Saturday, November 26, 2022

Santa Cruz Skateboards x Jeff Kendall "End of the World"

I've had my eye on this Santa Cruz Jeff Kendall deck since I first saw it on the Switch website months ago. Thankfully, it was still available during the Black Friday sale and nabbed it right when they opened. I wanted to set this up immediately, but might keep this on the wall. This board measures 10" x 29.7" with Cruise Missle II concave and a matte finish. The best truck width I'd recommend is an 8.75" axle.

Support your independent skate shop this Christmas season.

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Birdhouse Skateboards x Tony Hawk Complete [Early-2000s Recreation]

For as long as I can recall, I've always wanted to find my first pro complete skateboard in any type of capacity. In the spring of 2001, my mom and I went to two skate shops [bad idea] to build my first setup. It was a 7.75" Birdhouse Willy Santos "Huster Will-E" deck with 775 black/polished Fury Trucks and 55.5mm Spitfire Wheels "Charred Remains," which my mom picked out. Although finding the exact components are impossible today, I still felt like I can create something close. Luckily, thanks to Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and patience - I was able to scoop this 7.75" Tony Hawk deck and finally complete my first board.

As stated above, I originally had Fury Trucks with a black hanger, silver baseplate, and red bushings. Unfortunately, I sold my only pair years ago, but substituted them for a pair of Thunder Trucks with rearranged pieces. It's a really clean cut/paste.

As for the wheels, they too are impossible to find. Throughout the years, I obtained 2 sets which were either sold, stolen, or given away - I can't remember. So as a quick filler, some generic Scorchers with orange Bronson bearings will suffice.

The deck above was what I owned back in the day. How I departed with it is a pretty crappy story. But with how reissues are going, I won't be surprised if this ever comes out of Willy's Workshop. Below are the trucks and wheels that helped me roll, turn, slide and grind. Maybe I will skate these shoes in the not too distant future.