About Embassy Skateboards
Embassy Skateboards was born from the relentless spirit of Texas skateboarding legend John “TEX” Gibson and his Bark Hard band mate Lee Leal. Together, they built something that wasn’t just another brand – but a battle cry for real skateboarding. In 2009, during the throes of a recession and with the blessings of their families, Embassy was launched to continue a legacy decades in the making.
🏆 A Legacy Forged in Concrete
John “Tex” Gibson is more than a name – he’s the first professional skateboarder to ever come out of Texas, with a career spanning over four decades. Embassy Skateboards is his tribute to the grit, rebellion, and authenticity that defines core skateboarding culture. It’s a brand built by riders for riders – past, present, and future.
🌎 Global Roots, Texas Pride
What started in Texas now spans the coasts and beyond. Our extended family includes a diverse roster of legendary riders and new blood who all rep the Embassy ethos.
📜 The Embassy Ambassador Lineup
- 80s vert pros: Ken Fillion, Craig Johnson, Todd Prince, Henry Gutierrez, Dave Duncan
- Surf/skate legends: Christian Fletcher, Bill Danforth, Pat Black, Allen Midgette, Rodney Mead, Dave Reul
- Texas shredders: Ivan Rodriguez, Taylor Bray, Cody G, and the “B Team” led by Jimmy Seol
- Female riders: Olympic skater Bombette Martin (NYC) & Kat Folsom (CA)
- Virginia Beach chapter: Collin Graham, Nathan Midgette, Ronnie O’Neal, Jason Gutierrez, Ronan Livingston
Every skater here represents a chapter in our growing book of skateboarding history.
🎨 Skate Art That Hits Different
Since Day 1, Embassy has fused gritty skate performance with unapologetic street art. Our launch line featured 7 shapes and 4 original graphics, and we’ve only turned up the heat since. Artist Shane Munce has become a defining voice in our visual identity – blending punk, politics, culture, and raw energy into the decks themselves.
⚡ Our Mission: Ride With Pride
We’re not here to blend in. Embassy Skateboards exists to carry on the “SKATE TUFF” Texas attitude, discover and uplift new talent, and carve a new legacy for the next generation of skaters. We don’t follow trends – we make noise, break rules, and build community on our terms.
Mission Statement: To keep core skateboarding alive through uncompromised creativity, community, and culture – rooted in Texas grit and global respect.
📢 Stay Core. Stay Loud.
From old-school vert to new-school street, we keep it real. We’re proud of our story – and stoked for what’s ahead. Whether you’re bombing your local hill or dropping in on your first vert, there’s room for you at Embassy.
#EmbassySkateboards #SkateTuff #TexasSkateboarding