Our mission is to use skateboarding to empower people with confidence and to build community that goes “Beyond the Board”.
About Us
Our 501(c)(3) non-profit is dedicated to creating safe and supportive spaces for people of all backgrounds to explore their creativity and build confidence through skateboarding. We believe that everyone should feel empowered to express themselves without fear of judgment. Our workshops and experiences are designed to cultivate a sense of belonging among riders of all skill levels. By celebrating small wins and promoting a culture of inclusion, we aim to build a global community that supports happy and healthy lives beyond the board.
Our Impact
3 National skate tours
25+ States visited
60+ Cities visited
250+ Community activations
40,000+ Miles traveled
Meet the SHRED SLED
The “SHRED SLED” is a converted school bus that serves as the home for the Beyond the Board tour. It was painted by San Diego-based Kid Wiseman with a mural added in 2023 by Tobyato, an artist and longboarder from Singapore.
During its time on the road, our skate bus houses 4+ team members. Equipped with around 30 skateboards, it enables us to be ready for any event or workshop. Come knock on the door and say hello if you see us!
The SHRED SLED is a home for all skaters – new and old. We use it as a hub to help build up the local skate communities we visit and – of course – to have a great adventure along the way.
Recent Stories
Why We Exist
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Mental Health
Depression affects approximately 14% of teens between ages thirteen and seventeen and is increasing every year. 21 million U.S. adults (or 8.4%) have had at least one major depressive episode.
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Gender Equality
Less than 25% of all board sports participants are women or non-binary.
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Physical Health
Nearly one in three teens today are overweight or obese. Lack of physical activity contributes to the epidemic, and inactive teens often become inactive adults.
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Income
Kids from households earning less than $25k are five times less likely to participate in sports.
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Lack of Programs
About 23% of middle schools and 40% of high schools in the USA do not offer intramural sports.
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Unity
Strong negative perceptions of people with opposing views have doubled since 2016.
Testimonials
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Jon Kimsey
Boys and Girls Club - Branch Director (WA)
“Brandon’s program gave our members an experience they will never forget. Some will even say it gave them a sense of belonging. Beyond the Board is a great way for people to see a different side of themselves, and find new joy in the little things. We will always be grateful to Beyond the Board.”
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Jordan Wenck
Magneto Boards - Director of Brand
“Being a part of Beyond the Board’s inaugural tour was huge for us. New riders are our bread and butter, so it was a no brainer to team up with them for boots-on-the-ground presence and activation. The tour event is an amazing experience for everyone involved, and we’ve seen continued engagement throughout the entire year from people that participated. They are creating a unique connection of people that truly extends beyond the board.”
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Kelly Blitch
Participant - Los Angeles, CA
“Brandon and the whole Beyond the Board team are world-class people. They were so generous with their time and instructions, and were super humble. Most everyone who attended already knew them, and the ones that didn’t… we felt right at home quickly. I’ll definitely attend their future events and bring others in.”
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Aurora Lyray
Participant - Portland, OR
“Having hip surgery two years ago really put me in a funk, thinking I wouldn’t be able to run, let alone be able to longboard again. The fact Brandon and Brooke created an opportunity for people to practice and learn that was beginner-friendly and non-intimidating was such a gift for me.”
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Greg Noble
Head of our Advisory Board
“There is no greater feat deserving of respect and accolades than introducing our sport, our passion, and our love to the next generation… but to do it in such an impactful beautiful way is even more impressive. Please follow and support the epitome of beauty that is Beyond the Board.”
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Ethan Nguyenkhoa
Community Leader - Washington DC
"Absolutely love everything Beyond the Board is doing! They came to DC last year and were a major factor in bringing the skate community together! Ever since their event, we've hosted regular meetups throughout the year and established our own group (@dclongboarding). They are a fantastic source of inspiration, confidence, and true role models for everyone – everywhere!"
Follow us on Instagram @beyondtheboard_org
Unlock community growth secrets with 'The Vibe Ride Blueprint'. Brandon DesJarlais shares 8 strategies for deeper engagement, inviting culture, and consistent community growth in the world of longboarding.