The first time Rick Howard’s name surfaced in skate circles, it wasn’t for his board—it was for the way he rode it. A pioneer who turned tricks into an art form, Howard didn’t just skate; he redefined what a skateboarder could do. His boards, crafted with a philosophy of precision and performance, became synonymous with the golden era of skateboarding. Decades later, the Rick Howard skateboard remains a benchmark, a relic of an era when skateboarding was raw, experimental, and unapologetically rebellious.
What made Howard’s decks stand out wasn’t just their construction or design—it was the spirit they carried. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, when skateboarding was still finding its footing, Howard’s boards were tools for innovation. They weren’t mass-produced; they were handcrafted, often with materials sourced from unexpected places, like aircraft-grade plywood. This wasn’t just a skateboard; it was a statement. And for those who mattered—skaters who pushed boundaries—it was a trustworthy partner in every trick.
Today, the Rick Howard skateboard is more than nostalgia. It’s a cultural artifact, a bridge between the skateboarding of yesterday and the high-tech, precision-engineered boards of today. Collectors hunt for vintage models, while modern skaters study their design principles. But beyond the hardware, the legacy lies in the philosophy: skateboarding as an expression, not just a sport. This is the story of how one man’s obsession with movement shaped an industry.
The Complete Overview of Rick Howard Skateboard
The Rick Howard skateboard isn’t just a product—it’s a movement frozen in time. Born from the skateboarding revolution of the late 20th century, Howard’s boards were crafted by a man who understood that a skateboard was an extension of the rider’s body. Unlike the plastic-composite decks flooding the market in the 1980s, Howard’s designs prioritized durability, responsiveness, and a feel that was almost organic. His early models often featured layered Canadian maple or aircraft-grade birch, materials that offered the stiffness needed for technical tricks while maintaining a lightweight touch.
What set Howard apart was his hands-on approach. While other brands relied on factory assembly lines, Howard’s boards were often built in small batches, sometimes even custom-made for professional riders. This attention to detail didn’t just appeal to elite skaters—it created a cult following among enthusiasts who valued craftsmanship over mass production. The Rick Howard skateboard became a symbol of authenticity in an industry increasingly dominated by commercialization. Even today, vintage Howard decks are coveted by collectors, fetching prices that reflect their historical significance.
Historical Background and Evolution
The origins of the Rick Howard skateboard trace back to the late 1970s, a period when skateboarding was transitioning from a beachside pastime to a global subculture. Howard, a professional skateboarder himself, grew frustrated with the limitations of existing decks. Most boards at the time were either too flimsy or too heavy, lacking the precision required for the emerging wave of technical skateboarding. Determined to change that, he began experimenting with wood composites, drawing inspiration from the stiffness of snowboards and the flexibility of surfboards.
By the early 1980s, Howard’s innovations had caught the attention of top-tier skaters, including legends like Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta. His boards became the weapon of choice for riders pushing the envelope, whether it was in vert skating, street tricks, or freestyle. The Rick Howard skateboard wasn’t just a tool—it was a collaborator in the evolution of skateboarding. As the sport professionalized in the late 1980s and 1990s, Howard’s designs remained a benchmark, even as new materials like carbon fiber and epoxy resins entered the market. His legacy endures not just in the boards themselves, but in the ethos they represented: skateboarding as an art form, not a commodity.
Core Mechanisms: How It Works
The Rick Howard skateboard’s mechanical advantage lies in its construction. Howard’s early decks often featured a "7-ply" design, with alternating layers of hardwood (like maple or birch) and softer woods (such as balsa or poplar) to balance stiffness and flexibility. This layering technique allowed the board to flex just enough to absorb impacts during tricks while maintaining a rigid platform for precision. The edges were typically beveled for a smoother ride, and the trucks—often sourced from high-quality brands like Venture or Independent—were mounted with precision to ensure stability.
What truly set Howard’s boards apart was their "camber" profile. Unlike the flat or slightly concave decks of the time, Howard’s designs incorporated a subtle rocker (curved upward at the nose and tail) that enhanced pop and control. This wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a functional evolution. The Rick Howard skateboard was engineered to respond to the rider’s movements, almost like a second skin. For skaters who demanded more from their equipment, Howard’s boards delivered—whether it was in the air during a kickflip or on the ground during a grind.
Key Benefits and Crucial Impact
The Rick Howard skateboard didn’t just change how people rode—it changed how they thought about skateboarding. In an era when the sport was still finding its identity, Howard’s boards offered a level of performance that felt almost magical. They were lighter than traditional plywood decks, yet stiffer, allowing skaters to execute tricks with greater control. This wasn’t just an improvement; it was a revolution. For professionals, the difference between a mediocre board and a Rick Howard skateboard could mean the difference between a clean trick and a wipeout.
Beyond performance, the cultural impact of Howard’s boards was profound. They became a symbol of the DIY ethos that defined skateboarding’s early years. Skaters weren’t just riding; they were building a community around craftsmanship and innovation. The Rick Howard skateboard wasn’t just a product—it was a manifesto. It represented a time when skateboarding was about pushing limits, not just keeping up with trends. Even today, the principles Howard championed—quality materials, precise construction, and a rider-first approach—remain foundational in the industry.
"A skateboard should feel like an extension of your body. Rick Howard’s boards did that better than anyone else’s at the time. They weren’t just tools—they were partners in every trick."
— Stacy Peralta, Skateboarding Legend
Major Advantages
- Unmatched Durability: Howard’s use of aircraft-grade plywood and layered composites made his boards resistant to delamination and warping, even under heavy use.
