What’s Next? 9.er
Midnight garage bombin' on my custom LBL Penguin (click on image above to view larger). Photo: David Marano.
One of the raddest and most distinct features of this growing section of longboard skateboarding is that of the custom skateboard builder. I’m talking about builders such as Larry Peterson of Longboard Larry and Scott Moore of Subsonic Skateboards, and that’s just naming two of the many. Custom builders, like these, bring us back to the roots and essence of what it’s all about: skateboards for skateboarders, by skateboarders. Through creating each skateboard one at a time, and allowing the individual rider to have input into the building process, they provide every board with the attention it deserves and thus allowing the process to remain focused where it should be: on quality, detail, refinement, performance, and distinction. I’m not sayin’ that the large brands don’t make great skateboards—they definitely do—but if you’ve ever had a board shaped specifically for you and your style, then you know there is a certain pride and confidence built into that unique skateboard which is somewhat inexplicable, yet wholly undeniable.
My custom, hand built LBL "Penguin" deck, made and signed by Larry Peterson himself. Stoked! Photo: Marcus Bandy.
There are those out there that might say: “Bro, who cares about some rando dude building boards in his basement!” But my response to such a comment would be, firstly, blow me!, and secondly, in a community which is everyday becoming more and more commodified, and driven by a mass-market mentality, products made for and by the dudes that actually skate them are increasingly and forever significant. Again, I’m not saying that we need to go with some all-out, hippy-dippy-, hug-my-tree-stump-mentality. In fact, some of the raddest brands of today are the custom builders of yesterday. All’s I’m sayin’ is that I believe in the power of skateboarders making their own shit. Individuality is critical and being a creator is empowering. No matter who gets involved in our scene moving forward, and no matter what or how strong the draw may become to turn our attention and resources elsewhere; we should forever save a space at our table for those lone wolfs, those earth rim roamers, those wacky dudes that build the boards we love to ride. Custom skateboard builders were here when it was simply about Passion and they will be here when Passion is all that’s left. Skateboarding—fuck yeah!
[If you are a custom skateboard builder and are not listed above, please don’t get your panties bunched in a scrunchy; simply leave your info in the comment section below so we can all peep your boards and get stoked on 'em. Thank yee kindly!]
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Category: Columns, What's Next?
Looked up to the guys at LBL and Subsonic since day one. Long live the custom builder!
Hell yeah! Good dudes and good wood!
Well said. As much as I love all the brands that my shop carries, they all pail in comparison to the craftsmanship we get from both Longboard Larry and Subsonic. It is an art form worth appreciating.
Hell Yeah! Rip City Skate kills it!
Check this out:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.171822572850030.37143.123791717653116&type=3
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.357720657593553.89082.123791717653116&type=3
http://www.stoneboard.se
Some sleek designs right there. Yummy!
Rad write up Marcus! Agree with all the points made. I build boards with my skate friends over the summer. We will never get going big, as we still have tons to learn, and still being a freshman in high school i have a lot of years left in school meaning a lot less time spent in my friends basement bending and shaping wood. Trying my hand at it, custom board building is hard, and I have enourmous amounts of respect for those who can make a buisness out of it! Hopefully when school gets out I can start to build boards again, I do miss it!
Yeah Leland,
Keep it up brotha. Stay buildin’!
Hell yeah a wise man once told me, “The difference between some companies is that some are running a business, and others are creating performance products.”
Ive been designing boards now for the last 5 months in my workspace under the name of Marvelous Longboards. We are a Yorba Linda based board building group that simply want to make innovative boards for innovative riders. We want to push the ideas of what a normal longboard looks like and take it to higher level of performance and comfort. It all comes down to the love of a sport that is so simple but yet so complicated and unique. We make pieces of wood that you stand on. Its as simple as that or is it? Longboarding is more than a sport its a Philosophy to life.
Stoked! Thanks for sharing. Keep it Shreddy!