Last month, we explored the fascinating world of skateboard deck collecting with several avid collectors. However, one name that kept surfacing was James Lamb, a man known in collecting circles as a “whale” due to his massive collection. It turns out that James has been seriously collecting for nearly a decade, amassing hundreds of vintage boards and creating a space that’s part museum, part man-cave. His garage in Ontario, Canada, houses not only a massive collection of decks worth hundreds of thousands of dollars but also unopened bottles of Grey Goose, classic American muscle cars, and even an indoor bowl. We finally had the chance to delve into the mind of this passionate collector and learn more about the person behind this incredible hoard.
James Lamb surrounded by his skateboard deck collection
Let’s start with the burning question: how did you afford such an impressive collection of expensive decks? What do you do for a living?
I’ve been in the automotive industry my entire life. Flipping cars, especially muscle cars, was incredibly lucrative 10-15 years ago. For the first twelve years of my career, I worked as a mechanic for a large auto shop, supplementing my income by working nights and weekends. This relentless work ethic, instilled in me by my father, has been a constant driver.
At 30, I decided to take control of my finances and opened my own auto shop. For the past 21 years, I’ve been self-employed, now managing a six-bay shop with five employees. While the financial rewards are substantial, it comes with a fair share of stress and challenges.
How long have you been actively collecting, and what’s the current size of your collection?
I started collecting back in 2002, but took a break for a few years to buy a house and raise a family. I got back into it around 2012. I estimate that my collection consists of between 600 and 700 original vintage decks.
A close up of vintage skateboard decks on a wall
I’m fortunate to have the space to display most of my collection at any given time. Unlike some collectors with large hoards stored in boxes, I prefer to see my decks every day. Currently, around 500 are on display, and I plan to showcase every single one of them in the next few months.
A common stereotype is that adult collectors are often divorced. Is a divorce a prerequisite for a credible deck collection?
Interestingly, I am divorced. However, I had already amassed a significant collection before the split, and I’ve been engaged for the past two years. I don’t believe that divorce plays a role in collecting. While I’m sure there are some wives who disapprove, I’ve never personally experienced that.
Have you heard of people losing their board collections in divorce settlements?
I’ve heard of such instances, but I don’t have any firsthand experience with it.
What’s the primary focus of your collection?
My collection heavily emphasizes Vision Skateboards and its parent companies, such as Sims, Schmitt Stix, and Town & Country. These companies all produced their boards and graphics under one roof. However, I’m also interested in any board company that was active between 1982 and 1992.
A wall filled with vintage skateboard decks
While most collectors are heavily into Powell Peralta and Santa Cruz – which are amazing with iconic skaters, boards and graphics – I prefer to collect something a little different. During my skating peak between 1987 and 1990, I rode Vision and Schmitt Stix decks, so collecting them felt like a natural choice.
What would you consider your most prized possession?
My most prized skateboard is my Tony Hawk board, which is completely intact from when he won first place at the Airwalk SkateFest in Toronto in 1988. I was actually at that competition!
There’s a great story behind this board. It surfaced on Facebook for sale a few years ago, but I couldn’t afford it at the time. Another Canadian collector bought it, and I made it clear that if he ever wanted to sell, I wanted the chance to buy it. That day came not too long ago. Initially it was rumored that Tony gave the board to a young fan at the airport, but during negotiations, it was discovered that the board had actually been stolen from Tony while he was traveling from Toronto to Montreal.
Upon learning this, I reached out to a friend of Tony’s and offered to return the board. He respectfully declined but offered the opportunity to fly out to California and take some photos with it. While COVID has delayed this plan, I hope it will be possible soon.
A close up of a Tony Hawk skateboard deck
What do you think of modern skateboard graphics?
Modern graphics, for the most part, are lacking. They often lack meaning, aren’t well thought out, and don’t involve any skill in their application. Most of them are just heat transfers.
If you sold your entire collection, what could you buy?
There is no doubt that I have a ridiculous amount of money tied up in my collection. Exactly how much, I couldn’t say. But if I sold every deck at current market value, I could probably retire comfortably. However, it’s not a topic I’m interested in discussing. It’s not relevant to me.
I’m often called a “trust fund baby” or a lottery winner, or that I have a high-powered, high-salary job. None of that is true. I’ve built my collection through hard work and dedication. What many don’t understand is that I don’t have a retirement plan, a vacation home or any savings outside of this. Every single dollar I save goes into skateboarding and collecting. It’s a borderline obsession, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
An image of several vintage skateboard decks
You also have a remarkable collection of classic cars. How did you get into that?
My father was an auto mechanic and had his own shop when I was very young. He was constantly fixing up cars for my mom or himself at our home. It was a natural progression for me. I loved the old hotrod paint jobs, the murals, and the Cragar chrome rims. My dream car was a 1970 Chevelle Super Sport. I’m a huge fan of American muscle cars.
Before I started collecting skateboards, all my time and money went into muscle cars and drag racing. But I loved so many different cars that I kept buying more as I saved money. Eventually, I started selling some of my cars to free up funds to buy more skateboards. At this point, skateboard collecting took priority. I kept the cars that I had a strong connection to and sold off the rest.
Do you have a favorite car in your collection?
Definitely my 1970 Chevelle SS 454. I’ve owned a few ‘70 Chevelles in different colors, but my Cortez silver one with black racing stripes and a black vinyl roof is my favorite.
A photo of vintage cars and skateboard decks in a garage
Do you feel any moral conflict having so many Gator boards?
I don’t have any moral hangups. I separate the board and the graphic from the man and his horrendous actions. I don’t idolize Gator, nor do I condone his actions. The murder of Jessica Bergsten had nothing to do with skateboarding in the 80s. I focus on Gator’s involvement with skating during that period.
Let’s be honest, Gator’s 1984 spiral graphic is legendary and iconic. It sold thousands of pro models until 1988. It remains very collectible, highly sought-after and commands high prices. The fact there are so many color variations makes it even more cool and collectible.
Are you ever concerned about re-issues or fakes?
I don’t worry about re-issues. Manufacturers can reissue whatever they want. An original will always be an original, and a re-issue will always be inferior. Re-issues should be used for skating, while originals should be used for preserving skateboarding history. I don’t think re-issues affect the value of an original.
Fakes, however, are a different story. Some are so well-made that they are becoming increasingly difficult to detect.
Do you have any tips for new collectors?
Make friends and build connections. 80% of my deck deals are done behind the scenes with people I’ve done business with before. I’m known for smooth, easy transactions.
Also, ask questions and educate yourself. It’s easy to get burned. It’s become very expensive so disposable income is a must.
An image of vintage skateboard decks
If you started selling your decks, could you influence the market?
If I sold my entire collection of 100+ Gator spiral boards well below market value, I think it might impact the market and bring prices down.
But I don’t want to be seen as this power-hungry collector. That’s not who I am. I’m just a guy who loves skateboards more than most people. I’ve spent a lot of time helping others with their collections, answering questions, and more. I hope that people can see that I am a good guy who cares about others and simply loves the ’80s.