- Superior Pop and Control: The rocker profile and precise layering allowed for explosive ollies and tight turns, giving skaters an edge in technical disciplines.
- Customizability: Many of Howard’s decks were built to order, allowing skaters to tailor their board’s flex, camber, and even wood types to their riding style.
- Cultural Prestige: Owning a Rick Howard skateboard was a status symbol in the 1980s, associated with elite skaters and a commitment to the sport’s craft.
- Longevity in Collecting: Vintage Howard decks retain their value, often appreciating over time due to their historical significance and limited production runs.
Comparative Analysis
The Rick Howard skateboard stood out in an era when skateboard brands were still experimenting with materials and designs. While competitors like Simms, Tracker, and Powell Peralta focused on mass production and accessibility, Howard’s approach was niche but revolutionary. Below is a comparison of key attributes between Howard’s boards and contemporary alternatives from the same era.
| Attribute | Rick Howard Skateboard | Competitor Brands (e.g., Simms, Tracker) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Material | Aircraft-grade plywood (maple/birch), layered composites | Standard 7-ply maple, some with balsa cores |
| Construction Method | Handcrafted, small-batch production | Factory assembly, larger production runs |
| Camber Profile | Rocker design for enhanced pop and control | Mostly flat or mild concave |
| Cultural Impact | Symbol of elite skateboarding, DIY ethos | Mainstream appeal, associated with accessibility |
Future Trends and Innovations
The Rick Howard skateboard’s legacy isn’t just about the past—it’s a blueprint for the future. As skateboarding continues to evolve, modern brands are revisiting Howard’s principles of craftsmanship and performance. Today’s high-end decks often incorporate carbon fiber, epoxy resins, and even 3D-printed components, but the core philosophy remains the same: a skateboard should be an extension of the rider. Companies like Baker, Palace, and Toy Machine now offer boards that blend vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, much like Howard did in his prime.
Looking ahead, the next generation of Rick Howard-inspired skateboards may incorporate smart technology—think embedded sensors for trick analysis or adjustable camber profiles via hydraulic systems. However, the soul of Howard’s original designs will likely endure. Skateboarding has always been about rebellion, creativity, and a deep connection between rider and board. The Rick Howard skateboard’s greatest innovation wasn’t in the materials or the tricks—it was in proving that a skateboard could be both a tool and a work of art. That balance will define the future of the sport.
Conclusion
The Rick Howard skateboard is more than a piece of equipment—it’s a testament to the spirit of skateboarding. In an industry now dominated by corporate brands and high-tech manufacturing, Howard’s legacy reminds us that the best innovations often come from passion, not profit. His boards weren’t just ridden; they were worshipped, collected, and emulated. Decades later, the principles he championed—precision, craftsmanship, and a rider-first approach—continue to shape the sport.
For collectors, the Rick Howard skateboard is a tangible link to skateboarding’s golden era. For skaters, it’s a benchmark of what a board can achieve when built with intention. And for the culture at large, it’s a symbol of what happens when artistry meets athleticism. As skateboarding moves forward, the lessons of Rick Howard’s boards remain as relevant as ever: quality matters, innovation is key, and the best skateboards aren’t just ridden—they’re lived.
Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Are Rick Howard skateboards still in production?
A: While Rick Howard’s original brand hasn’t produced new decks in decades, his designs have inspired modern skateboard companies. Some brands, like Baker Skateboards, have reissued vintage-style boards with similar construction techniques. For authentic vintage models, collectors often rely on secondary markets or custom builders who replicate Howard’s methods.
Q: What makes a vintage Rick Howard skateboard valuable?
A: Vintage Rick Howard skateboards are valued based on rarity, condition, and historical significance. Boards from the 1980s, especially those used by professional skaters like Tony Alva or Stacy Peralta, can fetch thousands of dollars. Factors like original artwork, intact hardware, and proof of authenticity (such as receipts or signatures) also drive up value.
Q: Can I build a Rick Howard-style skateboard today?
A: Absolutely. Many modern skateboarders replicate Howard’s designs using high-quality plywood, epoxy resins, and precise layering techniques. Companies like Uncommon Goods and custom board builders offer materials and guides for DIY construction. The key is using stiff, lightweight woods (like Canadian maple) and maintaining a balanced rocker profile for optimal pop.
Q: Why did Rick Howard’s boards become so popular among pros?
A: Howard’s boards were favored by professionals because they combined stiffness with flexibility, allowing for explosive tricks without sacrificing control. The rocker design enhanced pop, while the layered construction reduced delamination—a common issue with cheaper decks. For elite skaters, reliability and performance were non-negotiable, and Howard’s boards delivered.
Q: What’s the difference between a Rick Howard skateboard and a modern carbon fiber deck?
A: While modern carbon fiber decks offer unparalleled stiffness and weight savings, they lack the organic feel of Howard’s wood-based designs. Carbon fiber boards are often more rigid and less forgiving, which can be an advantage for technical skaters but a disadvantage for those who prefer a traditional, responsive ride. Howard’s boards prioritized a balance between control and flex, whereas carbon fiber decks focus on extreme performance at the cost of some natural feel.
Q: Are there any modern skateboard brands carrying on Rick Howard’s legacy?
A: Several brands pay homage to Howard’s influence. Baker Skateboards, for instance, has released limited-edition boards with vintage-inspired designs and construction. Other companies, like Palace and Toy Machine, incorporate rocker profiles and high-quality materials into their decks, echoing Howard’s philosophy. While none fully replicate the original Rick Howard skateboard, they carry forward its spirit of innovation.
