Tuesday, February 28, 2023

History Of Etnies Shoes

 Etnies is a footwear and clothing brand that specializes in skateboarding shoes. It was founded in 1986 by Pierre André Senizergues, a French professional skateboarder, in Lake Forest, California. The company was initially called Etnics, but it later changed its name to Etnies.

Etnies was one of the first skateboard shoe companies to be owned and operated by a professional skateboarder. The brand quickly gained popularity in the skateboarding community for its innovative designs and durable construction.

In the early 1990s, Etnies expanded its product line to include clothing and accessories. The brand continued to grow throughout the decade and became a major player in the skateboarding industry.

In 1998, Etnies became part of Sole Technology, Inc., a company that also owns the footwear brands Emerica and éS. Under Sole Technology's ownership, Etnies continued to innovate and expand its product line, introducing new technologies and collaborations with professional skateboarders and artists.

Today, Etnies is a globally recognized brand that is sold in over 80 countries. The company is committed to sustainability and has launched several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as using recycled materials in its products and implementing eco-friendly manufacturing processes.

DC Shoe Company History

 DC Shoes is an American footwear company founded in 1993 by Ken Block and Damon Way. The company specializes in producing shoes and clothing for skateboarding, snowboarding, and other action sports.

Ken Block and Damon Way were both skateboarders who wanted to create a shoe company that catered to the needs of skateboarders. They started the company with the help of Way's brother, professional skateboarder Danny Way.

DC Shoes quickly gained popularity in the skateboarding community due to its innovative designs and high-quality materials. The company's shoes were known for their durability and comfort, making them a favorite among skateboarders.

In 2004, DC Shoes was acquired by Quiksilver, a leading surf and skate apparel company. Under Quiksilver's ownership, DC Shoes expanded its product line to include clothing, accessories, and gear for snowboarding and other action sports.

In 2019, Quiksilver sold DC Shoes to private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management. Today, DC Shoes remains a popular brand in the action sports world, with a wide range of products available for skateboarding, snowboarding, and other activities.

Monday, February 20, 2023

Matt Hensley

 Matt Hensley is a legendary professional skateboarder, musician, and actor. Born in San Diego, California in 1971, Hensley grew up skateboarding in the Southern California scene during the 1980s.

Hensley first gained notoriety in the skateboarding world in the early 1990s, when he joined the H-Street skateboarding team, which was known for its innovative and technical style of skateboarding. With H-Street, Hensley helped to redefine the skateboarding industry, introducing a more technical and creative style of skating that would become the hallmark of modern street skateboarding.

Throughout the 1990s, Hensley was one of the most influential skateboarders in the world. He was known for his smooth and stylish approach to skateboarding, incorporating a blend of technical tricks and fluid lines that inspired a generation of skaters.

In addition to his skateboarding talent, Hensley also became known for his love of music. In the mid-1990s, he formed the band Flogging Molly, which blended punk rock with traditional Irish folk music to create a unique and powerful sound. The band has since become one of the most popular and influential acts in the world of punk rock.

Hensley has also dabbled in acting, appearing in a number of films and television shows over the years. He has been featured in movies like "Mallrats" and "Chasing Mavericks," and has made appearances on shows like "The X-Files" and "The Drew Carey Show."

Throughout his career, Hensley has earned numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to the sport of skateboarding. He has been inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame, and has been named Skater of the Year by Thrasher magazine. His legacy in the world of skateboarding is secure, and he will always be remembered as one of the most influential and stylish skateboarders of all time.

Salman Agah

Salman Agah is an American professional skateboarder, artist, and entrepreneur who was born on April 13, 1970, in Tehran, Iran. He is known for his innovative approach to skateboarding, his unique and influential style, and his role in the development of the skateboarding industry.

Agah began skating in his early teens and quickly made a name for himself in the local skate scene. He turned pro in 1989 and quickly established himself as one of the most talented and influential skaters of his generation.

Throughout his career, Agah has been known for his smooth style and his ability to combine technical skill with creativity and innovation. He is also an accomplished artist, creating unique and thought-provoking works that explore themes such as identity, culture, and social justice.

In addition to his skateboarding and art, Agah is also a successful entrepreneur. He is the founder of the skateboard company Pizzanista!, which has become a popular and influential brand in the industry. Pizzanista! is known for its commitment to quality and its unique and creative approach to pizza-making.

