The end of Cons

[Atiba Applebum]

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First brand/team to cool guy themselves into bankruptcy?

[close]

Possibly the truest part of this thread - Cons, at least in Europe, seems to only sponsor the coolest of the cool and ads like the one in Paris with the red wine spilling over the table while whichever ultra-cool rider dressed in black ollies over couldn't be less relevant to younger kids. Kids like tik tok, not red wine in Paris. Cons got far too cool for their own good.

Yeah what’s with all these brands not premiering skate parts in fortnight or refusing to skate obstacles made in Minecraft/roblox?

[JohnOakley]

Ok, i realise that what kids like now is going to seem repugnant to most skaters over a certain age but if these brands don't try to cater for young kids then who the fuck are they going to sell shoes/whatever to in the future?

The industry is pretty much run, head to toe, by dudes in their 50s who, for their whole careers, have known whats up in skateboarding. They were there in '93, saw the street revolution and the death of vert first hand. Experienced all the trouser and wheels sizes and know which trends worked and which didn't. They were part of the most progressive years in skate history but now those people are doomed to keep repeating that formula to kids who couldn't give a fuck about pro skaters, arty skate videos and core mags.

When Rocco turned World into a cartoon toyshop brand we all thought that was terrible but it brought in a new generation of skaters. Super arty cool guys in plain black shoes don't have that appeal to the kids. Marketing skateboard products to actual kids is a lost art.

[Unkle Fleak]

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Heard there’s only a handful of guys getting an opportunity to re-sign their contracts

[close]

I'd imagine Louie at least. The guy is such a good skater and deserves to be on even if they take away his shoe. Get rid of the FA guys and Baca. Hopefully Zered is still on but he hard has any sponsors going on.

The one negative I can think of for Lou is his pro shoe ended up in marshals discount pile. And not just a few like the 808. There was hundreds of pairs.
I tried them on and was like. I can’t skate in these. I even thought did they make a non skate version of this shoe?

Idk if state still exists but I see any team cuts to cons as a way for TB to level up a bit.

[sfa]

Ok, i realise that what kids like now is going to seem repugnant to most skaters over a certain age but if these brands don't try to cater for young kids then who the fuck are they going to sell shoes/whatever to in the future?

The industry is pretty much run, head to toe, by dudes in their 50s who, for their whole careers, have known whats up in skateboarding. They were there in '93, saw the street revolution and the death of vert first hand. Experienced all the trouser and wheels sizes and know which trends worked and which didn't. They were part of the most progressive years in skate history but now those people are doomed to keep repeating that formula to kids who couldn't give a fuck about pro skaters, arty skate videos and core mags.

When Rocco turned World into a cartoon toyshop brand we all thought that was terrible but it brought in a new generation of skaters. Super arty cool guys in plain black shoes don't have that appeal to the kids. Marketing skateboard products to actual kids is a lost art.

CHURCH!

(i don't think anyone says that anymore, but this guy gets it, skateing has become a fucking circle jerk)

[Atiba Applebum]

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Ok, i realise that what kids like now is going to seem repugnant to most skaters over a certain age but if these brands don't try to cater for young kids then who the fuck are they going to sell shoes/whatever to in the future?

The industry is pretty much run, head to toe, by dudes in their 50s who, for their whole careers, have known whats up in skateboarding. They were there in '93, saw the street revolution and the death of vert first hand. Experienced all the trouser and wheels sizes and know which trends worked and which didn't. They were part of the most progressive years in skate history but now those people are doomed to keep repeating that formula to kids who couldn't give a fuck about pro skaters, arty skate videos and core mags.

When Rocco turned World into a cartoon toyshop brand we all thought that was terrible but it brought in a new generation of skaters. Super arty cool guys in plain black shoes don't have that appeal to the kids. Marketing skateboard products to actual kids is a lost art.

[close]

CHURCH!

