Hi David! Thanks for coming to our Train-The-Trainers session! How did you enjoy it?
It was wonderful! Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. It was like being invited to someone’s home. I would absolutely without question recommend the Train-The-Trainers session to others looking to start teaching skateboard building!
What inspired you to take the Teacher Training class?
As a former Lead Training Manager for one of the largest hotel companies in the world, I’m well aware of how important it is to have the best information and tools to do the job. As I began to build more skateboards and more and more questions started coming my way from intrigued people, I wanted to make sure I had the correct answers. When I remembered reading about the Train-The-Trainers class, I thought, “Perfect, it would be like learning how to change a light bulb from Thomas Edison!”.
What did you learn?
Wow! This question could go on and on! The coolest thing I learned was how many variations of skateboards can be done. When you walk around Roarockit’s facility and see all the decks hanging on the walls, it really opens your mind to how many things can be done with skateboards! While working on my deck I also learned some of the fundamentals of woodworking. How glue interacts with wood veneers, how strength is built using different layering, how actual bending is created, how using different combinations of materials (laminates, metal, carbon fiber etc.) can create endless possibilities. The learning that you get from just talking with the staff in casual conversation about building skateboards is priceless!
How will you implement this into the program you are planning to start?
Well the program I’m going to start is an amenity of a bigger project. I’m going to have a one-stop experience. A place where anyone can build their own skateboard from start to finish and have everything they need at their fingertips! One of the biggest take-aways from this training is that you’ve made skateboard building “kits” where everything is included. Anyone can build a board without using a single power tool!
What was your favourite part of the day?
My favorite part of the day was all of the “ah ha” moments when I learned the proper way to use all of the cool tools that you’ve created. The “Mold Master” in particular, which I was told was your creation (Taryn), is awesome! The whole day was great. I’m not sure if I can pick just one aspect… the lunch was killer!! Samosas and a fantastic salad! Actually, now that I think about it, all of the snacks throughout the day were great! I’m a foodie, so I have to give credit where credit is due!
Can you tell me a little about yourself and UndertoeSkateCo.?
I grew up in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. I surfed, skateboarded, roller-skated, played beach volleyball, all of the stereotypical stuff of a kid growing up in Southern California. I built my first longboard in 1984. I made it with a 1” plank of plywood, 48” L x 12” W with a bunch of small trim pieces on the bottom to support it from breaking or flexing to the bottom! It was a boat! I wish I had taken pictures, it was great! I would skate down the strand in Hermosa Beach, and people would stop and stare!! It was so heavy, I would give it a couple of kicks, and it would cruise forever! My goal was to make it feel like a longboard surfboard, which it surprisingly did. Well, I only made two. Gave one to a friend as a going away gift for his family move to Chicago. Fast-forward to today, I’m reliving my youth! UnderToeSkateCo. is only in its infantile state. It’s future as a Skate Shop and Board Building Co. is coming soon!
What got you into building boards?
My love for surfing in the landlocked State of OHIO! Without an ocean readily available, longboards are the next best thing. My DIY and love for creativity made building my own decks a no brainer.
How long have you been building?
With the exception of my first board back in 1984, my first deck was completed in May of 2017. It was the exact replica of my 1962 Jacobs, shaped by Hap Jacobs, (9’6” surfboard) which I had restored and has been hung in several of our homes. I used to surf on it regularly until I realized how valuable it was as a collection board. Just so we’re clear, the surfboard was made way before I was even born!!
What inspires you to create your boards?
Believe it or not, it’s my love for the ocean. I know skateboarding is done on the ground and in the air, but my mind is in the water when I’m creating my boards.
Do you skate? How long have you been skating?
Yes! For as long as I can remember. Now the frequency and style of skating has changed, but I’ve never not been a skateboarder. I’ll grab one of my longboards and skate to my local coffee shop. I’ve used skateboarding for fun and as transportation. Before I had my drivers license, I went everywhere on my skateboard.
How do you use Roarockit products in the making of your boards?
Personally I’ve always used the foam molds, Thin Air Press vacuum bags, wood veneers and have made all of my decks 100% custom. I’m going to now start exploring the pre-cut molds and kits for future use.
How did you find out about us?
In 2017, my 15 year old son received a longboard as a gift from my parents. I, of course, began telling the story of my first longboard and how big, bulky, and heavy it was, and how this new longboard was so sleek and cool and strong. I was thinking of figuring out a way to duplicate it. It was a short conversation, but my son must have found it intriguing. I’m not sure how he conducted his online research, but he found your website and introduced me to Roarockit!
Any advice for aspiring board builders and woodworkers out there?
My advice is to always push yourself out of your comfort zone. The best thing about creativity is that there really isn’t right or wrong. There is better, quicker, stronger, easier, more difficult etc… but the creative idea in your head is your idea. This class is great because it gives you all of the tools to act on your ideas and create what you’re aspiring to create!
If people wanted to find out more about your boards and your future programming, where can they see your creations and contact you?
The only way to see my creations at the moment is on my Instagram page @UndertoeSkateCo. People can also DM me with any advice or questions. I can also be reached at dglaatz@icloud.com (please put UnderToeSkateCo. in the subject line when emailing me). As I alluded in some previous questions above, I am working on a project to develop and open a retail skate shop & board building center here in Oakwood, OH. If there is anyone who has experience in this type of endeavor, I welcome any and all suggestions or advice. I’d really like to make this dream a reality.
Thank you again for an absolutely wonderful experience at your Roarockit facility in beautiful Toronto! I look forward to more visits in the future!
Taryn O'Grady,
Roarockit Skateboard Company