The raw, innovative, and visually arresting power of Santa Cruz Skateboards is a definitive mark in the culture. For over five decades, the iconic red dot and the visceral "Screaming Hand" have served as more than just logos; they are cultural signposts, symbols of a rebellious spirit that turned empty swimming pools and asphalt into a global phenomenon. As the world's oldest continuous skateboard company, Santa Cruz didn't just witness the evolution of skateboarding—it was the architect of its most pivotal moments.

Now, a rare opportunity emerges to own a piece of this foundational legacy. Julien’s “SKATE CULTURE: VINTAGE GRAILS OF THE 70’s & 80’s - No Reserve Auction” auction taking place September 24th at 10:00 AM PT online and LIVE from Julien's Studios in Los Angeles is a veritable time capsule, presenting a collection of artifacts that tell the story of a brand that defined an era.

From Surf Shop to Skateboarding Revolution

The Santa Cruz story begins not with a kickflip, but with the gentle lapping of waves. In 1973, surfers Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman, operating as NHS, Inc., were making surfboards. A serendipitous request for 500 skateboards from a friend in Hawaii changed their trajectory forever. Using surplus fiberglass, they created their first decks, unknowingly laying the cornerstone for a future empire.

This early era of innovation is captured in the auction with items like the vintage Santa Cruz Jammer Skateboard. Outfitted with Independent trucks and iconic Road Rider wheels, this board is a direct link to one of the company's first game-changing contributions. Before Santa Cruz, wheels used loose, rattling ball bearings. The introduction of precision bearings in Road Rider wheels created a faster, smoother, and more reliable ride that fundamentally altered what was possible on a board.

The Art of Rebellion: Jim Phillips and a New Visual Language

As skateboarding found its footing, Santa Cruz defined its soul through art. The hiring of artist Jim Phillips in the mid-70s was a masterstroke. His bold, kinetic, and often grotesque style gave the brand a visual language that screamed rebellion and resonated perfectly with the burgeoning youth culture. He created the timeless "Red Dot" logo, but it was his 1985 design for the "Speed Wheels" line that would become legendary: the Screaming Hand. This dismembered, shrieking blue hand became one of the most enduring icons in action sports, a symbol of the raw energy and occasional agony of skateboarding. The auction features a remarkable Vintage Screaming Hand "Speed Wheels" Promo Poster, a direct artifact from the launch of this iconic graphic, alongside a collection of vintage "Speed Wheels" T-Shirts and a Sweatshirt, essential wear for any true devotee of the era.

The Pantheon of Pros: Decks that Defined Legends

The 1980s were the golden age of vert skating, and Santa Cruz assembled a team of gods. Their pro models became extensions of their personalities, with graphics that were as legendary as the tricks they landed. The auction offers a stunning lineup of these sacred grails:

Rob Roskopp's "Target" Series: Few graphic series are as instantly recognizable. The auction features both the "Target 2" and "Target 3" completes, showcasing the evolution of one of skateboarding's most famous designs.

Steve Alba's (Salba) "Witch Doctor": Salba was a pioneer of pool skating, known for his aggressive style. His "Witch Doctor" Skateboard and vintage "Salba Tiger" T-Shirt are pure, uncut 80s aggression and style.

Jason Jessee's "Neptune" and "Sun God": Jessee's larger-than-life persona was perfectly captured in his pro graphics. Both the "Neptune" and "Sun God" boards are highly sought-after classics.

Jeff Kendall's "Wolf" and "Graffiti": Kendall's powerful skating was matched by his popular graphics. The "Wolf" and "Graffiti" decks represent the pinnacle of late-80s skate art.

Claus Grabke's "Exploding Clock" and "Holding Back the Hands of Time": The German pro's graphics were artistically conceptual, and the auction includes a stunning new-old-stock (NOS) "Holding Back the Hands of Time" deck, still in its original shrink wrap—a true collector's dream.

John Lucero's "Street Thing": As street skating began to emerge, Lucero was at the forefront. His "Street Thing" board and the accompanying vintage T-Shirt mark this pivotal shift in the culture.

The collection is rounded out by decks and apparel from legends like Keith Meek ("Slasher" T-Shirt), Tom Knox ("Warlock" T-Shirt), Sergie Ventura ("Trident" NOS Deck), and Hugh 'Bod' Boyle ("Sick Cat" Skateboard). Each piece is a tangible link to a skater who pushed the boundaries of the sport, all under the Santa Cruz banner.

“SKATE CULTURE: VINTAGE GRAILS OF THE 70’s & 80’s - No Reserve Auction” is more than a sale of old skateboards, but a celebration of the artistry, innovation, and defiant spirit of Santa Cruz.

From the wheels that changed the ride to the graphics that defined a generation, these are the relics that shaped skate culture. For enthusiasts and collectors, this is a rare chance to not just own a piece of history, but to hold the very soul of skateboarding in their hands.