Breaking Boundaries: A Surfboard Drive for Trinidad & Tobago

Jun 22 20 under Heritage, History, Videos | Comments Off

Vans presents the worldwide release of a new surf documentary, “Breaking Boundaries: A Surfboard Drive for Trinidad & Tobago.” Breaking Boundaries spotlights pro surfer Chris Dennis and his ongoing efforts to provide underserved youth in his native country with access to the same escape he credits with saving his life – surfing. The documentary is available to watch now on Vans’ YouTube channel.

“Trinidad & Tobago has two different sides,” Dennis remarks of the unique region. While the country touts’ beautiful beaches and is one of the wealthiest nations in the Caribbean, due in large part to its oil and natural gas reserves, the country’s economic inequality is staggering, and many communities live in poverty. Chris has made it his life mission to share the transformative power of surfing with the youth in these communities.

From the moment he first witnessed surfing, watching in awe from the cliff at the back of his childhood home, Chris was enthralled. After winning the first local contest he entered – Chris jokes about how green he was, having to borrow a rash guard from someone on the beach – he rolled with the momentum and built a surf career for himself out of the most unlikely of circumstances. Ultimately, Dennis found himself traveling the world competing on the World Qualifying Series tour, where he made many lifelong connections. This time of exploration was eye-opening for Chris and his experiences abroad changed the way he thought about the world. His travels brought the social problems his community was experiencing back home into sharper relief.

Returning to Trinidad, Chris began to work directly with the youth in his community. He started small by teaching a couple kids to surf, with no grand plans in mind. In the process, he became more acutely aware of surfing’s value in these young lives, how it provided educational, recreational and even aspirational opportunities that otherwise were unavailable. He witnessed firsthand how surfing steered kids away from crime, abuse, difficult situations at home and other pitfalls of poverty.

As his impromptu surf mentorship program grew and local enthusiasm for surfing swelled, the lack of equipment became a hindrance to the program’s progress. Enter Dane Gudauskas – an old friend from the pro tour – and the non-profit Dane founded with his brothers Tanner and Patrick, the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation.

Through Dylan Graves and the Gudauskas brothers’ foundation, Chris connected with Waves for Change, a South African non-profit that the Positive Vibe Warriors, in partnership with Vans, worked with on an extremely successful surfboard drive in 2017. The plan was to host a similar drive to bolster Chris’ grassroots efforts. The drive for Trinidad & Tobago united shops and surf communities on both coasts of the US and collected over 200 surfboards. Building on this support, in addition to training and guidance from his new friends at Waves for Change, Chris founded the non-profit surf therapy program Waves for Hope in 2019.

At its core, Breaking Boundaries is about connection, within the global surf community and humanity as a whole. It is the hope that all involved in these board drives that they trigger a domino effect, encouraging surfers the world over to contribute to foundations like the Positive Vibe Warriors, Waves for Change and Waves for Hope, and launch socially beneficial initiatives of their own. By connecting surf scenes across the planet, and the individuals who drive them, we can affect much greater societal change. It’s an ethos that Chris’ believes can ripple far beyond the world of surfing.

“It’s more than surfboards, and it’s more than a board drive to us,” Chris affirms. “It’s a human thing. If we share, and really care for each other, a lot of our problems will be solvable. So, it means the world.”

To learn more about the Vans surfing program, visit vans.com/surf.

Vans Hosts Virtual Grad Night For Class of 2020

Jun 22 20 under Bands, Events, Heritage, History, NEWS, Videos | Comments Off

Words via Vans:

“As the graduating Class of 2020 celebrates this important milestone, Vans will be hosting a special virtual grad night on Friday, June 26 at 6pm PST as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

While circumstances have made students and families celebrate at home, Vans hopes to inspire the graduating Class of 2020 to continue to be changemakers now and into the future. Vans is dedicated to enabling self-expression and creativity among the youth by creating an inclusive community focused on supporting one another and recognizing the global connection between action sports, art, music and street culture.

Virtual grad night speakers such as Steve Van Doren, son of Vans founder Paul Van Doren, Tony Hawk, Ray Barbee, Sami Miro and more, will be sharing personal messages to the graduates, encouraging students to pursue their passions, share helpful tips towards success and what it means to live “Off The Wall.” To conclude the ceremony, there will be a live music performance by King Princess and after party DJ set by SG Lewis.”

