Hidden SKATEPARK community in the forest

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The Story of Whipsnake and the Creator Tom Risser
Growing up in Middle 2000s you would always hear numerous stories about Skatetopia and the man that created an entire skate commune in the middle of the woods in Ohio.
I think that is why this story appealed so much to me. Finding out there was another man who build a skatepark hidden in the middle of the forest, then realizing this spot was only 2 hours away.
We had to go skate it.
There is something truly unique about this park, it wasn't like any other bowl / snake run I have ever rid before. you really had to take a while to find your line. Curves and hills would pop up out of nowhere, grab you and send you flying.
I got to know Tom and his story about his art and skate history. I soon realized this guy is a skateboarding legend and had to make a documentary about him.
All still photography provided by: Tom Risser
We had to limit some of our creativity for RU-vid so make sure to follow me on social media to get all the outtakes:
Insta: skatopotato
Insta: lowlifefilmmaking
TikTok: lowlifevids
Thank you for watching!

Опубликовано:

29 апр 2024

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Комментарии : 521

@hansolo8080 5 месяцев назад

People that are slightly out of breath, because they are so happy to share their passion are one of my favorite things on youtube. It's a delight to watch this.

@vincezito3547 3 месяца назад

Lmao you right

@Louis-kp7pz 3 месяца назад

He's out of breath cause he's a pedo

@Louis-kp7pz 3 месяца назад

He's out of breath cause he's a pedo

@Louis-kp7pz 3 месяца назад

He's out of breath cause he's a pedo

@Louis-kp7pz 3 месяца назад

He's out of breath cause he's a pedo

@Baking_baked 5 месяцев назад

This guy is a national treasure. Worthy of a medal of freedom. He is so Pure

@troyke 5 месяцев назад

That quote: "I think more parks need to build more small stuff too; not just the swimming pool that only 3 guys in the whole town will ride! And cost 25-30% of the project!" is brilliant! And he's not implying building little small stuff that's boring to ride. He means, use your brain and make something small and really fun! I know that's easier said than done, but that should be the goal, if small is the way you're going.

@j4nk3n 5 месяцев назад

People like tom help me keep my faith in humanity, what a legend of a dude!

@simonbellmont 5 месяцев назад

Right on!!

@gregoryfranks7347 5 месяцев назад

no shit thats right . i just wrote a hugh message to him but i didnt realize this is what i wish that everybody could see and say, thats probably not a half bad way to live. im finding it hard not to hate everybody that i see being assholes but watching that video give me hope that te 1000's of people that have been touched by that place are just busy making the world better and thats why i dont see them. that is a special manto have given his life to make that place. be well my friend. faith? ok looking a bt brighter talking to you. cheers

@baki.0 3 месяца назад

I love how proud he is of everything. It’s all his work, his ideas, his creativity. I’m happy to see a true man with his paradise on earth.

@followsuittrading 5 месяцев назад

Tom is contributing to the world in such a beautiful and creative way,I don't think the average person (non-skater) fully understands. All on his own initiative, too. Epic.

@GoBirds808 5 месяцев назад

In 4th grade art class, in 94, we had to draw a dragon and make up a story about it. I dressed mine in skate clothes and said kids found him skating a hidden half pipe in the woods. This is a dream come true, so sick, Tom.

@finalbossfit 5 месяцев назад

Awesome!!!

@tylerwilson503 5 месяцев назад

I had the Tony Hawk's gigantic skatepark tour 2002 on VHS as a kid and watched it religiously for years. The segment at Tom's bowl was always probably my favorite part. Absolutely incredible.

@arendmelby5106 3 месяца назад

I had '00 and '01 but not 2002. I watched those so much, still have them too. I had no idea there was another one...

@tylerwilson503 3 месяца назад

@@arendmelby5106 yep, and in the 2002 one, they reference and show footage from the other two years a bunch. I always wanted to get those years, but never did haha

@TheScrubDesigns 5 месяцев назад

This video put me to tears. Growing up at such a tight knit local park when I was young was some of the best times of my life travelled to Skatopia numerous times with everyone, this place seems to have that same essence Skatopia and my local had. There's really nothing better than a place that gives you true freedom and you will never forget that feeling.

