Skaters tend to unite around the images on their boards. Since 1992, an ever-growing and loyal core has bonded over a unique, almost mystical presence in the skate world: Element Skateboard.
The iconic logo expresses the unity of Wind, Water Fire and Earth as well as a philosophy which is deeply engrained in the history of these boards. Founder Johnny Schillereff planted the seed as Underworld Element in Atlanta, after being profoundly affected by a Bob Marley tune. This later gave rise to the famous “Listen to Bob Marley” series of T-shirts that you’ll still see flying by on Element’s lightening-fast boards.
Element is not merely a catchy name and an eye-grabbing logo; it’s a philosophy in action, a model for socially conscious behavior and a policy of compassion. Although Element Skateboard was bought out by rival Billabong in 2001, the company has remained true to its roots and Schillereff’s original vision.
The Element attitude runs throughout the company’s promotions. In addition to being an avid sponsor of rising stars, Element adds its name to art of a political nature, especially in defense of wildlife and the environment. Following this commitment, Element Skateboard recently released a “Dead Against Hunting” board-deck series featuring boards by such skateboarding icons as Colt Cannon, Jeremy Wray and Bam Margera.
Skaters tend to unite around the images on their boards.
Element also invests heavily in the next generation of skaters, by partnering with the YMCA as the main sponsor of the Visalia Skate Camp in Element’s home turf of California. The company provides scholarships to the camp worldwide as part of the Elemental Awareness non-profit daughter organization.
A truly astounding example of corporate responsibility, Elemental Awareness, sporting a skateboard-riding tree on their logo, sponsors visits by prominent skaters to after-school programs, who bring extra boards and skate classes to disadvantaged youth in such poor neighborhoods such as South Central LA.
The mission of Elemental Awareness is to unite skating with community and earth-conscious attitudes, managing an acclaimed volunteer program, which attracts local carpenters to build skate parks across the world.
Element Skateboard also sponsors a series of skating competitions in California, emphasizing on survival skills and wilderness conservation, receiving recognition from noted tracker Tom Brown for the foundation’s contribution to this field. Awareness programs encourage youth to take a head-on, enthusiastic approach to life and personal physical and mental health. Providing scholarships to skate camps and parks, and sponsoring meetings with professional skaters are just part of the overall plan to make skating a force for positive change,
In addition to these civic responsibilities, Element Skateboard hosts events around the world where up-and-coming skaters compete for the spotlight and chances to win big sponsorships.
Element has also been an innovator in the field of skate videography, producing the “Elementality” series, one of the finest examples of the form.
Whether promoting the company’s unique philosophy, working to enhance the sport of skating, or just producing some of the finest decks and gear around, Element skateboard has and will continue to be a force for making the world a better place.
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