Throughout his career, Agah has won numerous awards and accolades for his skating, including Skater of the Year in 1993 and Thrasher Magazine's Hall of Fame in 2019. He has also been featured in a number of skateboarding videos and documentaries, including the influential videos "Rubbish Heap" and "Love Child."

Despite his success, Agah has faced a number of challenges over the years, including injuries and personal setbacks. However, he has always remained dedicated to his passion for skateboarding and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Today, Salman Agah is considered one of the most influential and innovative skaters of all time, known for his smooth style, unique artwork, and entrepreneurial spirit. His inspiring story continues to inspire new generations of skaters and fans alike.

Ed Templeton

 Ed Templeton is an American professional skateboarder, artist, and entrepreneur who was born on July 28, 1972, in Orange County, California. He is known for his innovative approach to skateboarding, his unique and provocative artwork, and his influential role in the skateboarding industry.

Templeton began skating at the age of 13 and quickly became a standout in the local skate scene. He turned pro in 1990 and quickly established himself as one of the most talented and innovative skaters in the world.

Throughout his career, Templeton has been known for his technical skill and his ability to push the boundaries of what is possible on a skateboard. He is also an accomplished artist, creating unique and provocative works that explore themes such as sexuality, religion, and skateboarding culture.

In addition to his skateboarding and art, Templeton is also a successful entrepreneur. He is the founder of the skateboard company Toy Machine, which quickly became one of the most popular and influential brands in the industry. Toy Machine is known for its edgy and irreverent designs, as well as its commitment to supporting up-and-coming skaters.

Throughout his career, Templeton has won numerous awards and accolades for his skating, including Skater of the Year in 1994 and Thrasher Magazine's Hall of Fame in 2019. He has also been featured in a number of skateboarding videos and documentaries, including the influential videos "Welcome to Hell" and "Jump off a Building."

Despite his success, Templeton has faced a number of challenges over the years, including injuries and personal setbacks. However, he has always remained dedicated to his passion for skateboarding and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Today, Ed Templeton is considered one of the most influential and innovative skaters of all time, known for his technical skill, unique artwork, and entrepreneurial spirit. His inspiring story continues to inspire new generations of skaters and fans alike.

Chad Muska

 Chad Muska is an American professional skateboarder and artist who was born on May 20, 1977, in Lorain, Ohio. He is one of the most influential and innovative skaters of his generation, known for his unique style, creativity, and impact on the culture of skateboarding.

Muska began skating at the age of 13 and quickly made a name for himself in the skate scene. In 1994, he moved to California and turned pro, quickly establishing himself as one of the top skaters in the world.

Throughout his career, Muska has been known for his pioneering approach to skateboarding. He is credited with inventing numerous tricks, including the Muska flip, a variation of the hardflip in which the skater catches the board with one hand.

In addition to his skill on a skateboard, Muska has also been a successful entrepreneur and artist. He is the founder of the skateboarding company Shorty's, which quickly became one of the most popular and influential brands in the industry. He has also been a successful designer and artist, creating unique and innovative designs for skateboards, clothing, and footwear.

Throughout his career, Muska has won numerous awards and accolades for his skating, including Skater of the Year in 1998 and Thrasher Magazine's Hall of Fame in 2012. He has also been featured in a number of skateboarding videos and documentaries, including the influential videos "Fulfill the Dream" and "The Muska Story."

Despite his success, Muska has faced a number of challenges over the years, including injuries and personal setbacks. However, he has always remained dedicated to his passion for skateboarding and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Today, Chad Muska is considered one of the most influential and innovative skaters of all time, known for his unique style, creativity, and impact on the culture of skateboarding. His inspiring story continues to inspire new generations of skaters and fans alike.

Geoff Rowley

 Geoff Rowley is an English professional skateboarder who was born on June 6, 1976, in Liverpool, England. He is one of the most influential and innovative skaters of his generation, known for his aggressive style, technical skill, and fearless approach to skateboarding.

Rowley began skating at the age of 12, and quickly made a name for himself in the British skate scene. In 1994, he moved to the United States and turned pro, quickly establishing himself as one of the top skaters in the world.

Throughout his career, Rowley has been known for his pioneering approach to skateboarding. He is credited with inventing numerous tricks, including the Rowley grind, a variation of the 50-50 grind in which the skater grinds with the front truck rather than the back.

