Lakai, once a symbol of skateboarding rebellion, is shifting gears. The brand known for its “Lakai or Die” mantra is moving towards a “Lakai or direct-to-consumer” shift. This type of business model, moving away from traditional retail channels, threatens to change the very fabric of skateboarding culture.
In a shocking turn, Lakai’s new corporate ownership has dismissed the brand’s skate team, management, sales reps, and office staff, signaling a complete shift to a direct-to-consumer model. As the news spreads, it raises questions about what this means for the brand’s identity and its connection to skate culture.
From Core Skate Brand to Corporate Machine?
Founded in 1999 by pro skateboarders Mike Carroll and Rick Howard, Lakai was born out of skateboarding culture. Leaving DC Shoes, Carroll and Howard partnered with Tim Gavin at Podium Distribution to create a brand built by skaters, for skaters. Named after a friend’s child, Malakai, Lakai quickly became known for its attention to design, functionality, and quality—qualities that resonated with skateboarders worldwide.
This recent decision marks a sharp turn from Lakai’s roots. By shifting focus from skate shops to direct-to-consumer sales, the new owners are bypassing the very community that helped build the brand. This isn’t just a business decision; it’s a redefinition of the company’s values.
The Decline of the Local Skate Shop
Lakai’s move is part of a growing trend in retail. Brands increasingly sidestep traditional retail partners to sell directly to consumers, potentially improving profit margins but at a steep cost to local shops. Skate shops aren’t just retailers—they’re the beating heart of the skate community. They provide spaces for skaters to meet, share stories, and connect. They also bolster local economies by creating jobs and supporting other businesses.
As brands like Lakai go direct, local skate shops face fierce competition from lower online prices and wider selections. This shift threatens to decrease foot traffic, reduce sales, and ultimately close down these crucial community spaces.
For skateboarders, this could mean the loss of something irreplaceable: fewer places to gather, fewer spots to swap stories, and fewer resources for the next generation of skaters. Once local shops start closing, those connections won’t easily be rebuilt.
What Do Skateboarders Really Want?
This move challenges skateboarders to think about the future they want to support. Will they embrace a Lakai without the team, the reps, and the community roots that once defined it? Or will they push back on direct-to-consumer models and continue to support their local shops, choosing to buy from spaces that foster the skate culture they love?
As consumers, we hold the power to shape the future of skateboarding. By supporting local shops and smaller, community-focused brands, we can help preserve the core of skate culture. The question is, are we willing to make that choice, or will we continue to be wooed by multi-million dollar marketing campaigns and the convenience of online shopping?
Let’s not let “Lakai or Die” lead to the death of our local skate shops. The future of skateboarding is up to us—where will you click next?
Leave a comment and let me know how you feel about this latest trend in retail.
Grab the last of our Lakai Footwear collection before it’s gone! Use CODE: fattytoflatty for $5 flat-rate shipping on orders over $50.
Godzilla Stomps Onto Skateboards: A Kaiju Collaboration for the Ages
In a historic crossover, Godzilla and Santa Cruz Skateboards have teamed up to create a mind-blowing collection. This limited-edition collaboration merges two iconic brands, resulting in a powerful and stylish series of skate decks.
A Brief History of Godzilla
Since its 1954 cinematic debut, Godzilla has captivated audiences worldwide. Initially a poignant allegory for nuclear war, Godzilla has evolved into a symbol of both destruction and renewal. From the classic Showa era to the modern MonsterVerse, Godzilla remains a cultural icon, inspiring countless films, video games, and merchandise.
The Modern Era of Godzilla
In recent years, Godzilla has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Critically acclaimed films have reimagined the iconic monster for a new generation. The MonsterVerse, featuring films like “Godzilla” (2014), “Kong: Skull Island,” “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” and “Godzilla vs. Kong,” has brought Godzilla back to the big screen, showcasing epic battles with other legendary monsters.
Godzilla x Santa Cruz Skateboards: A Kaiju Collaboration
The Godzilla x Santa Cruz Skateboards collection offers a range of decks, each showcasing iconic Godzilla characters and designs. From the menacing Godzilla Destroyer to the playful Godzilla Jr., there’s something for every Godzilla fan and skateboarder.
