Out There: Erik Ellington 

I love how November Rain melody is in this due to the fact that he wanted it as his Baker 3 song

Honestly one of the most genuinely nice dudes I have ever met. He stayed at Grant Park in Chicago at a Deathwish demo long after the rest of the team left to make sure every single kid got an autograph. I then had some magazine covers I wanted to get signed but my car was so far away from the park that when I got back with the mags the whole team was gone besides Ellington. He was like no worries I got u just walk with me back to the team van and I’ll have all those dudes sign their mag covers u have of them (after he signed his cover). We then walked thru the city for like a half hour all the way to this hotel where the team van was and he was just so down to earth. He talked to me about his struggles with addiction and how he overcame it bc I also deal with addiction. Then we got back to the DW team van and they all signed my mags and I chopped it up with them for a while. I’ll never forget how kind he was to me, I wish more ppl in this world were like Erik it wud be a far better place!

Seein erik ellington in a nice house w a family n a tesla makes me happy

Love how he’s so proud of his kids pc

I was like 12 or 13 and I’d knock on the door at the Warner apartment and buy used decks for 20 bucks. I’d ask if I could have free stickers and they’d make me beg. I could never pick a size either they’d just snatch the money and throw me a deck. Best shit ever

Thanks for stopping and letting me take that photo Erik. It was a Canon Sure Shot Owl 35mm camera btw. Thanks for making this, Thrasher.

His bigspin down Carlsbad will always be one of my favorite tricks ever and his shoes were massively underrated.

Ellington has always been my favorite skateboarder.. I met him once at a bar in Hollywood.. the Baker crew was there as well. I was wearing some dumb looking panda beany shit on my head and when I went inside the bar greeting all the other pros figgy kind of looked at me like I was some dumb ass and no offense to figgy, that shit I was wearing on my head was whack.. but Ellington walked in while that was happening and told the dude, "Hey this is Omar, he's chill.." Thanks Erik. I always remember that🙏

The Ellington shoe DOES need to be remade. Please do it.

this is hands down the best episode of "Out There" thrasher has released in my opinion

I turn 30 in 2 days and have been struggling terribly with alcohol for nearly a decade. I skateboarded 8+ hrs a day from 11-20 and it was my life. I've tried various hobbies over the last few years to no avail. Recently bought a skateboard and as tough as it's been it's the only thing helping. I binge watched this whole 'Out There' series tonight and to see almost all of my old idols (and new) basically get sober has really made me glad that I publicly told my friends that I'm going sober after my birthday before even seeing this series.

I lost it when the piano version of South of Heaven started playing

Good guy

Holy shit! I remember skating with this dude back in Mesa, AZ with friends Chad Uptain, Dennis, Zac Matthews, Matt Wilson. Erik had a friend Esao that was f*%&ing good too. We were the older bad role models back then. Glad that you made out alright there Erik. You made it man. You went pro got old and you're still skating. Congratulations on the family and all. Awesome!

i still watch baker 3 every few months. when i think of all the good times thats been wasted having good times

I really respect this s*** Thrasher

Back biggy down Carlsbad with the dance after is historic.. every time I see a back big it reminds me of Ellington

Literally the most style dude

I’ll never forget at the Supra demo in New Zealand damn near 10 years ago. Outa nowhere I just hear “Hey how’s it going?” And it was Erik just coming up to say hi and introduce himself to a mate and I. I was so blown away and felt so star struck that I was way to awkward to even talk to him properly, I’m sure he felt it and left very shortly after 😂 That experience definitely made me realise that Erik is the fucking man

I remember seeing him at a demo 16 almost 17 years ago. We asked him if he wanted to go skate this loading dock with us down the street, and he was super down. Just sessioned it with a group of kids like it was no big deal. Dude was super easy to talk to. Glad to see he's still cool people.

Gained so much more respect for Ellington after this. And how are his switch frontside flips even better now?!

hey Erik, i'm 1 day sober, and hearing you talk about sobriety makes me happy af

Y’all need to chill with those ads lol

His Emerica shoes were some of my all time favorites.

