Author Archives: Han

Nike SB Takes Us Behind the Design of the Futura Laboratories Dunk by Futura

Worlds collide. But not really! Legendary NYC artist Futura gives us a peak at the process behind the new Nike SB Futura Laboratories Dunk that recently dropped. Chances are if you’re here… you know the ones. 

From the gritty alleyway walls of New York to his personal touch on the iconic Nike SB Dunk silhouette, Futura’s influence and creativity are timeless and bold. This shoe has been the talk of the town this time around… and for good reason. Dive in:

„One of New York City’s artistic legends, Leonard McGurr a.k.a. Futura’s creative vision continues to evolve and influence—across medium, genre, and instinct,“ Nike tells us on their site. 

„With his iconic hand style at the center, his work eschews labels or context, despite being known as one of grafitti’s most-famous progenitors. From subway car fame of decades past, to prestigious gallery and museum exhibitions of the now, Futura’s pieces boldly reinterpret space through color, characters, and typography.“

Related: Watch: Nike SB Brings Out an All-Star Cast To Celebrate Their New Futura Laboratories Dunks

The Futura Laboratories Dunk has already hit skate shops worldwide and might still be available on the SNKRS app… but like most of these Dunk releases, if you snooze, you lose! Regardless, Futura is a real one and hearing him and Koston reminisce about the old days and beyond was a real treat. 

I co-own a shop in San Diego and saw these things fly off the shelf! In fact… they never even touched the shelf. Gone within the blink of an eye. To me, that says a lot about this collab. A lot of hard work and dedication goes into these releases. What’s next!? Who knows… but we’re ready. 

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SKATELINE: 05.21.2024

SKATELINE: 05.21.2024
Gary’s talkin‘ JP Souza’s Tropical Flavor part, Gabriel Summers‘ No White Flag part, Quasi’s Psychic Fracture video, Eric Koston, Guy Mariano, Shane O’Neill and more in today’s episode of Skateline. 

Comedian Bob Odenkirk Talks Skating, Acting, Comedy and More on Latest Hawk Vs. Wolf Podcast

Actor, comedian, screenwriter and star of Better Call Saul, Bob Odenkirk sits down with Tony Hawk and Jason Ellis on the latest Hawk Vs. Wolf podcast and talks about skating in the 70s, finding comedy, acting, writing, growing up in Illinois and a whole lot more. These guys always have the best guests! Check it out:

So, I just have to say… the older I get, the less surprised I am at the fact that so many people—from actors to musicians, professional athletes and beyond—“used to skate“ at one point in their life. Whether they were really into it, went through a phase or still find the time to push around a bit amongst their busy schedules, it’s always interesting to hear about their experiences with our beloved pastime.  

And even though Bob’s memories stem from a pre-Dogtown era (back when skateboards truly were just little wooden toys), seeing him hop on Tony’s board and catch a roll at the end of the episode was actually pretty rad to see. 

Related: Mark Gonzales Joins Tony Hawk in New York City for a Special Episode of Hawk Vs. Wolf

As a fan of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, this episode was pretty rad for a handful of reasons. (Did you know Bob was almost going to play Michael Scott on The Office? Look for the clips on IG!) It’s fun to watch these guys swap stories with each other, and I really respect how at one point, both Tony and Bob end up sharing some pretty personal family stories, too. 

Oh, and I love how David Cross just casually calls in the middle of the interview. Especially because Tony and Jason eagerly tell him to pick up—even though he doesn’t in time—and when Bob calls him back… no answer. I think we can all relate to that situation one way or another. His voicemail is pretty hilarious, though. 

Anyways, last week they had Gonz, this week Bob Odenkirk… like I said, they have the best guests! Thanks for giving us a little peak inside your lives, guys. Another great episode. I want to see Bob try the handstand next time, though. 

