Without rolling, let’s face it, skateboarding would be incredibly boring.  Imagine being content without it, being a stationary dud left only to explore the cobwebs of a concrete garage.  Movement is one thing that all skateboarders have in common and without an incline the only way to get it is by pushing.  That is why, after all these wonderful years, we still are enamored by the simple act of pushing.

It’s easy to see why pushing can cause a ceaseless debate on so-called “best practices.”  What’s right, what’s wrong, what’s most effective, and/or what’s the most aesthetically pleasing way to push?  Most would agree that it is faux pas to push mongo; but give a pass on switch mongo.  I like to think that it comes down to whoever is running it.  So whatever your preference is on the matter, we’d like to bring to light a collection of some of the best ever to push switch mongo.  This might make you change your mind.

JB Gillet is hands down one of our favorite French skateboarders of all time.  A true OG, he has a career that spans nearly two decades and he has ridden for some real heavyweights; New Deal, World Industries, Deca, and his long time home of Cliche.  JB’s skating is definitely tech heavy, lots of ledge and switch stance skateboarding.  JB has been running switch mongo for forever and it doesn’t seem like he’ll ever adapt.

Most notably here is JB from etnies’ “High 5″ Video (1995) and Cliche’s “Freedom Fries” (2004):

 

Like Gillet, Gino Ianucci has had a very long career and he has ridden for some of the most iconic brands ever, think; Black Label, 101, and most recently left his long time home at Chocolate for greener pastures at Fucking Awesome.

What I like most about this switch mongo push is the fact that just prior to this he pushed regular switch in the SAME line. Definitely a move that is unique to few.
Gino in 101’s  “Snuff“(1993):

Here’s Gino still running it 20 years later:

Hate him or love him, Bobby Puleo, is incredibly opinionated on skateboarding and his views can often times leave you scratching your head.  Either you completely agree with him or not at all. One thing we can agree with him on is it’s okay to push switch mongo.
Bobby Puleo from the Infamous video (late ‘90s):

Like James Kelch at EMB, Ricky Oyola was often regarded as the mayor of Love park in Philly. He is also very outspoken about doggin’ on people who push switch mongo.  We love Ricky, but this makes us immediately put Stevie’s push on the list:

Stevie Williams in the Chocolate Tour video (1999):

Bonus is Stevie’s line from the Chocolate commercial as seen in 411 issue #36 (1999):

Stevie and Kalis go hand in hand and Kalis is arguably has the illest switch mongo push ever. Kalis can also be quoted about why he pushes switch this way, “If you are goofy footed… Push goofy. At all times. If I’m rolling switch or fakie.. I push my natural stance. I prefer seeing a switch trick after a fakie push. Too much ambidextrous looks bland to me.”  Kalis also goes onto compliment Koston’s switch mongo push saying, “Koston has a dope fakie push.”
Josh Kalis from Alien Workshop’s “Photosynthesis” (2000):

Eric Koston from Girl’s “Mouse” (1996) and “Yeah Right” (2003):

One of our favorite contemporary switch mongo pusher hails from Black Pool, England; Danny Brady.

Check out Danny’s stride from the now defunct Blueprint’s “Lost and Found” (2005) and more recent “Making Friends with the Colour Blue” (2010):

Style master Scott Johnston also pushes this controversial way. If Scott does it, we back it.

Scott Johnston from FTC’s “Penal Code 100A” (1996):

Still the same old push in 2013:

This list couldn’t be complete without Mike Carroll, no words are needed here.
Mike Carroll from Plan B’s “Questionable” (1991):

Skateboarding is partially governed by a set of unwritten rules, however, I think it’s time we lay this rule to rest.

Bonus: Pushing mongo immediately after a nollie backside flip is ALWAYS a good look.  Shout out to Koston from Girl’s “Mouse” (1996) and Gillet from etnies’ “High 5” (1995):