🛹 Street Plant Skateboards: A Legacy of Passion, Punk, and Pure Skateboarding

In the world of skateboarding, few brands have captured the raw spirit of the streets quite like Street Plant Skateboards. Founded not in a corporate boardroom but in a garage, this company was the embodiment of DIY ethos, punk rock energy, and a deep love for skateboarding culture.

🌱 Origins: Born from the Streets

Street Plant was officially launched in 2015 by legendary skateboarder Mike Vallely and his daughter Emily Vallely. Operating out of their garage in Des Moines, Iowa, affectionately dubbed “Garageland,” the brand was a family-run labor of love. Mike Vallely, known for his aggressive street style and punk rock roots, had already cemented his place in skateboarding history through his work with Powell Peralta, World Industries, and Element. Street Plant was his way of reclaiming skateboarding from the corporate world and giving it back to the skaters.

🎨 What Made Street Plant Special

Street Plant wasn’t just another deck company—it was a philosophy. Their motto, “Skate. Create. Enjoy.”, summed up their mission to empower skateboarders as artists and individuals. Here’s what set them apart:

• Independence: 100% family-owned and operated, with no corporate backing.

• Artistic Integrity: Decks featured bold, original artwork, often with cartoon animals and vibrant colors.

• Sustainability: Collaborated with Factory13 Skateboards to produce Street Plant Naturals, a line of environmentally friendly boards using bio-based epoxy and water-based inks.

• Community Focus: Emphasized inclusivity and creativity over competition and conformity.

🧑🎤 Sponsored Riders and Collaborations

Street Plant built a tight-knit team of riders who embodied the brand’s ethos. One of the most notable additions was Justin Bishop, a visually impaired skateboarder from Las Vegas. His fearless style and advocacy for adaptive skating made him a perfect ambassador for Street Plant’s message of perseverance and individuality.

Other riders included Kristian Svitak, a longtime collaborator and friend of Mike V, who brought his own gritty style and punk sensibility to the brand.

📼 Media and Culture

Street Plant released a skateboard DVD chronicling Mike Vallely’s travels and reflections on skateboarding culture. Their YouTube channel featured tours, rider profiles, and behind-the-scenes looks at the brand’s creative process. It wasn’t just about selling boards—it was about telling stories.

🕊️ The End of an Era

In August 2024, Mike Vallely announced the closure of Street Plant Skateboards, along with his newer venture, Vallely Skateboards. The decision was driven by a desire to focus on his family and his role as the lead singer of the punk band Black Flag. After decades of pushing boundaries in skateboarding, music, and even professional wrestling and ice hockey, Mike V was ready for a new chapter.

Street Plant® | Mike Vallely X-Games Real Street Extended Cut (2015)