merdeskateboards.com

Lagging

2011-12-06T21:54:00.000-08:00

Man, I've been lagging like a mofo on this blog deal lately. My family and I moved a month back, or so, for the cool high desert winter air and sunny days of Klamath Falls. Yeah, it is bustling metropolis. Pretty mellow and laid back. I talked to my Mom and she's going to let me build some concrete DIY on the side of her building, that nobody parks at anymore...so that's pretty cool. Anyhoo, here is a vid I did right before I moved. Some BG locals and Jesse McDowell. We have young Austin Winchell on retainer, and are just waiting for his legal team to finalize his welcome aboard video. That's about it for now. Keep on truckin'.

Totally Evil...Sort Of.

2011-10-08T00:44:00.000-07:00

I sometimes get the feeling that Nukes and Tyler get bummed that we don't put out any "hesh" material. What can I say, I'm a big old pussy with a mortgage and 2 kids. I'm all about happy things, like sunsets and great gas mileage. In honor of Mr. Nukula and Mr. Albright, I decided to meet them halfway...I guess.

Jesse McDowell Welcome Video

2011-10-08T00:42:00.000-07:00

I've been spacing it pretty hard on this blog deal. Anyway, Jesse rides for us and here is his video. We filmed it whenever he was back in town from building skateparks. He's a beast on a plank. If you ever see him, don't worry, he's not mad at you...he's mad at EVERYONE. Just joshing, he's a nice guy. Just don't tag his spot, or he'll toss you out on your nose ring.

Guilty of Being Delicious: A Tribute to Skateboarding and Hot Dogs

2011-07-11T00:24:00.000-07:00

I like a good hot dog, I guess I really like a good Brat, really. Hot dogs are kind of whatever. However, when you mix skating, a hot dog, and a frothy brew...you come up with something sweeter than Yoo-Hoo. Anyway, in the spirit of having a good time and littering the intestines of the forewarned, we're doing a hot dog BBQ down at Brooklyn Street on Saturday, July 16th, around 1pm. We'll provide some shitty hot dogs, condiments, and water. Along with some early 80's punk. You bring your smiling faces and your tapdancing slippers.

Classicly Rensberry

2011-05-23T23:33:00.001-07:00

"Keep Skateboarding Gay!"

2011-05-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

When I think of skateboarding, I think of Mark Gonzales. The Gonz was/is the shit. When I was a kid he was the gold standard for progression and self expression. He skated with his own unique style and fashion. His feet always looked slighty pigeon toed to me...or maybe it was something else. Either way Gonz made everything look good. In the mid 80's, in the town I'm from, The Gonz probably would have been beat up for looking like a weirdo.
Nowadays people keep track of what tricks were done at what spot. I don't really understand that. I mean, different dudes will skate differently, so how is it the same? Why keep track, who cares? Skate contests have gotten very big and over produced, with televised competitions in arenas.

See your favorite pro on the jumbotron. That's weird. That's good for those pros though. More money, and those guys definitely deserve it. You can't stop growth. Things will probably get more ridiculous too. I just wonder if kids are called "fag", or told that skating is "gay" by people that don't skate? You know the ones, the guys in the lowered 2 wheel drive early 80's Chevy Silverado pickup with their girlfriend posted up right next to them on the bench seat, yelling at you as they drive by. At least that's what I saw in my town when I was a kid. We were hicks though, so your experience may be different. There is hope, not everyone is buying into the hype. These guys definitely have the right idea. Dumb tricks, rad tricks, scum bag, clean cut, whatever. Skate for the fun. Skate for the individual expression. Go do a stupid trick, or don't. Do whatever you want. That's what makes skating so great. No rules, no restrictions. Just remember to keep skateboarding gay, or the jocks truly will win.

Shane Bell Show!

2011-04-26T23:53:00.000-07:00

I've been lagging on the interweb updating. This has been out for a hot minute, but I needed to add it to the Merde page so our 6 followers could stay updated. Being a member has its advantages...it sure does.

Great work Mr. Bell!

Landlocked Seamen (The Search For Lesbian Seagull)

2011-02-22T20:51:00.000-08:00

I watched this movie on Netflix OnDemand called "Isolation". It was about these scientists doing experiments on some bovine specimens, in order to create...well I don't really know. One thing leads to another, and viola'...there is a mutant calf monster thing that burrows into people and crawls out a bigger hole. Unfortunately the host is left dead, and the monster thing gets bigger and continues to terrorize people on the farm. Anyway, long story short...at the end of the movie they play this song by Jim Ford which was pretty awesome, which I'd never heard before. So I used it in this video. Thanks.

