During the ‘80s Natas Kaupas was part of the wave of skateboarders that would take the sport into the mainstream as he skated his way through Santa Monica, California, eventually going pro, landing the cover of Thrasher magazine, and pioneering what would become street skating. This weekend Shinola — the Detroit-based lifestyle company that makes a number of things like dice, pens, leather goods, watches, bikes, pet accessories and more — is unveiling a collaboration with the legendary skateboarder. The pair joined forces to make a limited run of 100 skateboard decks made in the U.S.A. that will feature original artwork and a special treat — Kaupas’s autograph.
The design is an abstract graphic that layers various shapes over one another over a white background and will launch this weekend to coincide with the grand opening of Shinola Venice on April 30. Kaupas himself will be there from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. before a life performance by the band PAPA in the Brig parking lot at the brand’s new location on Abbot Kinney Blvd. Customers who happen to buy the limited edition skateboards will also be able to get an in-store special from Kaupas, who will be customizing gifts with each skateboard purchase.
Whether you use the skateboard to actually skate or a piece of art to hang on your wall is up to you — but we suggest you do the latter so you won’t regret messing up this very unique, limited edition piece of memorabilia signed by skateboarding legend.
