Brian Petrie, founder of Earthwing Skateboards, throwin’ it sideways. (Photo swiped from the post on Facebook…)
Brian Petrie, founder and owner of Earthwing Skateboards, has announced via the brand’s Facebook page that the company will be leaving its roots in NYC for a warmer and significantly more humid climate: ATL. As mentioned in the post on Facebook, the move comes about after 15 years of running the show from Brooklyn, and can be attributed to a greater opportunity for production thanks to a larger working facility in the Atlanta area. Earthwing has always been known for making skateboards for all varieties of skateboarding, which is precisely why we support their efforts. Already known for being a “craft” skateboard company (due to the small batches of boards), Earthwing will be pulling back to even lesser numbers during the first segment of their residence in ATL. In the true, core community fashion which Earthwing has become known for, the text from the announcement post sums it up best:
Over the next year, you will see Earthwing get rare again. I am only going to produce 1/2 of what I can sell. The line up will be stripped down to small runs, and quick changes. You will find Earthwing at only select shops that have stuck with us from the start. Going forward, I need you guys to help the direction of what you want to see. We are all friends here, so hit me up, and let me know what you think I need to do next. I can be reached at [email protected]. . . If you live in ATL, I will see you in August!
We reached out to Steve Kong, long-time Earthwing crew member, for some words on the topic. He summed it up quite well:
Some of you may have already read on Earthwing’s Facebook page that Brian Petrie is packing up the business and moving the whole operation to Atlanta, Georgia. That means a few things: limited runs of boards and the operation will no longer be in Brooklyn, New York. This is hard news to hear, but let me tell you a thing.
Earthwing Skateboards may be moving to Atlanta but it has been New York from its inception and always will be New York. Brian will still create beautiful, unique, and functional, skateboards and as a team we’ll always be there supporting him. Of course, we’ll need all the help and support you can give us too! Earthwing customers are loyal and always stoked about the stuff we put out and for that, we thank you!
Ed Nieves, our newest columnist and Earthwing team member, also had some insight on the topic:
Dad’s going to the store to buy cigarettes but I don’t think he’s coming back.
And to Brian and the rest of the Earthwing Skateboards family, we wish you the best in whichever part of Atlanta you end up! If we ever find ourselves in the area, we’ll be sure to give y’all a holler!
