How did it all happen you ask? Well, the year was 1993, in an area called Live Oak, in the town of Santa Cruz, Ca. We all used to hang out at Santa Cruz Surf Shop on the East Side after surfing most of the day, we would skate the ramps in the parking lot till dark. Back then, there weren’t many skate shops, and even fewer brands (at this time Underworld Element was becoming Element and there was Santa Cruz Skate Boards since 1973) and we all dreamed to actually have our own skateboard, something we could design the artwork, the concave and shape. Live Oak had been borne. DK and Ray saw the chance to do exactly what they all had been dreaming about, make a skateboard for us, something we would be stoked to sell and ride at the same time. Madrid was selected as the wood of choice, we arranged to have shirts printed, things were clicking. Our first delivery of boards went quickly, 100, 200, and 400 it seemed as if people were psyched. Our art was crazy with parodies of our favorite TV characters to making fun of our friends. Live Oak was selling in NY, Virginia, Florida, Texas and California. Team riders Rich Cooley, Donovan Dresti and Jackson Taylor were laying it down. It was out of control. That was 1995, by now DK had purchased Santa Cruz Surf Shop and incorporated Santa Cruz Skate Shop inside with the full line of Live Oak Skateboards and gear. Ray wanted to travel and DK took over, everything kept charging along, DK focused more on the retail side of the businesses and kept Live Oak going locally and through the website www.skateboards.com . In 2001, DK ventured and opened Santa Cruz Skate Shop and built a small training facility inside the store for the Live Oak team. The Team had changed over the years, but something different was brewing this time. A more focused crew of dedicated skaters loyal to their life and love….skateboarding. Pushing the limits, this new crew began to take on anything in its path. Destroying contests and local parks, they seemed unstoppable. This is when Jordan stepped in and made the Live Oak team what it is…the year is 2004…Jordan grooms the team, standout riders begin to blow minds, winning contests and doing things never before seen on a skateboard. 2006, we move into our warehouse and they build our TF…the SCTF…our little slice of heaven, a place to sharpen the skills. 2007 and beyond Live Oak is skateboarding while continuing to work with world renowned skate artist Jimbo Phillips, Live Oak continues its presence in tried and true skateboarding art. This is skateboarding, this is Live Oak.

Thanks for your support!
Danny “DK” Keith