(i don't think anyone says that anymore, but this guy gets it, skateing has become a fucking circle jerk)

So change the entire industry in hopes that it’ll appeal to 7-10 year olds?   Return to retiring pros at 24 because they’re too old for kids to comprehend/like?

[Anderdingus]

Yes. That's a start

[Sizzla]

Mi zimmi Dela still uptown rank in a dem Cons

Mi seh iffa retire supreme employee still blessed wi shoes dem den disya nah tale ah how deh sheep fluff an dem goat fat ya hear me

[Mr. Jax Taylor]

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Ok, i realise that what kids like now is going to seem repugnant to most skaters over a certain age but if these brands don't try to cater for young kids then who the fuck are they going to sell shoes/whatever to in the future?

The industry is pretty much run, head to toe, by dudes in their 50s who, for their whole careers, have known whats up in skateboarding. They were there in '93, saw the street revolution and the death of vert first hand. Experienced all the trouser and wheels sizes and know which trends worked and which didn't. They were part of the most progressive years in skate history but now those people are doomed to keep repeating that formula to kids who couldn't give a fuck about pro skaters, arty skate videos and core mags.

When Rocco turned World into a cartoon toyshop brand we all thought that was terrible but it brought in a new generation of skaters. Super arty cool guys in plain black shoes don't have that appeal to the kids. Marketing skateboard products to actual kids is a lost art.

[close]

CHURCH!

(i don't think anyone says that anymore, but this guy gets it, skateing has become a fucking circle jerk)

[close]

So change the entire industry in hopes that it’ll appeal to 7-10 year olds?   Return to retiring pros at 24 because they’re too old for kids to comprehend/like?

Yes, Its Time To Stop Letting Chopped Middle Aged Men Call The Shots Because They Dont Want To Get A Real Job. Step Aside And Give The Kids A Shot Before Its Too Late

[Atiba Applebum]

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Ok, i realise that what kids like now is going to seem repugnant to most skaters over a certain age but if these brands don't try to cater for young kids then who the fuck are they going to sell shoes/whatever to in the future?

The industry is pretty much run, head to toe, by dudes in their 50s who, for their whole careers, have known whats up in skateboarding. They were there in '93, saw the street revolution and the death of vert first hand. Experienced all the trouser and wheels sizes and know which trends worked and which didn't. They were part of the most progressive years in skate history but now those people are doomed to keep repeating that formula to kids who couldn't give a fuck about pro skaters, arty skate videos and core mags.

When Rocco turned World into a cartoon toyshop brand we all thought that was terrible but it brought in a new generation of skaters. Super arty cool guys in plain black shoes don't have that appeal to the kids. Marketing skateboard products to actual kids is a lost art.

[close]

CHURCH!

(i don't think anyone says that anymore, but this guy gets it, skateing has become a fucking circle jerk)

[close]

So change the entire industry in hopes that it’ll appeal to 7-10 year olds?   Return to retiring pros at 24 because they’re too old for kids to comprehend/like?

[close]

Yes, Its Time To Stop Letting Chopped Middle Aged Men Call The Shots Because They Dont Want To Get A Real Job. Step Aside And Give The Kids A Shot Before Its Too Late

And considering none of us have a financial stake in the industry, these are the changes we want to see implemented?   Trae the Tanks as far as the eye can see

I guess it makes sense.  Kids are really into watching people ther own age like Mr Beast, Kai Cenat, Speed and nothing will make skateboarding seem cooler than desperately chasing engagement    I guess it’s why every interview with a skater that asks how they got into skateboarding would read better if it said “well I found that I was marketed to appropriately for my demographic”

[Mr. Jax Taylor]

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Ok, i realise that what kids like now is going to seem repugnant to most skaters over a certain age but if these brands don't try to cater for young kids then who the fuck are they going to sell shoes/whatever to in the future?

The industry is pretty much run, head to toe, by dudes in their 50s who, for their whole careers, have known whats up in skateboarding. They were there in '93, saw the street revolution and the death of vert first hand. Experienced all the trouser and wheels sizes and know which trends worked and which didn't. They were part of the most progressive years in skate history but now those people are doomed to keep repeating that formula to kids who couldn't give a fuck about pro skaters, arty skate videos and core mags.

