Skateboard | Evolving Consumer

Trashin’ Deck

While skateboarders may like to “thrash” one skateboard company is instead looking to trash. Bureo Skateboards has picked up on the old adage that one man’s trash is another’s treasure and the company is looking to reduced the plastic pollution along Chile’s coastline while at the same time producing new skateboards.

The company is among 85 businesses that were accepted out of 1,300 applicants into Start-Up Chile, a government-sponsored accelerator program that provides these start-ups with $40,000 to get rolling. Bureo Skateboards was reportedly the only non-technology based company accepted into the program but clearly its message struck a nerve with someone.

North¬eastern alumnus Ben Kneppers is the company’s co-founder, and he previously received $10,000 in gap funding from IDEA, the Northeastern student-run venture accelerator. Thanks to this Bureo team has made it their mission to make a difference and contribute to the fight against plastic pollution in the oceans, while providing innovative skateboards on lane.

Bureo Skateboards
[Via news@Northestern: From plastic pollution to sustainable skateboards]

Made in America: Back to Nature

Go old school with the Natural Log Skateboards, which are hand crafted in San Diego from either vertical grain bamboo or recycled oak with two internal layers of tri-axial fiberglass for added strength. An Entropy Resins Super Sap epoxy will provide protection for the deck and add some bounce.

While these look vintage these boards should endure the test of time.

Natural Log Skateboards

Get Your Skate and Leather On

Leather isn’t something you typically need for surfing and not really for skating, but that hasn’t stopped Leatherman from announcing a new line of pocket tools designed specifically for both sets of action sports. This follows the company’s new line of snowboard tools that were rolled out earlier this year.

The Grind and Jam pocket tools are aimed at the skateboarders while the Thurster and Shooter are for those who like to catch some waves. The former are designed to be carried or clipped on a belt, and feature flat and Phillips head screwdrivers, file, bottle openers, multiple open ended wrenches, hex driver, truck key and carabiner – in other words all the things to do some work on the board while on the go.

The surf tools feature bottle openers, bit drivers, wax comb, spring hooks, a lanyard hole, easy outs and a rubber bit holder.

With these tools small repairs won’t let the good times end.

Leatherman Official Website
[Via Gizmag: Leatherman announces new pocket tools for skaters and surfers]

Nike’s Pole(r) Dancing

Nike has put its best forward in so many sports that we’re not sure how many feet it actually has, but the company has looked to get on deck as well with the Poler x Nike Braata Sneakers. This partnership brings Nike know-how along with Poler Outdoor Stuff camouflage for shoes that don’t so much blend in as totally stand out.

The Nike Braata skateboarding shoe is available in three camo patterns including classic camo, night camo and now the autumn camo.

Poler x Nike Braata Sneaker Official Website

Hen Pecked

If you live to skate then why not look to step up with some serious looking wheels for the board. The Lil Red Hen Skateboard Wheels, which are currently be developed via a Kickstarter project by Steven Troy Devote of Redlands California, are solid aluminum wheels/hubcaps that offer replaceable polyurethane treads.

The result is a lightweight, durable set of wheels that are ready to roll and look good in the process! Video after the jump

Put a Brake On It

Skateboards can get going really fast and can pick up some serious speed. The Disc Brakes for Longboard project on Kickstarter is devising a system to slow it down. As noted by the name this essentially adds a braking system to boards.

This brake design, which was devised by Benjamin Newman, consists of two independent core clutches; an outer aluminum drum that is lined with friction material while an inner core is made of stainless steel. A pair of spring-loaded levers can be used to apply the brakes.

Unlike foot braking or power-sliding this doesn’t require the same level of riding skill, and more importantly can be used on hill descents or on flats. It can even be retro-fitted to existing boards, while pushing and sliding are not affected by the braking system. Video after the jump

Slide With Longboard Gloves

Longboarding is a skateboarding hybrid, yet with different demands. The longer and more flexible board is more geared for speed than tricks, and requires a very agile balance. Handling on the longboard often requires riders to lean into a curve, and even use their hands to help steer. Of course that means those hands need to be well protected. A new line of longboard gloves from MH Gloves Sports offers protection, and padding that helps you slide. Continue reading Slide With Longboard Gloves

Won’t Fade Away

Some things just fade away, but that’s not what the designers of the FADER Boards hope will happen with their Kickstarter project, which is looking to help roll out a new line of skateboards. Part of the idea is to look cool with LED lights to allow skating at night.

However, this is only part of what Kramer Kitty is hoping to do with his FADER boards. He’s been creating a simple board that can be used to “cruise” as a means of transportation. In many cases he was recycling old decks to create new boards. He is now looking to provide free boards and even roller blades to struggling communities. All was going well, until he received a notice from the city calling for him to stop making boards in his garage.

Now he’s turning to crowd funding to help have the boards made in California and get his business rolling. Continue reading Won’t Fade Away

Skateboard Class

Green Bay middle students won’t be allowed to ride skateboards in class, but they’ll be able to learn to build them from scratch. While some students will opt to use the boards, others are in to test their design and graphic art skills.

Art teacher Sara Tlachac reportedly thought it was a way to get students working with their hands to create something unique, and more importantly that they could even use. Certainly beats the papier-mâché animals we made in class!

[Via NBC26: Partners in Education: Skateboard Making Class]

Skater’s Car Rack

There are plenty of racks for skis, bikes and even snowboards, but skaters are typically left to toss the board in the trunk and go. Lacey Carlson of Provo, Utah had another idea and is looking to Kickstarter to help produce the Longboard/Skateboard car rack, which can help organize two or three boards and reduce the clutter. Video after the jump

Board Pack

A backpack can help you carry your stuff while you ride the skateboard, but the Concrete Native: The Action Sports Backpack can also be used to carry the board when you get to your destination.

This bag can carry longboards and even snowboards. It is made of an abrasive resistant material to prevent griptape wear and sliding, while the ergonomic backstraps make this comfortable to wear. There is a water bottle pocket, padded laptop sleeve and even “suicide door” side pockets to allow for quick access to those things you need to get at quickly. Video after the jump

Board Rack

Leaving a skateboard on the floor anywhere in the house is a recipe for disaster. Jeff Stout, who apparently enjoys skateboards and snowboards, had a bright idea and recently took his Wall Mounted Board Rack concept to Kickstarter.

Why not store snowboards and skateboards – possibly even surfboards – in a special rack that could be mounted in a garage, basement or even living room. That latter could turn down various boards and decks into a type of art display. Simple idea, but a cool one at that. Video after the jump

Weekend Reading List (07.20.2013): Head Studies, Board Builder, Kit or Gear?

Head Studies

From The Chronicle of Higher Education: A Brain Gone Bad
Researchers clear the fog of chronic head trauma

The first thing Patient 53 saw as he walked in was a red football helmet. A groan rattled through his vending-machine-sized frame. “The last thing I want to see,” he said, “is a football helmet..” Continue reading Weekend Reading List (07.20.2013): Head Studies, Board Builder, Kit or Gear?