Landlocked Seamen (The Search for Lesbian Seagull) from Merde Skateboards on Vimeo.

Shit Sando

2011-01-20T20:39:00.000-08:00

My friend Colin said this video gave him motion sickness. Considering the source, I think that was a rave review. Thanks Colin! Our cameraman/editor Pat Butterman did the best job he could, considering he was recovering from a bout of shingles and detoxing from a 7 year cocaine addiction. I mean good help is so hard to find these days. Thanks to the Merde guys and all our friends that were in the video. Don't know the name of the guy from Yakima that was ripping, but hey...thanks for shredding anyhoo.

Boomer 2009

2010-12-21T00:06:00.001-08:00

I was going through some old tapes from Dad Cam 1, my old Sony DCR-TRV50, and found some unused footage of Boomer we shot one day back in the Summer of 2009. I threw in some other random stuff I found also, Hood River and Orcas. At the beginning of the video there is a kid skating that has red hair like Boomer. He kind of magically appeared out of nowhere, like some red headed unicorn, slammed into the fence, and then galloped away into the mean streets of Multnomah Village. Boomer is rad...good guy, great attitude, and a great work ethic. I've seen him take some horrendous slams. He just kind of pops up and keeps going.

Alex Schuurmans S&A Shot of the Week

2010-12-20T23:53:00.000-08:00

Alex is a guy we have on flow through Rip City. J.P., the propietor of Rip City was telling me about this photo on Sunday when I was in there with my kids. See, my eldest daughter is learning to skate. I'm pretty sure she rips for a 6 year old girl, maybe not. She's got heart. Alex has heart. I've seen him bust his ass on that bowl they have back there. That thing is nuts, confusing to me. There is no time to think, but I suck so what do I know. Anyway, Alex got a sick pick right there. I need to drag him outside and get some footage of him on some concrete. All those guys at Rip City are friendly. They carry mostly local stuff, so you should go down there and buy something.

New Brian Rensberry Graphic

2010-12-18T12:49:00.000-08:00

We decided to go with what works, so we went back to David Stein for Brian's second graphic. Hell, Brian even set the thing up himself. How's that for DIY? Brian is a shredding machine too..when you actually get to see him skate. He sometimes gets weirded out by crowds, but it is a rare treat when you can witness his skating. He has one of the best styles out there. Smooth and effortless. I once told him he was like our Drehobl. He said, "I'm nobody's Drehobl." He's old too. He's turning 36 this month. So happy birthday B.Rens, happy birthday baby Jesus, and God bless America!

Have A Merde-ee Christmas

2010-12-13T21:46:00.001-08:00

We got a couple Merde riders together along with some friends to film a little bit of skating in honor of baby Jesus. This was all shot over a 3 hour period at Epic Snow and Skate in Portland. Thomas unfortunately broke his arm in the "street" area after having wrapped up most of the filming. He had to get surgery and will be out for a bit. Get well soon Thomas, you were ripping for sure! Have a Merry Christmas everyone.

Have A "Merde-ee" Christmas from Merde Skateboards on Vimeo.

Thomas Nichols

2010-12-11T01:29:00.000-08:00

Thomas is a Battle Ground local we put on a few months back. I was going to put together a little web clip to welcome him aboard. I'm still going to, but holy shit, I came across this clip done for Auviq Clothing and was just completely blown away. Great job guys! Great job Thomas! Great job Jesus! The nose pick fakie at BSS is outstanding.

Filmed by Collin Whalen
Edited by Scott Bannan

Thomas Nichols from scott bannan on Vimeo.

"Florida Bacon" Mike Barnes Bromodel

2010-12-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

We got to know Mike a bit this Summer while he vacationed in the corporate suite provided by Bacon in the upscale Clinton neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. He enjoyed a life of leisure...you know your regular stuff like tennis, karaoke, clamming, and aggressive mushroom harvesting. Anyhoo, he has a fondness for Spicoli and skateboarding, and an healthy hatred for hipsters, which makes him A-OK in our book. He's currently back in Florida, busting ass in the hustle and bustle of professional Pina' Colada drinking competitions and recreational gator wrestling. Hope to see you next Summer Darkness. Enjoy the boards...you deserve it! These should be out sometime in January 2011 and will be limited to only 100 boards, or so.

