F1ND Shops, Supporters & Street Team

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SLUG Magazine - Product Review

Slug Magazine Review

F1nd Skateboards “Sunset Blvd” 1986 Natural
F1ND is doing things right straight from the get go, making their boards with that quintessential 100% hard maple right here in the USA. The particular board I got my hands on was the 1986 Natural, a part of the “Sunset Blvd” series created by artist David Born. A little linier than I’m used to, the board measured up at 7.75in. Seeing as how I hadn’t skated a board this small since high school, I decided to keep the first session nostalgic with a church parking lot flat-bar and flat-ground sessions to break her in. It took me a minute to skate away the skepticism of a smaller board, but after an onslaught of tricks started firing out of my feet, I was hyped. The board had a nice medium groove of concave–not too deep like a canoe and not flat like a pancake. The best way I could describe this board was it felt like I was skating the essence of California, smooth, crisp and flawless. The one exception being that the bolt holes for my back truck were drilled slightly askew so I couldn’t get all four bolts locked in. It made no difference to the way she skated and I’m quite certain it was only a manufacturing defect. I give F1ND two thumbs up with a bonus thumb for being local. Hit up their web page for a full view of their line up. –Swainston

In This Week Magazine - Scene in SLC Interview

In Magazine

David Born owns and designs for F1nd, a Salt Lake-based company that makes custom-painted skateboard decks and fashion-forward skateboard couture.

What's your art background? It may be cliché to say I've been drawing since childhood, but it's true. My dad and his dad were artists as well. I tried college for a minute but gave up to start a record label. It flopped, but I've been lucky to somehow survive a decade in various design jobs while continuing to chase my artistic endeavors.

Why did you decide to start painting on skateboards? Even with a dozen successful exhibitions this year, a tired economy made me realize it was time to flee from the expensive galleries and find a new medium. This $50 wooden canvas quickly became my weapon of mass distribution as a more affordable way to share my work around the globe and to a younger generation of collectors. Within three months of starting F1ND, I had sold more skateboards than photographs or canvasses in the past 2 years.

Are you a skateboarder? Spring Break '87 is where it all began. Lance Mountain, Steve Caballero, Tony Hawk. Before most of the kids at the skate park today were even a sparkle in their parents' eyes. But age and arthritis graduated me to a longboard cruiser the past few years, and soon enough maybe the "dads with pads" team will have to recruit me.

What are some of your favorite decks that you've painted? "Upsurge" is one of my favorites; I designed it while teaching Graphic Arts at a local high school last year. It's an eco-friendly montage depicting industry taking over nature, and nature's beauty fighting back through cracks in the concrete.

What are your materials and process? Our decks are made in the USA with 7ply Hard Rock Maple, not the mass-produced decks that some major brands get made in China. The rest of the process is top secret, but might include a Nikon, Adobe, and an occasional can of Krylon.

Who are the other F1nd artists, and where did you find them? Since 2005, I ran an online 'zine filled with artists and writers around the world, so we let our long-time friends design the first editions. The 2010 catalog introduces some emerging Utah artists we've met around town.

Where can we get F1nd skate decks? Lenitech, Frontside, Uprok Records, Cottonwood Boardshop, Shelter Street & Skate (OC)

What are your prices like? $45 to $55, with a few $$$ limited editions floating around for the collectors.

What's Skate Couture? An apparel brand we are developing based on unique, creative, stylish street wear.

What's the F1ND skate team? Some seriously talented skaters, role models and artists. We'll be announcing the local crew with a film premiere by Josh Martinez in November at the Tower Theatre. Our newest rider, Brodie Penrod, is taking F1ND to Volcom's National WITP Finals later this month.

Do you have a day job? Yes, I have a 9-to-5 gig as Marketing Manager for a local food company, as well as juggling a dozen freelance graphic design and photography projects.

What do you like best about running F1nd? I'm grateful to have an outlet for my creativity, and to provide the same for others. My hot wife enjoys having an excuse to wear shorts, T-shirts and Vans the rest of our lives.

What are your future goals? Basically to never lift my heavy right foot from life's gas pedal.

Sugarhouse Journal - Sept 2009