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.
The Shop
Related Posts
-
REVISITING THE WATER TOWER OLLIE WITH JEREMY WRAY
We went back to the water towers to re-examine one of the greatest tricks ever done on a skateboard.
-
INTRODUCING ACEMOMA, THE SKATERS BEHIND OUR NEW RECORD
Meet the two producers behind the the new record we just put out.
-
PREMIERE: “THE FIRST & THE LAST PICTURE SHOW” BY JOEY SINKO
"I just want to get people hyped and wish them a merry Christmas with a skateboard video that’s slightly experimental"
-
SECRET HOBBIES WITH ELI REED
Enjoy episode 2 of our new series that finds out what things skaters secretly fan out on (besides kickflips and pants).
-
JENK TV: FRED GALL GETS A NEW MATTRESS
To celebrate Fred's 1st year of sobriety it only makes sense that we give him the gift of a good night’s sleep.
-
RYAN REYES ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS ON PSYCHEDELICS
Curious about microdosing, picking the right setting for a trip, or the best way to keep mushrooms fresh? Ryan's got some answers.
-
PREMIERE: FIDEL GONZALEZ IN “TASTEFUL”
Watch this creative part by Fidel, a skateboarder who also works as a union stunt double.
-
SHOP TALK AT THE FA STORE IN NEW YORK CITY
Last year's SOTY race, dead companies, New Year's resolutions and more.
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.
-
PARADE WORLD IS RETHINKING THE WAY YOU BUY SKATE GOODS ONLINE
Now you can buy skate goods online and support a local shop at the same time.
-
SKATERS RECOMMEND THEIR FAVORITE SKATE PANTS
We hit up some pro skaters and Jenkem contributors known for their 'fits to offer recommendations.
-
GETTING KINKY WITH DANIEL VARGAS
Daniel Vargas' philosophy on whips, chains and getting choked out.
-
WHAT A DECADE OF MAKING INDIE SKATE VIDEOS HAS TAUGHT COOPER WINTERSON
"You’d have to try to put the effort into making a skate video that every single person hates [laughs]. Actually, that would be more of a feat."
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