In our eternal quest to keep all of our customers protected in style, we’re stoked to announce the expansion of our bike line to include 2 new family members, the Exoskin Shin & Whip Guard & the Exoskin Gloves. Both of these products provide optimal protection without compromising comfort or style.

In addition, we’re very proud to release the first ever Longboarder signature pro-model helmet for Patrick Switzer. This Dual Certified Brainsaver comes in his signature orange color and features original artwork designed specifically for P-Swiss.

Get yer grubby little hands on em now while they're hot.

Q&A

Justin Rimbert:  When did BoardLife open for business?

 Michael Pisarcik - The Board Life: We opened November 2011

JR: How many employees do you currently have?

 Michael Pisarcik: We have 3 employees not including my partner John and me.

JR: What differentiates BoardLife from all the other skateboard stores?

 Michael Pisarcik: The biggest differentiator of our shop from any other is Deck It Out.  Deck it Out is how and where you can build your own board and totally personalize it.  We allow kids and adults to choose from a huge selection of wheels, trucks, boards and everything thing else to make their custom ride starting at just $150.00.  We also have a laser engraving machine to add one of a kind designs to the top and bottom.  You can see examples of our more detailed work here


JR:  Custom rides?  Sick...  What prompted the idea for this unique interaction with the customer?  Or was the goal to create an experience in store that the customer wouldn’t be able to replicate elsewhere?

 Michael Pisarcik : The custom and personalized decks that are built through Deck It Out are truly unique and offers rider/skater the chance to create a one-of-a-kind ride and a true experience.  When we were initially formulating the shop idea and vibe we wanted to make sure we were bringing something new and innovative to the market and industry.  The discussion started with John’s two sons (now 9 and 12) and it was difficult to find boards that were both cost and performance effective for his young sons who were 8 and 10 at the time.  The boards that were on the market always had challenges for young riders.  The decks on the market were too shaped for their smaller feet, set up for larger heavier riders or just too expensive.  Our answer was to create Deck it Out.  Our base selection package in Deck It Out includes decks for any size rider and includes decks for small, light and younger riders.  We also picked a base selection of wheels and trucks that will suit smaller riders but also allows new bigger riders great selections as well.  With Deck it Out the customer chooses equipment and colors that speaks to their sense of style and style of skating.  It doesn’t stop their, the customer can also chose to laser etch a multitude of designs on their deck for a truly unique ride.  Pick your favorite animal represent your favorite sport we can put any image along with the customers name on their board in a matter of minutes.  Finally, builders chose their grip from many choices including our unique colored grip stickers to add that final flare to their board.  We have in the short year we been open, built well over 500 boards. Through the process of building we focus on educating and instructing the rider on their board in every way, from breaking it in to maintenance.  We also make sure every board we send out the door as a complete is set up for that rider to ensure the best and safest skating experience.  We have made a shop experience that is educational, fun and most of all welcoming to every rider new and seasoned.  It truly is a unique and awesome experience here at BOARDLife.


JR: Gnarliest thing you have seen happen within the walls of your shop?

 Michael Pisarcik : We try and keep a fun and mellow vibe in the shop, so gnar here is relative.  We just rebuilt/restored/Decked Out an 18" complete for an 18 month old boy named camden.  Super GNARLY!

JR: What is your favorite thing going on in skateboarding right now?

 Michael Pisarcik : The coming together of longboard and shortboard cultures.  The innovations in products and their designs that are born from that mix are awesome.

JR: Most common phrase you hear in your shop?
 Michael Pisarcik : Out of state customers asking:  When are you opening a store near me!

And you can do so all while having the chance to win a signature Patrick Switzer x Triple 8 helmet.

Sports change lives every day, they provide a powerful vehicle to make a positive difference in the world. GP Offshore is a great opportunity to raise awareness about alternative transportation in a fun, creative way.

So whatcha waiting for??  Go make your $8 contribution now! 

http://skategreenerpastures.com/triple8helmets/

Secret Location, Earth — January 24, 2013

Greener Pastures is about to begin filming its second series named “Offshore“.
Our secret location is novel, exotic and ideal for skateboarding the winter away.

The concept remains the same, open opportunities for riders, allow the industry to collaborate, skate the best roads in the world with the most talented riders.

The focus of GP Offshore is to work with young talented free riders that are over-skilled and under-exposed. These riders are stars at the grass roots level; roll models, and community leaders in their own geographic location.

