Few names in skateboarding carry as much weight as Heath Kirchart. Known for his fearless style, relentless determination, and ability to push the boundaries of the sport, Kirchart cemented himself as one of the most respected and revered skaters of his generation. From his early days in Birdhouse’s “The End” to his unforgettable part in Alien Workshop’s “Mind Field”, Kirchart’s career has been defined not just by the tricks he landed, but also by the epic slams he endured in the pursuit of progression.

For many skaters, taking a slam is part of the process, but for Kirchart, his slams were almost as legendary as his makes. His ability to walk away from gut-wrenching bails, devastating impacts, and brutal slams only added to his mystique. His career is a testament to resilience, passion, and an unyielding commitment to skateboarding. In this deep dive, we will explore some of the most iconic slams of Heath Kirchart’s career, looking at how each one contributed to his legacy and influenced generations of skateboarders.

Birdhouse’s “The End” (1998) – Pushing Through the Pain

Released in 1998, The End was a defining skate video for its time, showcasing high production value, skits, and some of the gnarliest skateboarding ever seen. Kirchart’s part stood out not just because of his clean, powerful style but also because of the insane amount of slams he took while filming.

One of the most memorable Kirchart slams in “The End” is his battle with an infamously long rail. The footage shows him repeatedly trying to lock in, only to be thrown off violently time and time again. Each attempt ends with him slamming hard on the ground, sliding, flipping, or getting tossed over the rail. The clip is a brutal reminder of the price skaters pay for their craft.

But the true beauty of Kirchart’s approach is his relentless determination. Instead of walking away, he keeps coming back, pushing his body to its limits. This persistence was a defining trait throughout his career—Kirchart would take a beating, stand up, and try again until he landed the trick or was physically unable to continue.

Transworld’s “Sight Unseen” (2001) – The Ultimate Gauntlet

By 2001, Kirchart had already built a reputation for being one of the gnarliest skaters in the industry. But it was in Sight Unseen that his true character was put on display. This video was all about pushing the limits, and Kirchart did just that with his insane attempts at massive rails, gaps, and stair sets.

One of the most brutal slams in this video comes from a legendary frontside boardslide attempt down a monstrous rail. Kirchart locks in, but mid-way down, he loses control and is launched forward, slamming chest-first into the stairs. The impact is horrifying, the kind that makes even seasoned skaters wince.

Yet, in typical Kirchart fashion, he gets up and tries again. His resilience is what separates him from the rest—he doesn’t let slams stop him, he embraces them as part of the journey.

Alien Workshop’s “Mind Field” (2009) – Defining Fearlessness

By the time Mind Field dropped in 2009, Kirchart was already a legend. This video, Alien Workshop’s last major release before its first demise, solidified Kirchart’s status as one of the most fearless skaters to ever step on a board.

Kirchart’s part in Mind Field is loaded with high-stakes skating, and with it, some of the heaviest slams ever captured. One of the standout moments is his battle with a massive handrail kink. As he attempts to grind through the whole thing, he gets bucked off hard, repeatedly hitting the ground in a violent, unforgiving fashion.

But what makes Mind Field special is not just the intensity of the tricks or the slams—it’s the mental toughness that Kirchart displays. He’s at a stage in his career where he doesn’t have to keep going this hard, but he does anyway, because he is Heath Kirchart.

Emerica’s “This Is Skateboarding” (2003) – Taking It to the Streets

Emerica’s This Is Skateboarding was another groundbreaking video, featuring an all-star lineup that included Andrew Reynolds, Bryan Herman, Kevin “Spanky” Long, and of course, Heath Kirchart. While this video is best remembered for its heavy street skating, it also features some of Kirchart’s most brutal slams.

One of the most notorious clips in the video shows Kirchart attempting an insanely long rail, where he takes multiple slams trying to ride it out. In one particularly hard fall, he lands directly on his back after getting tossed mid-grind, leaving the audience in shock.

Despite these slams, Kirchart continues to push forward, proving that his ability to take a beating and come back stronger was unmatched. His This Is Skateboarding part is a perfect example of the high-risk, high-reward nature of his skating, where every trick feels like life or death.

Why Heath Kirchart’s Slams Are So Legendary

While many skaters have endured brutal falls, there’s something about Kirchart’s slams that sets them apart. What makes them legendary?

His Fearlessness

Kirchart never shied away from danger. Whether it was giant rails, death-defying drops, or high-speed gaps, he charged at them full force, knowing the consequences if he failed.

His Willingness to Get Back Up

Some skaters take a hard slam and walk away. Kirchart took some of the most bone-crushing falls ever caught on film, only to dust himself off and try again.

The Impression on Skateboarding Culture

His slams weren’t just fails—they were a testament to the relentless pursuit of progression. They showed that skateboarding isn’t just about the makes—it’s about the struggle, the pain, and the perseverance.

Kirchart’s Influence on Skateboarding and Beyond

Even though Kirchart eventually stepped away from professional skateboarding, his influence remains stronger than ever. Modern skaters like Jamie Foy, Pedro Delfino, and Tyshawn Jones embody the same fearless approach that Kirchart pioneered. His legacy lives on, not just in the tricks he landed, but in the mentality he brought to the game.

His most epic slams are not just moments of pain—they are a testament to his passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the sport. They serve as a reminder that skateboarding is about more than just landing tricks—it’s about pushing yourself beyond your limits, taking the hits, and coming back stronger.

So, the next time you watch a Kirchart slam, don’t just see it as a brutal fall—see it as a moment of perseverance, a moment that defines what it means to be a skateboarder. Because at the end of the day, Heath Kirchart isn’t just a skater—he’s a symbol of everything skateboarding stands for.

 

 

 

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