🛹 Think Skateboards: A Legacy of Grit, Graphics, and Street Cred

In the gritty heart of San Francisco, where skateboarding culture thrived on cracked sidewalks and DIY ramps, a new voice emerged in 1990—Think Skateboards. Born from the minds of pro skater Keith Cochrane and industry insiders Greg Carroll and Don “Fish” Fisher, Think was never just a brand. It was a philosophy, a movement, and a reflection of the raw, unfiltered spirit of skateboarding.

Origins: From “Move” to “Think”

The company almost launched under the name “Move Skateboards,” but fate had other plans. During a brainstorming session with their early team, an 8-year-old rider named Nick Lockman casually suggested “Think.” The name stuck, and so did the attitude. From day one, Think Skateboards was skater-owned, skater-driven, and unapologetically authentic.

What Made Think Stand Out

Think wasn’t trying to be flashy or corporate. Their motto, “We think, therefore we are,” captured their ethos perfectly. Their decks were built tough—crafted from seven-ply maple and designed to take a beating on rough city streets. But it wasn’t just durability that set them apart. Think’s graphics were iconic. From the Spray Tags series that mimicked graffiti walls to the Filament Pro series featuring surreal illustrations inside light bulbs, their designs were as expressive as the skaters who rode them.

Their apparel, especially their tees, became streetwear staples. Celebrities like Robin Williams, the Beastie Boys, and Eminem were spotted repping Think gear, helping the brand bleed into pop culture during the 2000s.

Sponsored Riders and Influence

Think built a loyal team of amateur and pro riders who embodied the brand’s gritty aesthetic. Over the years, they sponsored notable skaters like Dave Bachinsky, Russ Milligan, Adrian Williams, and Lee Yankou. These riders weren’t just talented—they were style icons in their own right, pushing boundaries and representing Think’s rebellious DNA in skate videos and competitions.

The Fade and the Comeback

After a solid 25-year run—an eternity in the skateboarding world—Think Skateboards closed shop in 2014. The news hit hard. Their riders had to find new sponsors, and fans mourned the loss of a brand that had never sold out.

But in true skateboarding fashion, Think wasn’t done. Fast forward to 2025, and whispers of a comeback started circulating. Their website teased a “Coming Soon” message, sparking excitement among OG skaters and newcomers alike. No official product drops or team announcements yet, but the buzz is real. Whether it’s a new line of decks or a revival of their old-school attitude, Think Skateboards is poised to roll back into the scene.

Think Skateboards video "iThink"

Think Skateboards - Business As Usual

Dedication (1998) || Think Skateboards