If you're hunting for a vintage eric nash skateboard, you already know you're looking for one of the most stylish relics from the golden age of Santa Cruz. There's something about those old-school decks that just hits different, especially when you compare them to the uniform popsicles everyone rides today. Back in the late 80s and early 90s, Eric Nash was part of that legendary Santa Cruz roster, and his pro models were some of the most visually striking boards hitting the pavement.
The Santa Cruz Golden Era
To really understand why people still freak out over an eric nash skateboard, you have to look at what was happening in skating at the time. Santa Cruz was the powerhouse. They had the best artists, the best wood, and a team that felt more like a band of outlaws than a corporate sports team. Nash was right in the thick of it, skating alongside guys like Jeff Kendall, Rob Roskopp, and Corey O'Brien.
During this period, skateboards weren't just tools; they were canvases. The industry was transitioning from the giant, heavy "tanks" of the mid-80s toward something a bit more functional for technical street skating, but they hadn't lost those iconic "fish" shapes yet. Nash's boards occupied that perfect middle ground where you could still blast a transition but also get some flip tricks in if you had the legs for it.
That Iconic Cyborg Graphic
If you mention an eric nash skateboard to a collector, the first thing they're going to talk about is the "Cyborg" graphic. It's one of those images that's burned into the brain of anyone who spent their weekends at a skate shop in 1989. Created by the legendary Jim Phillips—the guy responsible for the Screaming Hand—the graphic features a robotic, cybernetic face that perfectly captured the sci-fi obsession of the era.
The level of detail on those original screens was insane. We're talking about intricate wiring, metallic textures, and that specific neon-adjacent color palette that Santa Cruz did better than anyone else. It wasn't just a cool picture; it felt like part of a larger aesthetic movement. Even today, when Santa Cruz does a reissue of the Nash Cyborg, it sells out almost instantly because the art is just that timeless.
Why Jim Phillips Mattered
It's hard to overstate how much Jim Phillips' art defined the look of skating. When you look at an eric nash skateboard, you aren't just looking at a pro model; you're looking at a piece of the Phillips family legacy. The way the lines flow with the shape of the deck was intentional. It wasn't just a square sticker slapped on wood. The art wrapped around the rails and complemented the kicktail, making the board look fast even when it was just leaning against a wall.
The Feel of the Ride
Let's talk about the actual shape, because a skateboard is meant to be ridden, after all. If you manage to get your hands on a reissue of an eric nash skateboard, the first thing you'll notice is the width. These boards are usually around 10 inches wide, which feels like standing on a surfboard compared to a modern 8.25-inch street deck.
But here's the thing—that extra width gives you an incredible amount of stability. If you're skating bowls or just cruising around the neighborhood, there's a certain confidence that comes with having all that real estate under your feet. The concave on the Nash models was also pretty revolutionary for the time. It wasn't flat like the early 80s boards, but it wasn't the deep "U" shape we see now. It was a mellow, comfortable pocket that locked your feet in just enough.
Transition vs. Street
Eric Nash was known for his versatility. He could hold his own on a vert ramp, but he was also incredibly tech on the street. His board reflected that. It had a functional nose—something that was still becoming a standard feature back then—which allowed for nollies and nose slides. If you're a fan of "old school" skating but you still want to do more than just carves and kickturns, the Nash shape is actually one of the better designs from that era to mess around with.
Collecting and the Reissue Market
Finding an original, first-print eric nash skateboard from the 80s in "new old stock" (NOS) condition is like finding a needle in a haystack. If you do find one, be prepared to drop some serious cash. Collectors value these things not just for the nostalgia, but for the craftsmanship of the original silk-screening process.
Fortunately for the rest of us who don't have thousands of dollars to spend on wall hangers, Santa Cruz has been pretty good about releasing reissues. These modern versions use the same classic graphics and shapes but are pressed with modern techniques, making them stronger and more durable than the originals.
Why We Still Buy Reissues
You might wonder why someone would want a brand-new version of a thirty-year-old board. It's about more than just trying to relive the "good old days." For a lot of skaters who are now in their 40s or 50s, the eric nash skateboard represents a specific moment in their lives when skating was everything. Buying a reissue is a way to reclaim a piece of that culture. Plus, let's be honest—they just look cool. They make for amazing wall art in an office or a garage.
The Cultural Impact of Eric Nash
While names like Tony Hawk or Christian Hosoi might be more "mainstream," Eric Nash was a "skater's skater." He had a style that was fluid and aggressive, and he didn't feel like he was trying too hard. He was just a guy who loved to skate, and that authenticity came through in his pro models.
When you see someone at the park today on an eric nash skateboard, there's usually an immediate nod of respect from the older heads. It's a signal that you know your history. It's an appreciation for the era when skating was a bit more punk rock, a bit more experimental, and a lot less polished than the Olympic sport it has become today.
Tips for Setting Up a Nash Deck
If you decide to actually set up an eric nash skateboard to ride, don't try to put modern, tiny street wheels on it. It'll look ridiculous and ride even worse. To do it right, you really need some wide trucks—think Independent 159s or 169s. Pair those with some chunky, soft wheels like OJ Super Juice or Slime Balls.
This kind of setup is perfect for what I like to call "old man skating." It's about the joy of the carve, the sound of the wheels on the concrete, and the feeling of a solid tail pop. You aren't going to be doing switch tre flips down a ten-stair on this thing, but you'll have a hell of a lot of fun hitting a local pump track or just slashing some curbs.
Customizing the Vibe
A lot of guys like to go full "period correct" with their builds. That means plastic rails on the bottom, a "LA" or "Santa Cruz" tail guard, and maybe even some grip tape art. Back in the day, the eric nash skateboard was often seen with bright, mismatched colors. Don't be afraid to get a little loud with it. Skating was never meant to be subtle, and a Nash deck is the perfect excuse to embrace some 80s neon madness.
Final Thoughts on the Nash Legacy
At the end of the day, the eric nash skateboard is more than just a piece of maple wood with some ink on it. It's a bridge between the wild, experimental days of early pro skating and the structured industry we have now. Whether you're a hardcore collector looking for a pristine original or a guy who just wants a cool-looking cruiser for the weekends, these boards still hold up.
They remind us that skating is supposed to be fun. It's about the art, the shape of the board, and the way it feels under your feet. Eric Nash might not be on the cover of every magazine anymore, but his contribution to the culture lives on every time someone bolts a set of trucks onto one of his decks. It's a classic for a reason, and honestly, I don't think they'll ever go out of style.