Hi Sophie! Can you tell me a little about yourself and Whitetail Skateboards?
I've been passionate about woodworking since my childhood. I even received tiny, yet real, woodworking tools as a kid for Christmas. With a background in design, I founded my snowboard clothing company, Jackalop Inc., in 2005.
My journey into skateboarding began a year before the launch of my company. It was an attempt to recapture the essence of snowboarding during the warmer months. This desire to experience the thrill of snowboarding on the streets during the summer turned into a quest to find the ideal skateboard setup; the one that could come as close as possible to replicating the delicious feeling of snowboarding. This quest was the first seed of Whitetail Skateboards.
Fast forward to today, Whitetail Skateboards, which specializes in Canadian-made surfskates, is distributed in skateshops in Canada, California USA, Singapore and Malaysia. I have been shipping my boards to over 22 countries from my online store. I would never have thought Whitetail could get such a worldwide interest, I still have to pinch myself sometimes.
What got you into building surfskates? How long have you been building?
I began illustrating my boards in 2007, but it became a more serious pursuit in 2018-19 when I painted an entire collection. In 2019, I held my first solo art show, exclusively featuring skateboard art. The show's success motivated me to take the leap and launch my own skateboard brand, where I began building complete boards. I launched Whitetail just before the pandemic hit.
What inspires you to create your boards and beautiful board art?
My board shapes are all born out of a longing for a specific board feel that I just can't find on the market. I was always disappointed by the surfskate decks I was trying, and I wouldn't give up on my dream deck without trying to shape it myself.
This journey has been incredibly empowering as I can now create decks that bring me closer to the sensations I've longed for.
When I have an idea, I can just try it, ride it, and reshape it until it matches my dream.
Do you skate? How long have you been skating?
I started with downhill, back in 2004, I tried slalom for a few years until I discovered surfskating and pump tracks. I got into regular skateboarding at 37 years old, when I fell in love with skateparks and half pipes. Nowadays I am riding both surfskates and regular street skates.
How do you use Roarockit products in the making of your boards? How did you find out about us?
The first decks I pressed and shaped were from Roarockit. I will always be grateful to you guys for offering this simple and accessible way to press decks.
I heard about you a few times, but it really clicked for me when I met someone at the park, riding his own shaped deck made with the Roarockit system. I checked it online and I was very pleased that it was a Canadian innovation. I ordered right away and I have been more than happy with everything about Roarockit, including the products, the customer service :) and the amazing online community on Facebook that has been so helpful along the way.
Photo by @alexeroot
Photo by @alexeroot
Any advice for aspiring board builders and woodworkers out there?
Just go for it! Many people dream of making their own boards and that is now within reach! The Roarockit system is totally worth the investment, and the tools make it accessible and simple.
Building your own board, and testing new shapes and ideas is so empowering! It’s also really fun to do, as a weekend project or to build a skate brand like I did. Understanding how boards are made and the challenges of building them, makes the experience of riding them much more real. It also helps to appreciate the work that is behind every independent skate brand.
If people wanted to find out more about your boards. Where can they see your creations and contact you?
I can be reached by email at hello@whitetailsk8.com or on Instagram or Facebook.
To see my projects, here’s my website www.jackalop.com.
Thanks again for your time Sophie, any last words for the readers back home?
I think there is always a way to make a living from our passions. I am passionate about board riding but I was never skilled enough to do it for a living, and now I know it’s not the only option. It just takes some creativity and guts to invent your own profession.
Taryn O’Grady,
Roarockit Skateboard Company