Blind Skateboards: From Skateboarding Revolution to Modern Revival

Few skateboard brands have had as much influence on street skating as Blind Skateboards. From its rebellious beginnings in the late 1980s to becoming one of the most recognised names in skateboarding, Blind helped shape modern skate culture. Today, after years of industry changes and uncertainty, interest in the iconic brand is growing once again as skateboarders rediscover its legendary history.

The Birth of Blind Skateboards

Blind Skateboards was founded in 1989 by legendary skateboarder Mark Gonzales alongside skateboarding entrepreneur Steve Rocco under the World Industries umbrella. The name "Blind" was deliberately chosen as a tongue-in-cheek jab at Gonzales' former sponsor, Vision Skateboards. At the time, skateboarding was dominated by a handful of major brands, and Blind represented a new wave of skater-owned companies that challenged the status quo.

The brand quickly assembled an incredible team featuring future skateboarding icons including Jason Lee, Guy Mariano, Rudy Johnson and Jordan Richter. Their combination of technical skating, creative graphics and anti-establishment attitude made Blind an instant success.

Video Days Changed Skateboarding Forever

In 1991, Blind released what many consider one of the most important skateboard videos ever made: Video Days. Directed by Spike Jonze, the video featured revolutionary parts from Gonzales, Mariano, Lee, Richter and Johnson.

Video Days helped redefine street skateboarding. Rather than focusing on ramps and contests, it showcased creative street spots, technical tricks and a style that would influence generations of skateboarders. Many modern skate videos still borrow ideas and filming techniques first seen in Video Days.

For many skaters, Video Days remains one of the greatest skateboard videos of all time and cemented Blind's place in skateboarding history.

The Rise of the Reaper

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Blind became instantly recognisable thanks to its iconic Grim Reaper logo. The graphic appeared on countless skateboard decks, clothing and accessories, becoming one of the most famous images in skateboarding.

Blind continued to produce influential riders, videos and graphics while expanding globally. The brand became a favourite among both core skateboarders and newcomers, helping introduce countless people to skateboarding. Many skaters remember their first complete skateboard being a Blind deck. Community discussions online frequently highlight the brand's nostalgic appeal and lasting influence.

Ownership Changes and Difficult Years

Like many classic skateboard brands, Blind experienced significant changes over the years. Mark Gonzales eventually left the company to pursue other projects, while Blind continued under different ownership structures and later became part of Dwindle Distribution.

Although the brand remained active, many skateboarders felt Blind lost some of the cultural dominance it enjoyed during its early years. Changes within the wider skate industry, shifting consumer trends and corporate ownership affected many once-dominant brands from the 1990s and early 2000s. Community discussions throughout 2025 and 2026 reflected concerns about the future of Blind and other former Dwindle brands.

The Current Blind Comeback

In recent years, skateboarding has experienced a strong resurgence of interest in heritage brands. Skaters who grew up watching Video Days are introducing the next generation to the history of Blind, while collectors continue to seek out classic Reaper graphics and vintage decks.

Although the company has faced challenges, the Blind name remains one of the most recognisable brands in skateboarding. Nostalgia for the golden era of street skating, renewed appreciation for Mark Gonzales' influence and growing interest in skateboard history have all contributed to a renewed spotlight on the brand.

Much like the recent revival of several classic skate brands, many skateboarders believe Blind still has a place in modern skateboarding. The legacy of Video Days, the Reaper logo and the brand's groundbreaking team ensures that Blind continues to be discussed, collected and celebrated decades after its creation.

Why Blind Skateboards Still Matter

Blind's impact on skateboarding goes far beyond decks and graphics. The company helped establish the blueprint for modern street skating, inspired generations of riders and played a major role in the rise of skater-owned brands.

Without Blind Skateboards, skateboarding as we know it today might look very different.

Whether you're a long-time skateboarder who remembers the original Video Days era or a new skater discovering the brand for the first time, Blind remains one of the most important names in skateboard history.