Conversations with ... Daniel Scheidle of Haggard Longboards
| Friday, Mar 19 2010 03:40 PM
Last Updated Friday, Mar 19 2010 03:40 PM
On the Web
haggardlongboards.com
Surf's up on some of Bakersfield's coolest thoroughfares, in parking garages and anywhere else a skateboarder can use his imagination.
That pavement is increasingly the domain of thrill-seekers on oversized skateboards -- known as longboards -- and Bakersfield has its own manufacturer, Haggard Longboards, named after one of the city's most famous sons, Merle Haggard.
Daniel Scheidle and a crew of friends own and operate the business, producing custom longboards for those who want a little bit more out of their fun on the street.
Scheidle, 23, gave us the rundown on Haggard Longboards and what the sport is all about.
What is a longboard? How are they different from regular skateboards, and who uses them?
A longboard is easily described as being a long skateboard. It usually has different trucks and bigger wheels. They are meant for cruising and bombing hills. Haggard boards are all custom shapes and sizes with personal custom designs. We like to offer a personal custom board. All ages can ride longboards! It's a great way of transportation and can be an intense sport!
What motivated you to start the business? When did you start it?
My older brother, Jeremy, owns his own successful business. He's encouraged me and taught me a lot about business. Also my younger brother, Richard, made a longboard with the help of a dorm buddy. When I saw his board he made, I thought I could make them better. The summer of 2008 is when I started Haggard Longboards. I made a few for some buddies and then it slowly turned more serious when we got a cover story in the local magazine Bakotopia. Our next big break was when an editor/publisher of the nationwide skateboarding publication, Concrete Wave, called me and invited me to a huge longboard/skateboard show in San Diego. He also wanted to put Haggard Longboards in his magazine. I am very proud and happy with the success of it all. So check us out in an upcoming issue of Concrete Wave magazine!
Did you have to get permission to use Haggard's name?
Ha ha, we get that a lot. The answer is no. We got the name from a word we would always say as kids and still do to this day, "haggard." If something is crazy or off, we'd say, "Dude, that's haggard!" -- Patrick McMahon. I do have to say I love Merle Haggard's music though!
What do you think he'd say if he heard about your business?
I think Merle would say Haggard Longboards is a unique thing that is associated with his name. I think he would like the idea of his name on our boards. He seems like a nice guy. I'm not worried about it!
How do you think he'd look on one of your boards?
I think he would look amazing on a classic Haggard Longboard! Merle, if you're reading this, I would love to make you a custom longboard!
What's your ultimate dream in life?
To one day open up a Haggard Longboards skate shop somewhere along the California coast. To top it off, have my original crew still a part of Haggard Longboards.
Who are your partners? What is each guy's job?
Richard Scheidle, a promoter in S.L.O./builder; Mike Shafe, woodburn artist/builder; Patrick McMahon -- public relations/builder; Sean Corson, builder; Jared Bradford, builder/Internet sales; and artists Buster and Monica Duran.
I do a little of everything. From promoting to the building of our boards. It's what I love to do! I also have many close friends and family promoting the name Haggard and helping out Haggard Longboards. Special thanks to Nick, Dave, Tim, and Matt Munoz from Bakotopia Radio.
What's your favorite snack food?
Honey BBQ chips. Frito-Lay. Bet you can't eat just one bag!
If you have/had a motto, what would it be?
Haggard Longboards: "That's how I roll," or "let's roll with the Hagg."
What are your hobbies and interests?
Camping and fishing is a great getaway for me. Obviously longboarding and skateboarding. Beer pong with the crew and best friends. My dog, Phoods -- the grumpiest dog ever! My 1966 Buick Skylark. I also enjoy cooking/barbecuing.
How long have you been a rider, and how many times have you broken bones?
I've been skateboarding on and off since I was around 5 years old. Knock on wood, I've never broken any bones! My brother Richard, who is on the Haggard crew, received a minor concussion from hitting the side of a gardening truck at the country club run. That's the worst for the crew.
How do you think people perceive skateboarders in general?
Some people look down on it. But there are supporters out there donating money for skate parks all over California. This is great, but has its downfalls with strict rules. Longboarders aren't so lucky. We choose public streets with smooth, quick runs (including gardening trucks). If you can sneak into parking garages, that works great as well!
Are there enough places for longboarders to have fun in Bakersfield? What's the coolest place to ride?
Parking garages are nice downtown. I personally love the Bakersfield Country Club run on the east side. The crazy ones go down the Panorama Bluffs run.
If you could skate anywhere in the world, where would you go?
The White House! I would love to carve the driveways!
What are some other good longboard destinations?
San Francisco hills are cool. Anywhere along the beach is also a nice ride.
Do the police hassle skateboarders in general?
Ha ha. Yeah, most of the time for sure. Trying to skate in public is tough to do without getting a ticket. As the skate parks go, all pads are required and frequently checked by the police.
What do you think of all the videos out there of skateboarders getting hurt?
It's just a part of the sport. Landing a new trick you've been working on and finally landing it gives you the greatest feeling. Skateboarding videos just encourage us skaters to attempt new crazy tricks.
Educate our readers on some longboard terminology.
Let's see ...
* "Bomb hills" -- longboarding hills. "Let's go bomb those hills at the country club!"
* "Drilled it" -- landed a trick or had a nice longboard run. (After landing a trick or doing something cool). "Dude, you drilled that huge set of stairs."
* The "Swiss Bobsled" -- two riders on a board (usually lying down) going down hills. It's tough but for the chosen few! "I loved bobsledding that hill last night!"
* "Carve" -- cut back and forth riding a board. "Let's go carve some hills!"
