Maybe you spotted the Jenkem article a few weeks back espousing local skate stores and their connection with grass roots support of skateboarding. Hopefully you read it while nodding your head and dreaming of a rolling utopia where skateboarders have control over the destiny of what we do and where this ride goes. You ultimately have control of what you decide to spend your hard earned money on and this support really counts.

Right now there are a healthy number of hardware brands, namely Polar, Mother [Quasi], F.A., Palace, Scum Co, A3F, Welcome, Heroin and the rest that deserve your time because they do skateboarding right. They represent skateboarding as it really is with no 'vision' to make it a sport or ambitions to take over the world. In Footwear, which is just as vital to skateboarding as the skateboard itself, there are few skater owned and run brands but the two that are at the forefront are Lakai and Emerica. We have been working with these brands for as long as they have existed and their heritage in skateboarding is written large. You cannot question that they run two of the best teams, put out some of the best videos and judging from the current range, now make some of the finest skate shoes available. We are super stoked to have them on our shelves. Support the supporters.

Opening cartons and stepping back in time today. We have just got stock of éS Accel in the slim version which are the most classic of skate cupsole shoes which we stoked way back when... The new slime versions are super clean and look amazing. They are complimented by the brand new Swift which stays close to the éS philosophy of subtle tech with comfort and durability in one package. Come take a look, try some on and get free éS stickers too... click the image for more information.

Due to a massive logistical snafu by FedEx our shipment of F.A. and Hockey decks were delayed by two weeks but finally they have arrived. Supplies are limited so if you want one then step up.

We have the Thrasher Camo pack in stock which ranges from the essential coozie via the classic Rope cap and patch beanie and up to the plush Coach jacket. All camo and all emblazoned with the timeless Skate Goat logo. If 666 is your lucky number then your luck is in.

It is the same in every S.O.S., a pile of worn out decks that are way past any real use just sit and gather dust. Sometimes they end up getting used as a last resort just to keep someone rolling but often it's time for the bin. We always a little stash so the bright idea came up of making them useful again an with the help of A Third Foot woodshop. We are cutting the old worn out decks down to a 7.75" wide cruiser shape, re gripping and then adding a basic undercarriage with 78a cruiser wheels. Each one is unique and imperfect but super skateable, quick turning and fast rolling. Take a look at our current stock on the completes page here.

Makings are underway.

Something got started at Cheapside last year, testing the water to see if we could add a small DIY skatespot to Birminghams landscape. It has remained intact and unmolested so it looks like we can step it up a gear this summer by adding some concrete. Stage 1.1 got started yesterday and will be rideable by the weekend and we are hoping to do a lot more. Feel free to contribute so you have spot to call your own. 

We got a small restock of Dickies 874 and 873 in store and now online. As a little bonus we also have a nice amount of stickers and other assorted promo to give away with any Dickies purchase. Check here for what we got and if we don't have what you want then let us know.

It's the most common question asked by non skaters all over the world and we experience it at Ideal just like any other store. "What's the most expensive skateboard?". For years we have explained that essentially skateboards have defied inflation and compared to most other activities are cheap and accessible, that you can hook up a great set up for £100 and something a little better for £140. We prefer to explain that no matter how much you spend on a skateboard it won't make you a better skateboarder. But now we are trying a different tack. We have finally put together the most expensive skateboard you can buy using recognised components and not resorting to embellishing with diamonds and gold. Take a look at the Project Uber / Independent Ti / Spitfire Formula Four / Bones Swiss Ceramic set up here.

We know Spitfire make the best wheels and Ideal has been stocking them since they started out. And it's common knowledge that Volcom makes some of the best [read that as toughest] clothing that we stock. Both brands have been around since 1991 and share team riders too so it makes sense that they should get together to make a range that shows skateboarding at it's best. Collaborations are pretty common these days but these garments are a cut above. Together with Volcom and Spitfire we are running a contest in store, if you purchase an item from the range you will be in with a good chance to win yourself a set of Volcom branded Formula 4 wheels which money cannot buy.

We got some new fold up beanies in stock to keep you warm and on message on these increasingly cold days. Up on the online store and ready for you here.

Calling a wheel company Fast Skateboard Wheel Co is a statement of intention. The wheels will have to live up to a name that is the fundamental aim of any wheel . In this era of premium urethanes commanding premium prices, Fast are offering an 83B urethane at a reasonable price and promising that their wheels will slide and not flatspot. Everything about the wheels is good so we are backing them and looking forward to lots of positive feedback. Check the full range of FSWCo wheels here.

Due to circumstances beyond our control and with a very heavy heart we are going to have to shut the ramp permanently. We have done our utmost to keep the ramp open and have subsidised it to a great extent but the space is now too expensive to operate with the additional costs that have recently been imposed upon us. We want to thanks all those that have supported the ramp by paying their way and helping with maintainance, It’s been a great 6 year run with some amazing events and we really hope you enjoyed it all. We planning on a new space for next winter which will be run as a charity enabling it to be bigger and better so bear with us while we work on the new project.