Midnight garage bombin’ on my custom LBL Penguin (click on image above to view larger). Photo: David Marano.
One of the raddest and most distinct features of this growing section of longboard skateboarding is that of the custom skateboard builder. I’m talking about builders such as Larry Peterson of Longboard Larry and Scott Moore of Subsonic Skateboards, and that’s just naming two of the many. Custom builders, like these, bring us back to the roots and essence of what it’s all about: skateboards for skateboarders, by skateboarders. Through creating each skateboard one at a time, and allowing the individual rider to have input into the building process, they provide every board with the attention it deserves and thus allowing the process to remain focused where it should be: on quality, detail, refinement, performance, and distinction. I’m not sayin’ that the large brands don’t make great skateboards—they definitely do—but if you’ve ever had a board shaped specifically for you and your style, then you know there is a certain pride and confidence built into that unique skateboard which is somewhat inexplicable, yet wholly undeniable.
My custom, hand built LBL “Penguin” deck, made and signed by Larry Peterson himself. Stoked! Photo: Marcus Bandy.
There are those out there that might say: “Bro, who cares about some rando dude building boards in his basement!” But my response to such a comment would be, firstly, blow me!, and secondly, in a community which is everyday becoming more and more commodified, and driven by a mass-market mentality, products made for and by the dudes that actually skate them are increasingly and forever significant. Again, I’m not saying that we need to go with some all-out, hippy-dippy-, hug-my-tree-stump-mentality. In fact, some of the raddest brands of today are the custom builders of yesterday. All’s I’m sayin’ is that I believe in the power of skateboarders making their own shit. Individuality is critical and being a creator is empowering. No matter who gets involved in our scene moving forward, and no matter what or how strong the draw may become to turn our attention and resources elsewhere; we should forever save a space at our table for those lone wolfs, those earth rim roamers, those wacky dudes that build the boards we love to ride. Custom skateboard builders were here when it was simply about Passion and they will be here when Passion is all that’s left. Skateboarding—fuck yeah!
[If you are a custom skateboard builder and are not listed above, please don’t get your panties bunched in a scrunchy; simply leave your info in the comment section below so we can all peep your boards and get stoked on ’em. Thank yee kindly!]
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