Students, families, teachers and Vans fans can tune in at 6pm PST on Vans official YouTube, Vans.com, Vans Facebook and the Vans Family app for a fun, special event.

When: Friday, June 26, 2020 at 6:00PM PST

Who:

Where:

An Open Letter from Vans Global President Doug Palladini On Brand Commitment

Apr 22 20 under Articles, Heritage, History | Comments Off

To our Vans Family everywhere,

We have all lived through the evolution of COVID-19 and continue to personally experience its drastic impact and disruption on our work and home lives. While the lasting impact of this global pandemic is unclear, I am overwhelmingly proud of what Vans is doing to support those in need as our global communities continue to grapple with the realities of COVID-19.

As a brand engrained in the belief that we aren’t a shoe and apparel company but a people company that makes shoes and apparel, looking after our people has always been and will remain our top priority. This commitment rang true in March as we made the decision to shift corporate offices to remote working and temporarily closed our stores in the U.S. and Canada to prioritize the safety and health of you and all of our store associates. I am especially humbled by the fact that in partnership with VF Corp., we’ve been able to ensure that our store associates have continued to receive full pay and benefits during closures. Additionally, I want to express my personal appreciation for our distribution center associates who continue to facilitate consumer purchases from Vans.com. Their dedication to our brand is truly inspiring and together with VF Corp., we continue to implement proactive steps to uphold the well-being of our associates.

To help our extended Vans Family, we recently launched ‘Foot The Bill’, which is focused on supporting small businesses who are feeling the incredible strain that COVID-19 has put on their livelihoods. 160 community-driven businesses that touch our four brand pillars of art, music, action sports and street culture have been given access to design and upload a Customs pattern that represents their unique persona. Fans can support their local business by selecting its pattern for purchase and further customizing it through the Vans Customs offerings. Net proceeds of each pair sold will go directly towards helping that small business partner and means we have committed to contributing up to approximately $4 million USD.

Furthermore, as a global footwear and apparel manufacturer, we recognize our responsibility to answer the call to help the many individuals who are risking their own health and well-being to provide vital services to those in need during this pandemic. We were determined to answer this call and have since redirected a portion of our supply chain operations to partner with Hedley & Bennett, current Vans partner and kitchen and workwear brand, in the creation of more than 250,000 reusable facial masks made from the canvas we utilize for Vans shoes. Beginning in May, these masks will be donated to organizations across Los Angeles and beyond who are working on the front lines to ensure those in need receive meals.

We’ve also partnered with designer Michael Schmidt through the donation of more than 40,000 Vans shoelaces to enable their effort to create and donate medical face shields. With two 18” shoelaces required per face shield, the shoelaces will provide a critical component for 20,000 units to be donated to health workers across the U.S.

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, it is inspiring to see in times of crisis, the power of volunteering and those who are striving to help communities adjust and overcome struggles. As a thank you to the countless volunteers working tirelessly across food banks in some of the hardest hit regions of the U.S. such as California, New Jersey, Texas, Michigan, Florida, Virginia and Georgia, we just want to say thank you. To date, we’ve donated more than 13,500 pairs of shoes and are dedicated to ensuring this number grows.

It is also important to note that we aren’t alone in our commitment to support our extended Vans Family and communities during these tough times. As you all would have seen, the VF Foundation, the private grantmaking organization funded by VF Corporation has made the initial commitment to donate $1.5 million USD to support local communities and a further two-for-one community match campaign, up to an additional $500,000. I encourage each of you to visit the websites of our sister brands to learn more about how each is answering the call to action through various monetary, product, and material donations and how you personally can help.

While the global COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact many aspects of our lives, I am incredibly proud of the resilient and ongoing commitment of our global Vans Family. It is through our combined efforts and commitment to our communities that we will help ensure a brighter future.

Thank you,

Doug Palladini

Global Brand President / Vans

Off The Wall Since ‘66

Vans and Tony Hawk Announce Official Brand Partnership

Apr 14 20 under Articles, Heritage, History, NEWS | Comments Off

Vans®, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, officially announced the beginning of a historic partnership with skateboarding legend and global youth icon, Tony Hawk. Sharing a profound heritage in action sports and an undisputed commitment to skate culture, Vans and Tony Hawk unite in 2020 to create authentic and inspiring brand initiatives that will enable creative expression through skateboarding.