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Yardsale’s Postcard From LA Proves Just How Productive This Squad Truly Is

Bear Myles, Stanley Pradel, Kelvinas Litvinas, Alex Hatfield, Curtis Pearl, Cooper Latimer and Thaynan Costa recently spent two weeks in LA for Yardsale and clearly stayed busy the entire time. 

They hit us with a little video-postcard of sorts and everything from the soundtrack to the nonstop banging clips really makes this edit a gem. Press play and get stoked:

One thing about this squad is that you can always expect some serious heat from the streets whenever they’re in town. It’s hard to carve a path of your own in LA these days! All the best spots have been destroyed for years. The new ones have probably already been scoped by all the heavy hitters. And anything in between is probably a bust or, simply put… impossible to get even a few tries.

But these dudes clearly didn’t skip a beat and stayed as productive as possible during the two weeks they spent in the City of Angels. They even peppered in some sunsets and hijinx for good measure! Pink skies and palm trees for days. Wouldn’t be an LA trip without it, right?

Related: Yardsale’s ‘YS 3’ video: Skateboarding in Paris, London, Lisbon and more

I’m picking up what they’re putting down either way. Classic LA schoolyards. Curb cuts to dumpsters. House spots. Back alleys. And plenty of familiar favorites. Seems like all the boxes were checked here. They killed it yet again. Keep the hits coming!

Video / Dan Kreitem & Charlie Robinson

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My Kid Got A Skateboard As A Gift – What’s Next?

Tony Hawk famously said, “ I was nine years old when my brother gave me my first skateboard.” By age 12 he was winning amateur contests throughout California. At 14 he turned pro, and at 16 he was widely regarded as the world’s best competitive skateboarder.

First and foremost, congratulations! Your child just received one of the healthiest and most productive gifts a child can receive. Skateboarding truly nurtures a child’s development in many ways: creatively, physically, mentally, socially, and even spiritually. All while exposing your child to a diverse ecosystem of people, places, artworks and ways of life.

That being said, skateboarding is not the easiest activity to learn and parents often do not possess the skill themselves to get their child rolling in the right direction. Luckily for you, GOSKATE has the most comprehensive skateboarding guides to mastering the foundations of skateboarding so parents and their loved ones can get their kids skating in the safest and most fun ways possible.

In this article we’re going to go over the possible roots of how skaters are gifted a skateboard, where they come from and where you might look to in the near future to help improve your skate setup.

We will also go over some self-learning tips, like the time it takes and the amount of dedication needed to master the foundations of skating and to start learning harder tricks. We will also address some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) that many parents ask our instructors after receiving their first skateboards.

Last but certainly not least, we will also provide you with the pros of enrolling your child as a skateboard school student, the group class versus private lessons platforms and the pros and cons of all of the above.

It is our goal by the end of this article, you will have mapped out a positive and fun trajectory for your child to foster their love for skateboarding and maximize the benefits of this truly revolutionary gift.

Where do skateboards come from?

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The skateboarding industry is a multi billion dollar industry that is constantly in flux with new brands, skate shops, skate parks and even skate media outlets. There is always constant change and new skaters and companies entering the fold, so it can be hard for first time skaters to know where their skateboard even came from.

That being said, skateboards generally come from 1 of 3 places:

Your Local Skate Shop

Online Skateboard Order

Local Sports Retail Store
So let’s go over them.

Your Local Skate Shop

Supporting your local skate shop is always going to be the best option for buying a skateboard. Many skate shops are struggling to make ends meet and as cornerstones of the community, we should always strive to support them. It’s also a great place to make friends and meet other skaters in your community. There will also be dozens of skateboards for you to inspect and choose from right there in front of you. You can literally hold and touch the skateboards and check out the different shapes and sizes. Many skate shops will even let you stand on the blank deck or hold a board for a few days. That being said, not everyone has access to skate shops, so that brings us to our next point.

