Hi Dale, we're so excited to get to follow up with you a year and a half later! How are you today? How have you and DB Skate Designs changed since we last talked to you?
I can honestly say I’ve never worked harder in my life. However I’m the happiest I have ever been. I still can’t believe this is my life sometimes.
Last time we spoke, you had only been around 6 months deep into your journey of building skateboards. Now with 2 years of board building under your belt, what have you learned? What advice would you give to your past self?
I still feel like a novice. There is always something to learn, not every piece of wood is the same. Over the past two years I have learned through so many mistakes. You can’t get to where you’re going without cracking a few eggs.
What inspires you to create your boards?
It’s something I have always wanted to do. A customer asked and I’m always up for a challenge.
How do you use Roarockit products in the making of your work?
I use Roarockit veneers and have evolved to using a wooden board press for manufacturing my boards. I still use the Thin Air Press bags to bend veneers for specific projects.
You use lots of coloured veneers in your work! Recently you've been combining coloured veneers and recycled skateboards to create these gorgeous pieces! How do you decide what colours to use?
I just let the boards tell me what they want to be. It’s pretty random as I love the surprise outcome.
What would you consider to be your greatest success over the last two years when it comes to DB Skate Designs?
Not giving up on this dream that everyone said wouldn’t and couldn’t happen.
Any exciting projects planned for the near future?
I’m working on a lot of big projects like tables and chairs, but I’m always making rings. Still my fave to make!
Any advice for aspiring board builders and woodworkers out there?
You will make mistakes, but never give up. Don’t listen to anyone else, you have all the answers within yourself. Just work and don’t look at the rest of the world, it only distract you from what you can become.
If people wanted to find out more about your work, where can they see your creations and contact you?
I can be found on Instagram, Etsy, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok.
Thanks again for your time Dale, any last words for the readers back home?
Just have fun with it!
Taryn O'Grady,
Roarockit Skateboard Company