@gratefuldrifter6588 5 месяцев назад

Dope as man, im in new zealand ,fuck i rather be there.respect to you and yours my brother,i here what you saying.....AND YOU RITE BRO ITS FREE, WHATS MORE DOPE AS FREEDOM SKATEING IN MOTHER NATURE .RESPECT TO THE MAN WHOS NAME IS TOM, I WILL CALL HIM SIR !!!. PEACE TO ALL............

@TheScrubDesigns 5 месяцев назад

@@gratefuldrifter6588 New Zealand is beautiful country enjoy what you can while you're there I hope there's places to skate there too peace n love brother.

@TheScrubDesigns 5 месяцев назад

@@gratefuldrifter6588 New Zealand is beautiful country enjoy what you have while you're there I hope there is places to skate peace n love brother.

@gratefuldrifter6588 5 месяцев назад

Yeah man sum good places to skate my brother , . man ive never left nz ,haha but yeah brother its nice here , but i need to skate your park dude , so cool what you have done my friend , , man if you come to new zealand,i tell you my door is open,keep doin your dope work,much respect man,you have and are doing the best work for skaters.bro must be good livin in nature and you got the dopest place to skate, respect man,thankyou for your time and reply...much love and respect always.......@@TheScrubDesigns

@MaxG-jk8ty 5 месяцев назад

Many fun memories at Skatopia...

@MrArfalarf 5 месяцев назад

after finishing this video, i am truly blown away at how few subscribers you have, this video was beautifully put together with love and care, thank you for making such a wonderful video

@Lowlifevids 5 месяцев назад

That means so much dude thank you🙏🏻

@andybis3251 5 месяцев назад

Share the love Boarders across Borders...

@TheRealEvilSink 5 месяцев назад

This is part of why i love skating. Just a guy doing his own thing and spreading fun and happiness around him. Another thing i have always appreciated, is that as long as you are pushing yourself, it does not matter how good you actually are, you will still be included.

@dont.ripfuller6587 5 месяцев назад

Best thing I ever heard, as a kid trying to keep up with the bigger, faster more complex tricks I was seeing around me and getting frustrated was: you should judge how good you are by how much fun you have, not by if you can do as many tricks as the next guy. 🛹

@tron1879 5 месяцев назад

I only skated for 12mths when I was like 11 but was the best fun I later on go sponsorship from redline riding BMX cause I was youngest kid in town doing backflips at 12 back 2002 and BMX community was the same as long as ya pushing yaself boys wouldn't mind ya riding with them

@nomadicnoize 5 месяцев назад

art, work, skating, life, balance, he is living life in a positive way and sharing with his community with minimal apparent ego. Just doing things right, I want to be him when I grow up:)

@Rollerbalder 5 месяцев назад

Tom is every bit the legend this video makes him out to be. I'm so grateful I (and my kids) have been able to skate his various creations over the years (I skated the Blair Witch ramp as a teen and now skate Whip and Waxhaw). Thanks, Tom.

@user-nf4ro3td2s 3 месяца назад

What a different place the world would be if there were more folks like this man. Truly inspirational.

@dadboard 5 месяцев назад

8:14 couldn’t agree more. Also this piece was sick af I’d never heard of this dude or his crazy park, thanks for the upload. Glad it popped up on my recommended ✌️

@philipogorzalek5800 5 месяцев назад

Just found your channel last week love the videos keep ‘‘em goin.

@gratefuldrifter6588 5 месяцев назад

DOPE,PURE DOPE HOMIE.....

@livinupinthebay7635 5 месяцев назад

@@philipogorzalek5800😊😊😊⁰0😊

@WiscomptonBoys 5 месяцев назад

This guy is a real one. Probably the realest around. This is so awesome. I bet the community he nurtures there is so tight night. I love how natural the whole thing is.. park for skaters, stuff for kids to bang on, sculptures that are both cool to look at can be used to sit on, to make noise, etc. Makes me feel so good.

@doloresmodenbach3941 5 месяцев назад

To all who are involved with this; GREAT JOB and thank you for giving back !