“Vans has supported skateboarding since the very beginning, and never wavered in its commitment, even with massive mainstream success,” said Tony Hawk. “I have always respected their integrity, so it is an honor to officially join forces and help continue to grow skateboarding culture in the most authentic way possible.”

Joining Vans as an official global brand ambassador, Tony Hawk will partner with the brand to promote Vans’ global brand platforms, including his continued involvement as a color commentator in the Vans Park Series, in addition to producing a brand-new professional Vert skateboarding competition.

“Tony Hawk’s name is synonymous with skateboarding for fans around the world,” said Bobby Gascon, global director of action sports for Vans. “He is a pioneer and has inspired millions to pick up a board with his incredible talent. We are honored that he’ll be supporting Vans’ mission to promote and grow skateboarding globally.”

Hawk’s earliest memory of Vans dates back to the late ‘70s. “Vans were the first skate shoes I ever wore, beginning in 1978,” Hawk shared. “My dad bought me a pair and I begged him for the ‘ankle guard’ accessory because high-tops weren’t available yet. I wore Vans almost exclusively until the mid ‘80s.”

In the current environment of collective social distancing, Vans and Hawk remain focused on the positive impact that skateboarding can provide. By creating initiatives and events that support skate communities around the world, this partnership will bring fans together through engaging social livestream campaigns, philanthropic give-back programs, and creative product collaborations.

As a start, Vans recently launched “Foot The Bill”, a customization initiative to support small, independent business partners from around the world who are dealing with the direct business impacts of COVID-19. With skate shops as the central hub for skate communities around the world, “Foot The Bill” will work to support them with custom designed Vans footwear. The net proceeds from each pair of Vans Customs sold through the program will go directly to that small business to provide some relief during this challenging time.

“These days are extremely difficult for so many, which is why we are hoping to provide some fun and creativity for the global community to enjoy,” Hawk said of the program. “In unprecedented times like these, we need to stay positive, support each other and keep creating.”

To learn more about Tony Hawk, and the Vans Skateboarding program, please visit Vans.com/skate.

Vans Customs – “Foot The Bill” Initiative (500 pairs per collab)

Mar 27 20 under Art, Bands, Collaborations, Customs, Heritage, History | Comments Off

Message from Steve Van Doren:

Dear Vans Family,
We know how important small businesses are, we were one. You helped us become what we are, and we want to help our community and extended members of our Vans Family during this difficult time. We have partnered with local and community driven skate shops, restaurants, art galleries and music venues to support them with custom designed Vans footwear. Net proceeds* from the sale of each pair of Vans Customs will go directly to our small business partners in this time of need. With the purpose of continuing to enable creative expression, please join us as we lend a helping hand to our Vans Family.

Keep Going,

Steve Van Doren

Thoughts from us here at UTP:

This is what a real community looks like. We’ve been saying it for years, and it’s why we’ve worked hard to foster and protect our Vans culture. We don’t want it to be exploited, or turned out for the next culture vulture to profit and thrive off of. Under The Palms has been doing this Vans shit for a very long time, enough to see many come and go through our ranks, and it’s the ones who’ve stuck around and didn’t get caught up in all the weekly trends who get our continued support. On a larger scale, this is what Vans is doing for their skate shop partners who could use this opportunity right about now. It’s awesome, and it’s pretty damn cool. So far, the Foot The Bill webpage has 3 submissions: 510 Skateboards, 35th Ave/North, and Kingswell, but I assume more will come soon, so keep checking back. Each collab, has their own custom artwork that you can apply to the toe panel of the Classic Slip-On (currently the only style available), but you can fully customize the rest of the shoe per usual. This is where you get to make something cool, and completely unique, all while supporting your favorite collaborator. I created my own “510 Skateboarding” Slip-On, which I think came out pretty sick. Check it out on our Instagram. Don’t forget to share your own creations, and use the #FOOTTHEBILL and #VANSFOOTTHEBILL hashtags!

What is Vans “Foot The Bill”?

