TransWorld Skateboarding Magazine (aka TWS) was created in May 1983 in Carlsbad, California, thanks to the vision of its founders, Larry Balma and Peggy Cozens. Unlike its rival, Thrasher magazine, TWS offered a fresh perspective on skateboarding culture, emphasizing visually stunning content and was intended to be a more accessible alternative to Thrasher Mag.

TWS became renowned for its eye-catching photography, showcasing skaters in action, capturing the essence of the sport, and the magazine delved into the lives of professional skaters, events, competitions, and industry trends. It wasn’t just about tricks; it was about the people behind them.

TWS consistently featured groundbreaking talent, elevating skaters to iconic status. From legends like Tony Hawk to emerging stars, the magazine celebrated skateboarding’s diversity.

In 1997, Transworld Skateboard Magazine was sold for US$475 million to the Times Mirror, which led to disputes with the new owners, resulting in the resignation of some of the founding members, including J. Grant Britain, Dave Swift, and Atiba Jefferson - who, between them, later launched The Skateboard Mag in 2004.

In 2006, Transworld Skate Mag was sold again, this time to the Bonnier Group. Bonnier had a more decentralized approach, which in turn allowed Skin Phillips (Editor-in-Chief) to have much more freedom with the mag than previously.

The publication's 2013 media kit cites a readership total of 619,886, a monthly print circulation of 87,308, and a total annual brand audience total of 13,092,000

Over the later years, the magazine has gone on to be acquired by GrindMedia, a360media, and in 2022, The Arena Group.

Fast-forward to today, and TWS remains an influential force in the skateboarding community. With its accompanying website, social media, and video production company, Transworld Skateboarding continues to spotlight unique personalities, share behind-the-scenes glimpses, and celebrate the artistry and origins of skating.

TransWorld Skateboarding Videos:

Transworld: Uno Skate Video

0:00 Intro
2:10 Marc Johnson
4:31 Eric Koston
5:52 Brian Howard
7:43 Gershon Mosley
8:55 Bill Pepper
11:10 Tim Brauch & Ron Whaley
12:50 Montage
16:11 Paul Sharpe
17:16 Heath Kirchart
17:51 Rick Jaramillo
18:53 Jeremy Klein
20:55 Mike Frazier
22:12 Nanda Zipp
23:04 Chet Thomas
24:17 Montage
27:07 Matt Mumford
28:28 Tony Hawk
30:26 Geoff Rowley
31:51 Tom Penny
32:32 Chad Muska
35:04 Jason Maxwell & Caine Gayle
37:26 Willy Santos
39:27 Credits

"I could not remember name of this. Bought it out of a ccs catalog. Oh the memories. Actually got tear in eye from all the memories this triggers in me. 96 was long ago"

"I'm getting so many flashbacks. I had this VHS. These were good years for skating."

Transworld: Feedback Skate Video

"This is my favorite skateboarding video and is a legacy to the world of skateboarding"

Transworld: The Reason Skate Video

"0:00 Intro
2:32 Opening Montage
9:03 Gershon Mosley
13:36 Cairo Foster
18:00 16mm Montage
22:44 Danny Montoya
25:21 Danny Gonzales
28:12 Moses Itkonen, Paul Machnau, Rick McCrank, & Colin McKay
32:52 Dramatic Montage
37:16 Stevie Williams
42:52 Matt Mumford
46:17 Credits"

"Skateboarding can never return to this. Its sad but also extremely special for those who were there when this took place."

"Gershon Mosley part was raw street skating at its finest, but also the underground hip-hop music made it even better!!!!"

"I remember my brother gave me this when he found out I was getting into skating before he passed in his car wreck bout a year later so it means a lot to me. But I remember it was just magic to me the first time I watched it. No telling how many times I've woke up and hit play on this before I went skating or fell asleep watching it and hearing this in my sleep. I love it thanks man."

Transworld: Sight Unseen Skate Video

"so amazing to see the evolution of skate tricks and spots, everybody who shreds these days owes a big thank you for those who pushed what was possible on piece of wood."

"Heath and Dustin dollin are among the best to ever step foot on a board. This video will be watched for millennia. It’s crazy. Such a time capsule."