Inside Weedmaps' AMAC: A Night That Reminded Us What Action Sports Is Really About
Standing on the roof of the same venue where Yüth celebrated the launch of Issue 5 just a few weeks ago, I looked down at another packed courtyard and couldn't help but think this was probably the closest thing our generation has to the heyday of action sports.
Surfers, BMX riders, photographers, artists, musicians, and industry veterans all filled the space, trading stories and reconnecting with old friends while a new generation looked on. It wasn't just another event. It felt like a reminder of what happens when the different corners of action sports exist in the same place.
That was exactly the idea behind Weedmaps' Art Music Athlete Collective, better known as AMAC. The event blended surf culture, BMX, photography, live music, and art into one night that celebrated the creative side of action sports just as much as the athletic side.
One of the highlights of the evening was catching up with Nathan Fletcher, whose photography exhibition anchored the gallery. Photographer Dave "Nelly" Nelson walked us through the collection, sharing the stories behind each image and the moments that made them worth capturing. What looked like a simple photograph often carried years of history, from unforgettable surf trips to friendships and defining moments in Nathan's life. Hearing the stories behind the images gave the exhibition an entirely different perspective and reminded us that the best photographs capture far more than what's in the frame.
We also asked Nathan what advice he'd give the Yüth of today, and without hesitation he said, "Go big in anything you do because you only get so many opportunities, and you don't want to regret it. Even if it's trading stocks, go big. My stock is this."
It was a simple answer, but one that reflected the mindset that's always pushed action sports forward. Taking chances, trusting your instincts, and fully committing to what you believe in has always been part of the culture, whether you're in the water, on a bike, behind a camera, or creating art.
Later in the evening we caught up with Colby Raha, whose perspective echoed the same feeling that had been building throughout the night. He talked less about tricks and competition and more about community. According to Colby, that's always been the foundation of action sports. People look after one another, whether that's helping fix a flat tire before a session or showing up when someone needs it most. Bringing surfing, BMX, music, photography, and art together under one roof only strengthens those relationships.
Nathan Fletcher's photography lined the walls while live sets from Beauty School Dropout, The Mainliners, and Slackr echoed through the gallery. Outside, BMX riders and skaters hit the feature built above the stage. Everywhere you looked, there was another conversation, another piece of art, or another reminder of how closely connected these communities really are.
In an era where so much of action sports lives behind phone screens and social media algorithms, AMAC was a reminder that the culture has always been built through real conversations, shared experiences, and live events, something Weed Maps is doing right.
And if this weekend proved anything, it's that the culture is still here. It's just evolving.
Nathan Fletchers prints shots by Dave "Nelly" Nelson
