Creating a uniquely ergonomic and functional freeride deck

Spring 2013

When I got more interested in freeride longboarding, I wanted to make an ideal board for my unique needs. I wanted to combine the stability and slide release of a lowered standing platform with the crisp control of a topmount. As usual in my board designs, I was trying to do something that no board company had tried at the time. I stared with sketches and google sketchup mockups of how the board would look to fine tune the truck and wheel clearance and get an overall look of the board.

I used hand sculpted laminated nose and tail layers added on the top of the board to give amazing foot pockets for excellent control, while eliminating wheel clearance issues of a drop thru. If a riders feet slip towards the wheels, they can hit the wheels during a turn or slide, making for an instant fall. By adding these extra layers, I got the extra height of a dropdeck or topmount but kept the deck height low.

Designing the graphic, I wanted something unique and simple. I gave the board a rustic graphite powder rub to emphasize the texture of the wood, and give it a well used look right out of the shop. No worrying about scratching a perfect shiny board.

The completed board proved to be a joy to ride, and helped me improve my freeride abilities. Nylon nose guards prevent any chipping on the tip and tail of the board.