Featured Skater
Skate on Break
What’s up! I get through life by skating on break. I got into skating during a low point in my life — I needed something to hold onto, and skating became that for me. It all started with just one goal: land a kickflip. I attempted every day during my lunch breaks while working at target in late 2023. After a month of trying, it finally clicked. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with skating. It’s how I escape, how I find focus. When I’m skating, nothing else matters, and there’s no better feeling than landing a new trick. Keep moving. Never quit. Never give up.
Captain
TugBoat
Tugboat: From Mesa Streets to Founder of Tugboat Boards
Tugboat's skateboarding journey began on the unforgiving streets of Mesa, Arizona. His early days were defined by a relentless pursuit of challenging terrain – staircases became his proving grounds, loading docks offered makeshift skateparks, and the infamous Del Taco gap on Val Vista held a certain legendary allure. These formative experiences shaped his raw and adventurous approach to skating.
The opening of Reed Skatepark marked a significant turning point. It wasn't just a place to skate; it was where Tugboat was adopted by the Reed Rats and truly connected with the vibrant and supportive skateboarding community. This sense of belonging and shared passion deeply influenced his vision.
While his past may be filled with tales of high-impact landings and pushing physical boundaries, Tugboat's focus has now shifted towards cultivating the future of skateboarding. Recognizing the importance of accessibility, he founded Tugboat Boards with the mission of providing high-quality decks at an affordable price. Furthermore, Tugboat is committed to supporting the creative side of the community by actively working with talented amateur artists, giving them a platform to showcase their unique visions on his boards. His dedication lies in empowering the next generation of skaters and artists alike, ensuring that the joy and camaraderie he found in the skate community are available to all.
First Artist
Ransom_Artist
Meet Ransom_artist: The Visionary Shaping Our World Through Art
Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ransom_artist is far more than just a talented artist; he's a true visionary with an unparalleled creative mind.
For Team TugBoat, Ransom_artist holds a special place. He isn't just our favorite artist; he was a fundamental inspiration in shaping the very vision of TugBoat Boards. His incredibly creative perspective and unique artistic spirit deeply resonated with our captains core values and our "keep on tuggin'" motto.
From bold designs that pop to silly doodles that tell a story, Ransom_artist's creations embodies the same energy and passion that drives many in the skateboarding community. We are incredibly proud to have such a gifted and inspiring artist as an integral part of the TugBoat family. Keep an eye out for his remarkable talents!
sponsored skater
barely_can_ollie
At 48 (fine… basically 49), I figured midlife crisis was overrated—so I grabbed a board instead of a convertible. After a 35+ year break, I jumped back into skateboarding at 47 and haven’t looked back… except to check if I landed it. I’m happily married to my smokeshow wife Tayna, proud dad of 6, and grandpa to 5 future skate legends. I’ve done the whole traditional sports thing, but nothing beats the skateboarding community—it’s hands-down the most welcoming, hype-you-up group around. For me, skating is more than a hobby—it’s therapy with grip tape. When I’m skating, it’s the only thing on my mind (unless I forgot where I parked).
First Mate
Grepo
Grepo, a versatile street skater for Team Tugboat, carved his early lines in the same neighborhood that shaped the legendary Tugboat himself. While their roots run deep in shared concrete, Grepo always possessed a unique eye for transforming the mundane into skateable terrain. From seemingly impossible angles to unexpected transitions, he sees the city as his personal playground.
His style is as smooth as his signature buttery backside flip and as satisfyingly sharp as his crispy feeble grinds. Grepo's skateboarding journey began alongside Tugboat in their elementary school days, a shared passion that eventually took separate paths when life led Grepo out of state during their high school years. Though miles separated them, the skateboarding world proved surprisingly small. Fate, or perhaps the undeniable pull of four wheels, brought them back together in their late thirties, reigniting their shared love for shredding and solidifying Grepo's place on Team Tugboat.
Artist
CJ Sodano
From the vibrant art scene of Philadelphia, CJ Sodano crafts captivating visuals, driven by a lifelong love of both art and gaming. Initially honing his skills in painting, CJ is now dedicated to expanding his artistic endeavors and making art his full-time calling. His deep appreciation for the immersive storytelling and expansive landscapes of video games, especially the darkly enchanting world of Elden Ring, frequently influences the themes and aesthetics within his unique pieces.