When I was just a kid I fell in love with skateboarding. It was something I could do that did not involve a team or uniforms; but it gave
me a sense of belonging and a sense of identity. Throughout the years I’ve written letters to many of my skateboard heroes. Most of the time I’d never
hear back from them; but on rare occasions I’d come home to find an envelope from a pro filled with stickers and autographs on the drawings I’d done of
their graphics.
I remember very clearly one day receiving an envelope that confused me. Rather than a short scribbled note and some stickers, there was
a lengthy 3 page typed letter. I was confused and wondered if somebody had really wanted to reach my Dad… until I saw who’d signed the letter. "Sincerely
yours…. George Powell".
I couldn’t believe it!! All the letters that I’d written to the company with "helpful suggestions" towards graphic and product design,
had actually been passed along to THE man himself!
Through the years I continued to write to George and he was kind enough to keep writing back. A few weeks ago I planned a trip to
California and thought "I wonder if after all these years I could actually visit the Powell•Peralta factory and meet George?". All I had to do was ask!
George’s kindness and generosity extend beyond taking me on a tour of his factory and taking the time to talk to me. They extend to the
YEARS of dedication he’s put into skateboarding through maintaining what I’ve always felt, and continue to feel, is THE best skateboard company in the world.
What follows is the interview I did with George. We talked about the past, the present, and the future…. and most important of all… "What the
heck was Boneite?!"...
Think you have some information of interest to the Art of Skateboarding members and visitors? Know some obscure fact related to skateboard collecting that you would like to share with the common folks? Well, drop us a line and let us hear about it!