The Chrome Industries 415 Urban Work Boot promises to be waterproof while offering a “sneaker-like” fit. It is really a work boot in the sense that John Travolta was really an “Urban Cowboy,” which is to say it could be used for work but is really meant to be an everyday shoe for flat pedal cycling, skateboarding and just heading to work in wet, slushy late winter/early spring weather. It is a hybrid of a shoe and boot and is ideal for those urban adventures.
Tag: Skateboard
Recycled Skate Decks
We’ve seen companies such as MapleXo turn used skateboards into sunglasses and iPhone cases, but apparently other companies are looking to ensure that old skate decks don’t end up in landfills. Streetwear maker Diamond Supply Co. is launching its own mini-accessory line that includes an iPhone 5 case and companion sunglass frame.
These products are made from 100 percent recycled skateboard wood, and feature the words “BRILLIANTLY CRAFTED” etched onto the frames. Brilliant and sustainable.
Weekend Reading List (03.02.2013): Kabul Skateboards, E-Bike Increase in Europe, Goal Tech
Kabul Skateboards
From Good Is: Students of DIY Workshop Make First Skateboards in Afghanistan
Skateistan began as a Kabul-based NGO, and now operates projects in Afghanistan, Cambodia, and Pakistan, with a second facility opening in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan, in 2013. Skateistan focuses on reaching out to girls and working children, using skateboarding as a tool for developing leadership opportunities, and building friendship, trust, and social capital among its students. While skateboarding is the initial way to get students involved, Skateistan is then able to provide access to education and platforms for self-expression that help break the cycles of poverty and exclusion. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (03.02.2013): Kabul Skateboards, E-Bike Increase in Europe, Goal Tech
Made in America: Light Board
At the recent SIA Snow Show Light Bohrd showed off its lighted snowboard, but now comes word that the company is also introducing a lighted skateboard. This is a bright idea especially for skaters who look to hit the streets after the sun goes down. The Urban Commuter Longboard is made in Texas and will riders to make a statement while being seen.
Fat Ride
There are skateboards made for the half pipe but that’s just part of the skate scene. The Loaded Boards Chubby Unicorn is meant for downhill/freeride, where the experience is a bit more like snowboarding on the streets. The name reportedly came from the fact that the “unicorn” was somewhat mythical – as was this board given its long production time. The Chubby part of the moniker comes from its wide, flat stance.
Either way this serious deck took some serious design chops to get it to reality. Loaded Boards reportedly used 3D mapping to develop the board, which features ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene that is commonly found in snowboards, along with CNC routed grab rails.
In other words this is so much than just a wooden deck and wheels. This is a revolution of skateboard technology for a new type of skateboarding. Video after the jump
Snap Skateboard Goes Long
Earlier this year we heard about the SNAP Skateboard, the world’s first folding skateboard. Now the company has gone long by introducing a longboard version. The folding ability makes carrying a longboard – which can range from 38- to 44-inches – a little easier. It features four high-strength hinges that fasten to the deck and allow the board to folds to just 19-inches, so it can be stashed in a backpack or gym bag.
Bamboo Yacht(z)
We’ve seen bamboo used as a material of choice for a number of products and now Land Yachtz skateboards has jumped on board with its Bamboo Stout. This is one of the smaller bamboo decks the company offers, making it an easy one to carry around when it isn’t being ridden.
Of course the riding is what it is all about and the bamboo gives this a nice bounce, while the shorter wheel base makes it easy for quick turns. The deck’s artwork is by Jon Fox and is one that will certainly turn heads as well.
Find the Spot
Need to find the best place to skate or snowboard? The Spot Digger app will help you out. This location based social mobile app and Internet service lets users search, find, share and rate the best places to skateboard or snowboard. Favorites can be added to the map, and users can even create content for the site and app by adding their own spots.
The concept for this app came about when the founders became frustrated when trying to find places to hit the decks in distant lands. The solution was to create a social network that could be accessed through an app. Video after the jump
Weekend Reading List (10.13.2012): Magic of Ti, Green Sports, Final Film, Running Disasters
Magic Metal
From BikeRadar: What is titanium?
Titanium is a metal that has an atomic number of 22 and its chemical element symbol is Ti – which is fitting, as many people in the bike industry often refer to titanium as ‘ti’. This metal doesn’t weigh as much as gold, but like that precious metal it’s corrosion-resistant and can be lustrous in a refined state. And unlike gold or silver, titanium is as strong as steel when properly processed. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (10.13.2012): Magic of Ti, Green Sports, Final Film, Running Disasters
Electrify Your Deck
Riding a skateboard can be fun, unless you’re riding it to commute somewhere, in which case one foot will probably feel might tired by the time you get to your destination. We’ve seen a lot of efforts to bring some power to the decks, but most require purchasing a brand new board.
Florida-based RedRock Boardshop is looking at this from a different angle and is looking to produce a powered LaGrange L1 truck, which basically can transform any board into a motorized and electric skateboard. Users can replace one of their existing trucks with the L1 or even build a deck up from scratch. The truck has a built-in 3,200 (4.3horsepower) brushless motor along with a speed controller, both of which are powered by a 10 amp-hour rechargeable battery. Video after the jump
Motor Board
Boosted Boards is looking to roll out what it claims to be the absolutely lightest electric vehicle on the planet, which isn’t much of a surprise as it is essentially a motorized skateboard. The company claims that it can hit speeds up to 20mph, and handle grades up to 15 percent. It can run six miles on a single charge, which could make it an option for daring commuters.
And it is still a true skateboard with serious bearings and other components – which help justify the $1,200 price point. The Boosted Board is currently looking at Kickstarter campaign to raise funds and get a boost to bring this thing out. Video after the jump
Skateistan Book Chronicles Skateboarding in Afghanistan
While many American skateboarders probably feel that are unnecessary restrictions in the United States – such as a ban in the West Hills of Portland, Oregon and a new Laguna Beach ordinance that requires youths riding a skateboard to wear a helmet – skateboarding was an activity that was essentially banned nation-wide in Afghanistan under the Taliban.
It wasn’t that the Taliban actually singled out skateboarding but that all forms of sport were restricted or banned. However the new book Skateistan: The Tale of Skateboarding in Afghanistan chronicles how the group – known as Skateistan – was founded by Australian Oliver Percovich, who first traveled to Afghanistan in early 2007. He had traveled to the country with three skateboards and what began as informal skateboarding lessons with local children turned into a project that saw the construction of the Skateistan park in 2009. Video after the jump
Sony Debuts its Action Sports HD Video Cam
Looking to get into the action of point-of-view video, Sony introduced its Action Cam HDR-AS10 HD video camera with Wi-Fi capability. The compact camera mounts with an adhesive to flat and curved surfaces. This means you can mount it to a helmet, handlebar, ski, snowboard, surfboard, skateboard or other object to capture all the action. Continue reading Sony Debuts its Action Sports HD Video Cam