Spicoli's shirt was the inspiration for the flower graphic. Someone should make that shirt again.

Mike Barnes Bromodel by Merde from Merde Skateboards on Vimeo.

"In Search of the Miraculous" Pontus Alv Film Premiere/Benefit PDX, OR. 12/2/2010

2010-11-23T21:03:00.000-08:00

There will be a premiere of Pontus Alv's "In Search of the Miraculous" at the Clinton Theater in Portland, Oregon Thursday, December 2nd at 9pm. This will be an ALL AGES premier. $2 entry and there will a raffle or auction to help raise money for more expansion at the Brooklyn Street Spot. If you enjoy films about skateboarding, that capture what skateboarding is about, then you should certainly come down and spend your $2 to enjoy this film. Hell, you should also buy the DVD from Pontus himself. He filmed, edited, and skated in it. You'd be supporting an actual real life skateboarder, not a company. Also, it is probably one THE best films about skateboarding. "Strongest of the Strange", "Fruit of the Vine", and "Tent City" are what I think of when it comes to great skate movies, and this one easily falls into that group. Kudos Mr. Alv, kudos BSS, kudos skateboarding!

Shane Bell Old Timey Color Commentary

2010-11-12T00:08:00.000-08:00

Much like the commentary from a Seabiscuit race, we here at Merde Skateboards try to capture the excitement of skateboarding in the most exciting way. Commentary by Gus "Flathead" Johson.

Shane Bell Old Timey Color Commentary from Merde Skateboards on Vimeo.

"SHIT SANDWICH"

2010-09-25T17:58:00.001-07:00

We're going to put together some our Summer footage sometime in the next month, or so. It shall be named "Shit Sandwich" in honor of one of the most rockingest bands known to man...Spinal Tap!

Anyhoo, here are some pics from that 3 day trip to Irrigon/Pendleton/Yakima.

Welcome Mr. Bell!

2010-08-29T01:22:00.000-07:00

So I wanted to film Shane for the better part of a day and put together a little "welcome to the team" video, but I've been slacking in a major way on coordinating our schedules. I blame this on my Sunday church schedule and my Saturday night cocaine habit. So, in lieu of that video, I present a couple pics of Shane and an old video I found of him on youtube. Sorry dude, I suck, but if it makes you feel any better, you've got a hell of a frontside stalefish. Ooofaa! Keep a look out for Shane in our upcoming Summer tour video.

Nukes and Boomer Appreciation Deck

2010-07-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

I randomly found this graphic by one Brin Levinson while trying to find another artist I lost contact with. I thought it would be perfect as a Nukes/Boomer/St.John's/Pier appreciation board (St. John's Bridge). All the skaters out that way have been nothing but supportive of Merde, and St John's is the home to both Nukes and Boomer. So there, makes sense...yes? Apparently, this was a commission piece, so Brin had to get the OK from the owner. They said sure and the rest is history. Thanks unknown art owner! Thanks Nukes and Boomer! Thanks Brin! Anyhoo, keep an eye out for this one this Summer.

Shooting The Shit...

2010-07-02T23:56:00.000-07:00

on Callin'on Colin. I had no idea who this guy was when I met him randomly at the gay bar, but you know I'm open to new experiences. He was a gentle interviewer.

Logo Sweatshirts/T-Shirts

2010-06-28T23:38:00.000-07:00

Made in my dining room. Check out Rip City in Portland or you can email me at merdeskateboards@hotmail.com and I can send one your way. $20 sweatshirts/$10 t shirts plus $2 shipping. Available in Merde logo and Satan/Jesus

Jason Whyte Pro Model Board

2010-05-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

Jason Whyte likes weird Euro music and jump flipping on his scooterboard. He's been with Merde since the beginning so we're proud to be putting out a slab of lumber with his name on it. Just don't piss him off when he's driving. Way to go Mr. Blanco!

Brian Rensberry...Get To Know Him.

2010-05-21T21:01:00.001-07:00

He's a saint and a sinner, a rocker and a roller, etc., etc. Colin interviews Brian and finds out his innermost secrets and things about his beard on Callin' On Colin.

UBER

2010-05-11T01:48:00.000-07:00

It's a video. It's a winter time video that started back in August '09. Everyone's skating, except for Tyler since we didn't have any footage because Carlos taped over his stuff. Oh, well. It has Stevie Wonder. He's singing a remake of a Beattle's song. I never really got into the Beattles a whole lot. They're good, but Stevie is rad. He's from Michigan. Rensberry is from Michigan. They never called Stevie "Doctor Fantastic", but they did call him "Little Stevie". He got on Motown when he was like 12. That's like getting on Girl when your 15...good luck. Stevie Wonder is the best. PERIOD.

