Jeff Ament | Pass The Bucket | VANS

Originally published on May 23, 2012 - While achieving tremendous success in the music industry as the bassist and co-founder of Pearl Jam, Jeff Ament has made it a mission to pay it back as an activist, philanthropist, and skate park builder.
Growing up with humble beginnings in rural Montana, Jeff witnessed not only the tranquility of rural life, but also the difficulties that can often accompany growing up in extremely isolated areas.
Luckily, Jeff found skateboarding, fell in love with it, and discovered the self-confidence that it can inspire. Remembering his roots and the positive effects skateboarding can have on young people, Jeff currently helps build epic skate parks in some of the most rural and deprived areas in the west.
His most recent venture on the impoverished Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota is maybe his most rewarding project to date.

Directed and Edited by Lukas Korver.
Creative Director Eliot Rausch
Directors of Photography Lukas Korver & Julian Tovar
Produced by Uber Content

Special
thanks to all the Pine Ridge Park supporters, including: Jeff Ament and Montana Pool Service, Jim Murphy and Wounded Knee Skateboards, Walt Pourier and the Stronghold Society, Mark Hubbard and Grindline
Skateparks, Pearl Jam's Vitalogy Foundation, The Tony Hawk Foundation, Vans, Ben Harper, Chris Sacca, The Eagle Bull Family.

About Vans:
Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans® authentic collections are sold in 84 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans® has over 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership doors. The Vans® brand promotes creative self-expression in youth culture across action sports, art, music and street culture and delivers progressive platforms such as the Vans Park Series, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, Vans Pool Party, Vans Custom Culture, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, House of Vans.

Vans Top Athletes:
Anthony Van Engelen, Geoff Rowley, Kyle Walker, Chima Ferguson, Gilbert Crocket, Tony Trujillo, Elijah Berle, Rowan Zorilla, Lizzie Armanto, Joel Tudor, Leila Hurst, Nathan Fletcher, Dane Gudauskas, Tanner Gudauskas, Patrick Gudauskas, Mikey February, Dakota Roche, Scotty Cranmer, Kevin Peraza, Dennis Enarson, Larry Edgar, Angie Marino, Jake Kuzyk, Hana Beaman, Mary Rand.

Jeff Ament | Pass The Bucket | VANS

[michaeljohn]

This is truely heartwarming and real .. this is something that people can touch . Not some promise from a government official trying to work his way up a society ladder.
I was one of those triangle shaped kids trying to find my way. I was that skater / art /music lover that felt so out of touch with the rest of the world watching my outlet fall into dismay because nobody wanted to take the chance to help us kids do what we loved.
It took many years and many people like Jeff, Tony H, Mark Hubbard Rodney Smith (SHUT SKATES ) to try something different not for money but for the love of the sport.
I’m 51 now and my knees are wounded but I still skate and I feel like every skater is my TRIBE.
Love what these projects are doing for the kids, the outsiders so they have a TRIBE to feel part of.
Big love to all you guys and girls for helping these kids.
Shows what the skate community is really about. Not so much the Olympics or making money. It’s about more than that. Way more.
I love that I’m a skater. I will never quit and I will always be a skater. ❤

[DarrenSmithMusic]

I’m here, coming off of listening to Jeremy from Pearl Jam. Jeff Ament is a 100%, matter of fact, no doubt about it STAND UP person. I’ve seen this video before, and it breaks me every time I watch it! Seeing people HAPPY and together is what it’s all about. Ament, if you see this, let it be known that people are watching this to this day, and that you are loved, and you’re doing great things.

Darren, West Chester, PA

[guyincognito]

Montana Pool Service is truly amazing. As a skater living in Mt since 91, I can't say enough about what Jeff has done for the small communities here. I've been to so many cool, small towns here and met many good people souly because of the amazing parks he's helped build here. Skating brings everyone together. Truly an amazing person! Thanks Jeff! 🤙

[simonedevlin]

Montana sounds much like the Great Western Plain in the Canadian West .Giving back with shoes and skateboards is a beautiful gesture.The healing takes place when the wounded embrace something new. Just the look on the young people's faces shows the incredible gratitude.If a land is plundered by homesteaders and the original inhabitants are displaced you do not need to be puzzled by cultural genocide.My home town was built on Kanawake which is a Mohawk reservation. Respect for the fine work that you do by providing skate parks for youth. Jeff Ament, the cellist and bassist of Pearl Jam cares and makes a difference!Thank you brother.

[jimmytgoose]

I was so chuffed years ago to discover Jeff skates and even more so that he has done so much for skaters .

[rickylee]

Jeff Ament is an amazing human being! Proud to say he’s a fellow Montanan.

[ThePantherman]

Bro!!! I knew you were a good guy! Jeff is my hero! From this Sioux from California, a big thank you for honoring our people! Been a Pearl Jam fan, will always be a fan!!

[crookedvultrendall]

This is just awesome to see!! You don't hear stories like this anymore for today musicians!! Musicians today are more interested in gold teeth and diamonds!! Its so cool that Jeff is in a position that he can help and chooses to help!!

[boardofmissoula]

We couldn't do it without his passion and compassion. Thanks for this edit!

[robertflanagan]

Jeff "the sheriff"ament.
My hero

[laurawatters]

That was awesome Jeff Ament oh my goodness you are sooo wonderful and with a such big beautiful heart!!!! ♥️💛

[villain]

You’re a great man Jeff Ament
🛹 🛹🛹🛹🛹🛹🛹🛹🛹🛹

[jessicagarcia]

I feel you! I'm 36 and still go to shows and skate when I can.

[rodrigoadiogo]

If anyone can share the tab of whatever song Jeff is playing, you have my eternal gratitude

[mpkrprsnt]

4:23 holy shit Richard Ramirez is alive

[dandelcastillo]

Dig that Caster Deck! I think I need one of those. I don't see one on their website. Anybody know where i can score one?

[AlmendraJam]

La curación tiene lugar cuando los heridos abrazan algo nuevo.

[marissac]

Eddie Vedder. Somewhere looking in a mirror

[runningtimelabs]

there was no need for a meloshitty tune to try to load emotional charges on that...