When Rocco turned World into a cartoon toyshop brand we all thought that was terrible but it brought in a new generation of skaters. Super arty cool guys in plain black shoes don't have that appeal to the kids. Marketing skateboard products to actual kids is a lost art.

[close]

CHURCH!

(i don't think anyone says that anymore, but this guy gets it, skateing has become a fucking circle jerk)

[close]

So change the entire industry in hopes that it’ll appeal to 7-10 year olds?   Return to retiring pros at 24 because they’re too old for kids to comprehend/like?

[close]

Yes, Its Time To Stop Letting Chopped Middle Aged Men Call The Shots Because They Dont Want To Get A Real Job. Step Aside And Give The Kids A Shot Before Its Too Late

[close]

And considering none of us have a financial stake in the industry, these are the changes we want to see?   Trae the Tanks as far as the eye can see

No Youre Totally Right Lets Let Skateboarding Culture Keep Circling The Drain So The Same Washed Pros And Industry "Legends" Can Force Themselves Upon Us And Random Old Guys Can Think They're "Hip"

Btw If You Followed Skating A Little More Closely Youd Know Theres Plenty Of Talented Teens And Twentysomethings Out There Putting Out Cool Videos/Footage Who Deserve The Spotlight, Not Everyone Born After 9/11 Is A Contest Kid Or Whatever. Also  Trae The Tank Was A Result Of A Random Middle Aged Man Who Didnt Want To Get A Job And Lived Vicariously Through His Kid .. Just Saying!

[Noble Experiment]

[Dj Paul]

Ok, i realise that what kids like now is going to seem repugnant to most skaters over a certain age but if these brands don't try to cater for young kids then who the fuck are they going to sell shoes/whatever to in the future?

The industry is pretty much run, head to toe, by dudes in their 50s who, for their whole careers, have known whats up in skateboarding. They were there in '93, saw the street revolution and the death of vert first hand. Experienced all the trouser and wheels sizes and know which trends worked and which didn't. They were part of the most progressive years in skate history but now those people are doomed to keep repeating that formula to kids who couldn't give a fuck about pro skaters, arty skate videos and core mags.

When Rocco turned World into a cartoon toyshop brand we all thought that was terrible but it brought in a new generation of skaters. Super arty cool guys in plain black shoes don't have that appeal to the kids. Marketing skateboard products to actual kids is a lost art.

Kids are playing online games instead real sports and the ones that skate once in a while dont give a damn about skate culture.

Theyoungs in ther 20's that skates often are biting old skaters in baggie pants and white t-shirts.

You should Watch the new videos and stop talking bullshit, cause  I only see skaters dressing like Julien Stranger or 96 Trilogy type of shi.

[Atiba Applebum]

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Ok, i realise that what kids like now is going to seem repugnant to most skaters over a certain age but if these brands don't try to cater for young kids then who the fuck are they going to sell shoes/whatever to in the future?

The industry is pretty much run, head to toe, by dudes in their 50s who, for their whole careers, have known whats up in skateboarding. They were there in '93, saw the street revolution and the death of vert first hand. Experienced all the trouser and wheels sizes and know which trends worked and which didn't. They were part of the most progressive years in skate history but now those people are doomed to keep repeating that formula to kids who couldn't give a fuck about pro skaters, arty skate videos and core mags.

When Rocco turned World into a cartoon toyshop brand we all thought that was terrible but it brought in a new generation of skaters. Super arty cool guys in plain black shoes don't have that appeal to the kids. Marketing skateboard products to actual kids is a lost art.

[close]

CHURCH!

(i don't think anyone says that anymore, but this guy gets it, skateing has become a fucking circle jerk)

[close]

So change the entire industry in hopes that it’ll appeal to 7-10 year olds?   Return to retiring pros at 24 because they’re too old for kids to comprehend/like?

