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Finding the Skateboard Scene in Alaska's Largest City | INDIE ALASKA

With long, dark winters and temperatures often dipping below freezing, most people might not consider Anchorage to be a location with a growing skateboarding community. But Garrett Swenson, a lifelong Alaskan and confident skateboarder, says the scene has been in Alaska for years and is even expanding. The extreme seasons and lack of skateboard venues have created a close community of people who often skate in underground parking garages, on abandoned concrete traffic barriers, and on makeshift backyard ramps.

Video and Story by Valerie Kern
With video provided by Daniel Hernandez
Music by FirstCom Music

For more on Anchorage's thriving skateboard scene, check out this article by Alaska Public Media's Zachariah Hughes

Valerie Lake worked at Alaska Public Media from 2017 to 2025. She was the managing producer for Indie Alaska, director for Alaska Insight, and led the video production team. Valerie Lake has previously gone by the names, Valerie Lloyd and Valerie Kern.