Highwater
Massachusetts Board Company
November 2022
Can you tell us something about Boston no one knows?
‘Happy Hour’ drinks are against the law.
What triggered to come up with your own board company?
Pursuing a creative outlet in an industry I’m passionate about.
Tell us something about yourself.
I was born in the United States but grew up in New Zealand.
Is there anything you are doing differently compared to other local/national board companies?
We pride ourselves on attention to detail in our graphics. Being able to work with a professional illustrator has allowed us to develop incredible concepts that have meaning.
Where do you produce those boards?
South Central Skateboards, Alabama USA.
Which local/nationa /international board company inspires you at the moment and why?
Passport Skateboards, the art and accompany apparel always comes correct. Plus, I’m bias to companies coming out of that part of the world.
What are your plans Highwater?
Continue to navigate these unprecedented times to produce next year’s collections. Work with print magazines and put out another team video.
‘We are fortunate to have a thriving scene with amazing spots (if you are willing to put in the work to find them and make skateable)’.
Ryan Hall
Founder & Co-Owner
I noticed a Highwater ad in Thrasher. What has changed since you guysplaced that ad? Has it met your expectations?
We had some buzz around the ad. We also did a sticker which was pretty cool. We are supposed to do more but need to save up some more before we commit. Our hope is to release our next video offering on their site to get decent exposure. That’s always been tough for us to get a good amount of eyes on our content.
If you could sign up one skater, who would it be and why?
I’m still trying to make the team……but if I don’t make the cut we’ll Alexis Sablone because she’s the GOAT!
How would you describe the Boston skateboard scene and its community?
Variety and Uniqueness. We are fortunate to have a thriving scene with amazing spots (if you are willing to put in the work to find them and make skateable). There’s a long legacy of past and upcoming talent and the community is super supportive of the local guys trying to make it.
How is the local skateboard community seen from someone in California?
Cold and Crusty.
How is the local skateboard community seen from someone in New York?
Our artist (Dylan Goldberger) is out of Brooklyn so we’ve see a good response from that community.
‘The modernization of the city is destroying some iconic spots.’
What are the skaters in Boston most proud of?
PJ Ladd.
Who are some of the talented skaters in Boston that are making a name for themselves?
Brian Reid…I’d love to see him go pro for sure. Great dude!
What are some of the underground heroes?
Our entire team.
What are the most popular skatespots in Boston?
Lynch Skatepark, I can’t disclose DIY secrets and Copley Fountain (when its drained).
‘We had some buzz around the ad.’
What are some of the challenges skateboarding in Boston faces today?
Skateboarding is pretty accepted, but we have to deal with getting kicked out and skate stoppers just like everyone else. The modernization of the city is destroying some iconic spots.
What are some of the challenges people in general face in Boston today?
If none of their sports teams win a championship there’s probably going to be a riot.
Last question. If you could interview a person, who would it be and why?
Phelper (RIP) for an honest assessment on the state of skateboarding.
‘We pride ourselves on attention to detail in our graphics.’