[close]

Yes, Its Time To Stop Letting Chopped Middle Aged Men Call The Shots Because They Dont Want To Get A Real Job. Step Aside And Give The Kids A Shot Before Its Too Late

[close]

And considering none of us have a financial stake in the industry, these are the changes we want to see?   Trae the Tanks as far as the eye can see

[close]

No Youre Totally Right Lets Let Skateboarding Culture Keep Circling The Drain So The Same Washed Pros And Industry "Legends" Can Force Themselves Upon Us And Random Old Guys Can Think They're "Hip"

Btw If You Followed Skating A Little More Closely Youd Know Theres Plenty Of Talented Teens And Twentysomethings Out There Putting Out Cool Videos/Footage Who Deserve The Spotlight, Not Everyone Born After 9/11 Is A Contest Kid Or Whatever. Also  Trae The Tank Was A Result Of A Random Middle Aged Man Who Didnt Want To Get A Job And Lived Vicariously Through His Kid .. Just Saying!

Who is getting ignored at the expense of an older person?

Just thinking of recent videos:

Million + views for 37 year olds Antuwan content seems like it can live just as well on YouTube as it does for 21 year old Jaeb (124k views) and teenager Julian Agliardi (172k).   Spotlight is being very balanced especially when you think Jaeb was given his own platform for quasi and not lumped in with all those vomit-inducing 30 year old skaters in the team video

In that Air Force 1 video Nike did Troy Gipson sure seemed to get as much shine as grandpa Durao and none of the legacy pros were foisted on you in there. 

And considering videos get posted daily, I’m sure there’s significantly more teenager/20 something content on there than the memories of Gino promoting an asics colorway seven months ago

[Mr. Jax Taylor]

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Ok, i realise that what kids like now is going to seem repugnant to most skaters over a certain age but if these brands don't try to cater for young kids then who the fuck are they going to sell shoes/whatever to in the future?

The industry is pretty much run, head to toe, by dudes in their 50s who, for their whole careers, have known whats up in skateboarding. They were there in '93, saw the street revolution and the death of vert first hand. Experienced all the trouser and wheels sizes and know which trends worked and which didn't. They were part of the most progressive years in skate history but now those people are doomed to keep repeating that formula to kids who couldn't give a fuck about pro skaters, arty skate videos and core mags.

When Rocco turned World into a cartoon toyshop brand we all thought that was terrible but it brought in a new generation of skaters. Super arty cool guys in plain black shoes don't have that appeal to the kids. Marketing skateboard products to actual kids is a lost art.

[close]

CHURCH!

(i don't think anyone says that anymore, but this guy gets it, skateing has become a fucking circle jerk)

[close]

So change the entire industry in hopes that it’ll appeal to 7-10 year olds?   Return to retiring pros at 24 because they’re too old for kids to comprehend/like?

[close]

Yes, Its Time To Stop Letting Chopped Middle Aged Men Call The Shots Because They Dont Want To Get A Real Job. Step Aside And Give The Kids A Shot Before Its Too Late

[close]

And considering none of us have a financial stake in the industry, these are the changes we want to see?   Trae the Tanks as far as the eye can see

[close]

No Youre Totally Right Lets Let Skateboarding Culture Keep Circling The Drain So The Same Washed Pros And Industry "Legends" Can Force Themselves Upon Us And Random Old Guys Can Think They're "Hip"

Btw If You Followed Skating A Little More Closely Youd Know Theres Plenty Of Talented Teens And Twentysomethings Out There Putting Out Cool Videos/Footage Who Deserve The Spotlight, Not Everyone Born After 9/11 Is A Contest Kid Or Whatever. Also  Trae The Tank Was A Result Of A Random Middle Aged Man Who Didnt Want To Get A Job And Lived Vicariously Through His Kid .. Just Saying!

[close]

Who is getting ignored at the expense of an older person?

