### Powell Corp.
**Overview:**
Powell Corporation, commonly known simply as Powell, is a pivotal skateboard company founded in 1978 by George Powell and Stacy Peralta. The brand is renowned for its innovative skateboard designs, high-quality products, and significant contributions to skateboarding culture.
**History:**
– **Founding:** Established in Santa Barbara, California, Powell began as a manufacturing company specializing in skateboard decks and soon expanded into a full-fledged skateboarding brand.
– **Early Innovations:** Powell was among the first to pioneer the use of fiberglass in skateboard decks, leading to lighter and more durable boards. The introduction of the “Z-Flex” shape made boards more maneuverable.
**Notable Achievements:**
– **Team Creation:** Powell Peralta created one of the most iconic skateboarding teams in history, known as the Bones Brigade, which included legendary skaters like Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, and Rodney Mullen. This team revolutionized professional skateboarding and popularized it worldwide.
– **Video Releases:** The company is credited with producing influential skateboarding videos, such as “The Bones Brigade Video Show” (1984) and “Future Primitive” (1985), which showcased the skills of its team riders and played a major role in skateboarding’s rise in popularity during the 1980s.
– **Iconic Graphics:** Powell’s use of artwork, particularly the work of artist VCJ (Vernon Courtlandt Johnson) and others, created memorable board graphics that became synonymous with skate culture, such as the “Ripper” and the “Skull & Sword.”
**Contributions to Skateboarding:**
– **Sponsorship and Support:** Powell has been instrumental in the sponsorship and development of many legendary skateboarders, fostering a culture of progression and creativity within the sport.
– **Material Innovation:** Continuing to innovate, Powell introduced new materials and technologies, such as the use of urethane wheels and advanced composite deck constructions.
– **Global Influence:** Powell’s influence extends internationally, helping to establish skateboarding as a mainstream sport and cultural phenomenon during the 1980s and beyond.
**Relevant Connections:**
– **Collaborations:** Throughout its history, Powell has collaborated with various artists and designers to create limited-edition skateboards, tapping into the artistic side of skate culture.
– **Current Landscape:** In recent years, Powell has maintained its legacy by producing both classic re-issues and new models that resonate with contemporary riders, keeping the brand relevant in today’s skateboarding scene.
**Conclusion:**
Powell Corp continues to be a hallmark of skateboarding history, reflecting both the evolution of skating as a sport and a subculture. With foundational contributions to skateboarding technology and culture, Powell remains a key player in the industry, celebrating over four decades of innovation and passion for skateboarding.
