Build Your Own Custom Skateboard in Frenchtown, NJ
Join our hands-on workshop where creativity meets craftsmanship. In just four hours, you'll go from raw materials to rolling away with your very own pro-quality skateboard—built by you, designed by you.
Book a class
Ready to build your board? Workshops are hosted at our studio in Frenchtown, New Jersey.
What You’ll Do
Glue and press a skateboard deck
Cut and shape your board
Apply grip tape
Design and add your own artwork or graphics
Install trucks, wheels, and bearings
Eat food and skate
What You’ll Learn
The history of skateboarding
How skateboards are made
Safe operation of basic woodworking and power tools (bandsaws, sanders, etc)
A basic introduction to digital fabrication tools (laser cutters, CNC machines, etc)
How to have fun in the process - even when things get challenging
A Word from Tony Hawk
“I never got to build my own skateboard when I was a kid.”
Skate legend Tony Hawk gave a shoutout to the Blank to Board workshop. Hear why he supports what we’re doing.
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John Kuiphoff
OWNER
I’ve been a college professor at TCNJ and NYU for twenty years. I love to make things using digital fabrication tools and other artistic mediums.
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Kelsey Daly
CO-INSTRUCTOR
Kelsey is an avid skateboarder and a brilliant designer capable of building almost anything.
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Griffin Petry
CO-INSTRUCTOR
Griffin works as a student tech at The College of New Jersey and can make laser cutters, CNC machines, and 3D printers sing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this workshop for?
The workshop is open to anyone ages 12 and up—kids, teens, and adults. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or have never touched a board, you’ll learn something new and walk away with a board you built yourself.
Do I need any building experience?
No previous building experience is required. We'll guide you through each step—from gluing up the deck, shaping your board, applying grip tape and installing trucks. It’s creative, beginner-friendly, and super fun.
How long is the class?
The workshop lasts about 4 hours. We take a couple of short breaks along the way with food and drinks provided.
How much does it cost?
The workshop costs $350 per board. To be transparent, the cost breakdown is as follows:
$150: Materials (wood, glue, grip tape, trucks, artwork, and finish)
$100: Tuition
$50: A co-instructor to keep things moving safely and efficiently
$40: Shop overhead (equipment, rent, utilities, website, credit card fees, insurance, etc)
$10: Food and drinks
Can parents stay and watch?
Absolutely! Parents are welcome to hang out during the workshop and help out. It’s fun to watch (or help make) the boards come to life.
Do you offer group or private bookings?
Yes, we can host private events for birthdays, home school groups, or team-building. Or maybe you want to book an adult couple’s night out (BYOB)! Just contact us and let us know what you’re planning.
Ahh! Scary power tools!
We do everything possible to ensure a safe working environment for all students. We usually also have a co-instructor on staff to ensure that students use the tools in the safest way possible. Students practice cutting scrap wood and learning how to use each tool safely before digging into their skateboard blank. With that said, splinters and scrapes sometimes happen (we’ve got thousands of band-aids) - although I feel that building a skateboard is a lot safer than actually riding one! We kindly ask that all participants fill out a safety waiver upon arrival.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that life happens - kids get sick, the darn in-laws are swing by your home unexpectedly, and so on. If you need to cancel or reschedule, that’s totally fine.
Where is the workshop located?
712 Pittstown Road, Unit 2, Frenchtown, NJ 08825
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Still have questions about the workshop, the booking process, or what to expect? Feel free to send us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Book a class
Ready to build your board? Workshops are hosted at our studio in Frenchtown, New Jersey.