🛹 Hollywood Skateboards: A Cult Classic in Skate Culture

Hollywood Skateboards might not be a household name like Powell Peralta or Element, but for those who lived through the gritty golden age of street skating in the early 2000s, it holds a special place. With its roots deep in the rebellious spirit of Los Angeles skate culture, Hollywood Skateboards was more than just a brand—it was a movement.

🌟 Origins: Where It All Began

Hollywood Skateboards was founded in the early 2000s in Los Angeles, California. The brand was the brainchild of skateboarding legend Richard Mulder, a former pro skater known for his smooth style and deep ties to the Southern California skate scene. Mulder, along with a crew of like-minded skaters and creatives, launched Hollywood Skateboards as a way to spotlight raw street talent and inject fresh energy into the industry.

The company was born out of a desire to break away from the polished, corporate feel that had begun to dominate skateboarding. Hollywood Skateboards embraced the DIY ethos, gritty aesthetics, and underground vibe that defined LA’s skate culture.

🎬 What Made Hollywood Skateboards Stand Out

Hollywood Skateboards quickly gained notoriety for its edgy graphics, bold video projects, and a team stacked with underground talent. It wasn’t just about selling decks—it was about storytelling, attitude, and authenticity.

Notable Highlights:

• Video Releases: Their skate videos were raw, stylish, and often featured lesser-known spots around LA, giving viewers a real taste of the city’s skate terrain.

• Art Direction: The brand’s visual identity leaned heavily into punk and street art influences, with graphics that felt more like zines than polished catalog fare.

• Community Vibes: Hollywood Skateboards was known for supporting local skaters and hosting grassroots events that felt more like block parties than corporate showcases.

🧢 Sponsored Riders and Influence

Hollywood Skateboards sponsored a tight-knit crew of skaters who embodied the brand’s ethos. While it didn’t boast the biggest names in the sport, it was a launchpad for several influential riders who later went on to join major teams or start their own ventures.

Some of the riders associated with Hollywood Skateboards included:

• Richard Mulder (founder and team rider)

• Justin Case

• Scott Kane

• Chris Roberts

These skaters helped define the brand’s style—technical street skating with a heavy dose of creativity and flair.

🔮 Where Are They Now?

Hollywood Skateboards eventually faded from the mainstream spotlight, as many niche skate brands do. The company ceased regular production sometime in the late 2000s, and its riders dispersed into other projects and teams.

Today, Hollywood Skateboards exists more as a nostalgic reference point than an active brand. However, its legacy lives on in the influence it had on skate culture:

• Collectors still seek out Hollywood decks and apparel.

• Skate historians cite it as a key player in the early 2000s street skating renaissance.

• Former team riders continue to shape the industry through media, design, and mentorship.

Hollywood Skate Video