Online Skateboard Order

Ordering your skateboard online is a great way to get exactly what you want at an affordable price. The main con is you don’t get to inspect the skateboard prior. However once you love a brand and their skateboards, you can rest assured consistency. That being said, over the years it has been difficult to find online retailers who match that consistency or have skateboards tailored to beginners who might not know what they need. That is precisely why GOSKATE created the beginner skateboard package. Sourced from the highest quality 7-layer ply maple skateboards and polyurethane wheels. Check us out.

Local Sports Retail Store

For many skaters throughout the 90’s and 00’s –it wasn’t uncommon for parents to have no idea where they were going to get their skateboards from. They often would go to the local sports retails store like a Target or a Walmart. You hear countless stories from pro skaters admitting their first skateboard was a “Walmart Board.” That being said, local sports retail stores have really upped their game. You can see in our article here on the 10 Best Complete Skateboards to Buy Online, how brands like Red Bull and Element skateboards now offer affordable alternatives to more expensive high end boards. This is a great option for young kids who might not be fully in love with skating but if your child does show a real interest in skating, these boards generally fall short in longevity and will need to be replaced quickly.

How to Improve Your Skateboard?

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Building a skateboard from scratch can seem like a jigsaw puzzle at first but shortly after, you come to realize it’s a unique way to customize your skateboarding experience and skater expression.

Also, the different parts of a skateboard have different life spans. A skateboard deck might last you only a few weeks or months, whereas a good pair of skateboard trucks and wheels can last years.

Here are some lifespans for some skateboard supplies and how you can improve them:

Wheels: Your skateboard wheels can last up to several years but generally have a lifespan from 3 months to two years. However, lower quality wheels will be slow, groggy and slippery. If that is the case you need to upgrade to a reputable brand.

Trucks: Your skateboard trucks have the longest life-span of any part of your skateboard and if your kingpin breaks they can be replaced for under $10. That being said, some skateboards will opt for low quality trucks. You should always strive for high quality trucks that fit your skateboard size correctly. This is why shopping in person is great or using our free skateboard size calculator.

Bearings: Bearings are probably the hardest thing to shop for and to determine lifespan. Much of this will depend on budget and how well you take care of your skateboard and how mindful you are of what you skate through. A good rule of thumb is to replace your bearings once you notice your wheels are no longer spinning well or make a dramatic squeaking sound. This usually happens once or twice a year but in reality, bearings can be replaced as frequently as decks.

Deck: A skateboard deck is the most common thing to be replaced as the wood and the proximity to obstacles that wear and tear your skateboard. That being said, there are other factors that go into it as well. You might have left your board in the car and the laminate might start to warp. You could have rode through water and water-logged your board or maybe a runaway skateboard ran into a wall and chipped its nose. Whatever the case may be, a skateboard deck is replaced as frequently as your leisure. Pro skaters might replace their skateboard every session, whereas someone like the author of this article will replace their skateboard deck every 2-3 months or so.

Grip Tape: Your griptape is an ambiguous one, since it can be quite difficult to replace grip tape and there are not many reasons why one would want to. But if you left your board out in the sun and it got sun spots, or maybe you spray painted your board so much there’s no more grip, or even if you spilled something on your grip that is affecting your slide, you can replace your grip as soon as the accident happens.

Hardware: When skating, you might lose a piece of hardware. This is not uncommon especially if you didn’t get your board set up by a professional. That being said, many skaters at the skatepark will have an extra or you can pop into your local shop to grab a spare as well. Otherwise, you generally won’t be buying hardware unless you get a new complete or pair of trucks.

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The Best Self-Learning Tips Sourced from GOSKATE Instructors

The term self-learning is an ambiguous one, since you will always be drawing inspiration as a skater from those around you and the places you skate. But how you learn tricks and how you have fun is entirely up to the skater and their determination. This is why skateboarding helps hone a do-it-yourself attitude in young people and teaches them how to persevere in the face of physical and mental obstacles.

Have fun!

