A couple of years back I shared THIS magazine article from Transworld Skateboarding which featured Vancouver skateboard brand, Skull Skates, as well as PD's Hot Shop, two institutions that go hand in hand and are in fact run by the same dude. The feature is a great history lesson first on the skateboard brand, which is Canada's oldest clocking in at over 3 decades, as well as the store which is about to turn 35 this year... and is also Canada's oldest skateshop.
Skull Skates and Hot Shop's owner, PD, is an old friend of mine. In fact, I designed one of the earliest incarnations of the brand's web site back in the late 90's. When I heard that he was shutting down his store at 2868 West 4th Ave, which has been it's location for more than a decade now, at first I was a little concerned that he might be shutting down the retail side for good, then I thought for a second that he might be moving it to another, perhaps more affordable city. Then I shook my head when I saw the news that they're simply moving to a new location on West 10th, closer to the beach. I asked PD why he's chosen to keep his business in the city for so long to which he replied "The culture of Vancouver and Skull Skates flow together like leaky and condo", which is to say, Skull is an integral part of this city and, for better or for worse, they're not going anywhere.
Okay, they are going somewhere. They're going to West 10th Avenue. 3734 West 10th Avenue to be exact. And they're throwing a big grand opening party there this Saturday to celebrate! Learn more HERE.
PD's Hot SHop West 4th Ave. Photos: Bob Kronbauer
THE OFFICIAL WORD:
Born from a need for pro-quality skateboards in 1976, PD's Hot Shop in Vancouver stands as Canada's oldest existing skateboard shop. The Skull Skates skateboard company was launched as a creative extension of the Hot Shop in 1978 and continues to earn support from enthusiasts worldwide as Canada's oldest skateboard brand.
For over 3 decades PD's Hot Shop and Skull Skates have set up tens of thousands of custom built skateboards, not to mention the occasional skimboard, bicycle, snowboard, hoody, sticker etc. serving generations of customers. More than half of those decades have been spent at the 4th ave, location in Kitsilano which is now slated for closure in January of 2012.
Hot Shop announces the opening of an all new shop at 3734 w. 10th ave near Alma st on Vancouver's west side [ closer to the beach ] in the former location of Sacred Heart Tattoo.
A Grand Opening event takes place Saturday July 30th from noon til 7pm with special performances by Skull Skates recording artists Sorcerers and The DJ Trike eco-mobile sound system.
The DJ Trike is a new format for creating sensory experiences and social interventions. Inspired by bicycle and tricycle cultures worldwide, The DJ Trike was materialized to become a vehicle and platform for urban communication and interaction, as well a method to transcend common perceptions associated with current pedal powered transportation.
Dub Punk Kings of East Van. Sorcerers recently re-united to perform at Vancouver's 125th Birthday Party show in Stanley Park...is the group back together? Sorcerers employ thunderous drum and base backing up maniacal vocal and guitar stylings tapping the flow found in parallel art forms such as skateboarding, skimboarding, cycling etc.
WHEN? SATURDAY JULY 30, 2011, 12 NOON TIL 7 PM
WHERE? PD'S HOT SHOP 3734 W 10TH AVE. VANCOUVER
WHY? SKATEBOARDING LEADS TO HARDER CRIMES
