As a new player in the skateboard market, I understand why trust is hard to come by.
In the next few minutes I will make a case for why you can trust Red Panda Boards as a company which will deliver quality sports equipment (skateboards) and top-notch clothing (t-shirts).
First, however, I have to acknowledge a few things.
Goliath v. David
The skateboard industry is forty-plus years old. There are hundreds of established brands you can turn to for your skateboard decks, gear, clothes, and more.
The names are well-known: Element, Enjoi, Powell Peralta, Santa Cruz, and more. They are in every skate shop all over the globe. They make many boards and shirts; they have an army of celebrity skaters behind them; they have sizable ad budgets, and they can price their gear however they want. On top of that, they are well-established and trusted.
They are the Goliaths of the industry.
I am the David–the unknown, fresh from the field, wanting your trust and attention. I don’t have the history, track record, or “likes” on social media that brands like Powell Peralta or Santa Cruz do.
Yet, I have a case for your business and your trust, and they are found in who we are, why we are in business, and what we make.
Who is Red Panda Boards?
For now, Red Panda Boards is me: Chris Dalton. I am a husband, a father of three, and a wearer of many hats. I work as a ghostwriter, an author, a filmmaker, an illustrator, and a small business owner. Check out the entertainment company I run with my wife, Carissa.
And I love all of it.
I am also a disciple of Jesus Christ. Yes, that means Christian, but I am wording it this way for a specific reason. Without Christ, I would be nothing. I am more than a “little Christ.” I am devout, committed, and madly in love with Jesus.
Because of that, I would miss a key here if I didn’t say I am a fellow sojourner with you. I don’t know you, but I am a fellow person, a member of the human race. I know what it’s like to suffer, hope, dream, fail, succeed, and desire a better future for your children (which is the main reason I am doing this).
I care about families and kids. I want people of all ages to find balance and joy. And I think that skateboarding can help with that.
So I will put information out that tells parents how to invite their kids into the sport, shows people of all ages they can skate no matter their age, and teaches everyone how to elevate their skills if they so desire.
Why are we making boards?
I have mentioned here why I am making skateboards. But I’d like to add a few more reasons.
- A passion for skating. I really, really enjoy skating. I always have. From the moment Michael J. Fox dropped his skateboard on the big screen to this moment, writing this article, I have been a skating enthusiast. I tried to ignore that for a while, thinking it was childish and foolish. But I’m embracing it now and seeing joy return to various areas of my life.
- Upholding family values while enjoying skateboarding. I am driven to give parents, and kids access to a fun, enjoyable sport by creating top-of-the-line decks and clothing while not compromising family values. The skate industry was founded on a rebellious f’-you mentality. Not very family-friendly. But skateboarding is not about fighting authority–it’s about exercise, creativity, and freedom. It’s also not a fringe sport anymore. In fact, Facebook’s 2020 Olympic ad campaign featured skateboarding as the core of their messaging.
- Concern over graphic, explicit designs. Discovering dark imagery on skateboards and clothes would take five seconds: satanic symbols, nudity, and just plain gross images adorn too much of the product in the market. This has always bothered me, and I hope to answer to that through our designs. Don’t mistake me here, there is also some fantastic artwork out there, and I want to be a part of contributing to the art form of skateboard design. I want to create extraordinary artwork that anyone and everyone will want to skate and wear–including teenagers and millennials.
What are we making?
I am a father who is passionate about skating. I want everyone to enjoy the sport on well-designed skateboards that honor life–human and animal.
First-rate designs are essential to Red Panda Boards. I have begun designing with endangered animals but will expand that in the coming months. The first animals picked are unique, strong, and colorful. Life is important to me–human life and animal life. I want to honor both in what is drawn, illustrated, and painted on our products.
Those designs must be put on boards that will last. I am partnering with Boardpusher.com, which makes the boards as they are ordered. The boards are made of industry-standard 7-ply maple, the same type of wood and materials the major brands use. Boardpusher also contributes a tree for every board that is made. They are world-class and a vital part of what I do here.
Our shirts are printed on demand by Printful.com—a world class company who will print and ship the shirts for us.
We host our shop on Shopify.com to ensure secure transactions.
To undergird everything, I want to be an information hub for the sport. On the site, you fill start finding:
- Articles that show your parents and skaters of all ages how to ride boards safely while not sacrificing the fun of skating.
- Articles comparing skateboards with other sports cost-wise
- Sections that show you how to advance your skills at a pace that suits you
What’s next?
It’s no secret that entering a market forty years after it began is a challenge. But I’m up for it. A lot is on the horizon for Red Panda Boards.
- New designs are coming: six new boards will be posted soon
- New information will be going up on the site–I’ve mentioned a few of those things above
- New articles are coming to this Substack, highlighting music, sports players, films, and more
So there you have it. My case for your trust and your support. I hope you will come along for the ride.
See you soon,
Chris
