Welcome back to Jenk TV! In this episode, we’re diving into a unique DIY project: constructing a skateboard deck using recycled materials. Faced with the ongoing shortage of skateboard hardgoods, our intern Bechara decided to experiment with alternative materials to craft a functional deck. This do-it-yourself approach explores sustainable skateboarding and addresses potential supply chain disruptions.
The Quest for Alternative Materials
Bechara’s idea was sparked by the scarcity of traditional skateboard materials during the pandemic. He questioned whether a usable deck could be fashioned from readily available “alternative” materials, envisioning it as a form of doomsday preparation in case the pandemic halted skateboard production or maple trees became scarce. He theorized that since beer consumption was up during lockdown, soda box cardboard would be plentiful.
With this in mind, our team embarked on a neighborhood scavenger hunt for the key components needed for this DIY build: cardboard and a source of elasticity.
Constructing the Cardboard Skateboard
The initial plan was to mimic the seven-ply construction of a standard skateboard deck. Beer and soda boxes were plentiful, so the team collected enough to make the needed plies. For an added twist, a layer cut from a plastic kiddie pool was incorporated, with the aim of adding some much needed pop and flexibility.
The process involved cutting the cardboard and plastic layers to the correct shape. Then, the layers were stacked together, carefully aligned, glued, and pressed. After allowing the glue to dry and cure, the edges were cut and shaped.
The Final Product: A Sustainable Skate Deck?
The result was a surprisingly solid skateboard deck made from an unlikely combination of soda boxes and a plastic pool. While the final quality was not comparable to a professional board, it did demonstrate how it’s possible to create a rideable deck from unconventional materials. This experiment poses the question: Could we be witnessing the birth of a new, sustainable skateboard brand? The answer, you’ll have to see for yourself.
This project underscores the possibilities of do-it-yourself skateboarding, showcasing how resourcefulness can lead to innovative solutions during times of scarcity.
Filmed by: Ian Michna
Edited by: Rob Fraebel
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Conclusion: Innovation Through Resourcefulness
This Jenk TV episode highlights the potential for creativity and innovation in skateboarding. By using recycled materials, the team demonstrated that a skateboard deck can be constructed from almost anything. This project encourages skaters to think outside the box and explore new methods of sustainable skateboarding. It serves as a reminder that resourcefulness and creativity can often lead to unexpected and exciting results.