Vans “Foot The Bill” initiative aims to assist the creative communities of our extended Vans Family around the world during this difficult time. Using our Vans Customs platform, we invite you to express your creativity and be a designer to your favorite Vans shoe, all while supporting the skate shops, music venues, art galleries, restaurants and local hangouts that enable your creative self-expression every day.

How many total partners will you be supporting?

We are committed to supporting at least 80 local and community driven small businesses including skate shops, music venues, art galleries and restaurants. Though, this amount does not include all of the amazing partners that we work with around the world, we are hopeful this program will help our communities get through this unprecedented time.

How did you select your partners?

We worked closely with our team to identify community driven small businesses like skate shops, music venues, art galleries and restaurants that have been directly impacted by COVID-19.

What portion of the proceeds will be donated to each partner?

All proceeds less the cost of production and shipment will be paid to the local and community driven skate shops, restaurants, art galleries and music venues.

How many pairs are being sold per partner?

Vans will be producing up to 500 pairs of Custom Vans per partner, based on demand.

How long will these designs be available to shop?

These one-of-a-kind designs will be available until the limit has been reached. Once they are sold out they will no longer be available. So be sure to get creative while supplies last!

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see more of 510 Skateboard’s artwork after the jump!

Vans Opens Its First Community-Driven Retail Store In Downtown Los Angeles

Feb 6 20 under Heritage, History, NEWS | Comments Off

Vans opens its first community-driven retail and event space in Downtown Los Angeles. The 11,500 sq. ft. space pays homage to Los Angeles’ deep skateboarding roots and thriving art community over two floors featuring work from a number of local makers, a wide range of Vans footwear, apparel and accessories, and a dedicated community experience studio.

Located at 808 S. Broadway, Vans DTLA features a mural from LA-based artist and designer Geoff McFetridge, who accentuated the raw brick and concrete walls of the building with his signature colorful, minimalist work. Atmospheric photos by skate legends Mike O’Meally, Ray Barbee, Tino Razo and Anthony Acosta further highlight LA’s importance in skate culture. The space also showcases work by local sign painter Julien Besser.

“Our Downtown LA store opening signifies a new Vans chapter as we continue our mission and commitment to being community and experience focused,” said Carly Gomez, VP of Marketing, Americas at Vans. “Downtown LA has a rich history of skate culture and artistic freedom. Not only will we be opening our doors to the new space, but we will introduce Studio808, located on the second floor of the new store where the community can share their creative energy through workshops, exhibitions and more.”

Furthering Vans commitment to LA skateboarding, the Vans DTLA store features a dedicated skate shop within the space that stocks hard goods from Los Angeles-based brands like Alva, Baker, Girl, and WKND alongside the full collection of Vans Pro Skate footwear and apparel. A selection of publications curated by DTLA gallery and store THESE DAYS rounds out the retail offering and gives customers a deeper look into local culture.

The second floor of Vans DTLA is home to Studio808, a community-driven gallery, lounge and workshop space, created in partnership with lifestyle magazine Monster Children. The studio will serve as a central hub for consumers and creatives with the goal of giving back to the local community. Offering hands-on art and design workshops, free of charge, Studio808’s ultimate aim is to build a platform for education to uplift underserved members of the community.

“We are excited to be opening Vans first retail and event space in Downtown Los Angeles,” said Mitch Whitaker, VP/GM, Americas at Vans. “For 54 years, Vans has called California home. We’re grateful to be reinforcing the brand’s Southern California roots and legacy through this new space that is both reflective of, and designed for, the community and unique experiences.”

Solidifying Vans dedication to the DTLA neighborhood, the brand has partnered with non-profit organizations Goodwill and Chrysalis to create a community hiring program that employs a number of formerly homeless and at-risk youth candidates at Vans DTLA.

The Vans DTLA community-led retail store is open now and will offer monthly programming including workshops, talks, and art exhibitions beginning March 12, 2020. Visit vans.com/dtla for more information.”

We’re still waiting on an L.A. based Vault By Vans store, though, with Vault exclusives like NYC!

