About Deathbox Skateboards (UK)

Deathbox UK: The Gritty Roots of British Skateboarding

In the late 1980s, when British skateboarding was still carving out its identity, a rebellious little company emerged from the underground scene: Deathbox Skateboards. Founded in 1987 in the UK by Graham McEachran, Jeremy Fox, and Duncan Houlton, Deathbox was more than just a brand—it was a statement. With its raw aesthetic and punk-infused attitude, it captured the spirit of British skaters who were grinding through rain-soaked streets and DIY ramps.

The Rise of Deathbox

Deathbox quickly became a beacon for skaters who didn’t quite fit the polished mold of American skateboarding. It embraced the gritty, unfiltered energy of UK skate culture and gave it a platform. The boards were bold, the graphics were unapologetic, and the team was stacked with talent that would go on to shape the global skateboarding scene.

Notable Riders and Sponsorships

Among the most iconic skaters to ride for Deathbox was Tom Penny, whose effortless style and technical prowess earned him legendary status. Geoff Rowley, another Liverpudlian powerhouse, also got his start with Deathbox before becoming one of the most influential skaters of his generation. Alongside them were Rune Glifberg and Andy Scott, forming a team that was as stylish as it was fearless.

These riders didn’t just represent Deathbox—they defined it. Their video parts, magazine covers, and international contests helped catapult the brand into the spotlight, proving that UK skateboarding had something raw and real to offer.

The Flip Transformation

In 1994, Deathbox made a bold move: it relocated to California and rebranded as Flip Skateboards. This wasn’t just a name change—it was a full-blown evolution. Flip retained the rebellious DNA of Deathbox but expanded its reach, becoming one of the most respected skateboard companies in the world. The original founders, along with their star riders, brought their UK grit to the sun-soaked streets of Huntington Beach, and the rest is history.

Where Are They Now?

While the original Deathbox name faded into the archives, its legacy lives on through Flip. The company continues to sponsor top-tier talent, release influential skate films, and push the boundaries of board design. Riders like Tom Penny, Geoff Rowley, and Rune Glifberg remain icons, and Flip’s current roster includes stars like Luan Oliveira, Lucas Rabelo, and Cory Juneau.

Interestingly, there was a brief attempt to revive the Deathbox name in the UK in the 2010s, but the company was dissolved in 2017. Still, the nostalgia remains strong—older skaters fondly remember their Deathbox decks as symbols of a formative era.

Spirit of the blitz - The DEATH BOX skateboard video

Pete Dossett, Cyclex Bike Show - Deathbox Skateboard Demo, Olympia, London, 1990

Deathbox's Pete Dossett, Flip Skateboards, 80's Skateboarding & Re-Issues | Brain Drain Show #26