BOARDPARADISE 1206 E WENDOVER AVE. GREENSBORO, NC CARAMEL ONLINE
EXODUS RIDE SHOP 7401 Highland Rd White Lake, MI
FENIX FINGERBOARDING 10420 Plano Rd, 105B Dallas, TX
HANGTIME BOARDSHOP 2537 7th Ave E, North St Paul, MN
MODERN SKATE & SURF 500 N. STEPHENSON HWY ROYAL OAK, MI
RADIO FINGERBOARD STORE 3246b US 421 N, Wilmington, NC RADIUS ONLINE RYSE ONLINE
SEASONS FB ONLINE
SILENT SKATEBOARDS ONLINE
SKATESTATION 13 S Main Street Layton UT
SKATE 618 - CHEMS FB 618 FRANKLIN AVE, EDWARDSVILLE, IL
SLUSHCULT 220 E. 4th St. Suite 106, Santa Ana CA
SOULDIERS SKATE SHOP 67 Toronto St, Barrie, Ontario
TH!S FB SHOP 7055 W. 16th Ave. Lakewood, CO
TEAK TUNING ONLINE
TOTALLY RAD SKATESHOP 1918B ST GEORGE AVE, SASKATOON, SK S7M 0K5
WAUCHOPE SKATE FINGERS ONLINE
THE VAULT FINGERBOARDS 239 S La Brea Ave Inglewood, CA
UNITY RIDE SHOP 5838 N 43rd Ave. Glendale, AZ GOT A SHOP? WANT TO BE ON THIS LIST? EMAIL US AT PLIESMAG@USAFBL.COM
LETTER FROM LEVINE
After a year of pushing boundaries, connecting scenes, and redefining what fingerboarding media can be, we’ve arrived at a moment that truly feels historic.
This issue is more than just another release. It marks one full year of Plies Magazine, our 12th issue and officially makes us the longest-running fingerboarding magazine in history. That’s not just our milestone; that’s yours. Every shop that carried us, every reader that shared a story, every rider that let us shoot photos or gave an interview, you helped carve this path, and we did it together.
And while the U.S. tour closed with Nationals in Indianapolis, the journey isn’t over. Our champions are packing their bags for Germany, representing the USAFBL at the Black River World Championships, the world’s biggest stage for fingerboarding. Seeing riders from our league step onto that platform is proof of how far this scene has come and how far we’re still going.
As I look back on this first year, I see more than pages, medals, or events. I see a community that keeps showing up, keeps believing in what fingerboarding can be, and keeps proving this isn’t just a hobby. It’s a culture.
So here’s to a year of building, believing, and making history.
Here’s to the riders flying out to Germany to represent us on the world stage.
And here’s to everyone who ever flipped a board, filmed a clip, or picked up an issue of Plies.
The story is only getting started, and we’re writing it together.
Slovenia’s Fingerboard Revival, Craft Community & Connection
In the heart of Slovenia, a quiet creative movement is taking shape. It is built not in factories or studios, but in garages, parks, and family homes. Among those leading the way is T&T Fingerboard Decks, a small family-run project that has become a symbol of handmade culture and community spirit.
What started as a family activity for two kids, Tisa and Tim, has grown into something much larger. Their parents wanted to teach them patience, creativity, and what it means to make something from scratch. “We didn’t plan to start a business,” they say. “We just wanted to show our kids how an idea becomes something real.” That lesson became a movement. Every T&T deck is shaped, sanded, and painted by hand in their Slovenian workshop, a reflection of care and tradition.
T&T’s focus is on connection, not commerce.
“Fingerboarding brings people together,” they explain. “It connects generations. It teaches balance, focus, and patience. It’s about creativity as much as it is about play.” Their small decks have found homes across Europe, yet their real impact remains local, helping to strengthen Slovenia’s creative and skate communities.
Across Slovenia, the do-it-yourself spirit runs deep. From art collectives to skateparks, small teams of makers are shaping a culture that values effort and authenticity over perfection. “Everything here is built by someone’s hands,” says a Ljubljana skater. “You can feel the difference. It’s honest.”
T&T has carried that same honesty into every part of their work. They first connected with the scene by showing up at skate events, letting people try their decks and learn about the process behind them. Their involvement in events like Grilo Memorial Day in Koper, where skateboarding, art, and music collide, helped put fingerboarding on
the map for a new generation. “It was amazing to see how it all came together,” they recall. “It showed that fingerboarding fits perfectly into Slovenia’s creative culture.”
