Intro

I am making a 39.75" x 10" longboard that folds up. As part of my project, I am also making a Quick Release Kingpin (see pic below).  So if it seems as though we are doing two products in one, We are! This board fits into all kinds of lockers, laptop backpacks, bear caves, and people's hearts with room to spare.  If our goal number seems low to you, we are not crazy.  Please read our goals section for the details.

Board Folded Inside Locker

WARNING: If you get this board, people will stop you to ask you about it.

Storytime

One day my brother that was visiting from California decided he wanted a board to ride on while at his college campus out in Ca. While, he loved the smoother ride of a longboard, he claimed he just had no where to stash it during class.  So, he got a frankenstein (shortboard w/ longboard wheels and trucks) instead.

In that moment, it became clear that while I love carrying my giant longboard into class, not eveyone does.  So, this board was designed for him.  He loved it. Then, I wanted to have one. I loved it. And now, I want to share it with everyone. You will love it.

Benefits

Kingpin

I have designed a fun quick release kingpin.  While these Quick Release Kingpins are an essential part of our Urban Sloop board, they are also quite handy on just about any board.  They are especially useful on mini cruisers 'cause they are often the difference that allows you to actually zip your backpack. 

Quick Release Kingpin

1) STORAGE - Whether on Mini cruisers, Sloops, or just regular longboards, quick release kingpins allow riders to remove their hangers which makes storing boards easier.  

2) TENSION - Our specialized kingpins allow you to adjust the tension on your bushings anywhere without tools.

Quick Release Specialized Kingpin

3) HANGER FLIP - When you don't need a tool, You can flip your hanger at any time.  

4) HANGER SWITCH - with hangers this easy to remove you can just take an extra set of hangers with a different length or wheel set-up around with you.  That way you can switch from hard sliding wheels to soft cruising wheels in a snap.

Board

It is important to remember that this board is meant to be a different kind of board.  This board is not simply a longboard that folds.  It is its own creature - with its own maneuvers and feel.

1) GREAT RIDE - People love the flex and the feel of this deck.  You can not get this kind of feel on a 1 piece deck and definitely not on a little plastic board.

2) SIZE MATTERS - This board can be stowed many places by folding it with the wheels still attached.  It can be stored almost anywhere (including most backpacks) when the wheels are removed.

3) SECURITY - The number one reason that people I know used to ride longboards but then stopped, "My board was stolen."  Storing a board isn't just about convenience, it is about security too.

4) DIFFERENT MANEUVERS - You can do things on this deck that you can not on a 1 piece deck.

Goal

My goal has always been to get at least 50 of these boards out to the public. To make it to this point, I have had to work in my backyard and, call in many favors from friends and family.  To make this project go to the next level, I need some support from everyone out there. Hopefully, through the miracle of indiegogo, we can do it. $5,000 Total is the initial goal.

Due to the timing of our project, we are dividing our fundraising efforts into two parts.  The first part will end on December 7th so that we can deliver our prototype backer benefits in time for the Holiday season.  Then, we will immediately repost the project to gather the remaining amount.

Bottom View

Stretch Goals

10K -All boards will have Indiegogo # laser etched on their board

20K -Aluminum support Plates become available

40K - Screws passing through metal plates will be countersunk

60K - Drop-thru model will become available

80K - Center Handle will be contoured to fit a hand

100K - Metal will be recessed to be flush with wood

120K - ???

By the stretch goals set, you can probably tell that we have some big plans in store for our board design.  While monetary goals are cool, the real goal here is to get some nasty boards to the people that want them.  The attainment of our stretch goals will be based on the total amount raised in both fundraising efforts.

Allocation of Funds

The majority of money will go towards parts and labor.  However, there are many other expenses to be considered.  Some of the money will go toward the costly patenting process.  Depending on the final number of backers, some money may need to go toward getting a new worksite.  If any funds are left over after those are covered, I would like to invest it in the website.

Note

The warning at the top is not a joke.  Whenever I ride my board, people ask me all kinds of questions.  So, if you get this board be prepared to talk to strangers.  Also not a joke - don't take their candy.

Thanks To:

My Fam - for being everything from crash test dummies, to artist, and doing it all with patientience

Allison - The loving Girl Friend that shows her support in her own special way. Like so quickly volunteering to write the "Don't Encourage Him" cards.

Nice Lady (a.k.a. Cassie from beastink) - for doing some sick designs

Dee of deenuncio.com - for being so crazy asiany & for great advice on all things digital marketing

Jimmy from Locals Surf Shop - Juno Beach

Raina, Peter, and Crew from Freeride Surf Shop - Gainesville, FL