The Lineup:
Godzilla Destroyer: A 11.0in x 32.0in deck with striking spot gloss and silver mirror foil graphics, capturing Godzilla’s raw power.
Godzilla Jr. Natas: A 9.89in x 29.82in deck showcasing Godzilla’s playful side with metallic foil graphics and Cruz Missile II concave.
Godzilla Mothra Natas: A 10.538in x 30.14in deck featuring spot matte graphics with silver rainbow prismatic foil, celebrating the iconic duo.
Godzilla Mecha Hand: An 8.00in x 31.60in deck with prismatic and spot gloss graphics, capturing Mechagodzilla’s mechanical might.
Godzilla Shin Knox Firepit: An 8.5in x 32.2in deck with spot gloss and prismatic silver foil graphics, showcasing Godzilla’s fiery power.
Godzilla Kaiju Roskopp: A 10.125in x 30.2in deck featuring spot gloss and silver mirror foil graphics, capturing epic Godzilla battles.
Godzilla O’Brien Reaper: An 8.25in x 31.80in deck with reimagined kaiju graphics, showcasing Godzilla’s destructive power.
Ride Like a Kaiju
Each deck in the collection is crafted from high-quality North American maple, offering various shapes and concaves to suit different riding styles. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, there’s a Godzilla x Santa Cruz Skateboard deck that’s perfect for you.
Don’t Miss Out
This limited-edition collection is sure to sell out fast, so be sure to grab your favorite deck before it’s too late. Head over HERE to shop the full collection and ride like a kaiju!
Vans Sticks the Landing at Deckadence: Your Skateboard Shoe Plug
We’re stoked to announce the arrival of Vans at Deckadence Board Shoppe! This iconic brand, synonymous with skateboarding culture for over 50 years, joins our lineup of performance footwear, offering skaters of all levels the perfect blend of style and performance.
A Legacy Rooted in Skateboarding: Classic Vans
Vans’ story began in 1966 when the Van Doren brothers opened their first shoe store in Anaheim, California. Catering to the local skateboarding scene, they quickly realized the need for a durable and comfortable shoe that could withstand the demands of skateboarding. Thus, the legend of Vans was born.
As skateboarding evolved, so did Vans. The now-iconic Vans Era, introduced in 1978, offered improved padding and a lower profile, perfect for the emerging freestyle movement.
Shortly after, the Sk8-Hi, also known as “Style 38,” debuted in 1978, revolutionizing skateboarding by providing crucial ankle support for those pushing boundaries. This high-top design became a staple in skate parks worldwide. ([Link to Vans Sk8-Hi Skate Shoes on Deckadence Board Shoppe])
Vans Skate Classics: Redesigned for Modern Performance
Today, Vans continues to innovate with the Skate Classics collection. This line takes the iconic silhouettes you know and love, like the Old Skool, Sk8-Hi’s and Slip-On and upgrades them for modern skateboarding.
What sets the Vans Skate Classics apart?
Increased Durability: DuraCap™ reinforced materials, deeper knurl texture on toe bumpers, and higher sidewalls provide a longer lifespan and added protection.
Fully Redesigned Uppers: Molded heel counters and internal tongue straps ensure a locked-in fit for maximum board control.
Legendary Grip: Vans’ proprietary SickStick™ gum rubber compound offers unmatched traction on your board and any terrain.
PopCush™ Cushioning: Energy return footbeds absorb impact and reduce fatigue for longer skate sessions.
Iconic Styling: A timeless aesthetic that maintains the classic charm of Vans, while delivering performance-enhancing features.
Shop Vans Skate Shoes at Deckadence Board Shoppe:
Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just starting out, Vans Skate Classics have something for everyone. Visit our shop or browse our online selection to find the perfect pair for your next shred session.
Vans is more than just footwear; it’s a culture. From their commitment to supporting professional skaters to their dedication to grassroots events, Vans embodies the spirit of skateboarding. Scope out the inspirational story about Team rider Zion Wright:
Still want to learn more about the history of Vans?
