Bummer of a press release from our friends in the PNW today:

Unheard Distribution announces that Lifeblood Skateboards has regrettably made the decision to shut down its current business. Bryce Kanights, Lifeblood Skateboards‘ co-founder and industry veteran cites the proliferation of skateboard brands over the past few years has made it very difficult to carry on business and effectively support the brand’s team of riders with marketing, team trips, video projects and related initiatives. The current marketplace is oversaturated with small brands and shop boards; this makes it tough to gain a foothold, grow, and carry on with a legitimate team of riders.

Bryce said, “Without any doubt our powerful team of riders have made a significant mark on skateboarding all over the world in the streets, backyards and diy skate zones and through our videos over the past seven years; they’ve contributed to push its progression and live and breathe skateboarding. It’s been my pleasure to guide and assist the careers of Kevin Kowalski and Cody Lockwood and the balance of Lifeblood’s team riders. I would like to thank all of our distributors, skate shops, contributing artists, the skateboarding media and friends and loyal fans for their support. Lifeblood Skateboards represents skateboarding at its core as a lifelong commitment and it will continue to drive us forward.”

“As a small distributor, Unheard could not keep up with the growth of Lifeblood and help it get to the next level. Lifeblood grew beyond our capacities, and as Bryce mentions, the current market conditions do not favor a smaller brand (with a heavy team) to rise above without a ton of capital and finance,” says Unheard co-owner and Lifeblood co-founder Colin Sharp.

Over the course of 7 years Lifeblood released several tour videos and two full length videos including, “We Must Bleed” (2011) and “Service For The Sick” (2014) which highlighted the style and strength of each of its team riders on assorted terrain which supported the brand’s founding mantra “Skate Everything”.

Lifeblood’s roster included Kevin Kowalski, Cody Lockwood, Mason Merlino, Dalton Dern, Adam Hopkins, John Worthington, Frank Richardson, Sean Blueitt, Souta Tomikawa, Maddie Collins and veterans Mark Scott, Bryce Kanights and Tom “Wally” Inouye.

While Lifeblood Skateboards closes this chapter in its 7-year history, the brand will take a hiatus at this time to determine whether to carry forward in the future.