Powell Peralta Series 13 Skateboard Decks Bring Back Iconic 80s Graphics

The History of Powell Peralta Skateboards

Powell Peralta is one of the most iconic skateboard brands that emerged during the 1980s skateboarding boom. Founded in 1978 by legendary skateboarder Stacy Peralta, Powell Peralta was known for its iconic skate graphics and high performance pro model decks. The company sponsored some of the biggest names in skateboarding in the 80s and 90s including Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, Steve Caballero and Mike McGill.

The company was started in Peralta's bedroom under the name Powell Skateboards. In 1980, Peralta partnered up with George Powell to form Powell Peralta and the company began to take off. Powell handled the business side of things while Peralta focused on art direction, team management and product development.

The Bones Brigade

One of Powell Peralta's biggest contributions to skateboarding was the creation of the legendary Bones Brigade team in the early 80s. The team featured young skaters like Tony Hawk, Mike McGill, Rodney Mullen, Lance Mountain and Steve Caballero. Under Peralta's direction, the Bones Brigade helped push the sport of skateboarding forward by progressing skateboarding tricks, style and accessibility.

The Bones Brigade were masters of progression. Rodney Mullen invented numerous flatground tricks that are staples in street skating today like the kickflip, heelflip and many more. Peralta encouraged his team to take risks and push the limit of what was possible on a skateboard. The Bones Brigade took skateboarding from backyard pools into the streets, straying away from vert skating which dominated in the 70s.

Revolutionary Board Graphics

Powell Peralta was also known for its iconic skateboard deck graphics. Unlike other brands at the time, Powell Peralta made each pro skater's graphic match their personality. The Bones Brigade graphics were instantly recognizable, featuring vivid colors, dynamic illustrations and creative visual themes.

Some of the most iconic Powell Peralta graphics included Tony Hawk's "Chicken Skull" deck, Lance Mountain's graffiti art decks, Mike McGill's "Skull and Snake" and Steve Caballero's "Dragon and Eagle" graphic. Powell Peralta artist Vernon Courtlandt Johnson was responsible for bringing Peralta's creative vision to life with his richly detailed illustrations.

The Launch of Powell Peralta Series 13 Decks

In 2022, Powell Peralta revived its classic 80s brand with the launch of the new Series 13 deck collection. The Series 13 decks pay homage to the company's Bones Brigade heyday by featuring reissues of iconic Powell Peralta graphics from the 80s.

The Series 13 collection includes re-created graphics from legendary team riders like Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Mike McGill, Rodney Mullen and Lance Mountain. The decks use the same shapes and concaves as the original 80s models to provide an authentic Powell Peralta skateboarding experience.

Deck Construction and Technology

While the graphics deliver on 80s nostalgia, the construction of the Series 13 decks utilizes modern skate technology to provide optimal performance. The decks are made from 7-ply hard rock maple and come in a wider P2 concave along with steeper nose and tail kicks.

The Series 13 decks also feature tub concave technology which helps lock feet in while turning. This innovation wasn't available in the 80s but helps modernize the Powell Peralta classics to meet the needs of skaters today.

Authentic 80s Re-Issue Graphics

Here's a closer look at some of the iconic graphics featured on the Series 13 decks:

Tony Hawk "Chicken Skull"

Arguably the most iconic Powell Peralta graphic of all-time, the Chicken Skull features a creepy chicken head skeleton illustration originally drawn by legendary artist Pushead. This graphic was featured on Tony Hawk's first pro model and became massively popular in the 80s.

Lance Mountain "Future Primitive"

Lance Mountain's Future Primitive graphic features a spray paint style illustration with the words "Future Primitive" scrawled across the bottom. This urban graffiti look perfectly matched Lance's innovative street skating style.

Mike McGill "Skull and Snake"

Mike McGill's graphic features a snarling snake curled around a skull engulfed in blue flames. This graphic captures McGill's aggressive skating and hard rock persona that earned him the nickname "McTwist".