Just thinking of recent videos:

Million + views for 37 year olds Antuwan content seems like it can live just as well on YouTube as it does for 21 year old Jaeb (124k views) and teenager Julian Agliardi (172k).   Spotlight is being very balanced especially when you think Jaeb was given his own platform for quasi and not lumped in with all those vomit-inducing 30 year old skaters in the team video

In that Air Force 1 video Nike did Troy Gipson sure seemed to get as much shine as grandpa Durao and none of the legacy pros were foisted on you in there. 

And considering videos get posted daily, I’m sure there’s significantly more teenager/20 something content on there than the memories of Gino promoting an asics colorway seven months ago

Stop Cherrypicking View Counts (Totally Worthless Without Upload Dates) And Acting Like Anyone Said Everyone Over 30 Should Die, Youre Making Yourself Look Like An Idiot

[Dj Paul]

fucking good video....I even saw Shorty's Steve Olson clone on it.

[Atiba Applebum]

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Ok, i realise that what kids like now is going to seem repugnant to most skaters over a certain age but if these brands don't try to cater for young kids then who the fuck are they going to sell shoes/whatever to in the future?

The industry is pretty much run, head to toe, by dudes in their 50s who, for their whole careers, have known whats up in skateboarding. They were there in '93, saw the street revolution and the death of vert first hand. Experienced all the trouser and wheels sizes and know which trends worked and which didn't. They were part of the most progressive years in skate history but now those people are doomed to keep repeating that formula to kids who couldn't give a fuck about pro skaters, arty skate videos and core mags.

When Rocco turned World into a cartoon toyshop brand we all thought that was terrible but it brought in a new generation of skaters. Super arty cool guys in plain black shoes don't have that appeal to the kids. Marketing skateboard products to actual kids is a lost art.

[close]

CHURCH!

(i don't think anyone says that anymore, but this guy gets it, skateing has become a fucking circle jerk)

[close]

So change the entire industry in hopes that it’ll appeal to 7-10 year olds?   Return to retiring pros at 24 because they’re too old for kids to comprehend/like?

[close]

Yes, Its Time To Stop Letting Chopped Middle Aged Men Call The Shots Because They Dont Want To Get A Real Job. Step Aside And Give The Kids A Shot Before Its Too Late

[close]

And considering none of us have a financial stake in the industry, these are the changes we want to see?   Trae the Tanks as far as the eye can see

[close]

No Youre Totally Right Lets Let Skateboarding Culture Keep Circling The Drain So The Same Washed Pros And Industry "Legends" Can Force Themselves Upon Us And Random Old Guys Can Think They're "Hip"

Btw If You Followed Skating A Little More Closely Youd Know Theres Plenty Of Talented Teens And Twentysomethings Out There Putting Out Cool Videos/Footage Who Deserve The Spotlight, Not Everyone Born After 9/11 Is A Contest Kid Or Whatever. Also  Trae The Tank Was A Result Of A Random Middle Aged Man Who Didnt Want To Get A Job And Lived Vicariously Through His Kid .. Just Saying!

[close]

Who is getting ignored at the expense of an older person?

Just thinking of recent videos:

Million + views for 37 year olds Antuwan content seems like it can live just as well on YouTube as it does for 21 year old Jaeb (124k views) and teenager Julian Agliardi (172k).   Spotlight is being very balanced especially when you think Jaeb was given his own platform for quasi and not lumped in with all those vomit-inducing 30 year old skaters in the team video

In that Air Force 1 video Nike did Troy Gipson sure seemed to get as much shine as grandpa Durao and none of the legacy pros were foisted on you in there. 

And considering videos get posted daily, I’m sure there’s significantly more teenager/20 something content on there than the memories of Gino promoting an asics colorway seven months ago

[close]

Stop Cherrypicking View Counts (Totally Worthless Without Upload Dates) And Acting Like Anyone Said Everyone Over 30 Should Die, Youre Making Yourself Look Like An Idiot

I’m not cherry-picking.  Those were the biggest solo part released within the past month.   And again I ask: what young skaters are not getting the spotlight they deserve?