@solidrock6524 5 месяцев назад

I love this place. To me it was sort of a hidden secret..... I'm stoked that he is getting this love that he deserves. Even though I don't get to take my daughter as often as I want to because of work I still have a part of me that doesn't want the spot to get blown up. Which is what it's there for I guess. Mixed emotions. But Tom has always been super nice and hospitable, and if it weren't for someone sharing the secret with us... Rick S. ... we wouldn't know about it either. This place is really special. Thank you Tom

@howardeakin3372 5 месяцев назад

Excellent video, very inspiring for me at 54 yrs old, skated most of my life, but no longer have been. Time to break out my board

@davidperkoski1132 5 месяцев назад

That’s a brilliant and pragmatic solution to constructing the ramps for the concrete pours with the steel frame templates. I dig how they met a lot of the factors that need to be addressed in creating a finished product. That place looks amazing!

@SCTMOSS 5 месяцев назад

This doc was well put together; captivating story wish it was longer tbh. 20+ years in and out of skating and never heard this legend be told, glad I stumbled across this.

@LDsBBCV 5 месяцев назад

This really catches you by the heart. Love it. Stay positive in this crazy world full of negativity.

@dadthighs 5 месяцев назад

dude! this video is incredible. the vibe, the cinematography, the editing, & the storytelling are all really well done. I've known Tom for yeeeaaars, and all my skate homies from the area have known him since they were kids. been to his backyard bowl for a lots of sessions, skated whipsnake once years ago, and the waxhaw skatepark (another park built by him) is my local skatepark. Tom has always been the nicest, most genuine dude. you can tell he just loves skateboarding and creating art with his whole heart. always nice to the kids & always supporting the skate community. big shout-out to Tom!!!

@ItsMe-vg4vj 5 месяцев назад

"My favorite kind of art because I can skate it" ❤

@slowestjabroni 5 месяцев назад

sometimes just being a cool dude, being yourself, and creatively building what you have in your imagination leads you to meeting every skate legend on the planet. a valuable lesson.

@conradconrad24 5 месяцев назад

This dude reminds me of what humans used to be about - doing shit for the love of it. What a legend!

@andreaskahrs6685 5 месяцев назад

The world needs more people like Tom!!! This movie saved my day

@mikegeary8056 5 месяцев назад

Dude rules. I’m from the mountains of NC. There’s some cool freaks doing stuff you would never expect all through those hills.

@felipeblanski7770 3 месяца назад

16:42 him saying "oh and this is my band" it's so precious

@zacharbell 5 месяцев назад

came for the skatepark, stayed for the sculptures

@BOBCATT-MEDIA 5 месяцев назад

Tom is a hero. I admire this man. I am honored to have experienced this park.

@deanaoxo 5 месяцев назад

So so inspirational. Thanks Tom. As someone who had a 30' ramp with vert, I can relate, but good lord, you have hit it out of the park big time. Now, can we ride our onewheels there????

@jeremysecord2167 5 месяцев назад

Love the comment about building smaller features, so true! They build so many huge features that only a handful of people can skate.

@scambuster1172 5 месяцев назад

It's 2023 and I want to visit this park! Tom if you see this you rock man!!!! LEGEND

@DutchDouchebag 5 месяцев назад

Thank you for all your hard work and generosity Tom!

@TheDuperTrooper 5 месяцев назад

the fact yall have under 1k subs is criminal, this was an insanely good video.

@phakoo23 5 месяцев назад

Best RU-vid I seen all year! Thanks, Brandon! Hard to see Tim as anything but a hero and inspiration.

@tonye9045 5 месяцев назад

100% skateboarder 🙌

@mrbbqcraig 3 месяца назад

Maaaaaan that is such an awesome story, well edited and told by a true guy of wisdom... absolutely no prejudice at all ❗ Cheers to all the skaters of the world 🤟✨

@beanpwnz 5 месяцев назад

This dude is so awesome. If we had more Toms the world would be a better place.

@tonymurphy5995 5 месяцев назад

Dude the beaver carving the wood was sick

@humboldthighcountryfarm4054 5 месяцев назад

Thanks for sharing this. Tom, you have created something beautiful and amazing. You are a true inspiration!!

@littlejohn9458 3 месяца назад

Beautiful! A wonderful way to give back to your community, my hats off to you sir. We need more people like him in the world 🌎

@brandonzuzak6748 5 месяцев назад

*”Cell phones don’t work out here so you kinda have to talk to each other and enjoy the experience, it’s a wonderful community”* What a beautiful statement

@Spacey_Tea 5 месяцев назад

Wholesome, artistic, genuine, legend! This is what skateboarding is about. This man has held onto the true essence of skateboarding. Warms my 💜. Thank you to everyone involved in this video ✌️

@orsy_pyrrhic 5 месяцев назад

What a feel good documentary, glad I took the time to engage with it. What a man what a park, beautiful.