One of their most beloved projects, Hide & Seek, captures that creative heart. The family hides handmade decks in skateparks across the country for riders to discover. “You might find one under a bench or behind a rail,” they say. “Watching someone stumble on it and realize what they’ve found is pure joy.” What began as a small act of generosity has grown into a national treasure hunt, connecting skaters and creators across cities.
“We think, education needs to be part of Slovenia’s growing fingerboard scene! We want workshops to pop up in schools and youth centers, T&T is here to help pioneer. In these sessions, kids can learn to cut, shape, and paint their own decks. It starts as play, but quickly becomes something deeper. By the end, we hope they’ve learned teamwork, problemsolving, and patience,” says T&T Fingerboard Decks. The workshops mix art, engineering, and fun, all while celebrating Slovenia’s long tradition of craftsmanship.
Collaboration keeps the scene thriving. In Ljubljana, Maribor, and Celje, local skaters, artists, and builders are teaming up to create events,
competitions, and projects. “It’s small, real,” says one artist Maribor. “Nobody’s for fame. Everyone’s helping each other something together.”
Social media has helped Slovenia’s reach a wider audience, it hasn’t replaced community’s heart. “Online helps us share our work,” says T&T team, “but the energy is still at the parks, in the workshops, and the events where people come together.” That focus on connection over scale defines Slovenia’s creative identity.
The country’s fingerboard scene continues to grow, driven by the same values that built it: craft, connection, and collaboration. More events are being organized, more workshops are reaching kids, and a new generation of makers is picking up the tools to continue the tradition. “If our story inspires even one person to start making something of their own,” says the T&T family, “then we’ve done what we set out to do.”
From the graffiti-covered parks of Ljubljana to the seaside ramps of Koper, Slovenia’s fingerboard movement is small, but it carries big meaning. It represents what makes Slovenia special, a community where people still create with their hands, share with their neighbors, and build from the heart.
Follow Slovenia’s makers and riders, including T&T Fingerboard Decks, on Instagram at @tt_decks or visit www.tt-decks.eu.
The Road to Nationals: How USAFBL Built the Future of Fingerboarding
By PLIES Magazine Staff
When Levine Cunningham first hit the road in 2021, he wasn’t chasing fame, trophies, or sponsors. He was chasing community. Traveling coast to coast, he saw fingerboarders gathering in garages, backyards, and parking lots. There were smiles, laughter, and shared passion, but one thing was missing: organization. “It was all good vibes,” Levine said, “but there was no structure to bring it all together. I wanted to change that.”
That desire sparked what would become the United States Fingerboarding League (USAFBL), a flagship movement designed to elevate fingerboarding from a casual pastime into a true competitive sport. Levine’s experience running large-scale comic cons gave him the blueprint to make it happen. In that first year, he held four events across the U.S., and what started as a personal mission quickly became a nationwide movement. “Watching people do what they love and feel seen, it’s addictive,” he said. “I knew I had found something bigger than myself.”
2022: The Breakout Year
he said. “Over a thousand small businesses popped up that year. You could feel it. Something was shifting.”
2023: The League Becomes Real
In 2023, USAFBL became more than a tour. It became an institution. The official leaderboard was launched, giving riders across the country a chance to compete, track scores, and build recognition.
That year’s tour included Chicago, Atlanta, Dracut (with Flatface and Mike Schneider), Minneapolis, Cleveland, Toronto, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Indianapolis. It was also the first time USAFBL partnered with Blackriver, the German pioneers of professional fingerboarding. Levine even imported over 10 pro-level parks for competition use.
But it wasn’t without challenges. “Travel costs were brutal,” Levine admits. “We had to cut some West Coast stops, but it only made us more focused on quality.” By the end of the year, USAFBL wasn’t just hosting events. It was setting the standard.
2024: A Year of Expansion and Support
By 2022, USAFBL exploded into motion. Levine hit the road for a 12-stop tour across Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Tustin, Atlanta, Montebello, Detroit, Dallas, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, and Indianapolis, spending his entire summer on the move. It was the biggest year in fingerboarding history.
He traveled with the first custombuilt competition park created by @ warehouseramps founder Dave Ware, designed to professional specs. Along the way, Levine worked directly with more than 800 fingerboarders, refining what competitive fingerboarding could look like while keeping its raw, community-driven soul intact.
“2022 was the year fingerboarding grew up,”
Instead of another road-heavy tour, Levine took a strategic step back in 2024. He launched USAFBL Sanctioned Events, empowering the community to host their own competitions under the league’s umbrella. “We took what we’d learned over three years and gave it back to the people,” he said.
