In the ever-evolving landscape of skate culture, few names have made as lasting an impact as Quartersnacks – the brainchild of Alex Olson and the driving force behind Snacks On Deck Entertainment. Born from the streets of New York City, Quartersnacks has been a constant presence in the lives of skaters and enthusiasts alike, serving up a distinctive flavor of humor, wit, and irreverence that resonates deeply with its devoted following.
Since its inception, Quartersnacks has been on a mission to challenge the status quo, poking fun at the conventions of skateboarding while simultaneously showcasing the raw talent and unbridled creativity that have come to define the sport. With a keen eye for style and a healthy disregard for authority, Quartersnacks has established itself as the go-to source for irreverent commentary, razor-sharp satire, and above all, a deep and abiding passion for the culture that drives it.
Skateboard History and Legacy
Gregg Chapman’s impact on East Coast skateboarding cannot be overstated. With over two decades of producing skateboards under his belt, Chapman has left an indelible mark on the industry. As the longest-standing northeastern skateboard company, Chapman’s legacy is a testament to his dedication and passion for skateboarding.
At the heart of Chapman’s operation is the Deer Park, NY headquarters, a museum-like space that showcases a rich history of skateboard designs and memorabilia. The walls are lined with iconic boards, including the first Zoo decks and Supreme artist series boards that resell for thousands of dollars. It’s a space that tells the story of Chapman’s evolution as a skateboard manufacturer and his commitment to preserving the history of the sport.
Gregg Chapman’s Tour
We had the opportunity to take a tour of the Deer Park headquarters with Gregg Chapman, one of the company’s founders. Chapman shared stories behind select boards and provided insight into the company’s evolution over the years. It was a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Chapman’s passion for skateboarding and his role in shaping the industry.
Innovative Designs and Artistry
Chapman’s impact on East Coast skateboarding is not limited to his manufacturing prowess. He has also been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of skateboard design and artistry. One notable example is the Entrance Board, a collaborative artwork between Chapman and Andy Kessler that sparked controversy and conversation.
The Entrance Board features a slave ship printed on an upside-down American flag, a design that challenges the viewer to confront the complexities of American history. It’s a powerful statement piece that showcases Chapman’s willingness to push the boundaries of what is acceptable in skateboard design.
Andy’s Zappa Board
Another notable example of Chapman’s innovative designs is Andy’s Zappa Board. This board holds a special place in Chapman’s heart, as it was created in collaboration with his friend Andy Kessler. The board features a unique design that symbolizes the bond between the two friends and their shared passion for skateboarding.
What makes Andy’s Zappa Board truly special is the story behind its creation. Chapman and Kessler worked together to create a board that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The result is a board that is not only a testament to their friendship but also a reflection of their shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of skateboard design.
Tampa Winners: Boards from a Pivotal Moment in Chapman’s History
Chapman has been producing skateboards for over two decades. This makes them the longest-standing northeastern skateboard company, in addition to one of the few remaining places where you can produce a deck that comes with a “Made in the U.S.A.” emblem. Their Deer Park, NY headquarters doubles as something of an east coast skateboard museum.
Everything from the first Zoo decks, Supreme artist series boards that resell for thousands of dollars, to one-offs that were never mass-produced line their walls. If someone started a skate company on the east coast these past twenty years, they probably dealt with Chapman. We asked Gregg Chapman, one of the company’s founders, to take us on a tour through the building, and share the stories behind a select few of his favorite boards.
The Entrance Andy Kessler and I painted the background for this board, and screenprinted it together here on Long Island. It’s a slave ship printed on an upside down American flag, so it gets a rise out of a lot of people who see it.
It was for a set of ten boards that made up a larger piece for an art show, which was maybe two years before Andy passed. Everyone would get mad at me over the years because I wouldn’t throw this old print table away.
I’d always say, “This is the table that built our business.” All of my friends sweated over this table silkscreening boards by hand. Direct screenprinting decks was our entry to manufacturing skateboards.
A lot of guys could make skateboards, but not a lot of guys wanted to deal with the challenges of screening a 3D object. Every board we made touched this table and all the ink colors tell that story, so it’s only fitting that it’s the first thing you see when you walk into our showroom.
Andy’s board is a great example of the unique work that was done here.
The Science of Skateboard Selection
Understanding Deck Measurements
Boards are generally measured by width, and full size boards range from 7.5 – 9.0” and up, and are usually around 31.5-32.5” in length.
“Mini” Boards are for the youngest skaters around ages 6 and under, and are around 28-30” long and 7.3-8.0 wide. A wider board provides more stability and real estate to land on, but adds extra weight and bulk.
A more narrow board is easier to flip and maneuver but has less room to land. As a point of reference the most common board sizes for average adult males 5’7” – 5’11” are 8.1 and 8.25”, and for adult females 5’3 – 5’7” sizes 7.75 thru 8.0 are most common.
Factors to Consider
Transition skaters that ride a lot of ramps and bowls generally lean on the wider side of things, and more technical skaters tend to prefer smaller size boards.
It’s all personal preference, and the more you skate the more you’ll learn what’s best for you.
Real-World Applications
Chapman’s expertise can guide skaters in selecting the right deck for their needs.
For example, if a skater is looking for more stability and room to land, a wider board might be the way to go.
If they prefer to flip and maneuver, a narrower board might be more suitable.
Behind the Scenes of Supreme’s “Cherry” Video
Bill Strobeck’s Vision
Supreme has been around for twenty years and never had a full-on skate video. How did the idea to finally do one come about and how did you get involved?
My Cinematographer Project part had just come out [in spring 2012]. Kyle [Demers] saw my section and seemed hyped on it.
He had recently started working for Supreme, and was wondering what everyone else has always thought: “Why has Supreme never done a video?” Them wanting to do one would always go back and forth a bit, but ended up not working out every time.
Assembling the Crew
It was mostly who was already hanging out at the shop, like the guys who set up boards there, and some others who I had been working with at the time.
Some of them were working on other videos, and some people got hurt. There were a lot of things that came into play later in terms of who was able to be in it.
Tyshawn Jones and the New Generation
There’s a certain crew of kids that assembled over the course of filming the video. A lot of them ended up riding for Fucking Awesome.
While I was working on the Transworld part, they flew me out to L.A. It got cold in New York and I needed a few last-minute clips.
That’s when Dylan did the switch backside flip over the table and Dill did the nollie full cab.
We were running schoolyards pretty hard, and would always bump into Sage [Elsesser], Aidan [Mackey], Na-kel [Smith] and them there.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of Snacks On Deck Entertainment and Quartersnacks, it is evident that this innovative entity has not only left an indelible mark on the skateboarding community but has also redefined the boundaries of entertainment and media production. By combining a passion for skateboarding with a keen eye for storytelling and filmmaking, Snacks On Deck has created a platform that resonates with a diverse audience and transcends the niche appeal of traditional skateboarding media.
The significance of Snacks On Deck lies in its ability to bridge the gap between skateboarding culture and mainstream entertainment, demonstrating the vast potential for creative expression and community engagement within this sphere. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the innovative approach of Snacks On Deck serves as a model for future content creators seeking to push the boundaries of storytelling and audience engagement.
As we look to the future, it is clear that Snacks On Deck Entertainment and Quartersnacks will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the skateboarding community and the wider media landscape. By staying true to their roots while embracing innovation and creativity, they have inspired a new generation of content creators to think outside the box and challenge conventional norms. Ultimately, the legacy of Snacks On Deck serves as a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and community, reminding us that the most authentic and compelling stories are often those that emerge from the unlikeliest of places.