Rad Rat Video is a YouTube channel and blog about skateboarding history, trick tutorials and skate video game reviews. It’s run by me, Aron Lawrence, a skater who goes by Rad Rat. I’ve been skating since 2001 and making skateboarding videos on YouTube since 2005.
Who is Rad Rat?
I’m Aron Lawrence, a skateboarder from Michigan who now lives in Northern Colorado. I started my first skate channel, aronl, in 2005, teaching tricks back when YouTube trick tips were brand new. In 2015 I started Rad Rat Video to dig deeper into the history behind the tricks, the brands and the games.
What does Rad Rat Video cover?
- Who Invented It: tracking down the real origins of tricks like the hardflip, no comply and boneless, using old magazines, videos and interviews.
- Shred School 101: a free, 12-lesson course from the ollie to the 50-50 grind.
- Retro Rippers and Brand Breakdowns: the stories of the pros and companies that shaped skating.
- Skate game reviews: from 2Xtreme and Street Sk8er to the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater remakes, reviewed by an actual skater.
- Ask Rad Rat: I answer viewer questions on the channel.
How do I know the trick history is accurate?
I go to primary sources whenever I can: magazine archives, original video parts, and the skaters themselves. Several pro skaters have answered my questions directly. When the record isn’t clear, I say so, and I update posts when new footage turns up.
Where should I start?
New to skating? Start with Shred School 101. Into history? Try Who Really Invented the Hardflip? or Did Tony Hawk Steal the 900?
How can I support the channel?
Subscribe on YouTube, join on Patreon, or grab a shirt or patch from the shop.
How can I get in touch?
Send me a question through the Ask Rad Rat form on the homepage. You might see it answered on the channel. You can also find me on Instagram and X.