Lifeblood Skateboards: A Tribute to Raw Skate Culture

🛹 The Origins of Lifeblood Skateboards

Lifeblood Skateboards was born in the Pacific Northwest around 2010, founded by two passionate skateboarders: Bryce Kanights, a legendary photographer and skater, and Colin Sharp, co-owner of Unheard Distribution. Their mission was clear from the start—create a brand that honored the gritty, all-terrain spirit of skateboarding. Lifeblood wasn’t about chasing trends or mass-market appeal. It was about skating everything: pools, parks, streets, and DIY spots. Their mantra? “Skate Everything.”

🎨 What Made Lifeblood Stand Out

Lifeblood carved its niche by embracing classic board shapes from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, offering limited edition signature decks that paid homage to skateboarding’s roots. They weren’t just selling boards—they were selling a lifestyle steeped in authenticity and rebellion. Their graphics, often designed by contributing artists, were bold, nostalgic, and deeply personal.

They also produced two full-length skate videos that became underground favorites:

• “We Must Bleed” (2011) – A raw, high-energy showcase of their riders tearing up every kind of terrain.

• “Service for the Sick” (2014) – A deeper dive into the personalities and styles that defined the Lifeblood crew.

🌟 Team Riders and Sponsorships

Lifeblood built a formidable team of skaters who embodied their ethos. The roster included:

• Kevin Kowalski

• Cody Lockwood

• Mason Merlino

• Dalton Dern

• Adam Hopkins

• John Worthington

• Frank Richardson

• Sean Blueitt

• Souta Tomikawa

• Maddie Collins

They also honored veterans like Mark “Red” Scott, Bryce Kanights, and Tom “Wally” Inouye, whose Retro Stinger deck became a fan favorite.

Their riders weren’t just shredding local parks—they were traveling the world, including a memorable tour in Japan that showcased their fearless style and helped build global connections in the skate community.

📉 The Hiatus and Market Challenges

In 2017, Lifeblood announced a pause in operations. The skateboarding market had become oversaturated with small brands and shop boards, making it difficult for a niche company to thrive. Despite their loyal following and powerful team, the financial realities of running a rider-focused brand proved too steep.

Bryce Kanights reflected on the journey, saying it had been a pleasure to support the careers of their riders and contribute to skateboarding’s progression. Lifeblood wasn’t just a company—it was a movement.

🔄 Where Are They Now?

Though Lifeblood took a break from full-scale operations, the spirit of the brand lives on. Their website still offers select products, including reissues of classic decks like the Retro Stinger and Gargoyle street shape. They continue to celebrate skateboarding as a lifelong commitment, collaborating with artists and skaters who shaped their journey.

Lifeblood Skateboards Promo Video - Orcas Island

Lifeblood Skateboards - Keeping it Weird in Walla Walla

Prime & Lifeblood Skateboards