In addition to his skill on a skateboard, Rowley has also been a successful entrepreneur. He is the founder of the skateboard company Flip, which quickly became one of the most popular and influential brands in the industry. Flip was known for its edgy, irreverent designs and its commitment to supporting up-and-coming skaters.

Throughout his career, Rowley has won numerous awards and accolades for his skating, including Skater of the Year in 2000 and Thrasher Magazine's Hall of Fame in 2008. He has also been featured in a number of skateboarding videos and documentaries, including the influential videos "Sorry" and "Really Sorry."

Despite his success, Rowley has faced a number of challenges over the years, including injuries and personal setbacks. However, he has always remained dedicated to his passion for skateboarding and his commitment to giving back to the community.

Today, Geoff Rowley is considered one of the most influential and innovative skaters of all time, known for his aggressive style, technical skill, and entrepreneurial spirit. His inspiring story continues to inspire new generations of skaters and fans alike.

Bob Burnquist

 Bob Burnquist is a Brazilian-American professional skateboarder who was born on October 10, 1976, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is one of the most influential and innovative skaters of his generation, known for his technical skill, creativity, and fearlessness.

Burnquist began skating at the age of 11 and quickly made a name for himself in the Brazilian skate scene. In 1995, he moved to the United States and turned pro, quickly establishing himself as one of the top skaters in the world.

Throughout his career, Burnquist has been known for his pioneering approach to skateboarding. He is credited with inventing numerous tricks, including the fakie 5-0, the nollie heelflip body varial, and the switchstance heelflip mute 360. He has also been a leading innovator in the field of skateboard ramp design, creating some of the most challenging and complex ramps in the world.

In addition to his skill on a skateboard, Burnquist has also been an advocate for environmental conservation and sustainability. He is the founder of the Action Sports Environmental Coalition, which aims to promote environmental awareness and sustainability in the action sports industry.

Throughout his career, Burnquist has won numerous awards and accolades for his skating, including multiple gold medals in the X Games and the Thrasher Magazine Skater of the Year award in 1997. He has also been featured in a number of skateboarding videos and documentaries, including the influential videos "Sorry" and "Menikmati."

Despite his success, Burnquist has faced a number of challenges over the years, including injuries and personal setbacks. However, he has always remained dedicated to his passion for skateboarding and his commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Today, Bob Burnquist is considered one of the most influential and innovative skaters of all time, known for his technical skill, creative vision, and commitment to sustainability. His inspiring story continues to inspire new generations of skaters and fans alike.

Jamie Thomas

 Jamie Thomas is a professional skateboarder who was born on October 11, 1974, in Dothan, Alabama. He is one of the most influential skaters of his generation, known for his powerful style, technical skills, and fearless approach to skateboarding.


Thomas began skating at the age of 11, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already making a name for himself in the skateboarding world. In 1992, he turned pro and quickly established himself as one of the top skaters in the world.


Throughout his career, Thomas has been known for his pioneering approach to skateboarding. He was one of the first skaters to incorporate big gaps, handrails, and stair sets into his trick repertoire, pushing the boundaries of what was possible on a skateboard.


In addition to his skill on a skateboard, Thomas has also been a successful entrepreneur. He founded the skateboard company Zero in 1996, which quickly became one of the most popular and influential brands in the industry. Zero was known for its edgy, punk-inspired designs and its commitment to supporting up-and-coming skaters.


Thomas has also been involved in a number of philanthropic efforts over the years. He is the founder of the Choose Your Own Adventure charity, which aims to provide opportunities for underprivileged youth through skateboarding and other sports.


Throughout his career, Thomas has won numerous awards and accolades for his skating, including Skater of the Year in 2002 and Thrasher Magazine's Hall of Fame in 2016. He has also been featured in a number of skateboarding videos and documentaries, including the influential videos "Misled Youth" and "Welcome to Hell."


Despite his success, Thomas has faced a number of challenges over the years, including injuries and personal setbacks. However, he has always remained dedicated to his passion for skateboarding and his commitment to giving back to the community.


Today, Jamie Thomas is considered one of the most influential skaters of all time, known for his technical skills, pioneering approach, and entrepreneurial spirit. His inspiring story continues to inspire new generations of skaters and fans alike.

