Joy & Pain – Chapter #5 As 1978 morphed into 1979, something odd happened – skateboarding suffered its second bust. It felt like the rug had been pulled under my feet. My constant practice paid off, and the fusion of punk rock and skateboarding kept me super motivated. But I kept wondering, “Hey, where did […]
Chapter 3: The Power of Generational Flex As 1976 rolled into 1977, my passion for skateboarding began to snowball. It consumed me, and my focus was learning new tricks. I wanted to get better and, of course, get sponsored! The way to do this was moving from a generic plastic deck to what the pros […]
Chapter-1 Reinventing the Wheel As I mentioned in the introduction, 1975 was a pivotal year for me regarding skateboarding. But the truth is that in 1974 I first witnessed a skateboarder skateboarding. I was visiting family in Brighton, a seaside town on the English coast. It’s extraordinary that 50 years later, the image of a […]
The Independent Stage 4 215 Gonz Box Set is the kind of drop that reminds you why you fell in love with skateboarding in the first place. It’s loud, weird, raw, and full of soul—just like the two legends behind it: Independent Trucks and Mark Gonzales. This isn’t just hardware in a box. It’s a […]
Tom Sims was an innovator whose impact on snowboarding and skateboarding lives on in the boards we ride and the culture we celebrate today. Born in Los Angeles in 1950 and raised on the East Coast, Sims was a lifelong board enthusiast who chased thrills on waves, streets, and snow. His journey from his first […]
For over 12 years, BoarderLabs and CalStreets have been at the forefront of the surf skate revolution, refining and perfecting the craft to create the ultimate ride. Now, in an unprecedented collaboration, CalStreets has teamed up with Madrid Skateboards and Carver Skateboards to deliver a custom line of glow-in-the-dark surf skates that blend iconic skateboard […]
The Hidden Stash: Unreleased Chrome Alligator Stickers Emerge! When we call these Alligator Chrome stickers “rare,” we mean it: they have NEVER been released to the public! Years ago, Brian Bennett commissioned me to develop the next generation of color gator stickers, and I took the opportunity to update the artwork for each design. While […]
Madrid Skateboards holds a legendary status in the skateboarding world, standing as a pioneer in craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication to the sport since its inception. Rooted in the 1970s Southern California skate scene, Madrid Skateboards emerged at a pivotal time when skateboarding was evolving from a casual pastime to a cultural movement. This article delves […]
Doug Haut, a name synonymous with innovation and craftsmanship, is a figure who left an indelible mark on the worlds of surfing and skateboarding. Based in Santa Cruz, California, Haut’s legacy stretches across decades of shaping boards, influencing the style and technology of skate culture, and laying the groundwork for some of the most influential […]
The Bones Brigade stands as one of skateboarding’s most iconic teams, a collective that forever changed the sport’s culture, artistry, and competitive spirit. Born in the 1980s, the Brigade wasn’t just a team of skaters; it was a groundbreaking movement that elevated skateboarding from a niche pursuit to a global phenomenon. The story begins with […]
Black Label Skateboards holds a unique place in skateboarding history, shaped by the vision and energy of its founder, John Lucero. Known for its bold graphics, rebellious style, and dedication to pure street skateboarding, Black Label has long stood as an emblem of independent skateboarding culture. Since its inception, the brand has become synonymous with […]
Blind Skateboards emerged in the late 1980s as one of the most iconic and influential brands in skateboarding, founded by Mark Gonzales, a true legend in the skate world. At that time, skateboarding was shifting away from big vert skating and embracing street skating, giving rise to a new era of technical skill and creativity. […]