The results were massive. More than 25 sanctioned events were held across the country, each featuring medals, USAFBL-branded prizes, and support packages loaded with Blackriver gear and contributions from hundreds of small brands.
From coast to coast, fingerboarders united under one banner. “It was about giving everyone a chance to feel part of something bigger,” Levine said. And even though he wasn’t traveling that year, he was far from idle. Behind the scenes, he was preparing for USAFBL’s next leap and the biggest tour fingerboarding had ever seen.
That same year, Levine also launched something the community had never had before: a print publication dedicated entirely to the culture, PLIES Magazine.
2025: The Year of the Nationals
By 2025, USAFBL had become a phenomenon. Over 50 sanctioned events were running, double the previous year, and the league introduced regional competitions leading up to the long-awaited National Championship in Indianapolis.
The Regional stops in Portland, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Atlanta became battlegrounds for the country’s best riders. From the 60 plus pros emerging out of sanctioned events, only 30 per region advanced to fight for titles in Combo of the Year, Line of the Year, and the crown jewel event, Battle of the Plies.
Each event felt bigger, sharper, and more professional than the last. Levine rented the largest venues possible, transforming fingerboarding from a niche pastime into an arena sport. “We wanted it to feel like the major leagues,” he said. “When riders walk into a USAFBL event, they should feel like pros.”
fans packed the venue, cheering through every round as some of the best in the world battled it out.
“It’s not about who wins,” Levine said. “It’s about what we built together. Every event, every brand, every rider, they all helped shape this moment.”
The Nationals marked a turning point. Fingerboarding had reached new heights. Structured, competitive, yet still filled with the same heart and creativity that started it all in garages and backyard sessions.
What’s Next for USAFBL
With the 2025 season now closed, the USAFBL is stronger than ever. Levine’s vision of a true, organized national fingerboarding league is no longer a dream. It’s a reality with international recognition.
As the community looks toward 2026, the focus shifts to the global stage. The champions crowned in Indianapolis will represent the United States at Fast Fingers 22, one of the most prestigious fingerboarding competitions in the world.
But what makes USAFBL different is what it gives back. Beyond trophies, competitors earned sponsorship visibility, opportunities for travel, and, for the first time ever, a pathway to international recognition including a chance to compete at Fast Fingers 22 at Blackriver Headquarters in Germany in 2026.
The National Championship: Indianapolis 2025
The National Championship held in Indianapolis was the culmination of over five years of planning, four years of road time, and more than 100,000 miles driven. From gas shortages to flat tires to late-night rebuilds of competition parks, Levine and his team have seen it all.
But when the lights went up and the crowd gathered in Indianapolis this fall, it all paid off. The event wasn’t just a competition. It was a celebration of everything fingerboarding had become. Hundreds of riders, vendors, and
For Levine and the USAFBL, though, this is still just the beginning. “We’ve come a long way from backyard sessions and DIY tables,” he said. “But no matter how big we get, the goal stays the same, keep the community first.”
The USAFBL National Championship wasn’t just an event. It was proof of what can happen when passion meets purpose. From 2021’s humble beginnings to 2025’s nationwide spectacle, the story of USAFBL mirrors the story of fingerboarding itself: grassroots, creative, and unstoppable.
To see the full list of competitors and winners from the 2025 National Championship, visit USAFBL.com or flip the page to meet the riders representing the USA at Fast Fingers 22 in 2026.
TECHNICAL PRECISION MEETS HISTORY - Fresh off the stage at the first-ever USAFBL Nationals, Chris Daniels (@cdplaya0) held more than just medals , he held history. Chris arrived in Indianapolis as the Western Regional Champion Taking home two medals, including National Championship for Best Trick Street (Combo of the Year Live), Chris’s weekend was a masterclass in control, creativity, and composure.
“Two medals today, and they’re heavy,” Chris laughed. “These are hefty medals.”
Chris’s winning trick left even veteran judges stunned , a switch heel flip frontside 5050 performed upside-down, one of the most complex tricks ever landed in competitive fingerboarding. “This isn’t just a two-piece,” Levine told him during the interview, “but I can count on one hand how many people in the world that can do that.”
Chris humbly credited preparation and community: “I’d been working on that trick for a while. It’s maybe a 50-percent success trick, so to land it when it mattered… that was everything.”
Winning earned him more than bragging rights , Chris will represent Team USAFBL at Fast Fingers 22 in Germany, all expenses paid. “That’s still setting in,” he said. “It’s wild. I have so many good friends over there, and I can’t wait to see them again.”