This might seem like a no brainer but the truth of the matter is, skateboarding can be quite scary, frustrating or intimidating for new skaters. The best way around this is to always remember it’s about having fun. It’s not about scoring points, beating records, or anything stressful other sports might add to the mix. It’s about being outside with your friends and learning a new skill at your own pace and comfort.
“The number one rule for getting better at skating in my opinion, is having fun,” says Jacob Wielder, a skate instructor from Connecticut. “If you’re having fun, you’ll want to skate. The more you skate the more tricks you will want to learn.”

Skate with friends

“What really helped me get better at skating was skating with my friends. They motivate me when they learn new tricks and we play S.K.A.T.E. everyday,” Riley tells us, a student from New Jersey.
Skateboarding with others is a great way to get better at skating. Sometimes it takes someone at your level to help you unlock new tricks and being at the skatepark with friends will also make you more confident. If you don’t have many skaters in your area, book a lesson with one of our instructors or better yet one of our group classes to meet other kids your age.

Don’t compare yourself to others

The level at which you get better at skating is different for all people. Some people might naturally have more confidence or less fear when first learning how to skate. Others might need to take their time. What matters is you understand skateboarding is more like an artform in this respect, comparing yourself to others is pointless because everyone skaters differently. Many skaters will quit at some point, so take your time and be yourself. The skaters who stick with it have learned not to compare themselves and to find the joy in every skater’s abilities no matter their skill level.

“I love how each skater has their own set of skills and strengths,” says Matthew Pillet, our instructor from the Maryland area. “It’s really cool to see the kids conquer their fears as well. It’s like they had no idea they could do something but once they try it unlocks this whole new confidence to try other tricks.”

Follow Skate Media & Watch Skate Tutorials

One of the best ways to get better at skateboarding is to digest skate media and watch skateboarding tutorials. Many experts have YouTube channels or online tutorials on how to learn new tricks specifically tailored to new skaters.

The Most Common FAQs from New Skaters and their Parents

Oftentimes our parents will stay for the duration of the classes and just like their kids who grow in interest, they ask our instructors specific questions to help foster their child’s passion and growth as a skater.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions so you can hear from what our instructors have to say about new skaters.

My kid got a skateboard as a gift, what’s next?

Obviously, this is the title of our article and there are plenty of answers via its content. But in reality, many parents don’t know what to do next. We suggest first and foremost to take your kids to an empty flat space, where they can stand on a skateboard for the first time and get familiar with rolling on wheels. From there, booking a private lesson with one of our skate instructors in the safest and most fun way possible for your child to master the foundations of skateboarding and get rolling in the right direction – literally.

How do I know if my child has a good skateboard?

This frequently asked question is arguably the most important one. It is next to impossible to know if your child has a good skateboard if you never skated yourself. A few sure signs are however: counting the plys of your deck and making sure it has seven layers. Making sure the wheels spin for at least 25 seconds on their own ensures good bearings and wheels. Your trucks should have a logo on them and not just be stock trucks. In general, it is really about the brand you choose and where you sourced the skateboard from which we provided the proper tips above.

Is my child’s skateboard the right size?

Thankfully, we have a Free Skateboard Size Calculator for you to answer this question with ease. However, many skate moms and dads will buy their child a mini board or a penny board. We advise to avoid penny boards and longboards and go with either a mini skateboard from a reputable brand or our GOSKATE Beginner Skateboard Package.

Where can I buy a used skateboard?

Many parents think skateboards are like a surfboard or a snowboard and generally can be bought and used. This is not the case. However, you can go into a skate shop or ask your friends if they have a used deck or wheels. They generally hold onto them for times like these and to pay it forward.

Do they sell skateboards at skate parks?

This is another one of those questions that depends on where you are in the skate world. If you go to a big commercial indoor skatepark, many of them will have skate shops inside where you can buy and rent skate supplies. To see if there is one in your area, check out our GOSKATE Skatepark Directory. In general however, most public skateparks do not have a skate shop on site.

Does my child’s height affect skateboard size?

