The Vintage Surf Aesthetic & Alternatives

In my upcoming project, I’m excited to delve into creating a custom pressed skateboard deck, drawing inspiration from the intertwined eras of vintage surf and classic skate culture. As mentioned in a previous post, my aim is to capture the essence of a time when these two cultures melded seamlessly together.

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The vintage surf aesthetic is famously known for its soft pastel colors and the elegant use of pinstripes. These elements not only evoke a sense of nostalgia but also resonate with those who may not have personally experienced this era. I plan to incorporate these design hallmarks into my skateboard deck, hoping to stir similar feelings of nostalgia in others.

During the same period, skate culture saw a rise as surfers looked for ways to keep their skills sharp during the off-season. This crossover is evident in the old school skateboard deck shapes, particularly in the design of nose and tail kicks, which feature hard lines that prioritize function over form. I will be taking cues from these designs for the shape of my own deck.

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ransportation is a key purpose for this skateboard deck. Longboarding has long been considered ideal for commuting, with designs that accommodate larger wheels to handle uneven surfaces encountered during daily commutes. The platypus style twin-tip deck is a prime example of this, designed to enhance functionality for commuters.

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While this board shape aligns with a different subculture within longboarding: the adrenaline-fueled downhill culture, it represents an alternative aesthetic that could be explored in future projects. This culture is all about connection with nature, exploring mountain passes, and navigating winding downhill paths.

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My intention for my project is to ride a balance of Vintage Surf Aesthetic, and the manufacturing processes seen in old school skating. I would like to have the pastels and pinstripes and wide tapering body of classic surf shapes with the hard kicks and sharp concaves defined by old school decks.

 

[1] Free Classic Surf Line-up Image | Download at StockCake

[2] PUNISHER® SKATEBOARDS | A-FRAME SERIES | 80’S ERA PRO SKATEBOARD DECK – Punisher Skateboards

[3] SIMPLE LONGBOARD – PLATYPUS 50″ SATIN NUT – ThaneLife Longboard Skate Shop

[4] downhill skateboarding wallpaper – Pesquisa Google