Deckadence Launches Our First Fucking Awesome Drop – Featuring Mark Gonzales’ Class Photo
New brand. Special drop. Skate history in your hands.
Deckadence Board Shoppe is proud to announce our very first drop from Fucking Awesome Skateboards, featuring the rare Mark Gonzales Class Photo Deck — a Fucking Awesome Skateboards Mark Gonzales Deck release for the books.
Who is FA, Who is Jason Dill and who is mark Gonzales?
Fucking Awesome (FA) is a brand born from raw creativity, street-level grit, and high art. Founded by Jason Dill and Anthony Van Engelen in 2014, FA quickly made its mark with bold graphics, unconventional ads, and a true-to-skateboarding spirit.
Jason Dill is a name every real skateboarder knows. Growing up in Huntington Beach, turning pro by 17, and becoming a legend through Alien Workshop classics like Photosynthesis and Mind Field, Dill’s story is skateboarding itself: fast, messy, brilliant, and unforgettable. Today, he brings that same chaotic beauty to FA, making it one of the most respected names in skateboarding and streetwear worldwide.
About Mark Gonzales Widely considered the godfather of modern street skateboarding, Mark Gonzales — aka “The Gonz” — revolutionized skateboarding in the late ’80s and early ’90s. His fearless style, inventive tricks, and creative spirit inspired generations of skaters to think outside the lines. From Video Days to his ongoing art and influence, Gonz’s legacy lives on both in skateboarding and the broader world of art and culture.
Why This Drop is Special: Mark Gonzales’ Class Photo
This isn’t just any FA drop. This Fucking Awesome Skateboards Mark Gonzales Deck release features a special graphic — a real class photo of Mark Gonzales, “The Gonz,” one of the most influential skateboarders of all time. Gonz changed the way people thought about skateboarding — with style, humor, and a fearless spirit.
Mark Gonzales, immortalized: The actual class photo used for the new Fucking Awesome Gonz Deck, available now at Deckadence.
“And now, a word from Dill…
When I was 9 my family moved into a house across the street from where Ed Templeton lived, on Alabama Street in Huntington Beach. On that one small block lived so many skateboarders, all these teenage skate dudes, they were all so good, I was a little kid, I sucked, they were mean to me, but I got better at skating and it seemed that the better I got the less they would pick on me. I listened intently to everything they said, I mimicked what they did and they would get mad at me and tell me to stop mimicking them. The one person they talked about the most and who they also mimicked the most was Mark Gonzales, I heard them talk about him so much before I ever even knew what he looked like. Gonz. They talked about this person they called Gonz. I finally saw a picture of him in a magazine and that year as I got more and more into skating, I started putting pictures of Mark on my bedroom wall that I shared with my older brother Chris. His side had pictures of The Style Council, The Who, The Clash and pictures from the movie Quadrophenia. I am now 11 years old, fully submerged in skateboarding, fuck G.I. Joe, fuck Transformers, I didn’t like the kids at my school, I skated and hung out with this teenage group of skateboarders and I would bash my face into the ground, get knocked out and break bones and it was all so epic. I still watched cartoons but other than that, I felt as though I was no longer a child, more like a feral animal.
One evening, I went with my Mother to the grocery store, my poor Ma worked such long hours, my Dad was in jail…I knew she was upset by this feral animal that had replaced her little boy who now only hung out with teenagers. I loved my Ma, but I know the way I now looked and behaved freaked her out, even without her saying much of anything about it…We turned down one of the aisles and for some reason I looked back as we were turning and walking not more than a few feet behind us was Mark Gonzales. I can’t really articulate what I felt when I saw him, I suppose I was just dumbfounded, it was him, the guy all the teenage skate dudes idolized and I now did as well, that’s Gonz, that’s my idol. I saw him one more time in another part of the store, I saw him, he saw me. I’m pretty sure he knew I knew who he was, and that was it. I saw Gonz.
