🛹 Fishlips Skateboards: A Cult Classic from Canada

In the vibrant skateboarding scene of the 1980s, a small but bold company emerged from Toronto, Ontario, Canada—Fishlips Skateboards. Founded in 1986 by Perry Gladstone (also known as "Pike"), Fishlips quickly carved out a niche for itself with its distinctive style, raw energy, and commitment to showcasing underground talent.

🎬 The Rise of Fishlips

Fishlips Skateboards was more than just a deck brand—it was a movement. At a time when skateboarding was exploding into mainstream consciousness, Fishlips stayed true to its gritty, DIY ethos. The company gained notoriety for its full-length skate video Bunch of Amateurs, released in 1991. This 35-minute film featured a mix of Canadian and U.S. riders, including Barry Walsh, Jay Iding, Mark Vitale, Roger Blinoff, Derek Mehaphy, Nik Parker, Otis Williamson, Chris Phelps, Humberto Arcila, and Mike Prangnell. The video captured the raw spirit of street skating and helped cement Fishlips' place in skateboarding history.

🧑🎤 Sponsored Riders and Notable Moments

Fishlips was known for supporting a diverse team of skaters, many of whom were local talents with unique styles. One of the most controversial moments in the brand’s history came when they signed Mark "Gator" Rogowski, a well-known pro skater whose career—and Fishlips' trajectory—was tragically derailed by his criminal actions shortly after joining the team. His arrest and conviction for the murder of Jessica Bergsten cast a shadow over the company and coincided with its eventual closure.

Despite this dark chapter, Fishlips remained notable for its commitment to showcasing authentic skateboarding and giving a platform to lesser-known riders. Their decks and videos are still remembered fondly by collectors and skate historians.

🧊 What Happened to Fishlips?

Fishlips Skateboards ceased operations in the early 1990s, shortly after the release of Bunch of Amateurs. The brand never returned to the market, but its legacy lives on through vintage deck collectors, nostalgic skaters, and online archives. Videos like Bunch of Amateurs continue to circulate on platforms like YouTube, keeping the spirit of Fishlips alive for new generations of skaters.

Fishlips Skateboards - Bunch of Amateurs (1990/1991)