Steve Caballero "Dragon and Eagle"

Steve Caballero's graphic features a vivid red dragon illustration battling an eagle. The dragon and eagle were created by legendary artist Vernon Courtlandt Johnson and showcased Caballero's interest in the fantastic arts.

The Response to Powell Peralta Series 13

The response to the Series 13 collection from both older and younger skaters has been overwhelmingly positive. For older skaters who grew up in the 80s, the re-issued graphics are a heavy dose of nostalgia from skateboarding's golden era. Younger skaters are stoked to get their hands on iconic board graphics that helped shape skate history.

Celebrating Skateboarding Heritage

A big reason the Series 13 graphics still resonate today is that they celebrate skateboarding's roots and heritage. Skateboarding was born out of rebellious counterculture and the Series 13 graphics embody that original spirit. While skating has gone mainstream today, it's important not to lose sight of the unique subversive energy that sparked the sport.

Appealing to Nostalgic and Newer Skaters

Beyond just nostalgia, the Series 13 graphics have wide appeal because they don't look dated or out of touch. While they may be throwbacks, the vibrant colors and dynamic illustrations still feel fresh and relevant in 2022. The response indicates Powell Peralta successfully appealed to older skaters reminiscing about their youth while still attracting the next generation.

Performing Like Modern Decks

If the Series 13 decks were just re-prints, the nostalgia factor would wear off quick. But Powell Peralta went the extra mile to engineer the Series 13 decks so they perform like modern popsicle boards. This ensures that skaters who want to relive the 80s won't be letdown by subpar construction. The combination of retro graphics and updated performance is key.

Why Series 13 Represents Powell Peralta's Legacy

While Powell Peralta has gone through changes and ups and downs since their 80s heyday, the Series 13 collection shows why the brand still matters. Powell Peralta helped shape skateboarding in the 80s through progression, creativity and counterculture energy. The Series 13 decks tap back into that rich legacy while still moving the brand into the future.

Tapping Into Authentic Roots

Many retro brands fail because they don't tap into authentic roots. But for Powell Peralta, revisiting their 80s graphics with the Series 13 decks felt like a homecoming. They helped pioneer those iconic graphics so replicating them in 2022 makes sense. The Series 13 decks reinforce Powell Peralta's credibility and roots in skate history.

Artistic Expression and Individuality

Another reason the original Powell Peralta graphics were so groundbreaking was they celebrated each pro skater's individuality. The unique graphics gave pros a chance to express themselves creatively beyond just skate tricks. Series 13 upholds this legacy by continuing to showcase the vibrant artistic Powell Peralta aesthetic.

Passing Down Skate Knowledge

For older skaters, sharing Series 13 decks with younger generations helps pass down knowledge and traditions. The Series 13 graphics spark conversations about skate history and culture. And for new skaters, the decks are a gateway into learning about the influencers who paved the way for today's skating. Powell Peralta sees value in this cross-generational knowledge sharing.

Ultimately the Series 13 collection succeeds because it taps directly into Powell Peralta's unique legacy and era-defining contributions to skate culture. The updated graphics breathe new energy into the brand while still honoring its roots and origins. We can expect Powell Peralta to continue pushing the envelope while reminding us where skateboarding has come from. That combination of progression and heritage continues to drive the brand forward.

FAQs

What graphics are included in the Series 13 decks?

The Series 13 collection includes reissues of iconic 80s graphics from Bones Brigade members like Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Lance Mountain and Mike McGill. Some of the specific graphics are the Chicken Skull, Future Primitive, Skull & Snake, and Dragon & Eagle.

How is the construction different on the Series 13 decks?

While the graphics are retro, the Series 13 decks feature modern skate construction. They have a wider concave, steeper nose/tail kicks, and tub concave technology to help with turning and stability.

Who are the Series 13 decks designed for?

The Series 13 decks appeal to an wide audience - older skaters who remember the original graphics from the 80s and younger skaters who want to celebrate iconic skate history and culture.