Old School boards, not just for the wall.

Skateboarders today are no different then the skaters of the 70s and 90s. They are just as stoked to get on their board and kick around town spreading their style and showing their creativity in the world. They are also just as eager to allow this great form of self expression to drive their every waking moment. Forever will they be skateboarders.

For some of us, the lifestyle is not so cut and dry. We have jobs, families, and other obligations that limit us from being able to skate every day, or even every weekend. And while we are not as active as we once were, we are still here, and still just as eager to get to the skate spot as anyone else. But times are changing, today's skateboarding teenager will most likely have five years or more of experience under their belt are more advanced. They've grown up with a different set of pros to set the benchmark they judge themselves against. Also, there are countless organizations and businessess that have been created by skaters in order to introduce younger generations to skating. When the facts are combined, it is easy to see that older skaters are outgunned and outmanned. However, have no fear, you can still get your steez on without having to sacrifice your body or your credibility.

Old school boards, or fish tail boards, are direct descendants from the very first skateboards. In providing a larger surface area, as well as a kicktail, tricks became easier, more creative, and easier to control. The focus of skating moved from the seaside surf community to the streets of the city, and the kids that lived there. Using everything around them the first true street skaters, the likes of Mark Gonzales, Mike Vallely, and Ed Templeton, created a new genre of skating - and a new form of self expression. While street skating is still around, the tricks and style of earlier decades has become muted, gone from the focus of the industry as well as the skaters.

But all is not lost. In recent years older board designs have been reintroduced, even some newer boards, like those of Welcome, are influenced by older board designs. As more skaters become older, they realize their place in something that will outlive them, and hold to their heart the history of the sport that has defined them. This includes collecting memorabilia from years past, ads of their favorite skater, and skateboard decks that defined their era.

While some original old school decks should never be ridden, there are plenty of opportunities to reignite the passion for skating while paying tribute to the days of skaters past.  There are plenty of reproduction boards available that use modern construction techniques to recreate the same boards that house hold names, like Tony Hawk, got their start on.  While you may never be able to pull a hydrant spin like Natas, it is never too late to stall out that hand plant.

 

Buying an old school setup is as easy as buying any other board.  While your local skate shop may not have a variety in stock, site across the internet, as well as Amazon, carry any board you would wish to find.  Personally I ride a Suicidal Tendencies deck with Independent trucks and Santa Cruz Slimeball wheels. 

So, the next time you’re looking for something a little different at your local spot, take out that old school board.  Once everyone hears the distinct pop of that whale tail, there will be no doubt that a true follower of the craft is in the area, and that something unique – and relatively new – is about to happen.

 But all is not lost.  In recent years older board designs have been reintroduced, even some newer boards, like those of Welcome, are influenced by older board designs.  As more skaters become older, they realize their place in something that will outlive them, and hold to their heart the history of the sport that has defined them.  This includes collecting memorabilia from years past, ads of their favorite skater, and skateboard decks that defined their era.

While some original old school decks should never be rid