The world moves fast, and so does skateboarding. If you're not paying attention, you might miss something. So, we've written this article. Consider it a favor: these are the skate brands you should know about.
THEORIES – THE THEORIES OF ATLANTIS.
Theories has a unique identity that sets it apart from other skateboard brands: the name itself is an homage to the mysterious and obscure, playing on themes of conspiracy theories and cultural oddities.
Theories of Atlantis is recognized as a leader in East Coast skateboarding culture with a strong emphasis on style. Founder Josh Stewart founded Theories to highlight the underground skate scene and culture that is often overlooked by mainstream skate media.
The brand cultivates a global community and not only sells clothing, but also features videos, articles, and other content from the skate world. For example, check out Nyle Lovett's "Pyramid Park" part below.
FROG SKATEBOARDS - STARTED AS A TADPOLE
Born from the brainchild of friends and skaters Chris Myrick and Jesse Alba, FROG Skateboards burst onto the scene in 2015. The first skateboards, hoodies, and t-shirts were just a few frog doodles. FROG embraces bright colors, quirky graphics, playful imagery, and a focus on fun.
FROG skate decks feature illustrations of frogs, rainbows, and smiling faces, and their apparel range includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats with similar designs. Chris, Jesse, and FROG aim to be a positive, inclusive community for passionate skaters who enjoy creative expression on and off their skateboards.
BRONZE 56K - SOPHISTICATED ADULT ENTERTAINMENT
Hailing from New York, Bronze 56K was founded in 2012 by friends Peter Sidruskas and Pat Murray. The brand has since undergone several name changes and gained popularity through its skateboards, clothing, graphics, and Bronze 56K Radio mixtapes. Bronze 56K's humorous and playful take on skateboarding culture pays creative homage to nostalgic elements of the '90s and 2000s, as well as advertising in modern life. Despite its unique approach, it has garnered a cult following within the skateboarding and streetwear communities.
GX1000 - HILLS AND WALLS.
GX1000 is a skateboard crew and brand founded by San Francisco-based skater and filmmaker Ryan Gershel. The crew is known for producing skate videos featuring daring hill bombs, wall rides, and tricks in and around SF. GX1000 has risen to the pinnacle of the skate community with its raw approach and mentality.
Above all, GX1000 is a crew with a strong street skating emphasis, and they've built a reputation on pushing the boundaries and taking risks with skateboarding. We stand by that.
OPERA SKATEBOARDS - MAKE ALL THE MUSIC JOKES YOU WANT.
Opera Skateboards was born out of Bill Weiss' recently established Sidewalk Distribution. The launch of Opera Skateboards represents a collective effort to reclaim the essence of skateboarding from the corporate clutches. Bill leveraged his experience with Madness (RIP) to launch Opera after the collapse of Dwindell. The performance features pros such as Clay Cranor, Jack Fardell, Sam Beckett, Trey Wood, and Alex Perelson. Be sure to check out this second act!
THERE SKATEBOARDS- BREAKING BARRIERS IN SKATE.
There Skateboards is a community-driven initiative supporting queer and trans people of color (QTPOC) skateboarders. Founded by artist and skateboarder Jeffrey Chan and his partners, there Skateboards elevates underrepresented voices and promotes diversity in the skateboarding industry. They offer t-shirts, hoodies, prints, and skateboards featuring colorful, expressive artwork, spreading a message of self-affirmation and community solidarity.
With a DIY ethos, they challenge the traditional skateboarding industry, sponsoring professional queer skateboarders and hosting inclusive skate sessions and art exhibitions.
PASS~PORT - INTERNATIONAL ACCESS.
Hailing from Brisbane's Sunshine Coast, Australia, Pass~Port have helped define modern Australian skateboarding while staying true to their roots.
It would be a mistake to say Pass~Port's influence stops in the Indian Ocean. Founder Trent Evans and his team draw inspiration from the hustle and bustle around them to create the graphics and clothing you see today. They not only push themselves, but also hold themselves to a creative standard that evolves skateboarding globally. As such, no two collections or drops are the same.
CLEAVER SKATEBOARDS - STRAIGHT FROM THE BUTCHER.
In 2013, Diego Bucchieri, aka "The Butcher," founded Cleaver Skateboards. Diego is a legendary professional skateboarder from Argentina who rose to fame in the mid-2000s with his aggressive, technical style in video roles as part of Toy Machine. The brand offers high-quality skateboards and elegant graphics, curated under the discerning eye of "The Butcher" himself. Here's everything you need to know about Cleaver Skateboards.
