Handcrafted form and function.

How We Do It

From rough lumber to the fun under your feet, our process is focused on an attention to detail and the idea that each longboard we make is the only board. Check out below to learn more about the materials and process that go into creating Deviate Longboards.

Step 1

Suppliers

Process/Materials

Deviate Longboards are hand made in Brooklyn, NY using the highest quality materials sustainably and responsibly sourced. We love hand made because it means continuous quality control. We approach each board we make like it’s the only board. Deviate Longboards are made using a mix of white ash and sapele given the hardness of these woods, the elasticity they provide when laminated together and the natural beauty of the grain patterns.

The Wood

The process starts at James’ favorite local hardwood dealer, Singh Hardwood in Far Rockaway, NY where James hand selects the furniture grade rough sawn white ash and sapele that will eventually become the fun under your feet. Singh is a great dealer to work with because they are passionate about what they do and extremely knowledgeable about the wood they sell and where they source it from. It’s an added bonus that James gets to check the surf conditions just down the block from Singh and maybe sneak out for a quick surf if conditions are right.

Milling

Once back at the shop, the stack of rough sawn wood is milled into the dimensions necessary for the longboard they will become. As the wood is milled, it reveals the unique and beautiful grain patterns that are not often visible in its rough sawn condition. By starting the process this way, James is able to make the best use of the wood to maximize the usable wood, limit waste and identify the best grain patters to highlight in each longboard.

Lamination

Deviate Longboard decks are constructed using a vertical lamination process. This involves gluing up the milled pieces of wood side by side to create the “blank” the decks will be shaped from. Each piece of milled wood is hand selected and laid out to create the blank in the desired dimensions based on the intended final longboard shape. This method uses multiple species of wood to capture the natural strength inherit in the wood’s grain to create artful and eye-catching grain patterns which are the signature of the Deviate Longboard decks. Because the grain pattern and coloring will vary, taking the time to carefully select each piece that will become the blank gives each deck its own unique look. The attention to detail in this part of the process is critical to producing the strong, beautiful and soulful rides you will enjoy on these longboards.

Shaping

Each board is shaped to its final dimensions using a combination of machine and hand tools. This process creates a look and feel that is unique to each longboard deck focused on maintaining the beauty of the wood its constructed from. Quality control of each deck occurs through out the shaping process as each board is shaped to ensure an aesthetic and feel that is outstanding.

Setup

Each Deviate Longboard is gripped using Lucid clear grip and is set-up with premium Paris trucks; ABEC 9 bearings and 65mm or 70mm 83A wheels. The combination of these trucks, bearings and wheels results in an easy and comfortable to ride longboard. Cruising down the street just became a whole lot more soulful.