🎨 Crayon Skateboards: A Colourful Chapter in UK Skateboarding

Crayon Skateboards was more than just a brand—it was a movement that painted the UK skate scene with creativity, community, and raw talent. Though its run was relatively short-lived, its impact still resonates with skaters who remember its vibrant energy and DIY ethos.

🛹 Origins: Where It All Began

Crayon Skateboards was founded in 2007 in Cardiff, Wales, by Matthew "Dykie" Ryan, a well-known figure in the Welsh skateboarding community. Dykie had already made a name for himself through his filming work and deep involvement in the local scene, and Crayon was his way of channeling that passion into a brand that celebrated UK skateboarding.

The company was built on collaboration and creativity, with key contributions from:

• Nick Richards – filming, editing, and web design

• Phil Morgan – board and brand design

• Nat Jones – overseeing everything from catalogues to board production

🌟 What Made Crayon Stand Out

Crayon Skateboards quickly became known for:

• Authentic UK representation: It spotlighted skaters from across the UK, especially Wales and the South West.

• Stylish board graphics: With Phil Morgan’s designs, Crayon decks were instantly recognizable.

• Grassroots energy: The brand thrived on community events, local demos, and a strong DIY spirit.

• Video projects: Their 2010 Summer Tour video and the 2013 Five Years DVD were standout moments, showcasing the team’s talent and camaraderie.

🧑🎤 Sponsored Riders & Rising Stars

Crayon built a solid team of riders, many of whom went on to bigger things:

• Chris Jones – later joined Isle Skateboards and Nike SB

• Korahn Gayle – now rides for Skateboard Cafe

• Welsh Tommy – had his debut pro section in Five Years

• Dan Wileman, Paul ‘Barber’ Cooper, James Coyle, Andy ‘Evz’ Evans, Matt Davies, Steve King, Chris Gibbons, and Jamie Richards (flow rider)

These skaters helped define Crayon’s identity—technical, stylish, and proudly local.

🧾 The Final Chapter

After five and a half years of pushing boundaries, Crayon Skateboards closed its doors in 2013. The farewell was marked by the release of Crayon Skateboards 2007–2013 RIP, a retrospective DVD celebrating the brand’s journey.

Post-Crayon, Dykie embarked on personal adventures, including a cycling trip across the USA and long-distance running challenges around Wales. His book Open That Door chronicles many of these escapades.

🔄 A Brief Resurrection

In 2022, Crayon made a surprise return for a special collaboration with Spit and Sawdust, a Cardiff skatepark and creative hub. The event featured a pop-up session and a short film edited overnight by Nick Richards, bringing together old friends and new faces for a nostalgic celebration.

🎬 Legacy and Influence

Though Crayon is no longer active as a full-time brand, its legacy lives on:

• In the careers of its former riders

• In the videos and graphics that captured a unique era

• In the hearts of UK skaters who saw Crayon as a symbol of homegrown pride

Crayon Skateboards may have faded from the shelves, but its colours still shine in the story of British skateboarding.

The Crayon Promo

Matt Davies in Pritchard Vs Dainton

Welsh Tommy's Day in the Life