Store Hours

Monday – Sat 11am – 8pm

Sunday – 11am – 7pm

Address

808 S Broadway, Los Angeles 90014

Phone: 213-239-0331

Vans Checkerboard Day (11.21.19)

Nov 6 19 under Art, Collaborations, Events, Heritage, History, NEWS | Comments Off

Vans is excited to announce the inaugural Vans Checkerboard Day to be held on November 21, 2019. Vans Checkerboard Day is an annual event that will champion and inspire creative expression globally. Fans will have the opportunity to participate in creative activations, experience why creativity matters, and give back to organizations that support creative expression. With the goal of fueling creativity, Vans will donate $1 million of global sales made through the brand’s owned retail locations and Vans.com on November 21st to imagination.org. Vans fans will have the opportunity to participate in global Checkerboard Day activations, events and brand touchpoints to connect local communities through unique and personal experiences.

The mission of imagination.org is to find, foster and fund creative entrepreneurship in children around the world in order to raise a new generation of innovators and problem solvers who have the tools they need to build the world they imagine.

In celebration of the launch of annual Vans Checkerboard Day, Vans will be auctioning off checkerboard footwear and backpacks customized by Steve Van Doren, Christian Hosoi, Geoff McFetridge, Kim Jaekyung, Brighton Zeuner and other Vans Global Ambassadors.

WE HOPE THAT YOU CAN JOIN US ON OUR JOURNEY TO HELP CELEBRATE VANS’ FIRST-EVER CHECKERBOARD DAY ON NOVEMBER 21, 2019!

#VANSCHECKERBOARDDAY

Vans BLACK RAINBOWS – Dogtown Event Recap (Friday 8.9.19)

Aug 12 19 under Art, Articles, Bands, Celebs, Events, Heritage, History, OTWS, UTP | 1 Comment

This past Friday, I had the pleasure of being invited to the opening of BLACK RAINBOWS, a 10-day immersive experience in Venice Beach, put on by Vans, that transports visitors back to 1976 to celebrate the energetic time period and place that Vans’ first skateboarding shoe, the Era, was born.

If you want to share my experience and over 50 pics from this amazing event, read on after the jump (sort of a long read!) Read More

Vans – “25 Years Warped Tour” Sk8-Hi (Available Now!)

Jul 18 19 under Bands, Events, General Release, Heritage, History | Comments Off

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Created for the last Warped Tour taking place this year, the Warped Tour 25 Years Sk8-Hi combines the legendary lace-up high top with historic poster art from the past 25 years of shows. It also includes sturdy canvas and suede uppers, re-enforced toecaps to withstand repeated wear, padded collars for support and flexibility, and signature rubber waffle outsoles.

Available now by clicking on the pic above!

Vans Presents: Black Rainbows – A Celebration Of The Era, The World’s First Skateboarding Shoe (Aug. 9-18) #VansBlackRainbows

Jul 17 19 under Art, Bands, Collaborations, Events, Heritage, History | Comments Off

Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, presents BLACK RAINBOWS, a 10-day immersive experience in Venice Beach, California that transports fans back to 1976 to celebrate the energetic time period and place that Vans’ first skateboarding shoe was born. “BLACK RAINBOWS” aren’t just marks left by wallrides from skateboards, they are symbols of the creative reinterpretation of the world around you. Beginning August 9^th– 18^th, Vans will continue to elevate the Classic Era and honor the ubiquitous silhouette as an icon of creative expression past and present.

In 1976, Tony Alva worked with the Vans family and created a shoe specifically designed for skateboarding. What they did next with that shoe set off a cultural explosion that sent shockwaves around the globe. Vans will commemorate the history and origins of the Era in the neighborhood between Santa Monica and Venice Beach known by Tony Alva, Stacy Peralta and the original Z-Boys simply as Dogtown. BLACK RAINBOWS is aimed at reinforcing our brand promise of enabling creative expression through action sports, art, music and street culture. Vans has partnered with Dogtown legend Jeff Ho, famed owner of the Zephyr Surf Shop and Jim Muir, original Z-Boy and skate Hall of Fame inductee, to bring forward an authentic depiction of the birth of a cultural icon; the Era. BLACK RAINBOWS’ interactive programming and highlights will include Vans skate demos, panel discussions with Vans Designers and skate legends, art and music workshops, film screenings and will culminate with live musical performances.

Mark your calendars – RSVP opens July 31! The Vans BLACK RAINBOWS experience at 6 Rose Avenue will be free and open to the public beginning August 9^th– 18^th. For more information visit www.v ans.com/blackrainbows . It’s not seeing what exists, it’s seeing what can be created.

#VansBlackRainbows