Not everyone is lucky enough to live near the ocean. In the late 1940s, an LA surf shop sold skateboards as a way for surfers to hang-ten while waves were scarce. Since, skateboarding has become an iconic, countercultural mode of transportation and urban exploration.
Toledo’s half-pipe history
As skateboarding culture rolled across the country, cities began to incorporate designated areas where enthusiasts could enjoy their sport. With mass production in the mid 1960s, Toledo became home to the nation’s first indoor boarding ground; Soaring High Skateboard Park opened in 1978 on Airport Highway, helping to make the surf-inspired sport popular in a town without waves.
And, where skateboarders gather, skate shops will follow.
Fast-forward a few decades and meet Scott Tutak, owner of the boutique shop, Just Skateboarding, which recently moved into Cricket West. Selling skateboarding equipment, for skateboarders, by skateboarders, the store serves as a hub for regional boarders.
Community-wheeled inspiration
Born and raised in Toledo, Tutak, now 43, began skating in 1988. After dedicating nearly seven years as an employee at other specialty stores, Tutak was ready to roll on his own wheels. In 1996 Tutak opened Just Skateboarding at the former Great Eastern Shopping Center in Northwood. “Skateboarding was a specialized thing back then— you had to seek it out. The internet or mail order didn’t exist, so competition wasn’t an issue,” he said, reminiscing.
After 20 years in business, and now at its third location, the independently owned skateboarding shop offers customers a variety of boarding options, “You pick a board, your set of wheels, your color and width… then we assemble,” Tutak explains.
Maintaining low prices and offering an independent outlet for specialized skateboarding equipment, Tutak notes, “It comes down to the dedication to skateboarding— I don’t do the shop for the money. [Into the future], I envision [the store] being here and supporting the local skateboarding community.”
Justskateboarding on Instagram
Noon-7pm | Monday-Saturday
Just Skateboarding | 3135 W. Central Ave.
419-534-3433 | justskateboarding.com
