CLOSER is a new independent skateboarding magazine brand founded by Jaime Owens, formerly of Skateboarder and TransWorld SKATEboarding. 

“This magazine will be my full-time passion project to continue my 20-plus years in skate media, telling the story of skateboarding in all the shapes and forms that it comes in. Skateboarding has always been close to my heart, and I want to continue bringing it closer to everyone who shares in that same love. 

”This magazine will be my chance to give the skate world another valued voice at the table and have skateboarding preserved in a beautiful premium package.

”The pages will be filled by the most respected and legendary contributors, whom I’ve befriended throughout the years, with the aim of being an all-inclusive skateboard magazine that celebrates the true spirit of skateboarding. Each issue will include travel features and profiles of skateboarding’s elite brands and skaters, including legends of yesteryear and some of the most prolific stars of tomorrow. 

”CLOSER will also provide a space for authentic creators, personalities and visionaries—the authoritative voices of skateboarding culture—to inspire every generation of skaters. And while the print component will be the foundation of the brand, expanding in the social and digital worlds will be a priority as well. Exclusive video content that elaborates on the topics and skaters featured in the magazine will fill the time between the print issues.

”I’m very proud of the work I did for Skateboarder and TransWorld SKATEboarding over the past two decades and will use that knowledge and experience to continue to pour my heart and soul into every aspect of this new venture. And I won’t ever stop pushing to make it the best. Always skating. Now and forever.”

—JAIME OWENS