[Brotherly Shuvit]

There’s a ton of young skaters who could be pushed by companies more if they wanted to.  That would actually make for a good thread, just calling out all the underrated skaters out there, regardless of age even.

[botefdunn]

[JohnOakley]

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Ok, i realise that what kids like now is going to seem repugnant to most skaters over a certain age but if these brands don't try to cater for young kids then who the fuck are they going to sell shoes/whatever to in the future?

The industry is pretty much run, head to toe, by dudes in their 50s who, for their whole careers, have known whats up in skateboarding. They were there in '93, saw the street revolution and the death of vert first hand. Experienced all the trouser and wheels sizes and know which trends worked and which didn't. They were part of the most progressive years in skate history but now those people are doomed to keep repeating that formula to kids who couldn't give a fuck about pro skaters, arty skate videos and core mags.

When Rocco turned World into a cartoon toyshop brand we all thought that was terrible but it brought in a new generation of skaters. Super arty cool guys in plain black shoes don't have that appeal to the kids. Marketing skateboard products to actual kids is a lost art.

[close]

CHURCH!

(i don't think anyone says that anymore, but this guy gets it, skateing has become a fucking circle jerk)

[close]

So change the entire industry in hopes that it’ll appeal to 7-10 year olds?   Return to retiring pros at 24 because they’re too old for kids to comprehend/like?

[close]

Yes, Its Time To Stop Letting Chopped Middle Aged Men Call The Shots Because They Dont Want To Get A Real Job. Step Aside And Give The Kids A Shot Before Its Too Late

[close]

And considering none of us have a financial stake in the industry, these are the changes we want to see implemented?   Trae the Tanks as far as the eye can see

I guess it makes sense.  Kids are really into watching people ther own age like Mr Beast, Kai Cenat, Speed and nothing will make skateboarding seem cooler than desperately chasing engagement    I guess it’s why every interview with a skater that asks how they got into skateboarding would read better if it said “well I found that I was marketed to appropriately for my demographic”

Some of us DO have a financial stake in the industry - I've worked in it for 25 years and my grown-up family life and financial responsibilities depend upon it.

I'm not saying that younger skaters aren't given a chance or that we need to be chasing engagement over eveything else - I'm saying the youth aren't reacting to the world of 2026 skateboard marketing because they're NOT EVEN SEEING IT.

They don't read mags, they're not on Instagram, they don't care about video parts or pro skaters, sweeping generalisations of course.  I work on this shit every day and I'm telling you that the old methods of promoting skateboarding aren't working anymore.

I've run several IG accounts for American skate brands in Europe and the stats you get from the app are that the kids just aren't on there. 13-17 is one of the lowest demographics on every one. If my computer will work i'll upload a screengrab below...

[Atiba Applebum]

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Ok, i realise that what kids like now is going to seem repugnant to most skaters over a certain age but if these brands don't try to cater for young kids then who the fuck are they going to sell shoes/whatever to in the future?

The industry is pretty much run, head to toe, by dudes in their 50s who, for their whole careers, have known whats up in skateboarding. They were there in '93, saw the street revolution and the death of vert first hand. Experienced all the trouser and wheels sizes and know which trends worked and which didn't. They were part of the most progressive years in skate history but now those people are doomed to keep repeating that formula to kids who couldn't give a fuck about pro skaters, arty skate videos and core mags.

When Rocco turned World into a cartoon toyshop brand we all thought that was terrible but it brought in a new generation of skaters. Super arty cool guys in plain black shoes don't have that appeal to the kids. Marketing skateboard products to actual kids is a lost art.

[close]

CHURCH!

(i don't think anyone says that anymore, but this guy gets it, skateing has become a fucking circle jerk)

[close]

So change the entire industry in hopes that it’ll appeal to 7-10 year olds?   Return to retiring pros at 24 because they’re too old for kids to comprehend/like?

