New in Los Altos: Skateworks

Do longboards dominate Los Altos?

You might hear conversations like that now that Skateworks is downtown. The well-known Santa Cruz business held its official opening—ribbon-cutting, city officials, and all—Friday at 379 State Street.

Owner Jason Strubing, who got his start in Boulder Creek, once presided over five Skateworks around the Bay Area. With the closing of his Redwood City store this year, Los Altos skateboarders benefit.

"I found out yesterday," said Patrick King, a 22-year-old from Los Altos who grew up going to the Skateworks in both Mountain View locations (the last one at 1032 Castro Street, is now ), and the Redwood City store.  "I thought no way!"

A big yellow-and-red-balloon arbor arched over the storefront for the noon-time ribbon cutting, where chilled hibiscus tea, water and bite-sized chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies were served.

Strubing who is from Santa Cruz, said an opportunity presented itself as he was closing the Redwood City store, a skateshop palace on Broadway that boasted a 40-seat theater. With all the fixtures and wall treatments, Strubing was ready to set up quickly—and slickly. He calls this shop his pop-up store.

Skateworks opened its doors on June 11 and quickly was discovered.

"There have been some kids clocking some serious time here," Strubing said.

While much smaller than the Redwood City branch, the Los Altos store is a clubhouse shop, designed for hanging out. There's a widescreen TV mounted on the wall above the workbench, and places to sit. There is clothing, shoes, wheels, and of course, a massive wall o' decks. Serious eye candy.

Strubing's already noticed that there are a lot of longboards here. It's the fastest-growing segment of the market. He's guessed that since there is no skateboard park here, but a lot of hills, that longboards, engineered for transportation and downhill racing, might be more attractive to many. And he's ready to support a skateboard park.

King, making a $76 purchase, was pleased. "You gotta support your local stores."

"Spread the word, my brother," Strubing said, handing him his receipt.