About Lincoln Ueda - Pro Skateboarder Profile, Biography and History

August 8, 2025

🛹 Lincoln Ueda: The Flying Brazilian

Lincoln Ueda, born on May 10, 1974 in Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil, is a vertical skateboarding legend known for his gravity-defying aerials. Nicknamed “Japonês Voador” (The Flying Japanese), Ueda’s style is all about amplitude and control in the air.

🌟 Early Life & Rise

First touched a skateboard in 1986, during Christmas.
By 1988, he was already the Brazilian amateur champion.
In 1989, he entered the pro circuit, placing 4th at the Münster Monster Mastership in Germany.
That same year, he became the Brazilian pro champion.

🧨 Signature Style & Tricks

Famous for massive airs and stylish vert skating.
Influenced by legends like Christian Hosoi, Steve Caballero, and Lester Kasai.
Admired skaters such as Rodrigo TX, Bob Burnquist, and Tony Hawk.

🏆 Career Highlights

Moved to Costa Mesa, California in 1998 to pursue skateboarding full-time.
Won gold at the Latin X-Games in 2002.
Took bronze at the first International X Games in Brazil in 2008.

🛠️ Sponsors & Ventures

Early sponsors: Polato Skatepark and Ueda Motors.
Founded Alta Wheels, a wheel company that reflected his love for both skateboarding and cars.

🎥 Video Parts & Media

Appeared in skate documentaries like Vida Sobre Rodas and Next X.
Known for his explosive vert sections and consistent contest performances.

🚗 Life Beyond the Ramp

Passionate about mechanics and cars.
Continues to visit Brazil regularly to compete and connect with family.

📍 What’s He Up To Now?

Lincoln remains active in the skate scene, mentoring younger skaters and occasionally competing. He’s a respected figure in both Brazilian and global skateboarding communities, embodying longevity and style.

👟 Vans Skate Footwear: From Deck Shoes to Cultural Icons

Founded on March 16, 1966 in Anaheim, California, Vans began as The Van Doren Rubber Company, created by Paul Van Doren, James Van Doren, and Gordon C. Lee. What started as a small storefront selling deck shoes became one of the most influential brands in skateboarding history.

🏁 Origins

First day of business: 12 customers bought shoes, even though the store had no inventory—just display models.
Customers were asked to return the next day to pay, and they did.

🛹 Skateboarding Breakthrough

In the 1970s, Vans embraced skateboarding culture, working with skaters like Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta.
Introduced iconic models:
- Era (#95) – padded collar for skate comfort.
- Old Skool (#36) – first to feature the jazz stripe.
- Sk8-Hi (#38) – ankle protection for vert skating.
- Slip-On (#98) – immortalized by Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

🎨 Culture & Collaborations

Known for bold designs like the checkerboard Slip-On.
Collaborated with artists, musicians, and pop culture icons: The Simpsons, Star Wars, Disney, and more.
Sponsored events like the Warped Tour and built creative spaces like House of Vans.

🧑🎤 Sponsored Skaters

Legends like Steve Caballero, Geoff Rowley, Anthony Van Engelen (AVE), and Elijah Berle have worn Vans.
Continues to support a global team of elite skaters.

🌍 What’s Vans Doing Now?

Vans is pushing sustainability, customization, and innovation. With tech like WAFFLECUP™ soles, and a focus on eco-friendly design, Vans remains a leader in skate footwear. They sell over 60 million pairs annually, and their influence spans fashion, music, and action sports.

🔥 World Industries: The Brand That Blew Up the Skate Industry

Founded in 1987 by Steve Rocco, World Industries was born out of rebellion. Rocco, fed up with the corporate control of skateboarding, teamed up with Rodney Mullen, Jesse Martinez, and later Mike Vallely to create a brand that flipped the industry on its head.

💣 Disruption & Controversy

Rocco pioneered attack ads, mocking rival companies like Powell Peralta and Santa Cruz.
World Industries embraced irreverent graphics, often toeing the line of copyright infringement.
Their attitude was: “Skaters should run skateboarding.”

🎨 Iconic Graphics

Created by Marc McKee, the brand’s cartoon mascots became legendary:
- Flame Boy
- Wet Willy
- Devil Man
These characters helped World Industries outsell even pro model decks.

🛹 The Team

Early riders: Jesse Martinez, Jeff Hartsel, Rodney Mullen, Daewon Song, Kareem Campbell, Jeremy Wray.
Helped launch Blind Skateboards with Mark Gonzales.
Played a role in the formation of Plan B and later Girl Skateboards.

💰 Business Moves

Sold to SPC in 1998 for $29 million, one of the biggest deals in skate history.
Owned Big Brother Magazine, which was later sold to Larry Flynt.
Merged with Dwindle Distribution, then acquired by Globe International in 2002.

🧨 Wild Stories

Decisions made by flipping coins.
Sued by the Hells Angels over board graphics.
Sold defective jeans labeled “Fucked Up”—and they sold out.

📉 What Happened?

After explosive growth, the brand changed hands multiple times.
As of 2014, owned by GVS America, a subsidiary of INA Sports Inc. & FGL Sports Ltd.
Still sponsors skaters, but its cultural dominance has waned.

🧭 Is World Industries Still Around?

Yes, but it’s a shadow of its former self. The brand exists, sells products, and maintains a nostalgic presence—but it no longer drives skateboarding the way it did in the '90s.

Lincoln Ueda | The Nine Club #362