Founded in 1973 by Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman, Santa Cruz Skateboards is the oldest continuously operating skateboard brand in the ... View more

Founded in 1973 by Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman, Santa Cruz Skateboards is the oldest continuously operating skateboard brand in the world. The trio launched NHS Inc.—named after the initials of their surnames—in Santa Cruz, California, originally as a surfboard company. But their fate changed when a Hawaiian friend placed an unexpected order for 500 skateboards. Using surplus fiberglass from their surfboard business, they filled the order, and Santa Cruz Skateboards was born. Early success came fast. In 1975, Santa Cruz introduced Road Rider wheels—the first urethane skateboard wheels with precision ball bearings. These wheels drastically improved performance and quickly sold millions of units worldwide, helping establish Santa Cruz as a global leader in the skateboarding world. The success of Road Riders allowed NHS to invest in more innovations, including graphite-loaded boards, early concave designs, the upturned nose, and later, the nearly indestructible NuWood deck, which was also recyclable. The brand's identity became inseparable from the art of Jim Phillips, who joined NHS in 1975. He introduced Santa Cruz’s most iconic graphics, including the Classic Dot logo and the legendary Screaming Hand—two of the most recognizable images in all of skateboarding. His son, Jimbo Phillips, continues the artistic legacy today. Santa Cruz also helped shape skateboarding’s professional scene, sponsoring legendary skaters like Rob Roskopp, Jeff Grosso, Jason Jessee, and Steve Olson. Their influential video releases—'Wheels of Fire', 'Streets on Fire', and 'Speed Freaks'—remain pivotal in skate history. Over the decades, Santa Cruz collaborated with pop culture icons like Marvel, The Simpsons, and Star Wars, producing collectible boards that bridged the gap between skateboarding and mainstream art. NHS also launched or partnered with other influential brands like Independent Trucks, Krux, Slimeballs, and Bronson Speed Co., cementing its dominance across the industry. Although co-founder Jay Shuirman passed away in 1979, Novak and Haut continued to influence surf and skate culture. Novak even co-founded Santa Cruz Bicycles, now a world-renowned mountain bike company. In 2013, NHS and Santa Cruz were inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame, honoring their impact on the sport. Now a global brand sold in over 80 countries, Santa Cruz remains a symbol of creativity, authenticity, and skateboarding legacy—an icon that continues to inspire new generations. Show less