Between shoutouts to Blackriver, Berlinwood, Flatface, and to the CreteDoctor crew, Chris expressed gratitude for the scene: “For me, it’s about connecting with everybody , online and in person. I love events for that.”
When asked where people can find him, Chris kept it simple: Instagram: @cdplaya0 YouTube: CDPLAYA
STRATEGIC FLOW AND CALM UNDER PRESSURE Representing Pennsylvania, Tanner Hench (@thfingerboarding) arrived in Indianapolis as the Eastern Regional Champion , and left as the National Champion for Best Run Street (Line of the Year Live). His journey to Nationals started with an eight-hour drive from Carlisle, PA. “When I heard first place meant a trip to Germany, I had to make the drive,” he said with a grin. Tanner’s runs reflected experience, precision, and planning. “I’m very strategic,” he explained. “I plan a trick for each obstacle and stick to it. I’d rather land the trick I know than gamble on something riskier.”
By the finals, his confidence took over. “Halfway through, I realized , I’m not even nervous anymore. That’s never happened to me before.” His methodical approach paid off, earning him a ticket to Germany and a national title. “Fingerboarding’s bigger over there,” Tanner said. “Competition will be tough, but every time I come to one of these events, I unlock something new.”
Sponsors include Bullgod Fingerboards, Teak Tuning, and Rare Vybz apparel. Tanner also runs a production business, TH Media, shooting music videos and fingerboard edits. “My clips look crispy because I always have a camera in my hand,” he said, showing off his TH Media tattoo. Find him online: Instagram: @thfingerboarding / @th.media_
THE MIND BEHIND THE MAGIC If strategy won Tanner his title, creativity and psychology earned Mitchell Rushing (@mitch_rush.fb) his. Hailing from Marion, Illinois, Mitch claimed the Battle of the Plies Live (Game of SKATE) national title, securing his own ticket to Germany.
His path wasn’t easy , he competed in the Southern Regional in Atlanta, sweeping all three contests against local heavyweights. “I just went in with a ‘let’s have fun’ mindset,” Mitch said. “Every time I’m too strict with myself, it goes wrong. So this time, I kept it light , and it worked.”
At Nationals, he stumbled early in Best Trick but rallied strong in Game of SKATE. “Once that started, I wasn’t pulling punches. I went for tricks that I knew others might not be able to do.”
Mitchell’s analytical approach to fingerboarding comes from his love of sleight of hand magic. “If you mess up a magic trick, you ruin it for someone forever. Same with fingerboarding , you only get one chance to make it clean.”
His consistency and creativity paid off. Now, like Chris and Tanner, Mitch is heading to Germany with Team USAFBL. “I’ve only been to three states,” he said. “This is huge for me. It’s not just a competition , it’s a milestone.”
Sponsors: Faymus Decks, Fingerboard Connoisseur - Black Velvet Tape, Dirty Fingerboards, and Ill Pillz Wheels Find him on Instagram: @mitch_rush.fb
NOW, ALL THREE WILL REPRESENT TEAM USAFBL AT FAST FINGERS 22 , the world stage of fingerboarding , as the league’s first-ever national champions. “Win or lose, it’s all about the memories. We made history this weekend.” Levine said. From heavy medals to lifelong memories, Chris, Tanner, and Mitch proved that the next generation of American fingerboarding is built on creativity, camaraderie, and raw determination. They’re not just champions, they’re proof that FINGERBOARDING’S FUTURE IS BRIGHTER THAN EVER.
Diego “Esco” Green is the heartbeat of New York City’s fingerboarding scene. After a twelveyear break, his return has been loud, fast, and impossible to ignore. From TikTok edits and tutorials to live competitions, Esco has brought a fresh pulse back to the East Coast community.
What started as simple online content grew into FINGERAMA, an Instagram Live bracket tournament where sixteen of the country’s top fingerboarders battle for bragging rights and entertainment value. The format captures everything people love about the scene: skill, creativity, and community energy that never quits.
Rider O.T.M.
Esco also runs YerrrShop, his own brand built to deliver quality from experience. His flagship product, Yerrr Tape, has become a favorite for its easy application, instant feel, and longlasting foam. It’s the kind of detail only someone who truly understands fingerboarding could perfect.
With sponsors like Witch County Spellcasters, TommysTechShop, Delidecks, Dudeguy.Fb, and Ryse. Fb, Esco has earned his spot as a key player in the culture. Among his favorite memories are attending Fingerboard Con 1, meeting longtime online friends, and returning to California after twenty years to film the Bigspin Podcast and hang at Slushcult.