@scottbradford4130 5 месяцев назад

Tom's a G for letting bikes enjoy that work of art

@TheChipMcDonald 5 месяцев назад

Exactly. Old school flow, things less-than-pro can skate. Waves. An emphasis on FUN, not "Red Bull Level Knieval Death Wish".... And no rails and steps. Pure. This is how public parks should be. I'd love to go there one day, pretend it's 1977 again, no worry about flip tricks, big air, ... Just fun without aggro attitude. When I was a kid I saw in Skateboarder parks, 70s parks where you could imagine lines - more than just one - but they were always too distant. We only had super sketchy 8' wide half pipes, and a kinked up little park, made by concrete contractors that knew nothing at all about skating. Concrete dividers sticking out, lumpy... Out of town, places like Tom's. Kudos to Tom for making the dream happen.

@mattspen 5 месяцев назад

I’m so glad I saw this Tom is amazing! Truly inspirational. Makes me want make more efforts to do nice things for others

@kristalemon4309 3 месяца назад

I absolutely love how even his sculptures in the woods are meant to be interacted with.

@Mikesonbikes 4 месяца назад

This video was so well done. I've watched twice. Nothing like seeing an artist who makes art for the love of it! I hope to see you down there one of these days!

@TheLemonAndBeanBus 5 месяцев назад

This man is an absolute gem! His park is on our kids list for next summer. Can’t wait to meet you tim. I’d love to see that homemade crane

@spyhydro7019 5 месяцев назад

Can you just show up an skate it? If you know where it is

@NoahBoah-hz8qn 5 месяцев назад

Fantastic video man! Have gone here a couple times and it's so crazy to see in person and know he just lets people come.

@almostamico 3 месяца назад

To Tom... I hope you get to live life out in all the peace and love that you've fostered in your community, the way you have been all these years. To Lowlife... Your filming/editing is absolutely amazing! This felt like a big name production of Vice or some shit. (Which, IMHO, this is a million times more noteworthy than anything Vice has put out over a decade!). Keep at it! I'm curious though, do you have professional background in video or anything or is it just a passion work?

@Lowlifevids 3 месяца назад

That means a lot thank you! I loved watching vice when I was younger.

@wadejoseph784 3 месяца назад

The world is a better place with people like Tom. Mad respect mate

@tomdyll2728 5 месяцев назад

This video is so well done. Thank you for sharing!

@desocratic 3 месяца назад

What a fucking legend. I don't even skate, but this deserves respect and admiration. Plus he just opens it up to anyone. Homie.

@faqih9685 5 месяцев назад

well made video that deserves more attention, good job man!

@Allyc87 5 месяцев назад

Thanks for sharing this amazing place. Added to the bucket list

@theunwanted6122 5 месяцев назад

Omg . I was a truck driver years ago and asked some kids if there was a skatepark around they took me to you. Was so freaky going into the woods. I’ve tried to remember where the hell that place was for so long! Thank you agin for just letting me skate.

@masakikusahara5365 5 месяцев назад

Oh wow nothing but respect. All that attention to details, hard work, and yet a touch of playfulness. What a legend!

@mattfitz1474 5 месяцев назад

Such an epic story thanks for taking the time!

@ThatSkaterGuyy 5 месяцев назад

This dude is an inspiration! I remember him in the Tony Hawk DVDs! Great video; loved every second!

@user-mh2ns7io7m 2 месяца назад

Wonderful quality video highlighting and amazing person and friend. Thank you for doing this. Tom is such a giver.

@donaldjacobs6002 5 месяцев назад

this guys joy brings me joy. i watched this whole video with a smile

@Enjoythejourney15 5 месяцев назад

This is amazing. I’m 40 now and I remember skating to that video in 2002 and bmxing. This is so awesome , Tom you’re the man.

