Back in 2018, I purchased [and regretfully sold] this and was hoping to someday pick up another Seek Skateboard without having to rob a bank. Luckily I came across this Seek Skateboards Rob Dyrdek pro model. Seek Skateboards was the first company I remember using chrome on their graphics. The company launched in early 2002 and sadly shut down in the summer of 2004. Below are a few ads and vids I came across online with a small history of the company.
Seek Skateboards was out of DNA Distribution, who also housed Alien Workshop and Habitat. OG Alien Workshop pro and cofounder Rob Dyrdek parted ways with the chance to make a company more hip-hop oriented. His Day in the Life article in 411VM Issue 67 was heavily filmed with Seek Skateboards.
Rookie Alien Workshop pro Mikey Taylor joined his teammates on Seek along with newcomers Flo Marfaing from Far, Alex Carolino, American Greg Meyers and veteran Canadian pro Colin McKay.
Josh Kalis also skated for Alien Workshop and was the other cofounder. According to him, he wanted to have a North American company with international skaters as opposed to flowing boards across borders. In an interview, he states Seek ended because there were not enough graphic designers to accomodate three companies at DNA Distribution.
About a week ago on Boxing Day, I was saddened to see breaking news of The Pickering Markets shutting their doors after 47 years. This past year was the worst for millions both medically and financially. I could go on a rant, but instead, I'll use this blog to celebrate something that's been a part of me since my childhood. From buying trading cards, toys, hemp pills, jerseys, toiletries, and food - The Pickering Markets served as a staple in the Durham Region. No where else can a family have a free photo with Santa Claus, but the Market helped provide that service. These vendors are not billionaire CEOs, they're regular citizens operating their own business two days a week. The food court was unique on its own especially Diannah's Island Foods, they had the best jerk pork I've ever had. I gave another company a shot, but it just wasn't the same. Diannah's was hands down the best and will sorely be missed.
Roadshow Antiques occupied 1/3 of the building and that's where I'd spend more of my time, even on weekdays since they were opened seven days a week. When I'd finish my morning shift or just wanted a place to go, the antique market provided that zen energy. There's something about that warehouse showing me that if you take care of something really well, it can last a very long time and perhaps be worth a lot down the road. Even how things were displayed had a calming effect. Fun Fact: The Shape of Water [directed by Peter Jackson] was filmed in Toronto and won the Academy Award for Best Production Design. Several of the props in that film were purchased at Roadshow Antiques in Pickering.
The most notable memories I can think of were the autograph signings. Heritage Stick Co. and The Pickering Markets brought big names to the community from the Leafs, Raptors and Blue Jays. It was in those lines where you can chat with the fan beside you and before you know it, you're shaking hands with a professional athlete. It was those I looked forward to, not the autograph, but the community. The first autograph signing I attended was for Johnny Bower back in 2009. One of the mangers, Kim, noticed I was the first one there and said I can have the first spot once the signing starts. But somewhere she found me and said I can come right up to the office and meet The China Wall personally. From then on, I knew this was a place for the people. Thanks again, Kim.
I've spent a ton of time here with family and friends. In the back of my mind, I felt it would always be there because it always has. It cheered me up at my lowest and would leave never thinking it was a waste of time. Sadly within my 30s, there were just other commitments limiting my visits, but I could still plan for my next trip because as long as there was a weekend, there was Pickering Markets. Who knows what the future entails for this building, perhaps another chance once things have fully gotten back to normal. But for the time being, I'd like to thank the wonderful staff and vendors of The Pickering Markets for many wonderful weekends and hope to see them all again in the near future. Support local business.
Seek Skateboards was out of DNA Distribution, who also housed Alien Workshop and Habitat. OG Alien Workshop pro and cofounder Rob Dyrdek parted ways with the chance to make a company more hip-hop oriented. His Day in the Life article in 411VM Issue 67 was heavily filmed with Seek Skateboards.
Rookie Alien Workshop pro Mikey Taylor joined his teammates on Seek along with newcomers Flo Marfaing from Far, Alex Carolino, American Greg Meyers and veteran Canadian pro Colin McKay.
Josh Kalis also skated for Alien Workshop and was the other cofounder. According to him, he wanted to have a North American company with international skaters as opposed to flowing boards across borders. In an interview, he states Seek ended because there were not enough graphic designers to accomodate three companies at DNA Distribution.
