Collecting “old-school” skateboards: Where to find rare pieces? How to search for them?

Finding old-school, vintage, or retro skateboards can be a fun and rewarding pursuit for skateboard enthusiasts and collectors. These boards offer a nostalgic glimpse into the history of skateboarding and can be valuable additions to your collection.

The community of “old-school” skateboard collectors has grown enormously over the past five years. Prices have unfortunately also followed this trend, both in original skateboards (OG) and in reissues.

Before embarking on your quest for the holy grail, here is a handy glossary of the terms most frequently used by collectors.

The lexicon of the collector of oldschool skateboards

OG = Original. This refers to a period model, not a reissue. Of course, the prices are very high.
Reissue = Model redone identically (or almost). However, the quality of the reproduction differs from one manufacturer to another. Some brands go so far as to reproduce the same shape and the same printing technique (screen printing). Others will be much less demanding (modern shape, heat transfer rather than screen printing). You should know that brands do not necessarily re-release all models in all colors… For example, Santa Cruz generally releases 4 models every 3 months, or more or less 16 models per year. If your deck is not in these models, you will have to wait for them to reissue it or for a shop to possibly still have it in stock – something unlikely with the enthusiasm that there has been around reissues in recent months .
SP = Screen printed. Printing technique that was used by all manufacturers at the time. It consisted of painting successive layers of colors to create the graphics on the board.
HT = Heat transfer. A more modern and less expensive technique that appeared in the 2000's to replace screen printing. Purist will prefer Screen Printed of course.
Mint = Perfect condition, like new.
NOS = New Old Stock. Vintage stock. Typically, the old cardboard that has been lying around at a skateboard distributor for 30 years.
Dead stock = New Old Stock.

Where to find oldschool skateboards on the internet?

First of all : Ebay.com (a.k.a evil bay ;-) )

You can find everything there, reissues, originals, at all prices. Unfortunately, there are a lot of speculators there… often people who have been able to buy a model produced in few copies and who will resell it for two to three times more the next day. Ebay.com has a search tool, which is handy if you are looking for a specific model.

Then the different facebook groups. Super convenient as they are often organized geographically or by brand or type. Each group has its own rules that must be scrupulously respected at the risk of being banned.

Most popular facebook groups for skateboard collectors (not limited)

Flea markets / swap meets.

Attend flea markets, swap meets, or vintage fairs in your area. These events often have sellers offering vintage and retro skateboarding gear. You might stumble upon hidden gems at affordable prices.

Dedicated forums:

o The one from skateone.com

o Skullandbones

The skateshops specialised in oldschool skateboard reissues like skatetilldeath.com for example :-)

Or visit local skateboard shops or skateboarding specialty stores. Some of them may have a small selection of vintage or retro skateboard decks, wheels, or accessories for sale. It's also a great place to ask for recommendations or network with other collectors.

Network with Collectors:

Build relationships with fellow collectors and enthusiasts. They can provide valuable insights, tips, and leads on where to find vintage skateboards. Attend skateboarding events and gatherings to expand your network.

Be Informed:

Educate yourself about the history of skateboarding and the brands, models, and eras you're interested in. Knowing what you're looking for will help you make informed decisions and avoid overpaying for replicas or fakes.

Condition and Authenticity:

When purchasing vintage skateboards, pay close attention to the condition and authenticity. Ask for detailed photos, inquire about any repairs or restorations, and verify the board's authenticity, especially if it's a valuable collectible.
Remember that vintage skateboard prices can vary widely based on rarity, condition, and demand. Take your time to research and compare prices before making a purchase. Happy hunting, and enjoy adding classic skateboards to your collection!

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A guide to find oldschool skateboards