UBER from Merde Skateboards on Vimeo.

Tyler Albright is #1...

2010-04-25T00:37:00.000-07:00

at least today, and he'll probably be feeling like a hot steaming pile of #2 tomorrow when he wakes up. He won Medford Mayhem and $300...that's a lot of Blue Hawaiians my friend, aloha! He also won best trick with a body jar revert on the 8' wall. For his efforts he was rewarded with a Merde blem! Fuck yeah...blems! Way to go Tyler!

BEERSHANK

2010-04-18T00:37:00.000-07:00

I read this video title and I think, "Well, why would anyone want to stab someone with a beer?" But after seeing the video it appears to have more to do with shotgunning beer after stabbing it with a small tool. It has the artistic stylings of one Tyler Albright and other S. Oregon plank jockeys. Made by one Carlos "The Beijing Roller" Craig, Watch your ass in the yard and don't bend over in the shower you beer can. Nice one Gnarlos.

BEERSHANK from Carlos Craig on Vimeo.

Medford Mayhem

2010-04-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

Rita and Jack's Board House in Medford, Oregon are doing a bowl contest at the Medford skatepark next weekend. $600 purse, or maybe $600 for the winner. Either way, if you fancy yourself a bit of a bowl dandy, saunter on over to the park, strap on your rollerskates and show everyone what you got to the sounds of the new Foghat album. Sick!

Tyler Albright And DJ G.P.M.K.

2010-04-16T01:17:00.000-07:00

Shredding in Matt's backyard bowl in Caveman Country. Representing Southern Oregon with pride. Nice job fellas.

Hey, I Know That Guy

2010-04-07T01:02:00.000-07:00

Ah, Mr. Jeffrey Spicoli. He loves weed, hates work, and has an interest in middle aged mens' sports jackets. What's not to like. Anyway, we put our art director, Pat Butterman, to the test on this one. We wanted something that screamed,"Hey, look over here...we're on some cutting edge trend setting tip you know." So he came up with this original hot pink design. Well done Mr. Butterman...well done. Pat was speaking of a repeating all over logo pattern that would canvas an entire shirt. He thinks it will really take off. That man is on some next level art direction. Stickers were made by the good people at Diesel Fuel Prints in Portland, Oregon.

Holy Shit, A Screen!

2010-03-31T00:55:00.000-07:00

Oh, wow. It's a fucking screen. So I guess I won't be hand painting my shirts anymore, which is a good thing because I gave up on that idea after the first dozen took about half my life to finish. In the spirit of still doing things the hardway, the screen was painted, not exposed. I'll buy some more and do something a little more risque' than a logo.

The Doctor Is In.

2010-03-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

A man of few words and an eye for precision, Brian Rensberry works his physcian like ablities on a PDX backyarder on a clear day. He didn't get the name Doctor Fantastic for nothing. Pic by the one and only, Rich "earthpatrolmedia.com" Burton.

Smegma (Your Children Are Retarded)

2010-03-21T14:08:00.001-07:00

A 3 day trip down to Medford, Oregon for a BBQ with Jack's Boardhouse. Fun had by all.

Smegma (Your Children Are Retarded) from Merde Skateboards on Vimeo.

Oh Shit...it's a 4 year catalog!

2010-03-15T00:48:00.000-07:00

A shop in Germany asked me for a catalog. OK, problem is I don't have a catalog. I'm not sure if this (Merde) is really even a company. Anyway, I made one with all the graphics we've put out to make it look like Merde is legit (except for the very first ones, which sucked in a pretty rad way). So here it is. It's got Boomer doing a FSNBS at Pier. He's pretty good, but he fucked his ankle up a bit so he's kind of healing. Get well soon Boomstick.

Mark McCormick Graphic

2009-11-29T21:01:00.000-08:00

I think I got in contact with Mark about 2 years ago about doing this board. It was an idea I had one day at work about having a zombie African warrior riding a zombied out elephant through a sea of skulls while swinging the dismembered head of a white man about. A little bit of commentary on the AIDS/genocide on that continent that almost every Western country seems to ignore, at least the leaders of those countries. Anyway, that was my idea and this is what came of it. Mark killed that graphic and I'm glad we were able to get it finished. Thanks Mark!

