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Riding the Wave: The Vibrant History of Santa Cruz Skateboards and the Iconic Screaming Hand

Updated: May 13


the santa cruz logo
Santa Cruz dot logo

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction to Santa Cruz Skateboards

  2. The Dawn of Santa Cruz and Skateboarding Innovation

  3. Jim Phillips: A Stalwart of Skate Art

  4. The Creation and Evolution of the Screaming Hand

  5. Santa Cruz's Influence on Skate Culture

  6. Santa Cruz Today: Innovations and Community

  7. Conclusion: The Legacy Continues




3 santa cruz skateboards with screaming hand logo
Santa Cruz Screaming Hand maple skateboard

Introduction to Santa Cruz Skateboards

Santa Cruz Skateboards is not just a brand; it's a cultural cornerstone that has, in its history, contributed the hugest amount to the art and sport of skateboarding. Since 1973, Santa Cruz has been a household name for riders due to its bold graphics, innovative board design, and commitment to skateboarding. From its very beginning, this blog post will celebrate the brand's journey through the hands of creative genius Jim Phillips and its logo, the Screaming Hand, that came to represent, if not epitomize, the rebellious spirit in skateboarding.




screaming hand logo on a santa cruz longboard
Screaming Hand Graphic

The Dawn of Santa Cruz and Skateboarding Innovation

The world's oldest continuous skateboard company, Santa Cruz Skateboards was born as part of the surf company, NHS Inc. The founders Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman (NHS coming from the initials of the surnames) soon realized the natural opportunity for a crossover in these related cultures. Spearheading technologies and designs that would set the stage for modern skateboarding, the company introduced the polyurethane wheel, which changed everything about how skateboards were to be ridden and unlocking what could be done on them.



a book about the art of jim phillips od santa cruz
Skateboard Art by Jim Philllips

Jim Phillips: A Stalwart of Skate Art

In that backdrop, another important event in skateboarding history happened in the 1970s: Jim Phillips joined the company as creative art director- this defined Santa Cruz. His bold use of color, unique style, and eye-popping detail served as a perfect medium to inject a visual explosion of excitement and motion that represented the thrill of skateboarding. Phillips' art did more than just define the look of Santa Cruz; his graphics alone were the work that visually defined skate culture. His designs for logos, deck graphics, and advertisements pushed Santa Cruz to international fame.


a graphic of screaming wave by santa cruz
Sreaming Wave

Santa Cruz's Influence on Skate Culture


Besides helping push the worldwide growth of skateboarding, Santa Cruz Skateboards has most definitely had a hand in the development of global skate culture. Sponsoring rad riders, hosting kickass comps, and putting together some great skate videos, they contributed to the rise of skateboarding in most parts of the world. Their commitment to the highest quality in deck design and graphics has set an example that many in the industry follow.



Santa Cruz Today: Innovations and Community

Continuing the tradition of innovation, Santa Cruz still sets the pace for state-of-the-art skateboard technology and designs, from the super-tough VX range. Much has changed over the years, but what hasn't changed is the brand's loyal commitment to the skate community—supporting local events and getting skaters stoked to ride together to celebrate the sport's ongoing evolution. Every board they build, every T-shirt that bears their name, gives testimony to Santa Cruz's dedication to skate culture.


A longboard with the screaming hand logo by santa cruz
Santa Cruz Longboard

Conclusion: The Legacy Continues

Santa Cruz Skateboards boasts the legacy of a breakthrough brand that's timeless due to its involvement in skateboarding. From the streets to the ramp and every spot in between, Santa Cruz came through in making a mark on the world of skateboarding. With this commitment to innovation and community, Santa Cruz Skateboards is positioned well to inspire generations of future skaters for years to come.


Santa Cruz Skateboards captures the thrill and creativity of skateboarding. Be you a seasoned pro or total beginner, this is their story. Now learn more about this great brand and keep on shredding in style and with passion.

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