport (despite earning one or two skint knees at its expense back in the early ‘90s) but Hill Street is still a fun and spirited watch that will entertain even if you don’t know your ollies from your kickflips.