Big spin the Carlsbad Gap gonna "get f***** up tonight''

Hopefully this inspires people to realize that what they have is good and to not take it for granted.

I met Erik @ Scott Carpenter Skatepark in Boulder Colorado 2003-4 he was very genuine and down to Earth we talked about books, Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman etc. He is a really nice guy and looks like he has taken sobriety seriously and is maturing into a responsible young man. Namaste’

Having El as a dad would be so comforting

I still have the Big Brother magazine that Erik is talking about having an interview in.

The ending legit made me cry with the fattest grin, Legend.

Watch this at least once a year. Amazing piece. Amazing person.

My son's first name is Ellington because those dude is legit the best ever

The shot at 8:03 makes me feel some kind of way. Something about seeing a legend at his roots, and imagining all the real-life shit that happened in those walls with some of the raddest people on the planet walking up and down those steps and in and out of that door in the '90s. It's just so. fucking. rad.

It’s so cool to see people get sober and live a better life and be happy. I’ve been off heroin for over 2 years. Best decision I ever made. Ellington is an inspiration.

Quickest 25 minutes ever. Sick video!

Thank you for making this. As one of the old guys Erik was talking about at the start of the video, I can honestly say that we need more content like this in the mix. Love looking back on the good old days.

I don't skate anymore but I hope every hardworking skateboarders out there will end up happy and successful.

Jeez. I feel like Ellington’s dedication to skateboarding and the filter he uses to look at the world though is nearly monastic. It is a very zen approach to the sport and life.

This was fantastic, Ellington still has one of the best styles on a Skateboard.

Erik has always been an inspiration to me i grew up in anchorage Alaska so i find it really cool we came from the same place. he has taught me that you can always change your life for the better.

Always nice to see guys who maybe partied a little bit too much coming out of it alright and realizing life is too short to just be drunk 24/7. (not a teetotaler by any means, but at some point you realize you just can't keep up what you did in your 20s for your life. It'll catch up to you.) Having kids and hitting a certain age is a big wake up call for most, it was for me. Glad he avoided jail and glad he's enjoying life and enjoying his kids/family. Erik seems like an honest, thoughtful dude.

Every time I see Ellington footage I just grow to respect him even more. Forever my favorite. Forever my inspiration to do better.

I met Erik way back in the day, at the kids in Emerica tour in Atlanta. He was walking by himself and I asked for a pic and an autograph. We took the pic and he signed my camera. Nicest dude ever! Met him again at a baker demo in Atlanta a couple years later and was the same person! EE the man!!!!

'Nothing lasssssts foreverrr... Like a Colldddd December Sleeeeeeet'.... I heard that little motif at the end. Don't worry, I won't tell Axl

I skated with this dude when he was like 14 in Scottsdale, probably 1993. What a trip to see this.

Couldn't have picked a better person to do a mini doc about. Amazing!

Much love to Erik Ellington. Love his skating style. ✌

I met Ellington at a deathwish demo when I was 13 years old and he Introduced himself to me and shook my hand like I wouldn’t have any idea who he was. Then we talked about skating the park we were at and entertained all my nerdy questions about the baker videos or his zero times, and I ended up trading him a hand board that I had for some deathwish merch that he was handing out 😂.Not only one of the most humble pros I’ve met in my life, but genuinely one of the nicest humans I’ve ever interacted with. I’ll always remember that!! Then he patted me on the back and said I’ll see you around bud. One of my favorite memories ever! Peace to you and your family Erik!! God bless! 🙌🙌

When he busted out that 2003 brochure that brought back memories like crazy. That was my Freshman year of HS and wow what a summer that was.

Seeing your childhood idols as adults, while aslo being an adult is surreal

This was wholesome. Ellington is such a legend. I grew up on this dude and the Emerica videos. Best shoe ever

Tom Penny: "The guy was so magical" :-)

I grabbed an Erik Ellington Deathwish board its the most beautiful one I ever owned. This video is really awesome

Since I first experienced him in BAKER 3, he has been a favorite. Glad to see he's doing well.

