The Vertical Axis: Memoirs of Pymble Pool and Its Place in Australian Skateboarding History By Jon McGrath.

Pymble pool in Sydney's inner North marked a fundamental turning point in Australian skateboarding. 1978 was an axis. It heralded the decline of traditional surf influenced skating, to be rapidly superseded by a new wave of revolutionary vertical skate moves. In just a few years, barefoot carving would give way to axle grinds, rock n rolls and aerials - it was skate evolution on steroids.

At the same time, another less obvious revolution was happening in parallel. The newly minted "Punk Element" were exuberant in junking the teams, jerseys and shonky sponsorship deals of their predecessors.

As teens, we were aware of the potential, but never really dreamed of the innovations which followed. In quick succession, skateboarding would progress through the "Pro era", the rise of Street, Stadium Competition on Mega ramps and eventually become an Olympic sport.

In Australia, that advancement can be traced directly back to a disused display centre pool and an intimate group of riders. This book delves into personal accounts and photo albums to document the stories of the group who made that first transition.

Primate Design Group, 2023

Primate

The Vertical Axis Hardcover Collectors Edition Book By Jon McGrath