Esco isn’t chasing nostalgia. He’s building something new. Brooklyn raised him, the community fuels him, and his passion for fingerboarding keeps him pushing forward.
Instagram & TikTok: @Esco_Fb
YouTube: EscoFB
Brand: @YerrrShop.Fb
Curtis Mills – Savage Graphics FB Kingman, Arizona | Heart of Route 66
Curtis Mills is a father of three, a man of faith, and an artist dedicated to bringing creativity and community into the world of fingerboarding. From his home base in Kingman, Arizona, Curtis hand-paints every deck under his brand Savage Graphics FB and manages a team of talented riders who share his passion for the scene.
He launched Savage Graphics three years ago and quickly made his mark. Over that time, he’s collaborated with some of the most respected names in fingerboarding, including Obsius, Sadood, Big Dog FB, ŮrethWheels, and Peak Fingerboards, while proudly representing Obsius and Ledge Gloss Wax as a sponsored rider and creator.
Before building decks, Curtis was crafting obstacles and parks for friends who wanted setups that looked and felt real. A woodworker by trade, he also works with adults with special needs—a role that inspired him to build a park specifically for his members. That project became the spark that pushed him deeper into the craft, leading him to design increasingly realistic and detailed pieces.
His featured obstacle combines his love for mini ramps and technical trick setups, built around a precise 65-degree angle that flows perfectly from one end to the other. It’s a showcase of creativity, craftsmanship, and pure passion.
One of Curtis’s proudest memories came from hosting Flips on Route 66, an event he created alongside his brother, Ledge Gloss Wax. Bringing riders together from across the community reminded him why he started: for connection, creativity, and shared inspiration.
His most memorable build to date is a to-scale skate shop, more than 30 inches long and fully detailed like a real one, complete with Shred Light spotlights made in collaboration with Popstar.
Every three months, Curtis continues to host Flips on Route 66, keeping the community thriving. Looking ahead, he’s lined up several new collaborations this year and even more for next year with many of the brands riders already know and love.
Follow his work on Instagram: @savagegraphics_fb Facebook: Savage Graphics FB
COLD LINES, HOT DECKS: TODD BRATRUD
In Northern Minnesota, illustrator Todd Bratrud continues to blur the line between skateboarding, art, and fingerboarding culture. Known for his bold, screen-printable graphics and unapologetically raw style, Bratrud’s work has long been a cornerstone of skateboard art. “I got into making art because of skateboarding,” he says. “That’s been my inspiration since day one.”
Todd’s journey began early, sketching in his childhood and later sending artwork to a brand that sponsored his roommate. That move launched a lifelong career in illustration, defining a visual language that has graced countless decks, ads, and zines. His aesthetic, with thick outlines, punchy color, and classic print vibes, has evolved in detail over time but remains instantly recognizable.
Fingerboarding entered the picture almost by accident. While working with major skate brands, Todd began collecting fingerboards that featured his artwork. Eventually, he and his nephews, Weston and Knox, started making their own. “It’s funny how it came full circle,” Todd says. “I used to see my art on these tiny boards, and now I get to make them myself with my family.”
Among his favorite fingerboarding memories is designing a guest graphic for rider Jay Linehan, a project he calls both fun and meaningful. But it’s his travels that stand out as career highlights, journeys that have taken him “all around the world in the name of skateboard graphics.”
Today, Bratrud continues to work on new projects, balancing commercial art with personal expression. His creative feed stays active on Instagram, where he shares glimpses into his studio life and ongoing collaborations. For Todd, it always comes back to the same roots: art, skateboarding, and the culture that started it all.
Follow him on Instagram: @toddbratrud
Photo: Kyle Green
From the heart of Valencia, Spain, William Martínez of Caramel Fingerboards is a lifelong skater, fingerboarder, and creator whose work reflects pure precision and passion. A father, husband, and artist of design and engineering, William brings a craftsman’s touch to every detail he builds. When he is not designing new parts or filming clips, he is listening to music that fuels his focus, from punk rock to cumbia, or playing skate video games like Skater XL and THPS2, the digital roots that first sparked his love of movement.
William has been involved in skateboarding and fingerboarding for over twenty years and has spent the last five with his own brand, Caramel Fingerboards. As a naval engineer specializing in marine structures, he applies that same technical mindset to his designs. The brand would not exist without the constant support of his wife, Estefania, who helps manage daily operations and keeps the dream alive.
Caramel started in 2020, born from William’s decision to build something he truly loved. After years of waiting for
independent mini trucks that never arrived, he decided to make them himself. With limited savings and endless motivation, he began producing urethane wheels with custom bearings, which quickly gained attention. From there came the first Caramel Trucks, the 1.0s, leading to the current C4 generation, now known and respected worldwide.
