Sal Barbier, known to many simply as SLB, is a name that resonates deeply in the world of skateboarding. From pioneering tricks to reshaping skate shoe design, Sal’s influence is woven into the very fabric of skate culture. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this trailblazer.
Full Name: Salvador Lucas Barbier
Born: July 12, 1969
Hometown: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
Growing up in Louisiana, Sal was drawn to skateboarding in the 1980s, a time when the sport was still carving out its identity. His raw talent and creative approach quickly caught attention, leading him to California where his career took off.
Sal’s style was smooth, technical, and ahead of its time. He was one of the original members of the legendary Plan B Skateboards team and made his mark with groundbreaking tricks:
Sal Flip: A trick so iconic it bears his name. It’s featured in skate video games and instructional guides.
Kickflip to Boardslide on a Handrail: Sal was the first to land this, pushing the boundaries of what was possible.
Frontside Bigspin on a Handrail: Another first that cemented his status as a technical innovator.
Throughout his career, Sal was backed by some of the most respected brands in skateboarding:
H-Street Skateboards
Plan B Skateboards
Aesthetics Skateboards (which he founded)
Etnies Footwear
Elwood Clothing
His Etnies Sal 23 shoe, released in 1994, became one of the most iconic skate shoes ever made. It was a blueprint for future pro-model footwear and has been reissued multiple times due to popular demand.
Sal’s video parts are legendary and showcase his evolution as a skater:
| Year | Video Title | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Hokus Pokus | H-Street |
| 1991 | This Is Not The New H-Street Video | H-Street |
| 1992 | Questionable | Plan B |
| 1993 | Virtual Reality | Plan B |
| 1994 | Second Hand Smoke | Plan B |
| 1996 | Eastern Exposure Zero | Dan Wolfe |
| 2001 | Ryde or Die Vol. 1 | Aesthetics |
| 2019 | Boys of Summer 2 | Logan Lara |
Each part reflects his unique style and progression, influencing countless skaters worldwide.
Sal’s creativity extended far beyond skating. He’s been a visionary in design, founding Aesthetics Skateboards and shaping the look and feel of skate culture in the 1990s. His work with Etnies helped redefine skate shoe design, focusing on durability, style, and function.
As of 2025, Sal is back in the spotlight as the Creative Director for the SLB line by Etnies. He’s leading the relaunch of the iconic Sal 23 and designing a new collection set to drop in Spring 2026. He also continues to collaborate with Aesthetics Skateboards, keeping his legacy alive through limited-edition releases and creative projects.
Sal Barbier - Hokus Pokus (1989)
Getting To Know Sal Barbier, The Man Behind One Of Skating's Most Iconic Shoes
Sal Barbier | Plan B Skateboards - Questionable | '92
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