🛹 Red Dragon Apparel: Canada’s Skateboarding Legacy

Red Dragon Apparel—often abbreviated as RDS—is more than just a clothing brand. It’s a cultural movement born from the heart of Canada’s skateboarding scene, built by legends, and sustained by a loyal community of riders and fans. Let’s dive into the story of this iconic brand.

🔥 Origins: Brotherhood on Boards

Red Dragon Apparel was officially founded in 1998 in North Vancouver, British Columbia, but its roots stretch back a decade earlier. The brand emerged from a tight-knit crew of Canadian skateboarders who called themselves the Red Dragons, a name that symbolized their fierce loyalty and shared passion for skateboarding.

The founding trio—Colin McKay, Rob “Sluggo” Boyce, and Moses Itkonen—were already well-known in the skateboarding world. Each had carved out a reputation for pushing boundaries, both on ramps and in street skating. Their collective vision was to create a brand that reflected their lifestyle, attitude, and commitment to the skateboarding community.

👕 What Made RDS Stand Out

Red Dragon Apparel quickly became synonymous with authentic skate culture. Unlike many brands that merely borrowed from skateboarding aesthetics, RDS was built by skaters, for skaters. They were known for:

• Bold, edgy designs that often featured their iconic Red Dragon logo

• High-quality apparel including hoodies, tees, denim, and accessories

• A strong emphasis on Canadian identity, with many products proudly made in Canada

• Their infamous motto: FSU—a rebellious acronym that captured their no-holds-barred spirit

RDS didn’t just sell clothes; they sold a lifestyle rooted in camaraderie, grit, and creativity.

🏆 Sponsorships and Influence

Red Dragon Apparel has long been committed to supporting the skateboarding community. Over the years, they’ve sponsored a range of professional skateboarders and up-and-coming amateurs, helping to elevate Canadian talent on the global stage.

Some of the notable names associated with RDS include:

• Colin McKay – Co-founder and vert skating legend

• Rob “Sluggo” Boyce – Known for being the first to land a backflip to fakie on a vert ramp

• Moses Itkonen – A respected figure in Canadian street skating

Beyond individual sponsorships, RDS has also supported events, skate shops, and grassroots initiatives, reinforcing their commitment to growing the sport from the ground up.

🛍️ What They’re Up to Now

Fast forward to today, and Red Dragon Apparel is still going strong. They’ve expanded their product line to include:

• Men’s and women’s streetwear

• Youth apparel

• Footwear

• Skateboard gear and accessories

Their online store continues to offer fresh drops, seasonal collections, and collaborations—all while staying true to their skateboarding roots. The brand remains a staple in Canadian skate culture, and their flagship store in North Vancouver is still a hub for fans and riders alike.

They also maintain a strong presence in the community, regularly featuring team riders, promoting events, and offering sponsorship opportunities to new talent.

Red Dragons "RDS/SFU/2002" (2002)