@natekola1151 3 месяца назад

This is amazing . As a youth skater and now to old to skate lol this warms my heart ❤️ Thansk you Tom for giving g back and inspiring love and shared joy

@260woodman 5 месяцев назад

Excellent video and Tom seems to be a great guy! I very much enjoyed watching this.

@chriscarter182 5 месяцев назад

I live local to Tom and have been to his personal bowl and whipsnake a dozen times I love this video man

@78thandSynth 5 месяцев назад

First exposure first impression. The vibe and energy is instant. Yes!

@prism8379 5 месяцев назад

thanks for unlocking some core memories of watching the gigantic skatepark tour

@Labergemusic 5 месяцев назад

Wow this is some impressive work! Thanks for sharing it.

@keithwarner2231 3 месяца назад

That guy is a national treasure!! What an amazing gentleman.

@JoshCee27 5 месяцев назад

Watching Grant Taylor skate whipsnake was so nuts! So many great memories there, miss that place so much! 🤘🏼💙 Thank you Tom!

@switch6611 Месяц назад

where can I find that!?

@JoshCee27 Месяц назад

@@switch6611 Volcom team came out on a tour they filmed some but not much don’t remember seeing footage from it!

@daviddrawdy8199 3 месяца назад

Such a wholesome video. Props to this man. So much passion for the skate community.

@StyxByrd 5 месяцев назад

This is such a beautiful spirit. I hope more Tom's pop up through time.

@playlandmusic 2 месяца назад

This is so sick for real, thank you for making this video. The fact that it was going to be a sculpture garden before this is so cool too

@WillieCarpenter17 5 месяцев назад

I live like 30ish min from here, it’s a beautiful place. So much love goes out to this pioneer and his awesome creations!

@fitzlikegerald 3 месяца назад

This is wicked. Keep this dude well known! He deserves all the positive vibes.

@joshyyy23 3 месяца назад

Tom you’re one of a kind man! A real treasure of a human. Keep the passion alive!

@seandailey2942 3 месяца назад

Man he’s so humble too. Talking about Tony hawk and all these legends and him not even realizing he’s a skate legend himself.

@f33fifofum 5 месяцев назад

Tom seems like such a legend, great park and incredible commitment

@StuSZN 5 месяцев назад

This is the type of guy I wish I could hang around more! What a guy Tom is! Great video!!

@JustinMoritz 5 месяцев назад

Awesome film - skated here a few years back - what a blast & thanks TOM!

@lataf666 5 месяцев назад

Tom, a true hero!! Thank you!

@travisbrown8046 3 месяца назад

What a legend. I smiled the whole way through this video.

@rogerdavis9962 5 месяцев назад

The world needs more of this...

@BoostAuthority 5 месяцев назад

Every township or city needs a Tom, to keep skateboarding alive and give the kids a place to look forward to

@snarshmallow 5 месяцев назад

Awesome documentary and interviews. Really well done

@bigtub22 3 месяца назад

this is right down the road from where i grew up! Tom also built the skatepark in Waxhaw, NC.

@timbeatty8411 3 месяца назад

I hope you live a long life my friend thank you for all that you've done for the skate community

@suppmiker 5 месяцев назад

Ive ridden here once before. Had a awesome time talking with Tom. Awesome spot!

@von... 5 месяцев назад

thx for telling these stories man

@smoothonthebeat 5 месяцев назад

Cool, humble and great sense of humor "go find the monkey that's welding, that's my self portrait" 😂🤣

@BertoBoyd 5 месяцев назад

Best home skate video ever perhaps? This is the dream of every real skater. To build their own compound. I know it’s my goal in life. Build it and they will come. Beautiful video. Thank you. I’m def planning a visit next year with the best Oregon skaters for sure!!!

@samuelcarlson1102 5 месяцев назад

amazing video and an amazing guy. hope i get to meet him one day and skate his art.

@gregmartens758 3 месяца назад

I don't even skate, but Tom kept a smile on m face the whole time. A life well lived and an inspiration for all.

@NOxSPLOOSHxPLANE 3 месяца назад

There is nothing like a beautiful Park in the middle of the woods.. surrounded by pure beauty and nature, this reminds me of when people really take the time to build amazing bmx tracks in the woods which is an old school thing we have like four of these insane homemade parks/trails in the middle of the woods up here in the East Coast area I live in, we also have this pretty famous bowl that has been around for a while now that was custom built