The collision of two unstoppable forces—Santa Cruz Skateboards and the legendary Godzilla—has produced a new, exclusive collection that pays tribute to the King of the Monsters. This lineup brings together the renowned skateboarding culture of Santa Cruz with the thrilling and complex history of Godzilla, celebrating each of their influences on pop culture over the decades.
Santa Cruz Skateboards was founded in 1973 when three surfer friends from California—Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman—launched NHS Inc. in Santa Cruz. The company’s acronym, NHS, comes from the initials of their last names, a fitting tribute to the friendship and shared passion that inspired its inception. Initially, their surfboard business struggled with slim profit margins. But when a friend challenged them to produce 500 skateboards for a Hawaiian company, they seized the opportunity. NHS had a surplus of fiberglass lying around, and by using it for skateboards, they found the path to success. Their first skateboard was produced that same year, setting off a journey that would help shape the culture of skateboarding worldwide. Today, Santa Cruz Skateboards remains a key player in the skateboarding world, known for its attention to detail, high-quality materials, and timeless designs.
The Godzilla franchise has similarly left a lasting mark on entertainment. Debuting in 1954 in a film by Ishirō Honda, Godzilla was designed as a colossal, prehistoric reptilian monster awakened by nuclear radiation. In its earliest form, the creature represented the nuclear anxieties of post-war Japan, but over the years, Godzilla has evolved to address themes beyond nuclear devastation, such as natural disasters, humanity’s impact on nature, and even the perils of apathy.
The character has fought some of the world’s most famous kaiju in 33 Japanese films, five American movies, and countless other media, earning the title “King of the Monsters.” Godzilla is as versatile as it is powerful, shifting from destructive force to antihero, sometimes even protecting humanity with the aid of allies like Mothra, Rodan, and Anguirus.
Santa Cruz Skateboards’ new Godzilla collection brings these two icons together in a lineup that features a range of meticulously crafted decks. Built from 7-ply North American Maple and pressed individually with epoxy, each deck is designed for strength, responsiveness, and a long-lasting pop that skaters can count on. The Godzilla Natas Mothra deck, with its spot matte graphics and silver prismatic foil, is a visual standout. For fans of vintage shapes, the Old School (OS) concave deck brings comfort and familiarity, offering easy foot placement with a longer tail than the nose for excellent control on cruisers and old-school boards. The Godzilla Kaiju Roskopp deck’s candy metallic blue finish, topped with spot gloss detailing, is another high-impact design. And for those seeking a more rugged board, the Godzilla Destroyer deck, with its thick custom Godzilla shape and silver mirror foil graphics, is designed to tear through any spot.
Each of these decks embodies the skateboarding legacy of Santa Cruz while paying homage to the rich universe of Godzilla. With stunning details, laser-engraved Godzilla logos, and graphics that bring to life both the mystery and power of the King of the Monsters, this collection is built to be as durable as it is visually captivating.
The Santa Cruz x Godzilla collection brings nostalgia, excitement, and style to skaters, collectors, and Godzilla fans alike. Whether you’re hitting the skate park, displaying a deck, or simply paying tribute to two legendary names, this collaboration is a true fusion of past and present, blending classic skateboard heritage with the enduring power of Godzilla.
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