Over the next few years I would see Mark skating at Huntington Beach High School, Mesa View, at that same Ralph’s but in the parking lot skating the curbs, I was there skating too, I got to witness him do things that were never on film, I was so lucky to be alive and understand that I was in the presence of greatness. A greatness that would have a tremendous effect on me and the one person with the biggest impact and influence on my career in skateboarding. When I first saw him he was only a teenager, trip out. If an 11 year old me knew that one day I would be making a skateboard put out by my very own company with a teenage Mark on it, Haaaaa, my tiny mind would have exploded…I’m very appreciative of Mark and I am so very happy to make this board available to people that have also been influenced by the man that I now call my friend. Mark Gonzales.”
To have Gonz’s class photo printed across a full line of decks is a rare tribute — a true collector’s item for riders and fans alike.
Full Size Run — Limited Quantities Available
We have the Fucking Awesome Skateboards Mark Gonzales Deck available in a full size range. Whether you skate them or hang them on your wall, you’ll want to act fast. FA decks always move quickly — and this drop is extra special.
Available now in-store and online. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
“At Deckadence, every new brand we bring in is chosen with heart. FA isn’t just a new name on the wall — it’s a celebration of skateboarding’s past, present, and future. We’re proud to make this connection with our local scene.” -DB
Ready to Roll?
Get your hands on the Fucking Awesome Skateboards Mark Gonzales Deck — and own a piece of skateboarding history. See you soon at Deckadence.
The Push Behind The Park: Our Radio Interview with BYU-Idaho Radio
This week, I had the opportunity to speak with BYU-Idaho Radio about something close to my heart—Pocatello’s new skatepark at Optimist Park.
We talked about how it all began. Since around 2012, I’ve been advocating for a real, permanent skatepark. Not just for myself—but for every skater in this community who deserves a safe, fun place to ride.
Skateboarding shaped my life. I’ve been skating since middle school, and over the years, it became much more than a hobby. It taught me resilience, creativity, and the power of community. That same spirit drives everything we do at Deckadence Board Shoppe.
During the interview, we discussed the decade-long push for this project. From community meetings to city conversations, I never stopped showing up. I kept going because I knew how much this park would mean to local skaters—young and old.
The new skatepark isn’t just a collection of ramps. It’s a space for growth, connection, and self-expression. Kids need that. Skaters of all ages need that. Pocatello needs that.
We also touched on the role of local shops. Deckadence was born because I saw a need. Big-box stores can’t build culture. But a true local shop? It supports the scene, invests in the future, and makes sure the next generation feels seen and supported.
If you’ve ever wondered why we care so much about the scene—or how something like a skatepark gets built from the ground up—this interview pulls back the curtain.
Skate Shop Day 2025 – Keep Skateboarding in the Right Hands
Skateboarding is more than just a sport. It’s a culture, a community, and a way of life. At the heart of that culture are local, independent skate shops like ours, Deckadence Board Shoppe. Each year, Skate Shop Day reminds us why these shops matter. They keep skateboarding in the hands of the people who live and breathe it—people who actually skate, who know what it means to step on a board for the first time, to battle a trick for hours, or to finally land something that once seemed impossible.
What Is Skate Shop Day?
Skate Shop Day (Saturday, February 15, 2025) is all about showing love to your local skate shop. It’s not just about buying a new deck or a fresh pair of shoes—it’s about supporting the places that keep skateboarding authentic. These are the spots that host events, hook up kids with their first complete, and help create a real community.
At Deckadence, we’re here for the long run—creating a space where skaters of all abilities can learn, progress, and be part of something bigger. As someone who’s been skating and snowboarding since I was a kid, I’ve had a front-row seat to the evolution of skateboarding. I’ve ridden all types of boards, seen styles come and go, and watched the culture shift. But one thing that should never change is this:
Skateboarding belongs in the hands of skateboarders who understand it and want to see it grow.
How We Celebrate Skate Shop Day
Last year’s Skate Shop Day at Deckadence was unforgettable. We threw a skate jam in our indoor skate room, set up a peanut butter & jam bar, played classic skate videos, and gave away door prizes—all while connecting with the skaters who make this scene what it is. It wasn’t just about selling products; it was about celebrating skateboarding together.