I still got my elementary backpack with pissdrunx logo drawn on it, fun times

I knew nothing of this man and truly enjoyed this video.

Erik was a huge influence in my skateboarding/life in the late 90s. When Thrill of It All came out, I was 16 and he was by far my favorite (Adrian Lopez too). There was something about his effortless style, plus doing a bigspin frontside boardslide hadn’t been done on an epic rail in any video yet. (Heath Kirchart did a kick flip f/s boardslide just before which seemed to pave the way) I’d get so pumped watching the Zero videos, and me an the homies would hit the street spots and ride all day. This was before a lot of skateparks were built, ledge wax and creativity in the streets was where it was at. The best trick I had on lock was a kick flip b/s 5-0. Hey, in 1997 that wasn’t too bad. I was in Richmond, VA at the time. Fast forward 18 years later, I’m 40, in California, and have been working as a news cameraman for various networks going on 17 years. I’ve always considered myself an artist, and believe it or not there’s a lot of creativity in being a news cameraman. (I get to shoot and edit every story I do, lighting, sequencing, natural sound etc. are free range if you work with a reporter who values that, and many do). Watching all the Zero videos helped shape the limitless boundaries of what edits, music and content can give. Erik always seemed the most focused and determined skater at the time, again his tricks and style showed so much determination and execution. I’ve now been partnered for 8 years, had my party days, been in several unhealthy relationships, but life has never looked so promising and fulfilling. I am pretty happy. I can completely relate to where Erik is now, it’s almost a bit surreal since hearing his full circle of events and way of expressing time going by is identical to how I’d describe it (minus never becoming a pro skater, etc.) I still mess around on my deck, the other week while out shooting a story some kids were skating right next to me. I asked to see one’s deck, and did a quick no comply and fakie ollie in one short and tragic line. The kids were kinda amazed. The old dude on a skateboard, how did that happen? 1997 seems like yesterday. Anyways, hope he gets to read this comment and know just how rad and inspiring he has been. Looking back, those years were the best. I miss a lot of those moments, but am so glad they happened.

Thankful he is alive and he seems like a really good person.

Straight chills at the end. More nostalgia than all of Stranger Things.

Erik is the best! Ultra rare breed. 🖤

that music transition at 3:45 was gold

I love ellington.. I would buy his whole collection of emericas too lol.. only shoe I wore from age 11 when they came out to when I couldn't find my size anymore.. love the dip.. even bought multiple pairs of vettes after he left... im working on getting sober but its literally the hardest trick there is.. he is inspiring tho..all those guy I looked up to im glad to say I can still look up too this many years later

Dude this guy is the man proud family man can't beat that respect.

Proactive in recovery. I have a new found respect for this man. Gonna go buy some merch to contribute. Keep spreading the good news brother Erik Ellington!⚓💀🧐🃏

Great skater great dad👍 hope your still skating at 60

Haven't seen Julius since he was a baby time flies I'm glad to see Erik Ellington and his family after 17 years he's a great man skateboarder and father God bless them and wish them the best

I love you erik , im eternally touched❤🤜

Sickest dude best shit ever!!! Love Ellington

Do I still remember that f****** 411 that Minor Threat songs My Favorite Minor Threat song in that segment what's the sickest shit ever

Wow that bar fight/almost going to prison story, makes you feel grateful

Love this guy. The dude was with the Supra team when they went to the Philippines and he was connecting with everybody and really respectful. Took pictures with everyone and was very down to try the Philippines' number one beer! Hats off to you Erik! A legend you are sir!

I'm a fan of Erik since I was 12 Yr old, putting magazine adds on my notebooks, I mimic his style, long haired, pd tatt on my arm, my friends always said I looked like him, I just a fan of his style, personality, skating, I'm not a fan o many pros or famous people has I'm at Erik. Amazing documentary.

