Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ CLOTHING AND SKATEBOARDS

Santa Cruz is one of Skateboarding’s original board manufacturers and clothing brands. Santa Cruz as a brand should be considered one of the pioneers of skateboarding. The Company started off as a raw material supplier that sold materials that could be used to shape and make surfboards. It was as a skateboard company that Santa Cruz gained some traction with the launch of the iconic Screaming Hand logo, designed by frequent collaborator Jimbo Phillips. Phillips went on to design many of the most iconic skateboard graphics of the ’70s and ’80s for Santa Cruz pro riders Jason Jessee, Jeff Kendall, Rob Roskopp, and Claus Grabke. Santa Cruz clothing is one of the hottest styles in skateboarding.


Old School boards as they are known nowadays have seen somewhat of a resurgence in popularity. Brands like Santa Cruz and Powell Peralta are Reissuing a lot of classic skate decks from their vaults. Still screen printed like the good old days, and available in limited quantities, these re-issue decks and boards maintain a collector’s item status. Decks such as the Natas Panther, Screaming Hand, Jason Jessee Sun God, Slasher Series, Roskopp Face, and Kendall Snake decks have all been done and there are plenty more to come, you don’t want to miss out on a piece of skateboarding history.

To accompany the old school decks, Santa Cruz also makes a range of popsicle-shaped boards in keeping with the times, skateboarding wise. The artwork of Jimbo Phillips and Co are just as rad on clothing as they are skateboard decks and whether it’s Guys, their Girlfriends or the Grommets, Santa Cruz’s clothing range is a balance of classic and contemporary with hoods, t-shirts, long sleeves, track pants and shorts sporting the iconic Santa Cruz logos and graphics.

Supporting your local Skate Shop is essential, and Empire is no exception. Like Santa Cruz has been the beacon of skateboard culture in the states, we aspire to be a beacon of skate culture in the Pacific. With New Zealand’s best range of Skate gear, hard goods and streetwear available, we are committed to keeping skateboarding alive. Supporting us is supporting your community, and we are constantly on the local council’s case about increasing and improving skateparks and facilities around our neighbourhood. Buying your Santa Cruz from us contributes to this cause.