Sarah Hales-Reid recently interviewed Jacquelyn Purvis and Mark Olson from the Oceanside company Bamboo Skateboards. Jacquelyn is the Visual Director and Graphic Designer and Mark is Director of Sales & Marketing.

Q) First of all could you tell us how bamboo skateboards started, a bit of the history there, and its relation to Bamboo Buddy?
Eco Friendly clothing line 
A) BambooBuddy is the parent company to Bamboo Skateboards..  BambooBuddy started what was then called “BambooSK8″ as a company back in 2008 after being approached by the idea of an environmentally friendly alternative to maple decks.  After much testing and research over the past few years BambooSK8 has grown into Bamboo Skateboards, a truly unique skateboard brand and manufacturer that is not only sustainable, but the decks have more pop and strength than the average maple deck which are two key features in skateboarding.  We started out simply with short deck sales primarily through our online website but have since branched into manufacturing and selling both longboards and short decks online and in shops across the world.  As of 2013 we have come out with a couple new shaped longboards, new short deck graphics, and are currently working on an eco-friendly apparel line.

Q) Is there a lot of interest in bamboo skateboards?
A) Yes!  Especially over the past year.  With the combination of our beefed up marketing and sales efforts and truly providing a unique and quality product we are able to say that excitement for the Bamboo Skateboards brand is steadily climbing!  We really try to reach the younger generation of skaters because these are the kids of the future, they are the ones that are coming into this world aware or how important it is to make a smarter choice for the environment and to choose the green option!  We have been growing our Bamboo Skateboards team over the past year to include not only awesome skaters, but longboarders, videographers, and even bands!

Q) Your website says that you sell them globally, where do they sell the most? How much do they sell worldwide? Are there other companies making similar skateboards?

A) We have brands and distributors in Europe, South America, Australia, Southeast Asia, Asia, Caribbean and soon in South Africa. Our international sales have been a large part of our growth as these markets are more open to new and innovative products in the skateboard industry.  There are other companies selling bamboo longboards and other companies selling short decks with 1 or 2 plies of bamboo, however no one is making boards that have our specific construction.

Q) How are they different from other skateboards? What should someone expect if they switch to bamboo? Will it feel different?
A) Great question.  First of all the price point is noticeably different.  Some maple decks can cost as much as 60-70 bucks depending on the brand, and that is just the deck!  Bamboo boards, which are not only a more sustainable choice, are also almost half the cost and last twice as long.  If you have been riding a maple board your whole life there will definitely be a little bit of an adjustment period.  Bamboo decks are lighter and the bamboo veneers provide more elasticity resulting in more pop in the tricks.  Strength is our number two feature distinguishing us from maple.  Our boards last longer because bamboo is a stronger and more durable material and a major plus is that there is much less razor tail.
  
Ryan doing a fakie heel flip

Q) What are your top selling products?
A) Well with the launch of our 3 new short board graphics we have been selling out of those, especially the Diamond style.  Overall, many people like to stick to the blank bamboo decks with it’s natural bamboo look. The longboard series we launched in Sept. of 2012, Tiki Series designed by Dylan Fant, has really helped develop our longboard brand in the retail markets.

Q) Can you tell us about your “100 decks for 1” program. Have you been there to deliver the skateboards to the kids? If so, can you describe the experience?
A) “100 decks for 1″ started in 2012 as a way for Bamboo Skateboards to not only give back to the environment, but also to at risk youth nearby.  At least once annually we pick a charity to work with and we personal go and hand out complete skateboards during one of their events.  For every 100 boards we are able to sell, we give away one complete to kids.
This year we so far we’ve teamed up with Bridge to Skate and on Feb. 16th we went to one of their contests in Watts, CA to give out free skateboards to some of the kids.

Q) How did you become involved with Bamboo Skateboards?
A) Jackie: I came into Bamboo Skateboards in 2011 after graduating college looking for a way to combine my love of art and sports into a company that did more than just “make money”.  I loved how even though Bamboo Skateboards was still a small start-up company, they still made a point of giving proceeds to different charities such as the Red Cross, Stand Up for Skateparks, WWF, etc… and even put on events to help out others such as Grind for Life.  I started as the graphic design intern, but since then I have grown with the company and am now the Visual Director overseeing the graphics, marketing, and other aspects of the company!
Mark: I joined the company in its early stages as part of the 2nd class of interns when we just started to sell boards to the public. Seeing the great values this company and its owners live by enticed me to want to stay with the company. I was given the opportunity to be the first employee running the daily operations and have grown with the company to take over the sales and marketing. It is very exciting to be apart of a small start up where you get to have your hands in many different aspects of the business. It’s also fun to love what you do and know your making a positive difference in the world every day!

Bamboo Skateboards new series 
Q) What is your favorite product and why?
Jackie: I can’t do tricks on the short decks to save my life, but for cruising around I love the Locker Cruiser longboard best.   It is portable, cruises great, and you can still maneuver it around easily.  As for designs, well I guess I’d have to be partial to my own, the new BS series, especially Diamond, and the Mini Retro.  Simplicity always wins!
Mark: I’m going to agree with Jackie as I’m partial to my own, as I designed the shape of the Locker Cruiser longboard.  It’s a very versatile board, after all it’s what I cruise around on around the office and to the store near my house in Cardiff, CA. 
(You can see their all new BS deck series and other products on their website www.bamboosk8.com.)
image credits: Bamboo Skateboards

For more information contact: 
Bamboo Skateboards 3025 Industry Street, Suite B
Oceanside, CA 92054
1-877-226-2339
email: info@Bamboo Skateboards.com 
website: http://www.bamboosk8.com/