Kareem Campbell

 Kareem Campbell is a legendary professional skateboarder who was born on November 14, 1973, in Harlem, New York City. He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern street skateboarding, and his impact on the sport is still felt today.

Campbell's family moved to California when he was just two years old, and it was there that he discovered skateboarding. He started skating at the age of 10 and quickly fell in love with the sport. In the early 1990s, Campbell turned pro and began to make a name for himself as one of the top skaters in the world.

Campbell was known for his smooth, flowing style and his ability to perform complex tricks with ease. He was one of the first skaters to bring a truly street-oriented approach to the sport, and he helped to revolutionize the way that skateboarding was perceived and performed.

In addition to his skill on a skateboard, Campbell was also known for his entrepreneurial spirit. In 1996, he founded his own skateboarding company, City Stars, which quickly became one of the most popular brands in the industry. City Stars was known for its innovative designs and its commitment to supporting up-and-coming skaters.

Despite his success, Campbell's career was not without its challenges. He suffered a number of injuries over the years, including a torn ACL in 1998 that forced him to take a break from skating. He also faced financial difficulties and legal troubles, but he always managed to bounce back and continue pursuing his passion for skateboarding.

Today, Campbell is retired from professional skating, but his impact on the sport is still felt by skaters all over the world. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential skateboarders of all time, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of skaters.

In addition to his contributions to skateboarding, Campbell is also known for his philanthropic work. He has been involved in a number of community outreach programs and has worked to promote education and positivity in underserved communities.

All in all, Kareem Campbell is a true legend of the skateboarding world. His talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit have left an indelible mark on the sport, and his inspiring story continues to captivate fans and aspiring skaters alike.

Andrew Reynolds

 Andrew Reynolds is a professional skateboarder hailing from Lakeland, Florida. He was born on June 6, 1978, and has been skateboarding since he was nine years old. He is known for his smooth style, powerful tricks, and his ability to skate with ease on any terrain. Reynolds has been one of the most influential skateboarders in the industry, and his contributions to the sport are immeasurable.

Reynolds started his skateboarding career in the early 1990s, and he quickly made a name for himself in the skateboarding community. He was one of the first skateboarders to perfect the "kickflip," a trick that involves flipping the skateboard with your foot while jumping in the air. This trick became one of the staples of modern street skateboarding, and it's now considered one of the most basic tricks in the sport.

Reynolds turned pro in 1996, and he quickly rose to the top of the skateboarding world. He became a household name in the industry and was featured in numerous skateboarding videos and magazines. His signature trick was the frontside flip, a trick that involves flipping the skateboard with your front foot while jumping in the air. Reynolds made this trick look effortless, and it quickly became one of the most popular tricks in the sport.

In 1998, Reynolds founded his own skateboarding company, Baker Skateboards. The company quickly became one of the most popular skateboard brands in the world, and it's still going strong today. Reynolds is known for his no-nonsense approach to skateboarding, and he's always been a strong advocate for doing things your way. This attitude has helped him create a brand that's all about being yourself and doing what you love.

Reynolds has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his skateboarding career. He's won several X Games medals, including two gold medals in the street competition. He's also been named Thrasher Magazine's Skater of the Year twice, in 1998 and 2002. In addition to his competitive success, Reynolds is also known for his contributions to the skateboarding community. He's been a mentor to countless young skateboarders, and he's always been an advocate for giving back to the sport.

Today, Reynolds is still skating and pushing the limits of what's possible on a skateboard. He's in his 40s now, but he's still competing at the highest level and creating new tricks that no one has ever seen before. He's also still heavily involved in Baker Skateboards, and the company continues to be a major force in the skateboarding world.

Andrew Reynolds is a true legend of skateboarding. His contributions to the sport are immeasurable, and he's inspired countless young skateboarders to follow their dreams. Whether he's skating the streets of LA or mentoring the next generation of skateboarders, Reynolds is always pushing the limits and doing things his way. He's a true icon of skateboarding, and his legacy will continue to inspire skateboarders for generations to come.

Eric Koston

 Eric Koston is a legendary professional skateboarder who has made a huge impact on the sport since the 1990s. Born in Bangkok, Thailand in 1975, Koston moved with his family to California at a young age, where he discovered his love for skateboarding.

