### Airbourne Skateboards
**History:**
Airbourne Skateboards was founded in the mid-1980s by skateboarder and entrepreneur Jim “The Bull” Muir, along with a team of innovative riders. The brand quickly gained recognition for its commitment to quality and performance, catering primarily to the emerging street skating scene.
**Notable Achievements:**
– Airbourne is recognized for its distinctive graphic designs, featuring colorful and bold artwork that became a hallmark of the brand’s identity.
– The company contributed significantly to the development of skateboard decks optimized for tricks, which aligned with the evolving skateboarding culture during the high-energy era of the late ’80s and early ’90s.
**Contributions to Skateboarding:**
– Airbourne played a crucial role in promoting skateboarding events and competitions, helping to elevate the sport’s visibility.
– The brand endorsed a lineup of influential skaters, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills, which helped to propel the careers of many riders.
**Relevant Connections:**
– Notable riders who were associated with Airbourne include innovative skaters like Mike Vallely and other prominent names during the brand’s peak.
– Airbourne has collaborated with well-known artists and graphic designers, enhancing its artistic appeal and connecting with a broader audience within the skateboarding community.
**Legacy:**
Though no longer a dominant player in the contemporary skateboard market, Airbourne’s impact from the late ’80s to the early ’90s left an indelible mark on skateboarding culture, particularly in how skateboards are marketed and the emphasis placed on graphic art in promoting brands. The company’s focus on rider-driven design and culture continues to resonate in today’s skateboarding ethos.