The skateboarding market is saturated with options, from boards to trucks, but one area has remained relatively untapped: riser pads. While many skaters might overlook this small piece of hardware, 2 Riser Pads is making waves, proving that even the most niche products can become a cultural phenomenon. Led by Robert Blazek, Kris Burkhardt, Masa Sun, and Chris Ramos, this brand is striking a unique balance between playful internet humor and high-quality product, and they’re doing it while asking a question many haven’t considered: Who actually has a riser pad sponsor?
Robert Blazek, one of the founders of 2 Riser Pads, skateboarding
In this interview, co-owner Robert Blazek discusses the brand’s journey, the creation of their first-of-its-kind pro riser pad for Frog’s Frankie Decker, and the art of building a brand that stands out.
Your first Instagram post was in April 2019. How long was 2 Riser Pads just an idea?
It was an idea for a long time, honestly. The biggest hurdle was figuring out a cost-effective way to manufacture riser pads. That, coupled with some good old-fashioned procrastination, delayed us quite a bit. Eventually, we just decided it was time to go for it.
Manufacturing can be a pain, but thankfully riser pads are small. We’ve got a little assembly line set up on the kitchen table, dealing with pads and T-shirts.
Are you the first brand to produce a pro riser pad?
Yeah, we are [laughs]. We always wanted to create professional riser pads that were more than just a different color. We wanted them to be personalized with the pro’s name or something special.
We launched Frankie Decker’s pro pad the same night he went pro for Frog. It was a huge moment for all of us. We managed to keep the pro pad a surprise for him, which made it even more special.
Tell me about the bench ad for Frankie’s pro riser.
That was a rogue operation. We printed the posters at Kinko’s, put on high-vis vests, and just installed them ourselves. If you have cones and look like you’re supposed to be there, no one questions what you’re doing. We just glued our ads right over the existing ones. Our budget is tight, so we have to get creative.
Looking back at “World Peath,” the video that helped launch a lot of your friend group’s careers, how does it feel seeing how far everyone has come?
It makes me really happy. I’m so stoked that I grew up with those guys and that we still get to connect and collaborate. Even when we’re on different trips, I know we’ll see each other again. We’re all still really close. I still film with Daniel [Dent], who gets paid to film now. The fact that he still makes time for me, despite his busy schedule, means a lot.
“We got some heavy hitters who maybe don’t even know they’re on this brand, but they will know [laughs].”
How did you assemble this team, and can we expect a video from this crew?
It just kind of happened organically. People were stoked on the brand, so we added them to the team. It’s a random mix, and some might not even realize they’re officially on the team yet [laughs]. It’s just riser pads, after all, anyone can use them. No one else has a riser pad sponsor.
A video would be awesome. We don’t have any concrete plans yet, but it’s definitely a possibility. If we had everyone send us footage, it would probably be a mix of everything.
Who was the first person to test out the pads?
We got our first samples at my job at the Palace store in Los Angeles. Frankie and Kanin [Garner] were the first to test them out. Kanin was also the first to be officially on the team.
Kanin is a beast. He was instantly a fan of the brand, even though he didn’t usually ride pads before. It’s not a requirement for the team, but it just makes sense for him since he rides big wheels and does manuals.
A close-up of 2 Riser Pads stickers
You’re one of the only skate companies active on TikTok. How do you balance the fun, casual content with proper advertising?
I don’t actually have a TikTok. Chris Ramos in New York runs that. I don’t even know what’s on it [laughs], but I know Chris is doing great. People love the humor on TikTok, especially compared to the more serious tone of Instagram. It’s a place for funny, random content. There was never any specific marketing plan behind it.
There is a balance between the two. We all share random memes and think of funny things related to riser pads. Thankfully, Kris Burkhardt creates really high-quality ads and skate photos. If you look at our Instagram, you can tell who created what.
“It’s just riser pads, so anyone can wear our stuff. No one has a riser pad sponsor.”
What made you want to start a company instead of focusing solely on skateboarding?
I always knew what kind of skater I was, and being a skater that goes on trips was not really my path. While I still get clips here and there [laughs], I don’t think pursuing skating as a full-time career was ever really in the cards for me.
Growing up in Las Vegas, we didn’t even think becoming pro skaters was possible. We were just making videos because we loved skating so much. It wasn’t about having a mission, and I wouldn’t say it was for the people who made it, like Nick and Frankie. Obviously, they knew they were good and that it was possible. For us, it was always about hanging out and making videos. That’s what fueled us.
A skateboarder using 2 Riser Pads
“2” is a deceptively simple name. What makes a perfect brand name in your opinion?
A perfect brand name is a combination of factors. It’s about the brand itself and the people behind it. Some brands have names that make me wonder, “How did they come up with that?” but they still do well because of what they create and who is involved. As long as people like the people involved or the product itself is cool, it’s going to work. Whatever you name your brand will eventually catch on.
My other opinion, which shows with “2,” is that I like it when a name doesn’t have an immediate vibe. It allows people to create their own identity around the brand. “2” doesn’t immediately imply anything. It’s not immediately evil, nor is it immediately cute. We can be either, depending on what the moment calls for.
“We can be evil if you want us to or we can be cute.”
We need more Zero-esque American flag branding, I think [laughs].
Yeah, that’s its own kind of evil.
A close-up of 2 Riser Pads on a skateboard
Are you planning to sell in skate shops, or will it remain online for now?
We recently got confirmation from Labor Skateshop, we’re in Marriage, and we’re in Japan. We’re also in Trevor Thompson’s shop, Plush. Right now, we have to be selective about the shops we partner with due to our current stock levels. We want to supply other shops, but we have to take care of our friends first. Our goal is to be in all shops as soon as possible. We’re ramping up production to make that happen.
“As long as your friends are hyped and rocking with it nothing else should matter.”
Any advice for someone wanting to start their own company but doesn’t know where to begin?
I don’t think we’re in a position to give official company advice yet, but a crucial factor is doing it with your friends. I feel so lucky to be doing this with such a talented team. I don’t even want to imagine what the brand would be like if it were just me. Your friends are everything. As long as they’re stoked and supporting you, nothing else matters.
If you already have a crew, just start making stuff. Wake up, have a coffee, and follow through with producing whatever it is you have in mind. Don’t force anything. I’ve been brainstorming brands since I was sixteen, and there’s been a million different ideas, names, and styles. You will know when it feels right. Just make stuff, and make it for yourself.
Interview by: Ben Komins
Photos by: Kris Burkhardt