In very rare cases, a child’s height will affect the size of the skateboard. But again, it is only between two choices: a mini skateboard or a standard size skateboard. All children will eventually graduate to a standard size skateboard either way. Shoe size and preference affect the size of a skateboard more than anything.

What is the best way for my child to learn to skateboard?

The best way for your child to learn how to skateboard is by having fun! And of course but doing it safely. That is why we recommend booking with one of our skate school programs either via private lesson or group lesson. Check out our next section of our article for all the details.

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Enrolling Your Child in Skate Schools

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Enrolling your child in a skate class or skate school is the surest way to accelerate their passion and skill for skateboarding. In enrolling your child, you essentially compliment every factor that leads to your child learning faster, having more fun and being safer while riding a skateboard. However, it can be hard to know if you should book a group class or a private lesson. So let’s take a deeper look into both and their pros and cons.

Group Classes Vs Private Lessons

A group class usually consists of 2-10 students all skating at a skatepark with either one instructor or two instructors. Obviously, a private lesson is one on one with an instructor. Both have pros and cons and we’re going to break them down to see which one better fits your child.

Pros and Cons of Group Classes

Let’s start with the pros:

The pros of group classes are naturally the social aspect your child will benefit from. Being with other kids, generally at the same skill level and age, will be much like an after school program where your child can make peers and friends. This will also be naturally diverse, as skateboarding attracts all types of people no matter their age, gender or ethnic background.

Competition is also a pro of learning how to skate in a group setting. Some kids are naturally competitive or at the very least want to do what their friends are doing. “If they can do it, I can do it.” Students will naturally encourage one another to do tricks and even teach one another how to skate.

Group classes are a great way to meet other parents who have kids passionate about skateboarding. You can share your knowledge with each other and learn about other skateparks and ways in which your child can foster their love for skateboarding.

Let’s take a look at some cons:

Some of the cons of skating in a group class setting mainly center around the fact your child doesn’t get the special one on one instruction they might need to learn tricks. Not every child does well in social situations when trying something new and might need a more hands on approach and special instruction.

Another con is some kids might begin to compare themselves to others or feel intimidated. While this is natural for some kids, it is also natural for them to conquer these fears and really grow from accomplishing riding a skateboard. As long as they don’t quit and have fun, they will certainly outgrow these cons and become confident skaters.

Pros and Cons of Private Lessons

Let’s start with the pros:

Booking a one-on-one private lesson is the surest way your child will receive the attention they need to master the foundations of skating in a tailored curriculum. It’s much like learning in a classroom. Some students might benefit from one-on-one tutoring versus a classroom environment where a teacher has to spread the lesson laterally.

The safest your child can be while riding a skateboard is under the supervision of our GOSKATE instructors. No attention to detail goes unnoticed and they are specifically trained to always keep your child’s safety as the top priority while teaching. This doesn’t just mean on their skateboard but their interactions at the skatepark in totality.

Let’s talk about some cons:

The biggest con about a private lesson is skaters will miss out on the group activity factor and socialization. While this might be true at the beginning, eventually just being at the skatepark will lead to your child making friends. But sometimes showing up with an instructor might deter those kids if they are intimidated by an older skate instructor. This is rare but it does happen sometimes.

Every kid remembers their first skateboard, where it came from, who gave it to them, what brand it was, the graphic and everything perfectly imperfect about it.

You hear countless recounted tales from Pro skaters of how their first skateboard was gifted to them (usually by an older brother). But nonetheless, this life-altering moment is a moment in time a skater never forgets. The best part is you don’t have to be a pro skater to experience this exact feeling. Go out, get your skateboard, get your friends and GOSKATE!

The post My Kid Got A Skateboard As A Gift – What’s Next? appeared first on Goskate.com.

The post My Kid Got A Skateboard As A Gift – What’s Next? appeared first on Goskate.com.

