Finally Legally Loaded

Well folks, we did it. We made it to 21. And to party, we revisited a classic, one of the first true fully-loaded longboards: 

the Loaded Vanguard.

This limited-edition run of 250 hand-numbered boards celebrates Loaded’s 21st anniversary with original artwork by Travis Parr. Also, a percentage of proceeds will be donated to the Center For Humane Technology, which strives to align technology with humanity’s best interests for improved attention, well-being, and communities.

The Vanguard brings lightweight snowboard-inspired construction and performance to the pavement. Camber, sidecuts, and high energy flex allow for responsive carving, pumping, and commuting. 21 years and still flexing!

Available now at your favorite skate shop or from loadedboards.com

SPECIAL COMPLETE — Available in a single length and flex (equivalent to a standard Vanguard flex 3), this special complete setup is specced with larger wheels and upgraded bushings for an extra lively and flowy ride.

● Trucks: Paris V3 180mm 50° (polished)
● Wheels: Orangatang 80mm Kegel (80a, orange)
● Bushings: Orangatang Knuckles (soft, orange)
● Bearings: Loaded Jehu V2
● Hardware: Loaded button head (1′′)

FUNCTIONAL DESIGN — Tapered tips and pronounced cutouts maximize wheel clearance for deep carves and tight turns. Sidecuts reduce torsional stiffness between the feet for greater nuances in the turning radius. Mild concave provides edge-to edge control, while the topmount and cambered platform provides energetic carving performance.

CURVACEOUS CONFIDENCE — Lightweight, snowboard inspired bamboo and fiberglass construction pair with a cambered profile for a lively and engaging ride.

SUPER SAP — Bio-based epoxy by Entropy Resins. Uses bio-based materials from industrial waste streams such as tree sap to replace petroleum content and reduce the carbon footprint of the epoxy from manufacturing. We've worked closely with Entropy to enhance every major performance characteristic of the resin. Better for the planet, even more fun.

HISTORY & GRAPHIC — The initial Vanguard was launched in June of 2002 using snowboard technology with a vertically laminated oak deck and a triaxial fiberglass/epoxy composite construction. Bringing snowboarding to the pavement. We pioneered bamboo composites with the Vanguard in 2006 and transitioned the rest of our lineup to bamboo in 2007.

When we launched we originally didn't have much of a graphic because it was technology driven (and also because we didn't have the resources to do art well at that point). In 2004, we launched a graphic version of the board designed by our longtime friend Travis Parr.

However, the graphics on these boards were very limited by the technology at the time. We're now celebrating our 21-year anniversary with this hand-numbered, limited-edition Vanguard using cutting-edge direct printing technology on bamboo veneers with artwork created from Travis’ original painting.

Loaded Boards founder Don Tashman also penned a blog post kicking off the anniversary celebrations. Read his post to hear from the man that started it all, and check out some epic throwback photos and the grand Loaded Timeline that highlights major milestones for the brand.

A quick excerpt, "Loaded’s primary goal is to spread stoke and love. After years of soul searching, discussion, and refinement, we’ve determined that this is the most important effort we can do with our lives–using skateboarding as an enigmatic, powerful and beautiful vehicle for that exploration."

You may notice that these fine gentlemen are looking quite dapper on their leisurely afternoon air guitar session skate with their new limited-edition Vanguards.

You too can look this good by shopping our newly refreshed apparel selection, including some limited-edition 21-Year Anniversary swag!

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we are stoked to launch the first of a four part podcast on the history, philosophy, and learnings of Loaded.

In this first installment of the Loaded Boardcast, host Ari Chamasmany sits down with Loaded Boards founder Don Tashman and business partner Pablo Castro to discuss the early days of starting the brand. 

Quick note, to access the video you will need to be logged in in to a Spotify account (either free or paid). And trust us, you'll want the video for full cinematic enjoyment.

Roll into the holiday season at Santa Cruise, the 3rd annual holiday skate parade and afterparty with festive games & other surprises organized by our friends at Beyond the Board and LA Skate Hunnies. Starting with a festive group roll-out in Santa Monica, we will be hosting the afterparty here at Loaded HQ with DJ's, food, drinks, and dancing.

RSVP and get all the info you need at the link below!