Monthly Archives: November 2024

Lakai CEO Marc Roca Addresses the Brand’s Current Status via Instagram

On November 6th, Lakai CEO Marc Roca addressed the current state of the brand on Instagram via the Lakai account. To many, myself included, his message came as quite a head-scratcher, to say the least. Take a look:

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Lakai’s identity is unarguably tied to its founders—any for many of us, some of our absolute favorite skaters—Rick Howard and Mike Carroll. The idea of them being unattached to the brand really doesn’t make sense. Simple as that. And although plenty was explained in the post above, and folks are expressing their respect for transparency, plenty of others are having no problem reading between the lines. 

That said, I recognize that these situations are often way murkier than they appear on the surface. Business is business, after all. There’s no easy solution, despite the countless hollow „ideas“ and opinions being fired off in the comments. Point is, finding common ground in heavy situations like this—involving founders, investors, new leadership, etc.—can be super challenging to resolve.

Related: Lakai „Bubble“ New Full Length Video

I will say the timing is pretty unfortunate, though. All those layoffs right before the holidays is pretty harsh, but again—business. And like many, I hate to say that I’ve been there a few times in my life, too. Sucks, but what can ya do?

The comments on the post are really where all the action is, though. I’m talking “grab the popcorn, sit back and scroll” kind of action. It’s also a place where truth and rumors disguise themselves as the same, but at the same time, a lot of it makes you think, “Hmmm…good point.”

Related: Mike Carroll | Modus Operandi + Lakai Carroll Re-Release

We’ve unfortunately seen this happen before (multiple times, actually) and we’ll certainly see it again. At any rate, I’m hoping the best for Rick and Mike. They’ve put their heart and soul into the brand for decades and it must be a pretty frustrating, emotional time. 

The shoe game is tough in skateboarding unless you’re one of the giants, and nobody out there obviously needs to me echo that. All we can really do right now is sit back, wait and wonder. What does this mean for Mike and Rick? What does this mean for the remaining employees? What does this mean for the current riders? Who even are the current riders? 

Hopefully some of these questions will be answered sooner than later. 

I have seen a few Lakai riders not skating Lakai shoes in the last few days, however, so it’s no surprise this post came when it did. Fingers crossed for a positive outcome. Until then, I’ll insert the shoulder shrug emoji right here and go skate. 

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Series Brand Releases Its First Full-Length Video ‚Smiling at the Wall‘

Series just released its first full-length video, “Smiling at the Wall” filmed and edited by Jack Glancy. The Series squad continues to remind us what skateboarding is all about as this group of friends go city to city hunting down new spots, stacking clips and keeping the vibes high.

Settle in and discover the raw, underground scene of the Bay Area through the eyes of this tight-knit group of friends below. 

The video features a wide range of rippers spanning up and down California, including full parts from North County San Diego locals Cole Blazevich, Ryu, Jimmy Sundays, Tin Lilley, Jake Batista, Osbaldo Colon and the man behind the brand, Jake Hofmann. 

And you know we can’t leave out London Hodges from Laguna Niguel, along with some SD/SF Series family: Jed Richardson, Cody Crowell, Kai Sorensen, Nate Vecchio, Ryan Cooper, Calvin Debruler, Reggie Klein, Auby Taylor and more!

Related: Explore Some of the San Francisco Scene in Jack Glancy’s Latest Video ‚Smooth Sail‘

We’re huge fans of homie videos over here and I have nothing but respect for the crews out there who are still putting in the time to make full-length videos like this. A lot of blood, sweat and energy go into these projects, and more often than not, these dudes are doing it strictly for the love. So rad. 

While you’re here, check out the Series online store and peep all the latest designs from artist Jake Hofmann, who just so happened to close the curtains on this epic indie video. 

Shoutout to this entire crew for constantly holding it down. This video did exactly what it was supposed to do, as far as I’m concerned—make me want to skate! Can’t wait for whatever comes next. 

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Santa Cruz Shares the Inspiration Behind New ‚Godzilla‘ Capsule: Available at Skate Shops Now

Settle in with the Santa Cruz creative team as they share the inspiration and process behind their new Godzilla collaboration. 

A lot of hard work went into making this one happen! From a variety of decks in multiple shapes and sizes to matching apparel items, this collab has people fired up. Check it out:

If you haven’t seen this new Santa Cruz x Godzilla capsule, well, where have you been? All the items officially hit skate shops on Sunday, November 3rd and I’ve seen first hand just how much folks want a piece of this unique capsule. While they might be the perfect wall hangers, some of these shapes look way too fun to pass up and not skate! Swipe through the post below for a closer look:

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The ‚Godzilla Destroyer Board‘ is actually the biggest plank Santa Cruz has ever made, which is pretty wild to think about, but at the same time seems pretty fitting. Godzilla was a giant beast, you know? 

Anyways… Andrew Cannon, Malachi Gray and Secret Lynn put them to the test during Santa Cruz’s latest Product Challenge and it was pretty rad seeing them in action. Peep the clip below!