Inspired by the clean style of Chocolate Skateboards, Caramel was designed to appeal to all riders. Today, the brand continues to grow, improving wheel shapes, machining precision, and truck performance with each release.
Although Caramel does not keep an official team, William regularly supports riders and events around the globe, forming what he calls a beautiful family of creators and enthusiasts.
His favorite memory so far is Dedo Picón 1, the first event held in Gran Canaria, which cemented Caramel’s place in the community.
Looking ahead, Caramel is releasing new Halloween trucks in classic colors plus purple, a new dual bearing wheel collaboration with Industry, and the brand’s first official Caramel decks. Future collaborations include partnerships with Ryse, Gibby, Malota, Flatface, Fingerrod, Galo, Code, and many more.
Instagram: @caramelfingerboards @caramel.fb
YouTube and TikTok: @caramelfingerboards
For Mike Morris, fingerboarding isn’t just a hobby; it’s a lifelong extension of the same creative spark that fueled his love for snowboarding, skateboarding, and photography growing up in Syracuse, New York. Now living in Brooklyn, Mike continues to channel that same drive into building, filming, and connecting with a community that has grown far beyond what he could have imagined as a kid.
“I started fingerboarding back in 2010 because I couldn’t convince my mom to drive me to the skatepark every day during winter,” Mike laughs. “It became this great alternative to skating for me and my friends.” What began as a substitute for snowed-in sessions quickly became a constant in his life. For over a decade, he fingerboarded purely for the love of it, staying offline and away from social media. “I didn’t even join Instagram until late 2022,” he says. “And since then, it’s been a wild ride. Now I’m sponsored, and younger me would be so hyped knowing that.”
Growing up, Mike was surrounded by DIY culture. Syracuse had its own local skate DIY built on a tennis court, an environment that taught him the power of community builds. “I was young when it started, but as I got older, I was able to help with some of the construction,” he recalls. That early experience carried over when he moved to New York City and discovered the DIY spot in Queens. “The park was already huge when I first saw it, but there was this one section that was empty,” he explains. “I had the idea to build up that area using cinderblocks and local materials. @sausage.ramps came in from Philly, and together we turned that section into a whole new plaza in one weekend.”
Sadly, the park was later vandalized and partially destroyed. “It was tough to see,” Mike admits. “We had just finished repairing cracks and ledges the day before.” But the setback only reinforced what the community stood for. “The rebuild happened because
REBUILDING AFTER THE WRECK: HOW MIKE MORRIS AND THE...
...NYC SCENE BROUGHT A PARK BACK TO LIFE IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
everyone came together,” he says. “People donated, showed up, and helped put it back piece by piece. Huge shoutout to everyone who made it happen. That’s what this scene is about.”
Mike’s most memorable moment in fingerboarding so far came after “Vous” in 2024, when he and friends got to session at Mike Schneider’s house. “It was surreal,” he says. “Getting to ride those personal parks with so many friends—it was one of those weekends you never forget.”
Looking ahead, Mike has several projects in motion. “I’ve got a collab with Zonawood dropping soon that includes a product and a full part, plus another full part with Teak. I’m also getting back into making concrete obstacles and working on a fingerboard photo book or zine that should release late this year or early next year.”
With two Instagram accounts, @msquared.fb and @msquared.diy, and a YouTube channel, msquaredfbs, Mike continues to build and document the scene from the inside out. His story is a perfect mix of creative energy, community dedication, and DIY spirit. In his words, “At the end of the day, it’s all about building something real and keeping the stoke alive.”
SPOT O.T.M.
In the quiet hours after work, when the house finally settles, you’ll find Mandeville Powell, known to many online as @hw_highrollin, deep in the world of Tiny Town. By day, he’s a data analyst and father of two. By night, he’s a craftsman, creator, and lifelong skater turning small-scale dreams into something big.
“I’ve been fingerboarding since 1999,” Mandeville says. “As a kid, I was completely consumed with skateboarding. When I wasn’t skating, I always had a Tech Deck in my hand.”
That obsession evolved into full-scale creativity about eight years ago, when he Tiny Town – Built by Hand, Powered by Heart Virginia Beach, VA
started building dioramas and obstacles for everything from RC cars to action figures. “It all just kind of merged together,” he says. “Fingerboarding became the centerpiece.”
