🛹 Rasa Libre: The Soulful Skateboard Brand That Danced to Its Own Beat

In the early 2000s, when skateboarding was saturated with corporate aesthetics and formulaic branding, a new company emerged with a name that whispered freedom and creativity: Rasa Libre. Born from the minds of passionate skaters and artists, Rasa Libre wasn’t just another board brand—it was a philosophy on wheels.

🌱 Origins: Where It All Began

Rasa Libre was founded in San Francisco in 2003, under the umbrella of Deluxe Distribution, the same powerhouse behind Real, Anti-Hero, and Krooked. The idea was sparked when Jim Thiebaud and Mic-E Reyes approached Matt Field, a longtime Real team rider, with the opportunity to start something new. Field, known for his spiritual and artistic leanings, envisioned a company that would reflect skateboarding’s deeper essence.

Joining him were fellow pros Nate Jones and Reese Forbes, along with Michael Leon as art director and Dan Wolfe, the legendary filmmaker. Together, they formed a collective that valued creativity, individuality, and soulful expression.

The name “Rasa Libre” itself is a fusion of Sanskrit and Spanish:

• Rasa: the essence or feeling, often linked to transcendental dance

• Libre: freedom

It was a poetic declaration of the brand’s ethos—freedom of movement, freedom of thought, and freedom of style.

🎨 What Made Rasa Libre Special?

Rasa Libre stood out for its art-driven graphics, philosophical branding, and spiritual undertones. It wasn’t just about selling boards—it was about creating a vibe. The company embraced organic aesthetics, yoga influences, and Eastern philosophy, which was rare in the skate world at the time.

Their videos, like Essence of Freedom, were more than just trick compilations—they were visual meditations on skateboarding as a lifestyle. The brand cultivated a mellow, soulful image that resonated with skaters who saw the sport as an art form.

🧑🎤 Sponsored Riders and Legacy

Rasa Libre helped launch the career of Omar Salazar, who would go on to become a household name in skateboarding. The team also included Matt Field, Reese Forbes, and Nate Jones, with a rotating cast of talented amateurs.

Rather than building a massive roster, Rasa Libre focused on quality over quantity, choosing riders who embodied the brand’s spirit. Their influence extended beyond tricks—they inspired a generation to think differently about what a skate company could be.

📽️ What Happened Next?

Despite its cult following and artistic success, Rasa Libre eventually ended its run. Like many passion-driven ventures, it faced the harsh realities of business. Deluxe Distribution announced the brand’s closure, citing the need to rethink priorities. It was a bittersweet farewell to a company that had dared to be different.

But the spirit of Rasa Libre didn’t vanish. The brand continued to release skate videos, maintain a YouTube presence, and inspire through its archived content. Skaters still revisit their clips for a dose of soulful skating and timeless style.

Rasa Libre A Cosmic Experience

Nilton Neves - Rasa Libre Intro (2006)

Ryan Lay Rasa Libre Extras Video