Grit to Grind

“Grit to Grind is a vibrant, uplifting account of how local skateboarders in Missoula, Montana, joined forces to build a world-class skatepark that benefited their city in surprising ways. This achievement was followed by the construction of about 50 (and counting) similarly magnificent skateparks in small towns and on Indian reservations across Montana. The positive impact on these communities has been remarkable.”

—Jon Krakauer, New York Times bestselling author

“Ten years ago, my friend gave me a sticker from a skate shop in Missoula, Montana then called Edge of the World. To be honest, I couldn’t imagine what kind of place it was. Living in Tokyo, it was unbelievable to me that skateboarders could coexist in this wonderful natural environment where elk roam. My first trip to Montana was in 2014 when I visited Jeff Ament and was able to skate the Treasure Bowl. It was then that I realized an impressive skateboarding scene had taken root in Montana and was going strong. The skateboarding community is made up of people who support each other. I am proud to be a part of that world and to be able to help in any way I can.” 

—Haroshi, artist

Andy Kemmis is a photographer and writer based in his hometown of Missoula, Montana, who has been skating for over forty years and has been involved with the Montana Skatepark Association since its inception.

Chris Bacon, a musician and skateboarder, has worked at Board of Missoula for over thirty years and formed the Montana Skatepark Association with lifelong friends. Chris has dedicated his life to sharing all of skateboarding’s positive life lessons with Montana communities and beyond.