[close]

Yes, Its Time To Stop Letting Chopped Middle Aged Men Call The Shots Because They Dont Want To Get A Real Job. Step Aside And Give The Kids A Shot Before Its Too Late

[close]

And considering none of us have a financial stake in the industry, these are the changes we want to see implemented?   Trae the Tanks as far as the eye can see

I guess it makes sense.  Kids are really into watching people ther own age like Mr Beast, Kai Cenat, Speed and nothing will make skateboarding seem cooler than desperately chasing engagement    I guess it’s why every interview with a skater that asks how they got into skateboarding would read better if it said “well I found that I was marketed to appropriately for my demographic”

[close]

Some of us DO have a financial stake in the industry - I've worked in it for 25 years and my grown-up family life and financial responsibilities depend upon it.

I'm not saying that younger skaters aren't given a chance or that we need to be chasing engagement over eveything else - I'm saying the youth aren't reacting to the world of 2026 skateboard marketing because they're NOT EVEN SEEING IT.

They don't read mags, they're not on Instagram, they don't care about video parts or pro skaters, sweeping generalisations of course.  I work on this shit every day and I'm telling you that the old methods of promoting skateboarding aren't working anymore.

I've run several IG accounts for American skate brands in Europe and the stats you get from the app are that the kids just aren't on there. 13-17 is one of the lowest demographics on every one. If my computer will work i'll upload a screengrab below...

Ok I get the point  you’re making.   Skateboarding is largely invisible to the young people regardless of who’s being promoted within the industry and that’s a dicier prospect.  it feels like the challenging step is not chasing trends a step or two behind what’s popular and diluting skateboarding’s “coolness” for lack of a better word. 

[JohnOakley]

I agree - skateboarding doesn't need diluting and i've always thought the word 'gatekeeping' isn't necessarily a bad word when it comes to our community. WE collectively decided that beni's are wack, you don't carry your board by your truck, you point your wheel graphics inwards, etc etc. That doesn't need to change.

What needs to change is the delivery method of our marketing - Instagram is now something your dad does, skating curbs is too, reading mags seems prehistoric to a 12 year old. We don't have to make videos like the tik tok dance crowd but we have to recognise that we're missing a huge and important audience by turning our noses up at the whole platform.

I make a habit of talking to younger skaters when i meet them and i ask questions on this subject.
Last kid i spoke to, I think he was 13.

"Who's your favourite skater?" - "I don't have one"
"Do you know of any pro skaters?" - "Nope"

"Do you watch skate videos?" - "Yeah but not the proper ones, I only watch the ones with people talking"

"What board are you riding?" - "Polar, Herrington" (He didn't know that Aaron Herrington was a skater or that was his pro model)

Things are very different now.

[Fast_Freddie]

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Ok, i realise that what kids like now is going to seem repugnant to most skaters over a certain age but if these brands don't try to cater for young kids then who the fuck are they going to sell shoes/whatever to in the future?

The industry is pretty much run, head to toe, by dudes in their 50s who, for their whole careers, have known whats up in skateboarding. They were there in '93, saw the street revolution and the death of vert first hand. Experienced all the trouser and wheels sizes and know which trends worked and which didn't. They were part of the most progressive years in skate history but now those people are doomed to keep repeating that formula to kids who couldn't give a fuck about pro skaters, arty skate videos and core mags.

When Rocco turned World into a cartoon toyshop brand we all thought that was terrible but it brought in a new generation of skaters. Super arty cool guys in plain black shoes don't have that appeal to the kids. Marketing skateboard products to actual kids is a lost art.

[close]

CHURCH!

(i don't think anyone says that anymore, but this guy gets it, skateing has become a fucking circle jerk)

[close]

So change the entire industry in hopes that it’ll appeal to 7-10 year olds?   Return to retiring pros at 24 because they’re too old for kids to comprehend/like?