Our production crew brings together a group of highly talented, passionate and creative people. Episodes will be released September 2013. Until then GP will releasing teasers for your salivating enjoyment.

Watch our GP Realization teaser here:

Learn more about GP at:

www.skategreenerpastures.com

And go help them eat here:

Make sure to tune in, this is one event you won't want to miss! Enjoy!

At 9 years old, Triple 8 AM Evan Doherty was often the youngest in the expert heats but that didn’t stop him from throwing down a mix of style & technical skill that would have even made his mentor, Christian Hosoi proud.  He ended up bringing home a 3rd place finish in expert vert along with respectable finishes in the mini ramp & bowl.  Not only that, he nailed a 720 in the creature bowl, earning him Best Trick honors.  
Other invited Triple 8 AM’s, Nate Vernia and Spencer “Smoothie” Breaux brought their “A” game also. Smoothie took 2nd in beginner vert & placed the highest of any girl in any of the King of the Grom competitions.  Nate laid it down with his strongest finish in Intermediate bowl taking home 4th after just narrowly missing the podium.  Big ups to all our groms who really showed us how bright the future of skateboarding really is.

For a full list of results click here.

Available now in 8 awesome colors!

P-Swiss: I skated for a few years in my home town with no sight to it becoming anything more than what it was, a fun mode of transportation and the odd hill bomb to spook the nerves. Soon after I moved to Toronto for school I found the longboarding community who at the time cruised garages during the night. After three years of involvement, the core riders in the scene groomed each other into very talented "Escarpment Surfer" skaters ready to take on the outside world. I learned an incredible amount in a short time and am indebted to their knowledge. Soon I was coming up in the ranks competing in slalom events around the North American east coast, and was branching out to downhill events across Canada. I had also been running a successful skate shop in my basement "Longboard Haven" catering to the core community. Our eyes were opened to the unbelievable terrain in the west and mass relocation began. After that our main dream was being able to skate full on, but opportunities for it were only just developing.

JR: Developing indeed.  Your passport’s been getting some serious wear & tear lately.  Speaking of which, with all the places you’ve traveled, have you found the holy grail of hills yet?

P-Swiss:  After traveling to about 18 countries now, the fortunate thing about traveling and skateboarding, you realize there is incredible terrain all around the world. Little hidden pockets are always found and new unscouted roads to liven a sense of adventure. Just to list a few favorites, Norway, Brazil, Switzerland, French & Italian Alps have been a treat. After spending hours on Google Earth it is not too hard to find small islands in the middle of nowhere ready to be thrashed. The names of those may take a while to become popular knowledge, or until the next Greener Pastures series is released!

JR: With the continued increase in popularity of the sport we’re starting to see more and more participants lining up to get involved with these events.  Rumor has it that Maryhill registration sold out in 2 hours.  With all this new blood, who are the grom up and comers that we should keep an eye out for to breakthrough this year at some of the IGSA events this summer?

PS: Traveling has definitely given me the opportunity to see young talent in a diverse way.
There is a dream team grom list, so to speak that comes to mind as to who will shine in future. These riders come from Colombia, Brazil, Philippines, Australia and North America. Although I'll let the public make their own decision as to who these riders are.
I believe the most difficult deciding factors for these young kids is the cost of travel, parental involvement and their dedication to education.
It is absolutely amazing to watch the age demographic of sport decrease rapidly only giving more legitimacy and longevity to our beloved sport/lifestyle.

JR: So I guess what you’re saying the sport isn’t going anywhere.  Which is rad.  That being said, how far off are we from having DH longboarding included in high profile events such as the X-Games or dreaming even bigger, the Olympics?  Or would the sport not embrace such a departure from the grassroots growth that got it to where it is today?  

PS:The sport has established this time as a culture, rather than a show sport. Riders as a whole are closely involved with their local community movement and the simplicity of riding, rather than events.
That doesn't say that the higher tier of the sport isn't looking for more. Is the IGSA tour the 'be and end all?' I don't believe so. We all build slowly and comfortably with the sport. The IGSA administration began in the late 90's because of the X Games, so I believe when we as a sport are a force ready to make a statement, the opportunities for higher profile events will arise.

JR: Thank you P-Swiss!!  Great to talk to you as always and best of luck with the rest of the season!