q. Hey... so are these your handmade skateboards?
a. Most definitely, one hundred percent handmade from solid oak slab. Then we paint it, grip it, flip it, and ship it
q. Sounds like quite a lot of work... why don't you just have a machine or some underpaid factory workers make them instead? Because I've seen some really hip boards for like a hundred dollars or so
a. You're right, it is, and yeah, we could... But then what would we do all day? This is our art, and its fun for us. And by the by those boards arent fast or styling at all. And if it's ever over 300 degrees outside that things gonna melt
q. Yeah, whatever, but isn't $195 is a lot for a skateboard?
a. Yes, for a foreign made assembly line piece of plywood or plastic or something, $195 is a hell of a lot for a skateboard. But for a truly hand carved skateboard from a piece of a tree with one of a kind hand painted artwork giving it a ride and style that is truly like no other skateboard ever made, that you would want to like, give to your kid one day, we really think it's a good deal
q. Oh so you guys like hate plywood skateboards and everyone that skates them huh?
a. No dude. We both skate street and skateparks on "regular" skateboards too. Ours are just better for cruising that's all
q. I can hear that... So... what, you hippies make your own grip as well?
a. We do, using sand from our local surf spot, some sunlight, a little time, and our own special stew of non toxic water based urethane
q. What size is a DL Skateboard? Is it anything like a longboard?
a. 28.5" x 7 1/8", so just smaller than a standard skate deck, so no nothing like a longboard. It's more like the original incarnation of the skateboard. All of what you need and none of what you don't.
q. So do you guys make longboards too?
a. Not really dude, Maybe for a special order but for now we're just keeping it to the classic style. We don't know how a longboard should ride so it's not our territory
q. Ohhh so you guys like hate longboards and everyone who rides them?
a. No way dude! We just prefer our little skateboards that's all
q. Well tell me, what kind of skateboards are they?
a. DL Skateboards are classic styled solid oak surfy as all hell cruisers
q. Oh! Oh! Like the frog-town and b-boys movie!?
a. Yeah.. well, kind of...
q. Huh?
a. Nothin
q. Cool... So if I have an idea for a custom board, or want to personalize it, or alter one of your designs or switch wheel colors or something? Will you make it?
a. For sure, just send us a message explaining how you want it. Or for a custom board attach a sketch or some inspiration, then we'll talk it out and go from there
q. Well is it gonna cost me anything extra? I mean I'm already paying almost two hundr...
a. Dude, most custom board orders are no additional charge, and really at the most we'd charge $50 more if it's a really technical piece. But again, we probably wont charge you any more for small variants and personalization. Just get in touch
q. Well what if I want a DL made out of old growth austrian spalted maple then dipped in chocolate or something wild like that?
a. Just get ahold of us and we can work something out. There is nothing we wont make into a DL
q. Cool, hey, will you ship me a board?
a. Sure, shipping in the lower 48 is always under $25. This pays for packing materials, assembly, insurance, and shipping a large 8 lb box to wherever you are. Could be a bit less if the closer you get to southern California. Maybe a hair more if you are in like northern Maine
q. Or can I just pick it up? Meet somewhere nearby? Topanga beach parking lot?
a. No problem we would prefer it that way. Just call or write us and we'll make a plan
q. Well... I think my friend in like, Latvia or something wants one too... Will you ship international?
a. We will! You can use your own carrier or we will ship USPS it's the least expensive. Most overseas orders ship between $60 and $90.
q. Oh wait, what kind of parts come on a DL Skateboard?
a. Thought you'd never ask! We use Tracker trucks. They are still made in the USofA
q. What about wheels?
a. DL's come stock with 78a 60mm med/soft cruiser wheels
q. Bearings?
a. Tracker abec 3
q. Hardware and risers?
a. Tracker cnc'd black hardware and plastic risers
q. I've never skated a hand made solid oak cruiser skateboard before, is it different? Should I wear pads and be super safe, stay low to the ground and only skate to my ability if I'm just learning how to ride a board?
a. Yes and yes! Cars go fast so make sure you go skate where they don't drive
q. Sounds rad... But hey what if I break it... Or I don't like it... Can I return it?
a. If you somehow break a DL from cruising around (hasn't ever happened) we will of course replace your board
q. Cool... But?
a. But if you are for some reason trying to 360 flip it and you stick like 1 out of 20 on a good day and the ones you do land aren't in any sort of ninja style, or you let it go flying into a curb, then yes, scenarios like this could lead to one breaking, and thats on you. There are millions of other skateboards out there to get all flip tech with, your DL isn't that board
q. So what if I pretend to buy one just to use it for a photo shoot and make my poor intern return it? all dinged up and dirty? a month or two later?
a. Anything is possible but so is bad karma so just call us if something like this comes up
q. OK, Well, I kind of just want one right now. Where can I find one?
a. Righteous question! In the Los Angeles area check out...
LA Area
SO WHAT SURF
(just north of Santa Monica, head up the PCH and up Topanga and it's in town center)
REFORM SCHOOL
(Silverlake at sunset junction)
If you are in New York area check out
KCDC Skate Shop
(Williamsburg, Brooklyn on N3rd between Berry and Wythe)
derek@dlboards.com
lauren@dlboards.com
347-380-1719