🛹 Liberty Skateboards: A Legacy of Style, Innovation, and Grit

Liberty Skateboards isn’t just a brand—it’s a slice of skateboarding history, born from the raw energy of Southern California’s vert scene and shaped by one of its most iconic figures. Let’s dive into the story of Liberty Skateboards, from its rebellious roots to its enduring influence.

🌟 Origins: Where It All Began

Liberty Skateboards was founded by Mike Smith, a legendary vert skateboarder from Hermosa Beach, California, who rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Known for his fearless style and inventive tricks, Smith created Liberty as a way to channel his vision of skateboarding into a brand that celebrated individuality and raw talent.

• Founder: Mike Smith

• Location: Southern California, USA

• Era of Origin: Late 1980s to early 1990s

Smith was already a household name in the skate world, credited with inventing the Smith Grind and the Smithvert—two maneuvers that became staples in vert skating. His transition from pro skater to brand founder was a natural evolution, driven by a desire to support the next generation of riders.

🎥 Notable Projects & Cultural Impact

Liberty Skateboards made waves with its gritty, DIY aesthetic and full-length skate videos that captured the essence of early '90s street and vert skating. One standout release was "Liberty Horror" (1991), a cult classic featuring raw footage and a stacked team of underground talent.

• Video Highlights: Liberty Horror (1991), Liberty Skateboards DVD 2006–2012

• Style: Punk-infused, anti-corporate, and unapologetically authentic

Liberty was never about polished marketing—it was about skateboarding in its purest form. That ethos resonated with skaters who felt alienated by the growing commercialization of the sport.

🧢 Sponsored Riders & Collaborators

Liberty Skateboards built a reputation for sponsoring skaters who embodied the brand’s rebellious spirit. The team included a mix of vert legends and street innovators:

• Mike Smith – Founder and vert pioneer

• Jason Lee – Before his Hollywood career, Lee was a stylish and technical skater featured in Liberty’s early videos

• Todd Congelliere – Punk rocker and skater, known for blending music and skate culture

• Jake Sharp, Fred Brown, Ofer Moses, Marc Ricciardelli – Featured in Liberty’s video projects

These riders helped define Liberty’s identity—raw, creative, and fiercely independent.

🔄 What’s Happening Now?

While Liberty Skateboards isn’t a major player in today’s mainstream skate industry, its legacy lives on through reissues, retrospectives, and the continued influence of Mike Smith. Smith was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2021, a testament to his impact on the sport.

• Reissues: Classic decks like the Mike Smith Duck have been re-released, often through collaborations with South Bay Skates

• Legacy Projects: Smith continues to be celebrated in documentaries, podcasts, and tribute decks

• Community Engagement: Liberty’s ethos survives in grassroots skate scenes and independent brands that carry the torch

Though Liberty may not be churning out new product lines today, its spirit is alive in every skater who values creativity over conformity.

Liberty Skateboards Teaser

TODD CONGELLIERE LIBERTY HORROR 1990