Brad Bowman is a name etched into the skateboarding history books as being one of the most stylish skateboarders of the late 1970s.

Brad’s skateboarding journey began in the mid-1960s, when he hopped on his first metal-wheeled skateboard in Indiana. Despite a brief and bloody encounter, he was hooked. Later, living in Corona Del Mar, California, he spotted a clay-wheeled Super Surfer board in a local toy store window. His mom bought him one, and the streets and hills of Corona Del Mar became his skateboarding canvas.

Brad’s skating skills blossomed in the San Fernando Valley, where he joined a crew of local skaters. The Skatercross, a vertical snake run, became his stomping grounds. Photographers like Stan Sharp and Bill Sharp captured Brad’s style, leading to Brad gracing skateboard magazines worldwide. His sponsors included G&S Skateboards, Gullwing Trucks, Independent Trucks, Kryptonics Wheels, Val Surf Skate Shop, and Sims, who honored him with several pro model decks.

Brad was known for his fluid style and innovative tricks, with some of his signature moves including:

Frontside Airs: He soared above the coping with his stylish airs.
Layback Grinds: Brad’s approach to grinds set him apart.
Inverts: He pioneered invert (handplant) tricks.

In 1979, Brad, along with Steve Olson and Salba, bridged skateboarding and punk rock. Their rebellious spirit infused the skate/punk scene with energy and attitude. Skateboarding wasn’t just about tricks; it became a lifestyle and, in turn, helped spawn the music genre "Skate Rock."

Brad competed in various skate contests, leaving an impact wherever he rode, and when he retired from pro skating, he became a hair stylist.

Brads legacy lives on through iconic photos in skateboarding magazines, and in 2018, Brad was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame.

Brad Bowman Skateboard Videos:

Brad Bowman, Marina Del Rey Skate Park, 1979 Skateboarding Film Footage

"Brad Bowman's run from the Gyro Wheels Dog Bowl Pro @ Marina Del Rey Skate Park. Brad oozed style and skated with an intense smoothness."

Brad Bowman, Steve Olson, Cherry Hill Skatepark, 1978–79? Skateboarding Film Footage

"Film by Paul Chidester"

"I still have a board I bought from Brad when he came to Cherry Hill. I think I gave him $25 or $35 for a well used complete."

"BB rules!  Great footage.  As close to a time machine as we can get!"

"Super RAD.....I never saw anyone skate the keyhole pool better than Brad Bowman!"

El Gato Classic / Legends Pool Session Old Skateboarding Footage

"The Legends Expression Session El Gato Classic / Legends Expression Session in the Pool

Skaters: Eddie Elguera, Doug Saladino, Steve Olson, Mark Gonzalez, Eric Dressen, Lester Kasai, Mike McGill, Steve Caballero, Jamie Godfrey, Brad Bowman, Dave Hackett, Jim Gray, and more session the pool at the Palm Springs Skatepark for Eddie Elguera's El Gato Classic."

Brad Bowman Skating one of the Last Pools from the 1970s Skate Video Feature

"Time travel. Brad Bowman, Arthur Viecco, and Deano Mueller returning to "Tres Palmas" after almost 50 years. We took Brad, Arthur, and Deano to a backyard pool they used to skate in the 1970s.

Thank you, Ozzie, for making this happen!"

"Capturing moments in history allows your name to live alongside it forever. Thanks and great work!"

"what a cool piece of skating history, Thanks for sharing."