In 2023, Mandeville and his family “broke ground” on what his wife jokingly calls Tiny Town. What started as a small fingerboard setup quickly turned into a sprawling, ever-changing miniature city. “We’ve expanded, remodeled, and rebuilt so many times,” he laughs. “It’s not just me though; my wife and friends give input, and my sons love decorating or, sometimes, destroying the town. It’s a real family project.”
Each corner of Tiny Town is a mix of DIY builds and unique pieces from community legends. “I love finding new ideas in ordinary stuff and repurposing it,” he says. “But you’ll also see
obstacles from builders I really admire, people like LBP, DuckfootFB, and Beefstix. They took me under their wing when I spent time out in NorCal. And Tanner, the beast from the East, he’s a huge inspiration too.”
His most memorable moment? “Definitely the last Vous/Con,” Mandeville recalls. “Seeing everyone I’d known online, sharing ideas, energy, and even a massive Doom Lagoon collection with Cody and Noah, it reminded me how great this community really is.” As for what’s next: “The plan is to always expand,” he says. “Keep building, keep dreaming.”
Go To THESE
Date NAME / EVENT LOCATION
11-01 The Jammiversary Salem, OR
11-01 Sketch Halloween Bash Layton, UT
11-08 Nash Bash Nashville, TN
11-08 Colt Fingerboard Event 9 Sarasota, FL
11-15 Gratitude Sesh Dallas, TX
12-20 Finger Frenzy 6 Battle Creek, MI
04-24-26 Fingerboard Con Boston, MA
04-25-26 Fingerboard Con Boston, MA
04-25-26 Rendezvous Andover, MA
04-26-26 Fingerboard Con Boston, MA
ToListenTHESE
Season 3 Episode 132 | Pipsqueak Wheels & the Chaos of Innovation
We welcome back Matt from Pipsqueak Wheels! We dive into his journey from Long Island skater to Michigan fingerboard innovator. We talk about how a DIY mindset led him to start making affordable wheels and decks, why he sells six wheels per set. Matt breaks down his constantly evolving formulas, F0, F1, F2, FTP 95, FTP 60, and even custom mixes that ride like no other. We get into what’s next for Pipsqueak, from 3D printing collabs to dual-durometer swirl wheels. This one’s all about creativity, chaos, and pushing fingerboarding gear to new levels.
Release Date: Sep 24, 2025
Season 3 Episode 133 | 3D Printing Fingerboard Props | Future Bound Prints
We welcome a very special guest, Ryan Steinwascher from Future Bound Prints and @GoofyDigits_FB! We dive into Ryan’s journey into 3D printing, from childhood diorama builds with his brother to creating fingerboard props that carry on his brother’s legacy. We talk about Michigan’s tight-knit scene, the crossover into RC cars, action figures, how painting and customizing props adds realism to his work. Ryan also drops exciting leaks about new modular products, his first event plans, and wholesale partnerships with Teak Tuning, Vault Pro, Skate Station, and LC Boards. This one’s packed with culture, innovation, and community love.
Release Date: Sep 24, 2025
Kayle
In this episode of The Bigspin Podcast, Jake, Christian, and I sit down for a live follow up to our individual episodes from over a year ago! Back then, you heard from us separately but now.. we’re catching up together! We talk about travel, my journey joining the Kalye team, plans for the future, and wrap it all up with a hilarious round of Smash, Marry, Kill between the three of us!
We dive into David Jones landing the Plies Mag Issue #11 cover. We talk about the Blackriver Chicago store closure and what it means for shops, brands, and the community, and we break down a sustainable shop model that actually works. We also get into Nationals weekend (Oct 10 - 12 in Indianapolis), trading cards for top competitors, and VIP plans for Fast Fingers 22 in 2026.
Release Date: Oct 1, 2025
The OG Fingers Interview
In this episode of The Bigspin Podcast, I’m joined by Mike or better known online as OG Fingers! A true OG in the fingerboard community, Mike has made a name for himself with his concrete and 3D printed obstacles. We dive into his early days watching some of today’s most influential fingerboard brands take shape, his process and insight into obstacle building, and what’s next for OG Fingers!
Release Date: Oct 3, 2025
Season 3 Episode 135 | Inside the Mind of a Fingerboard Architect | ABC Parks
We’re ‘live’ from the Detroit Regional stop with a special guest, Adrian, the creator behind @abcparks.fb! We talk about how he brought the massive ABC Park setup to the event, the creative process behind building custom fingerboard obstacles, and the balance between functional design and artistic expression. From letter-shaped ledges to full modular parks, he breaks down months of work, inspiration, and what’s next for ABC Parks. If you’ve ever seen the ABC setup at an event and wondered, “Who built that monster?” This is the story behind it.