Amazing dude, met the death wish crew back in 2016 for the death wish for America tour, Cyril gave me his board Neen found a burrito spot and lizard king found a handrail he was dieing to hit.. love to all the Baker boys 🖤🤘

Skateboarding isn't what it used to be. And I love that.

Didn't expect to wake up, watch a Thrasher vid, and have a little cry. Cool as fuck film, rad guy (as ever)

you can watch the epicly later'd vid then watch this and Eric's just the same humble dude that knows exactly how lucky he is. my man.

I love seeing how far Ellington has come, dude deserves everything he has. That being said, the craziest thing out of this whole video has to be seeing a picture of Strickland. First heard of him over 20 years ago and this is the first time I’ve seen his face.

Being grateful for what we have it's an action we should do everyday that goes by...

Love baker Reynolds and Ellington the whole squad. Should definitely remake the Ellingtons! And the Braydens!!!! Those went hard

Erik was in my city in 2012 for a Supra tour and he talked to my friends and I at a skateshop and gave us his current board. Top lad for sure.

Yo thrasher I'm not trynna cry watching your videos IIIIIIIIGHT. Nah but rt hell yeah Ellington, you fucking did it! You're living your best life and inspiring others to do the same. BLESSED!!!!!!!!! BAKERBOYS4LIFE

The first time I saw his fs flips I wanted to be this man

Sorry I keep commenting on this video but the reason I got into Slayer was because of Erik Ellington are in thrill of it all 0 video

Ellingtons skating has always been inspirational to me and I cant wait for his new part.

A beautiful piece.

i like the sober, responsible erik; he seems great. i'm taken aback by the haircut, though. i never thought i'd see him with shorter hair. respect erik, you came out alive.

Omg the Emerica Ellington 1s black and white I never got to buy them when they came out was to broke as a kid and I still think about this shoe ...was a late 90s early 2000s skater me and one buddy still reminisce about old shoes Kenny Anderson adios Reynolds 1 and 2s koston 1s Ali boulala Osiris kreeper Ellington 1s

Man Ellington will always be the best

That emerica video is such a classic this brings back memories

This man is such an awesome human being. Happy to see him sober and living a good life

Favorite skater hands down. Didn't know my mqn went through that horrible experience. I'm glad it turned out positive and gave you a new perspective on life. " I would not do well in prison" I fucking felt that brother.

Yess!! im 31yrs old and skated 10yrs. Me and my cousin grew up watching baker and emerica. thank you for such a warm awesome piece to watch. ❤️

Pure OG...i used to rewatch his baker 3 part multiple times everyday for like a year

what a legend, always refreshing

Awesome dude, its neat to hear him reflect on the whole glorifying the party lifestyle stuff considering how many people they probably influenced into becoming drunks or addicts. It is what it is i guess not knocking any of them i loved that shit when i was growing up.

Man I grow up with Mark Water in Orange county he was my neighbor and grateful for the things he did for use the kids in the neighbor. Mark Water was skate manager for Emerica and es( R.I.P Tony es team manger ). I had the chance to meet Eric all the time ( Emerica Masion in Hollywood hills or LA Hills )and big Inspiration in my childhood. Eric gave a couple pro board and couple of his shoes that weren't out yet to me .That were still working on at the time .Also everyone I got to meet and be around( Pro Skater) . We use to go out on skate trip in the team Van they had sole Technologies. It was a dope child hood and i totally get where Eric coming from.

I remember skating spots around Anchorage and the Borderline park back in the day , early 90’s era. We’d see him and another local ripper Thomas Noonan (later the drummer of 36 Crazy Fists) always skating together. There were little skate crews and clicks but those two were like a dynamic duo. He was a bit younger than most of the other guys but very talented. Just this teenage kid being silly, doing 360 flips and talking about Arizona. Wild.

My man Ellington is in my Top 3 stylish skaters.. EVER!

0:38 ITS THE SHREDMASTER

He has one of the most dopest styles In skating . In my opinion. Even just cruising