Skateboard collecting might seem like a niche hobby, but for those deeply involved, it’s a passionate pursuit fueled by nostalgia, a love for skate history, and the thrill of the hunt. It’s more than just accumulating old decks; it’s about preserving pieces of skateboarding culture and personal memories. While some skaters might have a few old boards gathering dust, serious collectors invest considerable time and resources into finding and preserving iconic decks. We spoke with three dedicated collectors to delve into their unique motivations, experiences, and perspectives on the world of skateboard collecting.
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John Arbuckle: The 90s Popsicle Devotee
John’s journey into collecting started with a fascination for skate videos, leading to a VHS tape obsession. His passion for skateboards ignited when his wife gifted him a signed “Yeah Right!” board. He was soon captivated, tracking down an original Muska silhouette board. He credits Tim Anderson’s Instagram as a major inspiration for his collection.
John primarily focuses on 90s skateboards, particularly mid-to-late 90s “popsicle” shapes. When asked about the most sought-after deck, he points to the 101 Natas “Devil Worship” board by Marc McKee, estimating a NOS version could fetch $10,000 to $15,000. A particularly memorable acquisition for John was a Gabriel Rodriguez Santana Chocolate board that he later discovered came from Gabe’s personal collection, a cherished piece he’ll never part with.
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John expresses a dislike for board flipping, emphasizing that his collection is driven by a love for skate history rather than financial gain. He prefers signatures to be simple, on the topside only, to preserve the graphic. He advocates for storing boards outside of their shrink wrap using plastic board bags for better protection. He fondly recalls a less-than-ideal encounter with Tosh Townend during his childhood, a humorous moment that adds a personal touch to his skate journey.
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John notes that screen-printed boards, while superior in quality, are becoming increasingly rare due to cost and production complexities. He names Alien Workshop as his favorite company from the “golden era,” citing the video “Photosynthesis” as a significant influence. Among modern brands, he appreciates Quasi’s graphics. For newcomers to collecting, he advises patience and avoiding impulsive purchases. He acknowledges the volatility of the market, unsure if current values will hold in the future.
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His most prized possession is a James Kelch “Flyer” deck, acquired from a woman who bought it years ago but barely used it. Though not technically NOS, its well-preserved condition makes it highly valuable. Regarding modern boards, John prefers older, smaller shapes, finding contemporary boards too large and square for his taste. He sees the current collecting scene thriving, with Facebook and Instagram connecting collectors, fostering direct sales and trades.
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Bill Simpson: The Alien Workshop & Habitat Enthusiast
Bill’s collecting journey began around 2010 with a Heath Kirchart Mindfield deck, inspired by his admiration for the skater and the collections shared by Tim Anderson and Simon Hooper. He was also a baseball card collector, which instilled in him a habit of saving meaningful items.
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He is drawn to boards from the early 2000s, the period when he started skating. A big fan of Alien Workshop and Habitat, Bill was influenced by their graphics, team, videos, and the overall East Coast art direction. He also admires Evan Hecox’s graphics for Chocolate. A highlight of Bill’s collecting experience was acquiring several Anthony Pappalardo boards directly from the skater himself.
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Bill’s current holy grail is Heath Kirchart’s deck from the Alien Workshop Enlightened series. He is determined to complete the series, which currently only lacks his and Dill’s boards. Bill advises new collectors to focus on boards with personal meaning, rather than being swayed by trends or the collections of others. He also notes that while some skaters may be indifferent to the graphic, many still appreciate it, using boards as a form of self-expression and nostalgia.
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He believes it has become harder to make an iconic graphic due to the rapid pace of the industry, noting the constant influx of new photos, videos, and brands in today’s market. For his era, the Alien Workshop Photosynthesis series stands out as highly sought after, with individual decks fetching substantial prices. He laments the decline of screen-printed boards, appreciating the unique feel and subtle imperfections of each deck.
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Bill is a fan of Quasi graphics, noting their use of mixed media. He emphasizes the importance of patience and consistency, as well as forming connections within the collector community. He estimates his collection of 60 boards is worth around $13,000, accumulated over ten years while selling other items to offset costs. Bill’s most valuable piece is a Josh Kalis “Pegasus” deck he acquired as part of a larger lot, a board he is too attached to sell.
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Mitch Hartman: The Personal Connection Collector
Mitch began collecting in 1995 after meeting Ricky Oyola, who signed his Zoo board, which Mitch still owns. His collection centers around decks from friends who have gone pro, brands he’s been involved with, and boards from the obscure Listen Skateboards.
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Mitch notes a shift in the skateboard market, with skaters caring more about brand identity than the graphics themselves. He also observes that graphics are released at a much faster pace than in the past, making it difficult for shops to stock any particular graphic for an extended period. One of his most memorable stories involves a board signed by Cole, with the inscription “Don’t ever sweat asking me for a favor you’re the homie,” a heartfelt gesture from a friend.
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His holy grail is a rare 151 JR Neves board. He prefers signatures on the graphic, finding the topside to be less meaningful for display. He insists on storing boards outside of shrink wrap in storage bags. To determine a deck’s worth, Mitch starts with eBay sold listings, followed by Facebook groups for a better sense of what collectors are willing to pay.
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Mitch shared a heartwarming story about connecting with JR Neves’ mother, locating an Unbelievers board and subsequently offering it to her. Her response that she was happy to know it was still out there prompted Mitch to keep the board in his collection, further emphasizing the significance of the community surrounding collecting.
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He agrees that screen-printed boards are largely a thing of the past, though small runs continue for collectors. Mitch names Bootleg as his favorite golden era company and Mike Stein as his favorite skate artist. His advice for new collectors is to avoid selling pieces they care about in favor of popular items that may be reissued later.
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Mitch notes that most of his collection holds personal value rather than resale value, making it hard to estimate its worth. He believes that modern board graphics lack staying power, with the exception of first boards or “rookie cards.” He hopes that his friends would help his collection find its way into the hands of people who would genuinely appreciate it. This philosophy is influenced by the loss of a friend, Corey Brashears, and the subsequent distribution of his extensive collection to people who would appreciate his passion for skateboarding.
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Conclusion
The world of skateboard collecting is as diverse as the skaters themselves. These interviews reveal the personal connections, historical significance, and artistic appreciation that drive collectors. Whether it’s the hunt for a specific board, the preservation of skate history, or the connection with fellow enthusiasts, skateboard collecting is a vibrant and meaningful subculture within the skateboarding community. These collectors’ stories emphasize that collecting is about more than just the boards themselves; it’s about the history, art, and personal connections that they represent.
