droolicious : skateboards

RipStik 'G' Caster Board Built to Tackle Curbs and Coping, Too

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:04:00 GMT

The RipStik "G" is pretty much the same impossible-to-ride caster board your kids somehow manage to master within days, with one major exception: The "G" has a section of aircraft-grade aluminum in its midsection that also opens up the board to grinding.

$61.59 from Target, and be sure to pick up a helmet while you're there.

Etsy: Your Family on a Skateboard

Erin Behan — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:17:00 GMT

I will admit that I find this item a little odd, but it's so unique that I couldn't pass it up. If you think that this looks like a family portrait painted onto a skateboard deck, you would be right. Sewingmama will paint any photo pop art style onto a deck for just $100. If you are or know a mom or dad who never gave up the board, this strikes me as a nice way to memorialize their passion.

Very Big Toys: XGlider Foot-Sized Inline Skateboard

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:04:00 GMT

"Once you get the hang of it, the possibilities are endless." Ah, and there's the catch with XGliders, as the retailer's website makes clear: Actually getting on these foot-sized inline skateboards -- imagine rollerblades that don't actually attach to your feet -- is half the battle. If you can make it that far, odds are good that you'll be cruising around in no time -- or at least doing some interesting faceplants in the driveway.

For my money, the hardest part of the learning curve comes from the combination of the tight turning radius, the lack of foot straps, and the fact that your feet are working independently. (Imagine a Ripstik without the connection between either wheel.) The XGlider's ridged surface acts as a sort of non-abrasive grip tape, but it's also pretty handy when you work your way up to doing tricks, since it's kind of hard to nail kickflips with your feet still attached to a board.

Check out this clip for a perspective that's a bit more realistic than the usual zipping, flashing, professionally shot demo:

And now that we're up and cruising around with old Will, here's something to aspire to, courtesy of the zipping, flashing, professionally shot demo:

$99.99 from SkyMallSports.

What Does a $550 Skateboard Look Like?

SunnyChanel — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:57:00 GMT

You’re stuck inside with the kids due to rain, sleet or that daily occurrence called night. They’ve got energy to burn and want to do anything that is reminiscent of the great outdoors. Instead of having them grab their worn and wooden skateboard and grind against your impeccably finished parquet floors, Modern Convenience and Didi Dunphy have come up with a solution. The Recess: Inside Skate is a whimsically upholstered vinyl tuck and rolled board that brings a bit more cushion to the pushin’. They call it “sculpture you can ride” and for that price, it better do some kind of double duty. But for that $550 it still won’t protect your Ming vase from having your skater roll right into it.

The Family That Skates Together Stays Together

SunnyChanel — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 22:53:00 GMT

One of my favorite kid's clothing companies is on the roll. Literally. Knuckleheads has added wheels to their super stylin’ line of retro denim jeans, plaid shirts and Grease Monkey Coveralls. Their "Lil Sleds" ($99 complete) and "Big Sleds" ($145 complete) skateboards are perfect for that Mommy and me skater duo who aren't afraid of the whole matchy-matchy thing.

The boards feature custom artwork in the vein of Rat Fink, pro model trucks and wheels, 100% maple wood, and are proudly made in the US of A. Time to teach the little one to grind, kickflip and ollie. Remember the age old adage, the family that skates together stays together.

Monkeys and Skateboards: Two Great Tastes that J. Austin Ryan Makes Taste Great Together

Mir — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:03:00 GMT

I'm completely smitten with these hand-painted monkeys by artist Marnie Vollenhals over at J. Austin Ryan. Your little monkey could have the coolest nursery walls on the block if you have the coin to spring for a few of these. Starting at $110; the print featured above, "Party at Our Crib," is $150. See more after the jump.

"City Lights," $110 or $125:

"Tricks," $150:

"Tube Riders," $110 or $125: