The Art Of Skateboarding

Through the Art of Skateboarding program we have developed a means to provide the necessary skills relevant with today's fast changing sports equipment manufacturing industry. Teen apprentices prepare wood veneers, apply glue to 7 layers of Hard Canadian Maple, insert into the vacuum bag and use a hand pump to evacuate the air out of the bag. Atmospheric pressure quickly bends the veneers into a 3-dimensional shape over the one-sided foam mold. When the glue is dry, the skateboard decks are removed from the bags, separated from the molds, the surfaces finished and the decks are ready for painting! Students work in groups to conceptualize a series of skateboard graphics in a team building environment. Participants share in the experience of constructing and designing a product of their desire infused with discussions of manufacturing methods. The apprentices create functional artwork in the form of professional quality skateboard decks.