Adidas New Video ‚Fill the Hole in Yr Heart‘ is a Nod to Fun, Self-Expression and Raw Skateboarding

The crew at Unity Skateboards has always been about coming together and being who you are in skateboarding. And adidas new video, “Fill the Hole in Yr Heart” is a nod to just that—fun, self-expression and of course, skateboarding. Check it out:

With clips from Maité Steenhoudt, Shag, Vitória Mendonça, Marbie, Shy’kiel, Jeffrey Cheung and friends, there’s a little something for everyone in here that is bound to get you fired up to hit the streets with your squad. 

In fact, a few of these spots looked pretty heavy. There were definitely a few surprises in there. Say what you want, but I’m backing it. Their excitement and stoke is absolutely infectious. Haters will always be haters, but who cares—just go skate! 

Related: Heitor Da Silva Absolutely Shines in adidas Skateboarding’s New Video ‚HEJTOR‘

Unity does an incredible job inspiring countless skaters to be confident and simply get out there and rip. They give and do so much for so many folks! And at the end of the day, that’s exactly what it’s all about. Keep an open mind. Have some fun. Again… just go skate!

Nice work to all involved. Keep the hits coming. 

Check some of Unity’s latest gear here!

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Natas Kaupas and Grant Brittain Relive the Venice Beach Days in Celebration of NB# 480 Remix

Straight from the streets of Dogtown, Natas Kaupas and legendary lensman, J. Grant Brittain stroll around Venice Beach to reminisce about the days that basically started it all to celebrate the New Balance x Natas 480 High Remix kicks (that just dropped in skate shops today, May 17th).

Decades of friendship… decades of inspiration. This epic link up is something we didn’t realize we needed until it happened. So rad! Take a look:

If only those curbs and banks could talk! There two made so much photographic magic over the years—countless, timeless stills that truly live rent free in so many of our minds—and hearing the stories that made these moments is really awesome. 

And I love how humble Natas is talking about the frontside 360 off the ledge. That was a huge deal in the 80s. Ultimately, just seeing them wandering around Venice and Santa Monica is a treat in itself, though. These two have been handling biz for so long and continue to inspire skateboarders (and aspiring photographers) all the same. 

Related: Natas Kaupas Puts His Personal Touch on the Iconic New Balance 480 High Silhouette

As mentioned, the New Balance 480 Highs remixed by Natas are officially on skate shop walls across the country starting today, May 17th. They’ll be online this coming Monday, May 20th. The nostalgia is so real. Honestly, though, seeing them on Natas makes them look even better than images of them by themselves! Right!?

Thank for the trip down memory lane, dudes! And thanks for the decades of inspiration. 

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JESUS IN the GARDEN by WAYNE “OT”

jesus in the garden wayne ourthings custom skateboard graphics hand drawn

You really can create a skateboard graphic out of anything! Wayne “OT” (OurThings Custom), designed this Featured Deck, Jesus In the Garden, on repurposed priority mail labels. “It is mixed media with Coptic markers, black pencil, metallic ink, gold leaf, actual rosary medallions, Swarovski crystals, metal flakes, [and] six coats of gloss… [It’s a] modern take on [a] biblical story. I was sick of skating off-the-shelf boards and started creating my own designs. Most are not designs you would grind a pool with, but pop on the walls of my casa. I have hundreds of original decks and decided to share them with others so they can enjoy.”

You can also create a skateboard graphic anywhere… “This board was created in the front seat of my pickup truck and [seedy] motels. All my artwork is created on the road in… motels or in my pickup, it’s a total release from my day job and totally refreshes my soul.”

Head to BoardPusher.com/ourthingcustoms to purchase Jesus In the Garden, or any of Wayne’s skateboard graphics, including 3-deck series, and follow him on Instagram @deagonfrost.

If you can design it, we can help you make it a custom skateboard graphic at BoardPusher.com. Follow us @boardpusher to see how others are creating their own skateboards.

The post JESUS IN the GARDEN by WAYNE “OT” appeared first on Boardpusher Blog.

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