Release Date: Oct 8, 2025
The Casper’s Concrete Interview
On this episode of The Bigspin Fingerboard Podcast, I sit down with Cam, the mind behind Casper’s Concrete. For nearly three years, Cam has been crafting some of the most high-quality and realistic fingerboard concrete obstacles out of Orange County, California. After quickly gaining popularity with just a few drops, Casper’s Concrete suddenly went silent.. leaving many to wonder if the brand was gone for good. Recently, Cam announced the long-awaited return of Casper’s Concrete, and we talk all about it! From the brand’s origins and creative process to his time away and what’s next.
Nova-Kane is a family man and former underground hip-hop artist who found a new creative outlet in fingerboarding. After about 2.5 years in the scene, he’s turned his passion into content, producing YouTube videos that guide beginners and intermediate riders while showing why he loves the sport.
As a reviewer, Nova brings an honest, down-toearth perspective, balancing his experience as a creator with his fresh enthusiasm for the culture. He currently rides for The Junk Pizza (junkpizza.com) and is active in the online fingerboarding community.
Follow Nova-Kane: Instagram: @kamakazi_kane
YouTube: Nova Kane
6oh5oh HDR-01 Rail from 6oh5oh - $26.00* (+Shipping)
Product number: N/A
Manufacturer: 6oh5oh Fingerboards
REVIEW
The HDR-01 immediately stood out when I unboxed it. The combo of a cabinet handle and 3D printed base was something new to me, clean, balanced, and solid. The swappable faceplates were a great surprise, offering customization most rails don’t have. It feels personal, like a piece you can truly make your own.
Going from my last review of a recycled plastic bench to a 3D printed obstacle felt natural. The handle has real heft, giving the setup a stable feel. Grinds are smooth and crisp, that perfect metal scrape that keeps you coming back.
I mostly ride it indoors at my desk, but I’ve seen people bring theirs to events and it performs perfectly. Best tricks? Board slides and feebles for sure. It has a rare balance of stability and responsiveness that keeps sessions fun.
Compared to others, the HDR-01 stands out as one of the most creative builds around. Turning a door handle into a pro-level rail sounds odd, but the execution is flawless. The 3D printed parts tie it all together. The non-slip pads work well, though I’d add a little sticky tack on smoother surfaces for extra hold.
At $16 without the rail or $26 with, it’s a great deal. You’re getting something custom, clever, and built to last. I’d recommend it to anyone—beginner, collector, or park builder— but it especially shines as a desk piece for daily sessions.
Meeting Mark in person added a personal touch. You can tell he’s passionate about the craft and the community. The HDR-01 has become one of my go-to spots for quick sessions, and the more I use it, the more I appreciate its design. Mark’s creativity keeps me looking forward to what 6oh5oh builds next. A full 6oh5oh park someday? Count me in.
Turntables & Toy Tricks: SHUCKY’S Underground Flow
For Austin Atkinson, better known as Shucky, life has always been about rhythm. Whether it is behind the decks, in the flow of a Kendama trick, or the spontaneous energy of a Midwest jam session, Shucky keeps things moving. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, he is a DJ, community builder, and one of the cofounders of the Indiana Lacers, a Kendama collective dedicated to skill, connection, and creative play. His world revolves around movement, music, flow toys, and the friendships that form when people chase the same spark.
Shucky first stepped behind the turntables in 2014, taking control of backyard bonfire soundtracks and house parties before landing his first gigs in local clubs and venues. What began as small gettogethers quickly evolved into a passion that led him to perform across Indiana, including shows at Indiana University in Bloomington. For six years he kept the crowds moving until the pandemic silenced stages everywhere. When live events shut down, Shucky nearly hung up his headphones for good.
That downtime sparked a new direction. Alongside a few friends, he discovered Kendama, a traditional Japanese skill toy that became a cultural movement of its own. Together they built the Indiana Lacers, giving the state its own heartbeat in the growing U.S. Kendama scene.
In 2023 he was invited to DJ a Kendama competition in Chicago, and that moment reignited everything. The decks, the people, the energy, it all came back. Since then, Shucky has gone on to perform at major Kendama events across the Midwest, including the North American Kendama Open, where he handled the freestyle finals in 2025.
Recently a friend introduced him to fingerboarding, and once again he found that same sense of community and shared passion. Whether it is Kendama, yoyo, or fingerboards, Shucky’s goal remains the same: to bring the vibe wherever the flow takes him.
Instagram: @shuckydern
Collective: @indiana_lacers
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