🛹 Inside Skate Mental: The Skate Brand That Never Took Itself Too Seriously

Skateboarding has always been about rebellion, creativity, and community—and few brands embody that spirit quite like Skate Mental. Born from a blend of humor, grit, and raw skate talent, this company carved out a unique space in the skateboarding world. Let’s dive into the story behind Skate Mental, its rise, its riders, and what it’s up to today.

🎬 Origins: A Basement, A Joke, and a Dream

Skate Mental was founded in 2007 by Brad Staba, a professional skateboarder known for his offbeat humor and DIY ethos. The brand’s name? That came from fellow skater Frank Gerwer, who jokingly coined it during a night out in San Francisco. What started as a joke quickly became a reality when Staba began printing T-shirts and making decks in his basement.

Helping him launch the brand was Brian Anderson, another skate legend and longtime friend. The two had bonded during a European tour in the late '90s, skating for Toy Machine and Tum Yeto. Their shared vision: a skate company that didn’t take itself too seriously but still delivered top-tier gear.

🧢 What Skate Mental Is Known For

Skate Mental quickly gained a reputation for its irreverent graphics, premium-quality gear, and a no-filter attitude. The brand’s product line includes:

• Skateboard decks with quirky, often absurd artwork

• Apparel like tees, hoodies, and hats

• Accessories including bearings and even air fresheners

But it wasn’t just the gear that made Skate Mental stand out—it was the vibe. The brand embraced humor and authenticity, often poking fun at skate culture while celebrating it.

🏆 Sponsored Riders and Cult Status

Skate Mental has been home to some serious talent over the years. One of its most notable riders was Shane O’Neill, an Australian skateboarding prodigy known for his technical precision and jaw-dropping tricks. His 2015 video part, “Shane Goes Skate Mental,” featured a legendary nollie backside heelflip down the steps at Wallenberg—a trick that cemented both his and the brand’s place in skateboarding history.

Other riders who’ve repped Skate Mental include:

• Jack Curtin

• Curren Caples

• Jake Anderson

• Dan Plunkett

• Wieger Van Wageningen

• John Motta

• Fernando Bramsmark

• Adrian Del Campo

The team page on their website even featured screenshots of text messages asking riders for photos—a perfect example of their laid-back, tongue-in-cheek approach.

📺 Media and Influence

Skate Mental has produced several video parts, including the “Aunt Tammy” series for Thrasher Magazine. These videos showcased the brand’s unique blend of skateboarding talent and offbeat humor, helping it build a cult following among skaters who appreciated its authenticity.

🔄 What They're Up to Now

Today, Skate Mental continues to operate out of San Francisco, producing gear and apparel that stays true to its roots. While it may not be as prominent in the mainstream skate scene as some other brands, it remains a beloved name among skaters who value creativity and individuality.

The brand’s current focus seems to be on maintaining its niche appeal, supporting its team, and keeping the humor alive. Their website still offers a full range of products, and the team continues to skate, film, and contribute to the culture in their own way.

Skate Mental Skateboards "Am Chowder" (2009)

Skate Mental: Somebody's Getting Pregnant