And as a side note the dismembered head is that of a ex-coworker friend of mine. He's a writer with an old and really outdated website.

Kyle Bunker Graphic

2009-11-04T01:06:00.000-08:00

Kyle takes great photos and rips. Merde is very happy to be putting out this graphic with Mr. Bunker. Thanks again Kyle.

BBQ at Pier Park Saturday September 19th

2009-09-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

Will start around 1 pm. Burgers, product, and a shit ton of fun.

(click on image)

"Bro"dry Euroval Graphic

2009-08-03T14:12:00.000-07:00

So, a few weeks back I was over at Beaud's house doing some corporate accounting and theoretical financial algorithms of second quarter earnings. You know, just your basic after session hangout deal. Anyway, Beaud pipes up with a "well I really do like the graphics, but I've always been a big fan of the simple graphic...you know? I had friends that used to get boards from their sponsors and would spray paint over the graphics because they were too busy looking..." So after finishing up the last balance sheet analysis of the evening, I got on the horn with upper management at our corporate offices in Delaware and got the green light to move forward. Long story short, in a handful of weeks we'll be able to offer a board which honors the French spirit of those who said, "hell no, we won't go...to war in Iraq because it seems like a bad idea and your President seems as intelligent as one of our 3rd graders" and those same French people that smoke and drink tons, and yet don't suffer the same rates of coronary issues as their American friends, and lastly a board which honors a man of French heritage, Jason Beaudry, who had the chutzpah to say, "hey, why not make it simple you dummy." This one's for you man.

Artwork by Pat Butterman

Brian Rensberry Pro Board

2009-05-12T21:49:00.000-07:00

We got the go ahead from upper management at Corporate to turn Michigan native, all around ripper, and nice guy Brian Rensberry Pro. What that means for Brian is endless amounts of traveling, contests, energy drinks, and hookers...well if he didn't have his board with Merde that would be the case. Either way, the graphic is pretty radical and was done by one David Stein of Portland, Oregon. Congrats Brian! Keep a look out for his buttery ass back smiths creeping around the PDX Metro area.

Jason Beaudry Merde Ad in October Concussion

2008-08-14T22:58:00.000-07:00

Merde co-creator and all around good guy, Jason Beaudry was kind enough to agree to shoot an ad for the next issue of Concussion Magazine. Kind of hard to tell from the picture, but Jason is gapping about 10' from this weird handicap ramp thing that runs parallel to the sidewalk. It's at the Standard TV and Appliance on Hall in Beaverton. Congrats Beaud!

Chris Crites (bagpainter) Graphic

2008-08-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting upwards of a year to come out with this graphic. We are finally going to get it done for October. Chris Crites will have a gallery show on first Thursday in October at The Life. We'll also be doing a board release party at that time, giving away a few boards with Chris' graphic. Thanks again to Chris and The Life.

Chris Nukala Merde Ad

2008-02-28T23:00:00.001-08:00

First ever ad with Merde rider Chris Nukala. Hey, nice job man...real nice job. Coming out in the March issue of Concussion and Lowcard magazines.

Jesse Reno Series

2008-01-22T20:54:00.000-08:00

Jesse Reno is a local Portland artist who was gracious enough to complete a two piece series. Hoping to get these boards out in the next few months. Thanks again, Jesse.

Alex McVey Graphic

2007-05-18T22:36:00.000-07:00

New boards probably be out sometime this summer. Artwork by Alex Mcvey.

PJ Fidler Series

2007-01-12T09:25:00.000-08:00

Currently in the process of getting a two graphic series going. Using artwork from PJ Fidler. Should be done sometime in February. Will only be available on the 8, 8.25, and 8.5. Click on board pics for close up of artwork.

Merde

2007-01-11T22:24:00.000-08:00

Merde (mmm-air-d) means shit. It means shit in France. Here it means, "what the hell is murdy?" Anyway, Jason Beaudry and I conceptualized it over some beers one night. And like many business plans conceived with alcohol, this one is based on in-depth market research, customer questionnaires, pie charts, power point presentations, and business luncheons. So knowing that, you know this micro company is "on point". Sizes are pretty much going to range from 8 to 8.5. Most are probably going to hover around the 8.25-8.5. Only because I'm old and fat, and most of my friends are the same. At least old anyway. The wheelbases exist and each board does have a length. They are made here in the States, so you can rest assured you aren't supporting some communist asshole. You would be supporting this asshole. Thanks.