Skate Update: Barca, Baker and a thing of Beauty

Ryan Thompson might never have had that true breakout moment in skateboarding - likely because he’s sensibly focused on a full-time career in IT - but that could be about to change. His latest part for Hours has just dropped via Thrasher’s YouTube channel, and it’s already starting to make waves.

Barely ten months after the release of Spinal for Roger, the Austin, TX native is back with some of the most genuinely stylish skating you’re likely to see all month. And that’s not just internet blog hyperbole - he really does have an exceptionally beautiful way of moving, both on and off the board. Think a younger Zach Lyons (if you know, you know).

Set to a post-hardcore soundtrack from fellow Austin residents Porcelain, Ryan’s explosive mix of pop and steez makes this the perfect way to kick off your weekend early. So click that play button now!

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to stumble across Tyler Surrey chilling at Born Skateplaza, or anywhere else in Barca for that matter, you’ll know just how much of a treat it is to watch him skate. Exceptionally talented, yet carrying a completely carefree air, he epitomises that “it must be nice” feeling - the envy us mere mortals get when we see someone who truly knows how to ride a skateboard.

But if you haven’t caught Tyler in the wild, don’t worry. The ever-brilliant Pocket Skate Mag is back with another instalment of their Followed series, and yes - you guessed it - the New Balance-affiliated skate wizard is the focus of the latest episode.

Starting the day with a smoothie before heading to the world-famous Badalona DIY, Tyler quickly gets pulled into its near-inescapable vortex and ends up spending most of his day there. And who can blame him? You move to Barcelona for the skating and the sunshine - and Pocket proves he’s very much living the dream!

Are skate tour videos about to become a thing again in 2026? We really hope so!

Now, this isn’t an official tour video in the classic sense - for those of us who grew up on VHS tapes like Transworld’s Videoradio, or DVDs like Crailtap’s Oi Meets Girl - but it is the Baker and Deathwish crew in China, and it’s six minutes of pure trickery and hijinks. Honestly, that’s far more entertaining than another 30-second reel on Insta.

With the likes of Foy and Delfino in tow, you might expect the highlights to come from the heavy hitters - but truth be told, it’s everyone’s favourite VX-wielding hype man, Beagle, who really brings the heat. And considering he’s now well into his mid-40s, that’s no mean feat!

We know there are a number of tours hitting the UK this summer (keep your eyes peeled - details coming soon), so here’s hoping the resurrection of the old-school tour video comes along for the ride!