The powers that be at Santa Cruz are no strangers to crazy collabs and this Godzilla capsule is no exception! Whether you’re a fan of this iconic monster—during any era—or not, you have to admit that the boards look super sick and will surely have collectors going nuts. Like I said, they’re the ultimate wall-hangers…but after watching this clip, yeah, they look super fun to skate!

Head down to your local shop and cross your fingers—these planks and tees have been moving fast. Shoutout to Santa Cruz for constantly keeping things interesting. I certainly didn’t see this one coming…but here we are.

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Spitfire’s Latest Apparel Drop Now at Your Local Skate Shop

Spitfire’s latest apparel drop features embroidered hoodies, Bighead green cords (so sick), hooded flannels, slides, socks and a ton of other new Holiday apparel and accessories, and it’s all hitting your local skate shop as you read this. Take a look:

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Spitfire is known for making some of the best wheels in the game, but their latest drop of softgoods is equally impressive if you ask me. Their iconic Bighead graphic is one of the most recognized designs in all of skateboarding—stamp that on anything, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit. 

This new collection is stacked with gems that any fan of the brand will be hyped on. Time to update your wardrobe and load up your closet for the holiday season! And personally, I’m a huge fan of accessories. Those slides are calling my name. Same with the water bottle. But real talk—those green corduroy pants are straight up bangers. That’s the good green. 

Related: Spitfire and Dickies Skateboarding Join Forces on New Apparel Collection

If you look closely, you’ll notice a ton of subtle little details on some of these items that really make them what they are. It’s that attention to detail that makes all the difference, if you ask me. Again, we know these dudes know how to make some great wheels! So why not wave that Bighead flag extra high with some Spitfire apparel? Can’t go wrong. 

All these items and more are hitting skate shops across the globe as I write this. Roll down to your local and see it all—feel it all—in person. I’ll do the same. I don’t just want those slides. I need them. GTWYC!

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Pawnshop Skate Shop Teases First Look at Upcoming Vans Rowley Collaboration

Pawnshop, Geoff Rowley and Vans have a special collaboration in the works that is bound to get any skateboarder fired up. They recently hopped on Instagram to share a sneak peak of their new Rowley colorway and at first glance, the shoes look incredibly sick. This is major! Take a look:

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„Believe it or not this is real—Geoff Rowley x Vans x Pawnshop. The Rowley. We know our town has a ton of stories and history with this shoe… It’s time to make some new ones with the wing & wheel embroidered on the back of one of the most iconic skate shoes ever,“ Pawnshop wrote on Instagram. „The works almost done and this is the road crew that put in the hours. Thank you Vans Skateboarding. Release info soon.“

Related: New Skatepark Opens in Covina, CA Thanks to Pawnshop Skate Shop and Local Support

Rowley was in the comments of the post saying, „Thanks for the solid session. I needed it. Great store since forever!“ Real recognize real and Pawnshop is as real as it gets. Glad to know that Geoff and the Pawn squad went out there and put the shoes to the test the right way. 

As far as the branding, the subtle little wing and wheel hit on the heel is such a perfect touch. Doesn’t matter if your a Pawnshop local or living on the other side of the country—these shoes are for skateboarders, by skateboarders. And let’s be real…they just look sick! 

While I don’t know when the shoes will actually be available, you can bet I’ll keep my eyes peeled for more info. Shoutout to Pawnshop, Rowley and Vans for coming together and making something so rad. Great colorway. Great people. I have to imagine these things will be flying off the shelves. Get ready! 

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One Last Spook: Zero x House of Vista Drop 2024 Halloween Edit

While our costumes might be packed away in the closet until next year, here’s one final haunt from Zero and House of Vista skate shop with their 2024 Halloween session. Plenty of tricks, plenty of treats. Get there:

This session has become an annual thing and each year gets better and better. What else are skateboarders supposed to do on Halloween besides dress up and rip their local park? I’m a huge fan and personally, I’m bummed that I missed it. Hey, there’s always next year. This edit is definitely the next best thing. 

Related: Look: Zero’s New Halloween-Themed Collection Is Available Now

As far as costumes, there were some bangers this year. Looks like even The Joker (Kanaan Dern) popped in with his brother for a second. John-John’s UPS costume was fitting. Bob Ross always hits. Cowboys, clowns, scarecrows. Kurt’s Grinch costume killed and that dude who dressed up as Tommy Sandoval in demo mode looked almost identical (ha). 

Throw a classic Misfits track over it and it’s a done deal. 

Related: Get Your Limited Hand-Screened Misfits Deck From Zero Before They’re Gone

Well, for those die-hard Halloween enthusiasts out there, only 364 days until next year! Start planning your costume and make it a point to join your local Halloween session if and when you can. Shoutout to the Zero and House of Vista squad. These dudes are the real deal. Cheers you ghouls! 

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