Making longboards – how it started…

When I was 10, my parents gave me a skateboard for Christmas. It had black grip tape, a white deck, black wheels, and trucks with red rails and a tail protector. I remember trying to learn tricks I saw in skate videos and magazines. Though I was never very good, I had fun skating around my Long Island neighborhood with friends. My real passion, however, was surfing.

I didn’t get into longboard skateboarding until later in life. Fast forward to my early 30s, living in New York City, far from the ocean. My wife bought me a longboard skateboard as a gift to ease the pain of being away from the waves. I’d ride it occasionally but never really loved the flow or shape of the board. A few years later, I found workshop space to dive back into woodworking, a hobby I love.

One day, I reminisced about the old longboards we rode in small waves as kids (9′ nose riders). Inspired by the beautiful grain pattern of some hardwoods I had and those old-school longboard memories, I decided to try shaping a longboard skateboard.

I quickly realized I didn’t know much about skateboard design. But like most things in my life, that wouldn’t stop me. I approached it like a surfboard, focusing on the shape of the deck, the rail profile, and the nose and tail details. The wheels, bearings, trucks, and wheelbase, while critical in skateboard design, were more of an afterthought.

After finishing that first board (which looked awesome but didn’t ride too well), I was hooked on the idea of creating and shaping a deck I wanted to ride.

I began designing different shapes, dimensions, deck layouts, and wheelbases. I researched standard and reverse kingpin trucks, wheel sizes and profiles, and bearing options. I experimented with different types of wood species and combinations to understand and test the flex, rideability, and durability of each deck. I researched and tested various grip options and application methods. I’d ask friends and even strangers to test my boards and provide feedback so I could continue evolving my designs. I’d go for a long cruise, and as I skated, I’d mentally note adjustments I wanted to make.

Looking back, I kind of fell down the rabbit hole and never looked back. To this day, I have a running list of ideas for new boards. I hope my passion for designing and making longboards never gets old, even as I do, and I continue longboarding!

Check out the latest set of production longboards!