Skateboarding is a lifestyle and culture that has progressed in creativity, DIY and counterculture.
Unfortunately, the skateboarding industry has witnessed a surge in popularity, attracting mainstream media, the Olympics, and luxury brands.
Supporting core skateboarder-owned brands is crucial for preserving the historicity and heart of skateboarding.
So, why should you only support core skateboarder-owned brands?
Support The Core, Reject The Corporate
Core skater-owned shoe brands share a unique bond with skateboarders. It's not just about money to them, but a language of freedom and self-expression.
Supporting the real skate shoe business means channeling your financial contribution back into the skateboarding community.
Rather than contributing to the profits of large corporations, your investment directly supports the livelihoods of skateboarders and helps sustain independent businesses within the industry.
Filmers Will Get Paid Instead of Just Beanies & Decks
Skateboarding filmmakers are storytellers, capturing gnarly clips uniquely and compellingly.
They work hard to entertain us all, but at the end of the day, their gas, going back and forth in a spot with tired legs and back, will only have an ex-deal with clothing.
If you buy from the core industry, you will make the filmers get paid.
Give More Jobs to Skateboarders
Just like filmers working for the love of skateboarding with not much pay, other skaters can also have more jobs, such as skate shop businesses, which can employ more skaters.
Supporting core skateboarder-owned brands creates job opportunities within the skateboarding community.
Skater Owned, Skater Focus
Skater-owned business's focus goes beyond profit margins, aiming to contribute positively to the skateboarding community.
Their commitment often translates into developing innovative products, events, and initiatives benefiting skateboarders.
Valued By The Strong Skate Community
Skateboarding has always thrived on a sense of camaraderie. Supporting core skateboarder-owned brands aligns you with this solid and tight-knit community.
These brands are more likely to actively engage with and listen to the concerns and feedback of skateboarders, fostering a unity that extends beyond consumerism.
Professional Skateboarders Will Stay Loyal
Due to the rising corporate greed infiltrating the industry, the loyalty of professional skateboarders is at risk.
By supporting core brands, pro skaters reduce their dependency on corporate entities.
This financial independence allows them to maintain control over the brand, creative direction, and sponsorship affiliations without being overshadowed by the influence of massive corporations.