This year, we’re keeping that energy alive with exclusive product drops, giveaways, and a chance to connect with fellow skaters.
Why Shopping Local Matters
Buying from a local shop like Deckadence keeps your money in the local skate scene, helping us host events, sponsor riders, and support the next generation of skaters. Big-box stores and online retailers don’t invest in your community—but we do. When you shop local, you’re not just getting gear; you’re keeping skateboarding in the right hands.
Exclusive Skate Shop Day 2025 Drop: Limited-Edition Products
This year’s Skate Shop Day at Deckadence brings you some truly one-of-a-kind releases:
Gonz and Natas decks – Paying tribute to the legends who helped shape modern skateboarding. Whether you’re a collector or a rider, these boards are a must-have.
Ed Templeton Colorway – Emerica Wino Slip-On – A Skate Shop Day exclusive, only available at core skate shops like ours.
These limited-edition drops will go live on our website at midnight on Saturday, February 15th. To secure your gear:
Buy online and choose local pick-up for a free, easy way to reserve your items ahead of time.
Drop by Deckadence throughout the day to grab your gear in person, meet other skaters, and celebrate together.
Ed Templeton: A Skateboarding Legend & His Exclusive Shoe
Few skaters have influenced skateboarding as much as Ed Templeton. A true DIY legend, Templeton built Toy Machineinto a brand that stands for creativity, independence, and raw skateboarding. He’s a pro skater, artist, and photographer, and his impact on skateboarding goes far beyond just tricks—he helped define skate culture itself.
For Skate Shop Day 2025, Emerica has released an exclusive Wino Slip-On in Templeton’s signature colorway, paying tribute to his legacy.
As Ed Templeton puts it:
“Skate shops are the backbone of the skate community. It’s the meet-up spot with your friends before you hit the streets. It’s the place that stays open late for you to grab a new board. They organize community events, host video premieres, and probably helped get the skatepark in your town built.”
This shoe is only available at core skate shops like Deckadence—a true thank-you to the shops that keep skateboarding alive.
The Impact of Skateboarding Legends: Gonz & Natas
Skate Shop Day is also about honoring the skaters who paved the way—legends like Mark Gonzales and Natas Kaupas, who changed the way we think about skateboarding.
Mark Gonzales (“The Gonz”) brought creativity and style to street skating in the ‘80s. He wasn’t just about tricks—he changed how people saw skateboarding as an art form.
Natas Kaupas took technical street skating to another level, pushing the limits of what was possible on a skateboard.
Their impact is still felt today, and their Skate Shop Day decks are a chance to own a piece of that legacy.
Marc “Gonz” Gonzales with the Skate Shop Day Love/ Hate Krooked Beamers
Natas Kaupas with artist Todd Francis and the Exclusive Real Skateboards Natas Guest Pro Model
Join Us for Skate Shop Day 2025!
We’re celebrating Skate Shop Day 2025 at Deckadence Board Shoppe on Saturday, February 15th—and you don’t want to miss it!
🎯 Exclusive drops – Gonz & Natas decks, Ed Templeton colorway Emerica Wino Slip-Ons, and more.
🎟️ Door prizes – Because who doesn’t love free gear?
👥 Skater meet-up – Hang out, share stories, and celebrate what makes this scene special.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to support the community that’s been supporting you.
👉 The exclusive drop goes live online at midnight on Saturday, February 15th. Secure your gear before it sells out!
🌟 Choose local pick-up to reserve your boards and shoes ahead of time, then drop by the shop to hang out and join in the celebration.
Join the Celebration & Share the Love!
Help us make Skate Shop Day 2025 one to remember!
📲 Share this event with your friends and tag #RideWithDeckadence to show off your new gear.
❤️ Support your local shop—because core skateboarding starts with core skate shops.
We can’t wait to see you at Deckadence—let’s celebrate skateboarding together!