At Deckadence Board Shoppe, we’re passionate about skateboarding and providing our customers with the best possible gear. With the addition of Vans Skate Classics, we’re confident that you’ll find everything you need to elevate your skateboarding experience.
Level Up Your Skateboarding Game: Lurpiv Hollow Polished Skateboard Trucks.
Lurpiv Hollow Polished Skateboard Trucks are the latest and greatest in skateboard truck technology. These trucks are designed to provide skateboarders with the ultimate in performance, durability, and style.
Key Lurpiv Features:
The Lurpiv Hollow Polished Trucks feature a hollow kingpin and axle, which reduces weight and enhances responsiveness. The trucks also have a polished hanger and baseplate, which gives them a sleek and stylish look. Lurpiv makes their trucks from AA357 Aluminum which is a cast aluminum alloy. This alloy is typically heat treated to improve its strength characteristics.
Get a perfect truck for your setup
Lurpiv Hollow Polished Trucks come in various sizes to fit all skateboard decks. Choose sizes to match your personal setup. Ensure your trucks match your deck’s width for optimal balance and control. Trucks too wide or too narrow can affect your board’s handling and balance. Perfectly matched trucks allow for proper turning, carving, and popping, making primo tricks easier to land.
D’Beau’s Recommended Setup
For the ultimate skateboarding experience, D’Beau recommends pairing the Lurpiv Trucks with one of the Polar skateboard decks. To explore the available options and find the perfect match for your style, click HERE. Once you have selected your preferred size board click HERE to match up the perfect fitting Lurpiv trucks!
If you are looking for a way to upgrade your skateboard, the Lurpiv Hollow Polished Skateboard Trucks are the perfect choice. These trucks will help you ride smoother, faster, and with more control.
Learn More
To discover more about Lurpiv Trucks and see the entire Lurpiv line, click HERE.
Check out EJ Lopez as he take his Lurpiv’s out for first grinds!
Slappy Trucks, the brainchild of long time Tum Yeto TM, Mike Sinclair, was first being thought up during the pandemic when Sinclair felt that he should introduce something new as the world returned to normal. In his Jenkem interview about Slappy, Sinclair says that he considered doing both boards and wheels before settling on trucks because it was the “hardest thing [he could] try to do” and also “because [he] was bored out of [his] mind and started messing with [his] trucks.” Sinclair goes on in the interview to emphasize that creating Slappy is a project about fun.
Sinclair has little concern with the financial success of the company, but his Instagram still expresses gratitude to all who have given a pair a try, showing that he’s wanting to make something people enjoy skating. This ethos seems in alignment with Slappy becoming part of Sidewalk Distribution, alongside Jacuzzi and Opera. A fun distribution company indeed. With the tagline #havefunwithus and their debut video titled “Never Heard of Em“, Slappy gives a fun and not so serious vibe to their branding, (the name! can you think of a less serious and more fun trick than a slappy?) while still having rising stars Georgia Martin and Arisa Trew, not to mention the rest of great skaters on the team (go watch the video).
A Slappy Experience: My Personal Review
I was excited to try Slappys when I saw the first post from Sinclair. I had been a decade-long skater of a single truck brand and had only recently started experimenting with different trucks. The first truck I tried coming off my long truck monogamy was a brand known for its turning, and they do turn good. I was worried that my Slappys would feel tight and that they would corner too wide. Lo and behold, I was wrong. My first session I spent an unusual amount of time just turning in circles. I was trying to see how hard I could corner without getting wheel bite. Really, really, hard it turns out. I get great turns, relieved turning anxiety, and grinds felt smoother. This could be the transition from old trucks to new, but it felt more unfamiliar than that. It was like the Slappys have a smoother finish that gave me a little extra glide.
When it comes down to it, there’s not much more I could ask for in a truck, I want to turn and grind, and I dig cool branding. Yet, Slappy did give me a little more with their grind clearance. I did a back smith, one that wasn’t just a tap either but instead went the whole distance of the ledge. Then I did a front smith the same distance. Both are tricks I’m not particularly good at. Then I did a Bennet grind. Then a Barley grind (a trick I had never done before). Maybe it was just a good day. Maybe it was not digging my kingpin into the top of ledge.
