Corey Sholes: Legend Skateboards

Q & A Matinee The man, the myth, the Legend Corey Sholes Legend Skateboards

How long have you been making skateboards? Been pressing and selling boards since 1994, but started buying uncut boards and making my own shapes in 1988. Before blanks and shop decks, you had to buy uncut boards and make your own shapes if you wanted to save money.

What got you started in making skate decks? Started my own company just like anybody else didn't want to get a real job. People were stoked on my shaped boards in the late ’80s (made out of the uncuts), so I decided to press my own boards. My primary business was going to be making furniture, but skateboarding really took off in the mid-’90s. So I did that full time.

How many companies do you make skate decks for? And what are the companies? Probably make boards for about two dozen companies: H Street, Alf's company Everybody Skates, Ron Allen's company American Dream, and Yousta brand, etc.

Words & Photos: Jake Levon @jakethehated

Legend Skateboards, since 1994

What made you start skateboarding? My first skateboard — Christmas, 1977 — that was a plastic board. I didn't take skateboarding seriously until Christmas 1984 when boards were bigger, easier to ride, and had grip tape! Was really into BMX, but no one took it seriously the way skateboarders took skateboarding seriously, and it was more of a culture.

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What made you pick Legend for your company name? My buddies came up with the name Legend. I didn't really like it but everyone else did... I just wanted to make skateboards so it worked out.

What are some of the off-the-wall skate decks you’ve made custom for people? Haven't made too many off-the-wall skateboards, but I did make snake skateboard decks (hey, need the money). But making H Street boards is a great accomplishment.

Left: Leslie putting in work behind the scenes. Below right: Corey at his craft.

Any idols in the skateboard industry that you looked up to or inspired you? I was always a big fan of Uncle Wiggly skateboards which is the predecessor to H-Street. They were doing fiberglass and carbon-fiber boards, which is something I always wanted to get into.

Any shout outs or friends you wanna mention that have supported you from Day One? Alot of my team riders have been the big supporters: Kris Riggs, Todd Philpott, Warren Silva … the list goes on and on … but the main supporter has been my wife, Jolene! Without her, I wouldn't be doing this full time.