Sector 9 skateboards

Sector 9 is a pioneering American skateboard brand that played a crucial role in the resurgence and popularization of longboarding during the 1990s. Founded in 1993 in a backyard in La Jolla, San Diego, by friends Steve Lake, Dave Klimkiewicz, Dennis Telfer, and Tal O'Farrell, the brand was built on the fusion of surf and skate cultures. The founders sought to replicate the fluid feeling of riding waves on the pavement, leading to the creation of high-quality cruisers and longboards that appealed to both hardcore downhill skaters and casual commuters.

Over the decades, Sector 9 underwent several major ownership changes. In 2008, it was acquired by the Australian surf giant Billabong International. In 2016, as part of Billabong's debt restructuring, the brand was sold to Bravo Sports Corp., a portfolio company of Transom Capital Group. However, in a significant turnaround in early 2024, the original founders reacquired the brand under their new parent company, Back Nine Industries. This move was celebrated by the action sports community as a return to the brand's 'groovy' and independent roots.

Manufacturing for Sector 9 has historically centerd on their facility in San Diego, California, where many of their signature wood and bamboo decks are handcrafted. While specific components like trucks (Gullwing) and high-performance wheels may involve global supply chains, the brand is widely recognized for its commitment to American manufacturing and local craftsmanship.