Koston first gained notoriety in the skateboarding world in the early 1990s, when he joined the H-Street skateboarding team, which was known for its innovative and technical style of skateboarding. Koston quickly became one of the team's top riders, showcasing his unique style and fearless approach to skating.

In 1993, Koston left H-Street to join the Girl Skateboards team, where he would go on to make his biggest impact on the sport. With Girl Skateboards, Koston helped to redefine the skateboarding industry, introducing a more technical and creative style of skating that would become the hallmark of modern street skateboarding.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Koston dominated the skateboarding scene, winning numerous contests and earning a reputation as one of the most innovative and creative skateboarders of all time. He was known for his technical prowess and fearless approach to skateboarding, incorporating tricks that had never been seen before.

In addition to his skateboarding talent, Koston also became known for his entrepreneurial spirit. In 1999, he co-founded the skateboard shoe company, éS, which quickly became one of the most popular skate shoe brands in the world. He also founded Fourstar Clothing, a streetwear brand that has become a staple of the skateboarding and streetwear communities.

In recent years, Koston has continued to push the boundaries of skateboarding, experimenting with new tricks and styles and inspiring a new generation of skateboarders. He has also become a mentor to many young skaters, helping to shape the future of the sport that he loves.

Throughout his career, Koston has earned numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to the sport of skateboarding. He has been inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame, and has been named Skater of the Year by Thrasher magazine multiple times. His legacy in the world of skateboarding is secure, and he will always be remembered as one of the most influential skateboarders of all time.

Danny Way: Skateboarding Innovator

 Danny Way is a professional skateboarder who is known for his innovative tricks and daring feats on the board. He was born on April 15, 1974, in Portland, Oregon, and grew up in Vista, California.

Way began skating at a young age, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already competing in contests and making a name for himself in the skateboarding world. In 1991, he turned professional and joined the H-Street skateboarding team.

Throughout his career, Way has been known for pushing the limits of what is possible on a skateboard. In 1992, he invented the "mega-ramp," a massive ramp that allows skateboarders to launch themselves high into the air and perform tricks that were previously thought to be impossible. In 2005, Way used the mega-ramp to jump over the Great Wall of China, a feat that was televised around the world and brought him international fame.

Way has also won numerous skateboarding competitions, including several X-Games gold medals. He has been inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame and was named one of the 50 most influential skateboarders of all time by Transworld Skateboarding magazine.

Outside of skateboarding, Way has been involved in several business ventures, including the development of his own skateboard company, DC Shoes, and the creation of his own video game, "Skateboard Party."

Despite suffering numerous injuries over the years, including a broken neck and a shattered ankle, Way continues to skate and push the boundaries of what is possible on a skateboard. He is considered one of the greatest skateboarders of all time and a true innovator in the sport.

Sunday, February 19, 2023

History of Alien Workshop

 Alien Workshop is a skateboarding company that was founded in 1990 by Chris Carter, Neil Blender, and Mike Hill in Dayton, Ohio. The company quickly gained a following due to its unique and innovative graphic designs, which often featured extraterrestrial themes.

In the early 1990s, Alien Workshop was known for its roster of talented skaters, including Rob Dyrdek, Steve Berra, and Josh Kalis. The company's videos, including "Memory Screen" and "Timecode," were highly influential in the skateboarding world and helped to establish the company as a major player in the industry.

Throughout the 2000s, Alien Workshop continued to be a popular and influential brand, releasing videos such as "Photosynthesis" and "Mind Field" that featured the company's team of talented skaters. However, in 2012, Alien Workshop faced financial difficulties and was acquired by Burton Snowboards, which also owned the skateboard company Gravis.

Under Burton's ownership, Alien Workshop continued to release skateboards and apparel, but the brand's popularity declined in the skateboarding community. In 2014, Burton announced that it was shutting down the Alien Workshop brand, but the team of skaters associated with the brand continued to release videos and content independently.

In 2015, it was announced that the Alien Workshop brand had been sold to a group of investors, who planned to relaunch the brand. The relaunched Alien Workshop has since released new skateboard decks and apparel, and has been endorsed by a new team of skaters, including Yaje Popson, Joey Guevara, and Frankie Spears.

Today, Alien Workshop remains a popular and influential skateboarding brand, with a legacy that includes innovative graphics and videos, as well as a team of talented skaters who have helped to shape the sport over the past three decades.