James Craig Skateboarder: From Pro Rider To Industry Influence

Prof. Casper Runte

28 Jul, 2025

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Have you ever wondered about the people who truly shaped skateboarding, not just with their tricks but with their lasting presence? James Craig, a name many folks in the skate world know well, is certainly one of those individuals. He's been a part of the scene for a good long while, making his mark as a talented rider and then moving into a different, yet very important, role behind the scenes. It's really interesting, you know, how some people just stick with what they love, adapting and finding new ways to contribute.

His journey, you see, goes way back to his early days growing up in Orange County, California. That's where a lot of skateboarding history, in a way, got its start. From those first pushes on a board to becoming a recognized pro, James Craig has seen a whole lot of changes in the sport. He's been through the highs of getting sponsored and the tough times, like dealing with injuries, too.

This article is going to take a closer look at the story of James Craig skateboarder, exploring his path from a young kid with a board to someone who helps guide the industry. We'll chat about his time with big-name companies, his unique way of doing tricks, and what he's up to these days. It's pretty cool, actually, to think about how much one person can contribute over the years.

Who is James Craig? A Brief Look
Early Days and Rising Through the Ranks
Making His Mark: Sponsors and Signature Style
The Blind Skateboards Era
Mastering the Board: Tricks and Techniques
Beyond the Board: Career Transition and Industry Role
Still Rolling: James Craig Today
Frequently Asked Questions

Who is James Craig? A Brief Look

James Craig is, simply put, a notable figure in the world of skateboarding. He's known for his time as a professional skateboarder, a period where he gained a lot of recognition for his skills on the board. He also made a significant shift in his career, moving from being a rider to taking on a role within the skateboarding industry itself. It's kind of neat, actually, how he stayed connected to the sport he loves, just in a different capacity.

His journey shows a real dedication to skateboarding, a commitment that has lasted for many, many years. From his early days hitting the pavement to his current involvement, James Craig has been a constant presence. He's one of those folks who, in some respects, has seen it all when it comes to the evolution of skate culture.

Personal Details & Bio Data

Full Name	James Craig
Known For	Professional Skateboarder, Industry Figure
Hometown	Orange County, California
Key Affiliations	Blind Skateboards, Liberty Boardshop, Dwindle Distribution
Career Transition	From Pro Skater to Industry Role (as of May 2011)
Recent Activity	Still skating regularly in late 2022

Early Days and Rising Through the Ranks

James Craig's story, you know, begins in Orange County, California. This area, as a matter of fact, has always been a hotbed for skateboarding talent, and James was clearly a part of that vibrant scene from a young age. He spent his formative years honing his craft, practicing tricks, and just generally living the skate life. It's pretty common, actually, for future pros to start out just like that, hitting the local spots.

A significant step for him was getting sponsored by Liberty Boardshop. This was, in a way, a big deal for any young rider looking to make a name for themselves. Getting support from a local shop like that means someone sees real promise in what you're doing. He even talked about how he used to beat his older brother in contests, which, you know, shows a competitive spirit and a knack for winning even back then.

His early career saw him pick up sponsorships with companies like Grindking, too. These steps were all part of his rise, showing that he was quickly becoming a recognized name among the skateboarding community. It's a pretty natural progression for someone with his talent, really.

Making His Mark: Sponsors and Signature Style

As James Craig's presence in skateboarding grew, so did his list of impressive sponsors. Beyond Liberty Boardshop and Grindking, he also spent time skating for Society. These affiliations, you see, were a clear sign that he was making a significant impact on the sport. Each new sponsor, in some respects, validated his skill and his growing influence within the skate world.

He eventually joined the team at Blind Skateboards, which was a pretty big moment in his career. Blind, as a matter of fact, was one of the largest skateboard brands during the early 1990s. They were known not just for their boards but also for their jean products, which really helped them stand out. It was a time when Blind was truly at the top of its game, and James Craig was right there in the thick of it.

His time with Blind was so impactful that he even had a personalized song in one of their videos, which is a pretty unique honor. This just goes to show, you know, how much of a standout rider he was. He also rode for Venture Trucks, Small Wheels, and Upful Hardware, rounding out his setup with some of the best gear available. Later on, he left DVS for another opportunity, and he even joined the team covering his head with Cappeline hats and caps, too. It's clear he was a sought-after talent.

The period James Craig spent with Blind Skateboards was, arguably, one of the most memorable parts of his professional career. Blind was, quite simply, a powerhouse in the early 90s skateboarding scene. Their videos, like the follow-up to "What If?", were highly anticipated events that showcased the entire team. This particular Blind video, for instance, featured ten riders and included footage gathered from all sorts of places around the world.

