🛹 The Rise and Legacy of 60/40 Skateboards

In the vibrant and rebellious world of 1990s skateboarding, few companies captured the underground spirit quite like 60/40 Skateboards. Though its lifespan was brief, its impact was lasting—an emblem of creativity, grit, and raw street energy.

🌟 Origins: A Creative Collision

60/40 Skateboards was born in early 1994, the brainchild of Mark Gonzales, widely hailed as the godfather of modern street skateboarding, and Ron Chatman, a respected skater and artist in his own right. The brand emerged after Gonzales parted ways with his previous venture, ATM Click, seeking a new outlet that reflected his artistic and rebellious ethos.

The name “60/40” wasn’t just a quirky ratio—it symbolized the idea that true artists often take the smaller share. As Chatman once explained, they were “assassins for hire” in the skate world, willing to fight for their vision even without full backing. The 60/40 split represented their willingness to let others take the lion’s share, as long as they could fly their own flag.

🎥 Notable Contributions

60/40 Skateboards quickly became known for its distinct aesthetic, raw street style, and creative video output. One of its most celebrated releases was the 1995 skate video “Glasses for Your Feet”, a cult classic that showcased the team’s gritty style and artistic flair. The company also made memorable appearances in 411VM, a legendary skate video magazine of the era.

Their logo, their ads, and their approach to skateboarding all reflected a DIY ethos that resonated with skaters who didn’t fit the mold of polished, corporate-backed teams.

🧑🎤 Sponsored Riders

Despite its underground status, 60/40 boasted an impressive roster of riders who helped define the street skating scene of the mid-90s. Some of the notable names included:

• Gino Perez

• Jay Stephens (aka SAD)

• George Morales

• Steven Cales

• John Deago

• Doug Diaz

• Joey Suriel

• Fabian Alomar

• Florentin Marfaing

• Lee Smith

• Rodney Cooper

These skaters brought diverse styles and backgrounds to the team, helping 60/40 carve out a unique identity in a crowded skateboarding landscape.

🧭 What Happened Next?

By early 1997, 60/40 Skateboards had disbanded. Mark Gonzales moved on to Real Skateboards, and later founded Krooked Skateboards under Deluxe Distribution, continuing to shape the skateboarding world with his signature blend of art and innovation.

Ron Chatman, meanwhile, remained a respected figure in skateboarding and art, continuing to influence the culture through his creative projects.

60/40 - "Glasses For Your Feet" - (1995)

60/40 SKATEBOARDS - 411 INDUSTRY SECTION