A hot button topic we often shoot the shit about around the Jenkem office is whether or not moving to California is still integral to having a successful skateboarding career in 2025.
While the majority consensus is, “well, it doesn’t hurt,” we all recognize a higher level of decentralization in skateboarding than ever before. You’ve got A-tier pros in Canada, scattered around the East Coast, up in the Pacific Northwest, and all across Europe.
And now, you’ve got Blake Carpenter back in his home state of Florida.
I’ve personally been following Blake’s career about as closely as a 16-year-old driver follows the car in front of them, as he is my hometown hero, so when he made the move back home I had to know more.
Follow along as I hop in Blake’s truck for a classic Florida skate day, one where we talk about leaving the center of the industry, launching his new company Vinyl Skateboards, and what it means to be back where it all began.
Related Posts
-
SKATING WITH COMEDIAN MARK NORMAND
We hung with the former skate nerd and found out how it shaped his life and comedy.
-
WATCH UNSEEN FOOTAGE FROM THE SHORTY’S “FULFILL THE DREAM” ERA
Seven minutes of straight nostalgia from the shortest skate crew ever.
-
COOKING EGGS BENEDICT WITH ALEKA LANG AND JESS WONG
It’s like the cooking channel, except captured on Hi-8 and sprinkled with random fingerboard tricks.
-
PREMIERE: ROWAN DAVIS’ “MEADOW” PART
Rowan skates so well, this vid could have been filmed with a leaf on a stick and still turned out good.
-
LIBERATING SKATE SPOTS WITH THE KNOB BUSTER
Meet the masked hero who is unknobbing spots all across Los Angeles for skaters to enjoy.
-
“SHABEATZ” – AN EAST COAST TOUR VIDEO BY JENKEM FOR ADIDAS SKATEBOARDING
Ever wonder what it would be like to be in a van for 10 days straight with some of the best skaters in the world?
-
GETTING TO KNOW SAL BARBIER, THE MAN BEHIND ONE OF SKATING’S MOST ICONIC SHOES
Follow along as Sal takes us through his hometown in the Bayou.
-
DISCUSSING SKATEBOARDING WITH NEUROSCIENTIST ANDREW HUBERMAN
Andrew touches on the fear response, sleep, dream states and other tidbits that we felt skaters could greatly benefit from.
Comments
Popular
-
KEITH HUFNAGEL ON THE FUTURE OF HUF
We heard a rumor that HUF was going out of business, so we talked with boss man himself to find out.
-
HANGING OUT WITH… YURI FACCHINI
Closing out Deathwish's last video, Yuri Facchini is having a real She's All That moment.
-
JENKEM MIX 158: THEY ARE GUTTING A BODY OF WATER
Philadelphia band TAGABOW flips back and forth between hardcore and breakbeats in this 90mph fastball Mix.
-
MY EXPERIENCES IN SKATEBOARDING
"I've been terrified of garnering the reputation of 'ramp-tramp' or 'pro-ho' just from spending time with skaters."
-
SKATERS RECOMMEND THEIR FAVORITE SKATE PANTS
We hit up some pro skaters and Jenkem contributors known for their 'fits to offer recommendations.
July 8, 2025 4:41 pm
Great stuff FLenkem
July 9, 2025 5:32 pm
takes some balls to quit Toy and start your own shit. respect.
July 17, 2025 11:50 pm
Kinda. Swank doesnt pay much so it’s more like a lateral move