Being a part of Blind during that time meant you were at the forefront of skateboarding culture. James Craig's contributions were clearly valued, as evidenced by that personalized song in their video. It's not every day a skater gets that kind of special recognition. The brand's reach was huge, influencing not just what people rode but also what they wore, given their success with jean products.

You can even find products from that time that carry his name, like the Blind James Craig Eternal Life Black/White 7.8 skateboard. This board, which was offered at a certain price, is a tangible piece of his legacy from that era. It just goes to show, you know, the kind of lasting impression he made during his time with Blind. He was a central figure in a very exciting period for the brand.

Mastering the Board: Tricks and Techniques

James Craig wasn't just a sponsored rider; he was a skilled technician on the board, too. He even shared some insights into how he approaches specific tricks, like the switch hardflip. He explains that, basically, you need to first get a good handle on regular hardflips. Then, you just need to feel comfortable riding switch, which means riding with your non-dominant foot forward. It sounds simple, but it takes a lot of practice, as you know.

He also points out that every person has their own unique way of doing tricks. What works for one person might not work for another, and that's totally fine. It's a very personal thing, skateboarding, and finding your own method is a big part of it. He's been around the block a few times, as they say, so he understands the nuances of developing your own style.

James Craig has seen it all, from being a "red hot" rider ready to "blow up the spot" to becoming a "seasoned vet" who might, in a way, offer advice to younger skaters on how to pop their hardflips just right. This perspective, you know, comes from years of hands-on experience and countless hours spent on the board. He truly knows the ins and outs of what it takes to perform at a high level.

Beyond the Board: Career Transition and Industry Role

In May 2011, James Craig made a significant change in his professional life: he started making the transition from being a pro skateboarder to becoming an "industry guy." This is a path many seasoned pros eventually take, moving from riding to helping shape the business side of skateboarding. It's a natural evolution, really, for someone with so much experience and knowledge.

One of his key roles after this transition was becoming a team manager for Dwindle Distribution. This position, you know, involves a lot of behind-the-scenes work, supporting riders, managing logistics, and generally helping the brands under Dwindle thrive. It's a very different kind of challenge compared to landing a difficult trick, but just as important for the sport.

His experience as a pro rider gave him, in some respects, a unique perspective for this new role. For instance, he wrote a reflective piece for Skateboarder magazine's April/May 2013 issue, remembering Marnell. In that article, he talked about Marnell's skateboarding, saying his presence was undeniable and his skateboarding was a thing of its own. This shows his deep connection to the culture and his ability to contribute even when not actively competing. He also served as a commentator alongside Evan Schiefelbine for a competition at the 'Trilogy' garage in Fullerton, which is pretty cool.

Still Rolling: James Craig Today

Even after transitioning to an industry role, James Craig skateboarder hasn't, you know, completely stepped away from riding. As a matter of fact, recent information shows he's still very much connected to the act of skateboarding itself. In late 2022, he was out skating with Evan Schiefelbine, hitting the same spot they'd visited almost every week for the past two years. It's clear that the love for simply riding a board remains strong.

He looks forward to these sessions every week, even if he says, "It ain’t much." This simple statement speaks volumes about his enduring passion for skateboarding. It's about the pure enjoyment of it, the camaraderie, and, you know, the routine of getting out there. After their sessions, they even enjoy beers and barbecue, which sounds like a pretty great way to wind down.

You can find videos and photos of James Craig from various points in time, showing his continued presence. There are archives of his footage, like "archive | 026 • james craig," featuring him on a VX1000, which was a popular camera for skate videos in the 2000s. There are also photos from May 2013, March 2016, and other years, showing that he has remained a visible figure in the skate community. He's a veteran, basically, who continues to embrace the skate life, which is really inspiring. You can learn more about skateboarding history on our site, and for even more stories like James's, you might like your visit to this page, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What companies did James Craig skate for?

James Craig rode for several well-known skateboarding companies during his career. He was sponsored by Liberty Boardshop early on, and then he also joined Grindking. Later, he spent time with Society and, perhaps most notably, became a key rider for Blind Skateboards. He also had affiliations with Venture Trucks, Small Wheels, and Upful Hardware, and was even added to the team for Cappeline hats and caps. He left DVS at one point, too.

What is James Craig doing now?

James Craig has transitioned from being a full-time professional skateboarder to a role within the industry. As of May 2011, he began working as an "industry guy," and he became a team manager for Dwindle Distribution. He is still actively involved in skateboarding, too, as evidenced by his regular skate sessions with friends in late 2022. He's very much connected to the skate scene, just in a different capacity.

Did James Craig have a part in a Blind video?

Yes, James Craig was featured in Blind videos. The text mentions that "the Blind video showcases the Blind skateboard team, featuring ten riders and includes footage from around the world." It also notes that he had a personalized song included in a Blind video, which is a pretty special recognition. This highlights his significant role during his time with the company.