[close]

Yes, Its Time To Stop Letting Chopped Middle Aged Men Call The Shots Because They Dont Want To Get A Real Job. Step Aside And Give The Kids A Shot Before Its Too Late

[close]

And considering none of us have a financial stake in the industry, these are the changes we want to see implemented?   Trae the Tanks as far as the eye can see

I guess it makes sense.  Kids are really into watching people ther own age like Mr Beast, Kai Cenat, Speed and nothing will make skateboarding seem cooler than desperately chasing engagement    I guess it’s why every interview with a skater that asks how they got into skateboarding would read better if it said “well I found that I was marketed to appropriately for my demographic”

[close]

Some of us DO have a financial stake in the industry - I've worked in it for 25 years and my grown-up family life and financial responsibilities depend upon it.

I'm not saying that younger skaters aren't given a chance or that we need to be chasing engagement over eveything else - I'm saying the youth aren't reacting to the world of 2026 skateboard marketing because they're NOT EVEN SEEING IT.

They don't read mags, they're not on Instagram, they don't care about video parts or pro skaters, sweeping generalisations of course.  I work on this shit every day and I'm telling you that the old methods of promoting skateboarding aren't working anymore.

I've run several IG accounts for American skate brands in Europe and the stats you get from the app are that the kids just aren't on there. 13-17 is one of the lowest demographics on every one. If my computer will work i'll upload a screengrab below...

I think in today's society, most kids in the 13-17 demo need to be prompted by their parents to be involved in activities.  I am seeing nearly the same exact demographic on my pages (I run x3 pages). 

I will say since the largest demo we reach are Parents of younger kids, it has helped our "Beginner Saturday" Free Skate Clinic events greatly as they are spread word of mouth by moms/dads that wanna get their kids outside and involved in an activity that isn't a team sport.

[62mm]

I thinks it’s about the contrast, in 2004 when ur mom dragged you on errands a skate magazine in the rack of bullshit people mags was the coolest thing you saw all week. I don’t know how/if we get back to that.

[Anderdingus]

Build more skateparks in roblox for the kids

[Anderdingus]

Fortnite x tony hawk

[rawbertson.]

To be honest I dont think kids 13-17 should even be on instagram
people just need to get outside and do stuff instead of brain rot

[JohnOakley]

To be honest I dont think kids 13-17 should even be on instagram
people just need to get outside and do stuff instead of brain rot

Absolutely! The need for events is stronger than ever. Pro's need to do demos again, kids might learn who they are then.

[sfa]

I had more to say but I'm gonna just let JohnOakley keep talking, I think he's got this covered.

[Unkle Fleak]

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Ok, i realise that what kids like now is going to seem repugnant to most skaters over a certain age but if these brands don't try to cater for young kids then who the fuck are they going to sell shoes/whatever to in the future?

The industry is pretty much run, head to toe, by dudes in their 50s who, for their whole careers, have known whats up in skateboarding. They were there in '93, saw the street revolution and the death of vert first hand. Experienced all the trouser and wheels sizes and know which trends worked and which didn't. They were part of the most progressive years in skate history but now those people are doomed to keep repeating that formula to kids who couldn't give a fuck about pro skaters, arty skate videos and core mags.

When Rocco turned World into a cartoon toyshop brand we all thought that was terrible but it brought in a new generation of skaters. Super arty cool guys in plain black shoes don't have that appeal to the kids. Marketing skateboard products to actual kids is a lost art.

[close]

CHURCH!

(i don't think anyone says that anymore, but this guy gets it, skateing has become a fucking circle jerk)

[close]

So change the entire industry in hopes that it’ll appeal to 7-10 year olds?   Return to retiring pros at 24 because they’re too old for kids to comprehend/like?

Nah but skateboarding needs a termite bland reboot.

[botefdunn]

Bless every kid out there who doesn't give a fuck about who desperately wants their "engagement." If you can or do eat of skateboarding, great, sincerely wish you the same continued stability and success as to every other one of us poor saps trying to live another day in relative security and happiness, but don't start confusing selling skateboarding or its popularity with actual skateboarding.
To paraphrase Jack Phelps, skateboarding doesn't owe you a follow, skateboarding owes you a 404 error when your domain runs out.