The Roots of Santa Cruz Skateboards
Santa Cruz Skateboards was born in 1973, brainchild of Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman from the heart of California’s surfer haven, Santa Cruz. Their journey into skateboards took a different route initially; with their surfboard making skills as employees at NHS, Inc., and on receipt of an order from Hawaiian manufacturers for skateboards, a switch began. That’s where it began: a brand soon to take a key place within skate culture.
A Brand that Defines a Culture
Santa Cruz Skateboards has been synonymous with creativity, rebellion, and innovation. By pioneering features such as concave decks and upturned noses in the 1980s, this brand revolutionized skateboard performance. The “Screaming Hand” logo, created by artist Jim Phillips, sums up the bold and expressive identity of this brand and is an emblem of skateboarding around the world.
A Lasting Cultural Influence
Santa Cruz has left an indelible mark on the culture of skateboarding by sponsoring iconic athletes such as Rob Roskopp, Jason Jessee, and Jeff Grosso. The brand’s graphics, blending vibrant colors with surreal designs, have made its products a canvas for self-expression. Santa Cruz Skateboards is more than a company; it’s a movement that continues to inspire the global skateboarding community.
Diverse Product Offerings
Santa Cruz Skateboards produces everything from professional-level decks and complete boards to cruisers and fashion apparel. The signature items include the series by Rob Roskopp and the Erick Winkowski Primeval deck, which speak highly of the brand’s quality and innovation, thus making them a collector’s item for skaters.
Collaborations That Resonate
The brand has forged iconic collaborations that blend skate culture with other creative realms. Most notable are the Santa Cruz x Thrasher collection, merging two legendary names in skateboarding, and the Godzilla 70th Anniversary series, where classic designs by Jim Phillips meet pop culture’s favorite monster. These projects show that Santa Cruz can keep things fresh while still paying homage to its roots.
A Vision for the Future
Santa Cruz Skateboards is powered by a desire to innovate while staying true to its roots in the culture. Continuing into the future, it aims to make the brand more globally relevant and to collaborate on game-changing projects to inspire a new generation of skateboarders. With over five decades of influence and creativity, Santa Cruz Skateboards continues to be a dynamic force within skateboarding as an expression of the sport and ever-evolving lifestyle.
