Rip City – Icon
Founded April 1st, 1978, Rip City Skates has managed to be one of the few stable forces in an ever changing Santa Monica, California. Described as polar opposites, cousins Jim McDowell and Bill Poncher, both held the same passion for skateboarding, which is what made Rip City one of the longest running skate shops in the world. Keeping true to its roots, Rip City has, and continues to be, an academy and safe haven for skaters of all backgrounds seeking guidance. While Jim McDowell retired to Colorado in May 2022, Bill Poncher continues to return to his community oriented shop alongside the growing Rip City family. – Chuck Harp / Concrete Disciples May 2024