🛹 Small Room Skateboards: A Cult Classic in Skate History

In the vast and ever-evolving world of skateboarding, few companies have managed to carve out a legacy as enigmatic and beloved as Small Room Skateboards. Though their time in the spotlight was brief, their impact remains etched in the memories of skaters who lived through the early '90s boom. Let’s dive into the story of this underground gem.

🌱 Origins: Born in a Closet, Raised in California

Small Room Skateboards began life in the early 1990s in California, a time when skateboarding was undergoing a gritty, rebellious transformation. The brand was founded by Tony Buyalos, a sponsored skater who had previously launched a company called Eppic. Eppic eventually evolved into Small Room, a name that reflected the humble, DIY spirit of the operation—rumor has it they literally worked out of a closet.

Unlike the polished corporate skate brands of the era, Small Room embraced its outsider status. Their ads were cryptic black-and-white quarter-page spreads in magazines like Thrasher and Poweredge, designed to stand out by not trying to fit in. This anti-trend approach resonated with skaters who were tired of the mainstream and hungry for authenticity.

🎨 What Made Small Room Special?

Small Room wasn’t just another board company—it was a vibe. Their graphics were strange, their ads made little sense, and their boards had unique shapes that stood out in a sea of cookie-cutter decks. They cultivated a mystique that felt more like an art collective than a brand. Think Neil Blender meets David Lynch.

Despite their size, Small Room had surprisingly solid distribution and a loyal following. Their boards were known for quality, and their branding—though cryptic—was magnetic. They were part of a wave of “small ad” companies like Molotov and early Think Skateboards that thrived by being different.

🧑🎤 Riders and Sponsorships

Though Small Room never built a massive team, they did sponsor a handful of skaters who would go on to make names for themselves:

• Phil E.

• Joey Pulsifer

• Mako Urabe

• Frank Hirata (who was quite young at the time)

• Russ Pope, who was also involved in the company’s creative direction

These riders helped shape the brand’s identity, skating with style and substance that matched Small Room’s ethos.

🎥 Media and Milestones

One of Small Room’s most notable contributions to skate culture was their full-length video Excipial Manoeuvres, released in 1992. Clocking in at 43 minutes, it showcased the team’s talent and the brand’s offbeat aesthetic. The video remains a cult favorite among skate historians and collectors.

🧊 The Fade-Out

Like many indie skate brands of the era, Small Room’s run was short-lived. By around 1992, they had quietly disappeared, swallowed by the wave of flash-in-the-pan companies that couldn’t sustain momentum. But unlike many of those brands, Small Room left behind a legacy of creativity and authenticity that still sparks nostalgia today.

Small Room video - Excipial Manoeuvres (part1)

Small Room video - Excipial Manoeuvres (part3)