Influence is often overstated in skateboarding but Natas Kaupas’ legacy is larger than any one trick, time, graphic, or style because it’s both massive and lowkey. What?
Yeah, after skating for Santa Cruz and starting 101, Natas’ career was curtailed by injury in a time when doctors pretty much told you “tough shit,” so he spent $20,000 on a tricked out Apple computer in the early-‘90s and started designing graphics for skate brands instead.
And who could forget his satanic board that was considered offensive and shocking, even if he didn’t draw it. Fun fact, he partially designed the Jim Thiebaud “hanging Klansman” graphic though.
If none of this makes sense, good. The thing about Natas Kaupas is that nothing ever did in the best way possible, other than how powerful, eclectic, and thoughtful his skateboarding was and still is when he snaps an ollie. Check out the mix below and download it here while you can.
More Mixes? Check out: Heath Kirchart, Bill Strobeck, Blondey McCoy, Louie Lopez, Nora Vasconcellos, Alltimers, Rodrigo TX, Stefan Janoski, Franky Villani, Pass~Port, The 69 Mix, Beagle, LurkNYC, Bam Margera, Mike Arnold, Jason Sallilas, or Kevin Rodrigues.
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September 10, 2020 8:14 am
Oh man, Marty Robbins. That’s one of my favorite songs (having grown up in West Texas you’d hear it) I had no idea that Natas contributed to Thiebaud’s graphic. How interesting. Don’t know if it’ll happen but I’ve always wondered if Anti hero would run a graphic series done by Natas.
September 10, 2020 5:57 pm
His penmanship is brilliant… ^ also yes Marty Robbins is a legend. Listen to Master’s Call and become a man
September 10, 2020 9:27 pm
kind of a misnomer, possible faux pas: he didn’t ride for santa cruz, he brokered a deal between santa cruz and skip engblom, the owner of santa monica airlines to be distributed by santa cruz when he was 17! anywho, off to listen to the tunes…
September 11, 2020 9:32 pm
Thank you.
February 18, 2021 6:05 pm
He did ride for Santa Cruz.Wheels.His last good part is in Speed Freaks.Typical of you Satan,spreading lies,lol