🛹 Santa Monica Airlines: The Soul of Skateboarding Culture

In the gritty heart of Santa Monica, California, where surf met street and rebellion met creativity, a skateboard company was born that would forever shape the culture of skateboarding. Santa Monica Airlines—known affectionately as SMA—wasn’t just a brand. It was a movement.

✨ Origins: Born in the Back of a Surf Shop

Santa Monica Airlines was founded in 1978 by Skip Engblom, a visionary who had already made waves as a co-founder of the legendary Zephyr skate team, the Z-Boys. Working out of the back of Jeff Ho Surfboards and Zephyr Productions, Skip began handcrafting skateboard decks, shaping wood with care and precision. These weren’t mass-produced planks—they were functional art, built for the streets and the soul.

🚀 What Made SMA Legendary?

SMA quickly became known for its uncompromising quality and innovation. Skip and his crew pushed the boundaries of board design, experimenting with shapes, materials, and graphics that would become iconic. Their boards were durable, responsive, and visually striking—designed not just to ride, but to inspire.

But SMA’s influence went beyond the wood. They were pioneers in how skate companies sponsored riders, treating skaters not just as marketing tools but as artists and athletes. This ethos helped foster a new generation of talent.

🌟 Sponsored Legends

One name towers above the rest: Natas Kaupas. Discovered by Skip Engblom in the early 1980s, Natas became the face of SMA and a revolutionary figure in street skating. His Panther graphic deck is one of the most iconic in skate history. Natas didn’t just ride—he redefined what was possible, inventing tricks like wall rides and blazing trails on fire hydrants and handrails. His influence is still felt today.

Other notable riders included Jesse Martinez and Jeff Hartsel, who helped shape the brand’s gritty, street-level identity. SMA wasn’t about polished perfection—it was about raw creativity and fearless expression.

🔄 Evolution and Independence

Over the years, SMA had a licensing relationship with Santa Cruz Skateboards, which helped distribute their boards more widely. But today, SMA stands independently once again, true to its roots and its rebellious spirit.

🛍️ What They’re Doing Now

Santa Monica Airlines continues to produce high-quality skateboards, including reissues of classic decks that pay homage to their golden era. Their current lineup includes old-school shapes, modern street decks, and apparel that channels the brand’s vintage aesthetic. You can still find their iconic bi-plane logo soaring across t-shirts and snapbacks, a nod to their enduring legacy.

More importantly, SMA remains committed to the skateboarding community. They sponsor emerging talent, support local events, and promote skateboarding as a form of artistic and personal expression. In a world of corporate skate brands, SMA is still the soulful outsider—authentic, passionate, and proudly Dogtown.

Santa Monica Airlines Debunker

Santa Monica Airlines Hai Karate

SMA (Santa Monica Airlines) "Freedom Of Choice" (1992)