San Leandro, CA – Skate Industry News: Paying Homage to the Original San Leandro Pro – Joe Lopes

Joe Lopes started skateboarding in the East Bay Area community of San Leandro in the late 1970s. He and his father Tony are credited with building one of the first half-pipes in their San Leandro backyard.

Both professional and amateur skaters from around the world skated the ramp in Lopes’ backyard, including a young Tony Hawk. Lopes was also the first pro to host a backyard pro jam-format contest in his backyard in 1983. During his professional career, Lopes was sponsored by Venture Trucks, Op clothing, Rector protective wear, and Schmitt Stix skateboards.

Lopes’ barbecue graphics, designed by professional skateboarder Neil Blender, was considered to be one of the most popular skateboard graphics of the late 1980s.

In March 2002, Lopes was killed in an auto accident, leaving behind a wife and five children. A month after his death, a contest and barbecue (one of Joe’s favorite activities) was held in his honor. Presented by Etnies footwear and Element Skateboards, thirty skaters entered the contest but first place was awarded to Joe Lopes. Between the fundraiser and the donations during the barbecue, the fundraiser raised $2200 for Lopes’ family. Neil Heddings, who had won the contest, overheard former 411 Video Magazine founder Steve Douglas talking to a friend about how the winners should donate part of their winnings to the family. Heddings agreed, saying “That’s a great idea!”, and donated his entire winner’s share to the fundraiser.

Lopes enjoyed barbecuing and was quoted as saying “I don’t want to enter that contest, but I will cook for anybody.” 

Joe Lopes helped put San Leandro on the map in the skate industry and now we pay homage by having his decks on the wall at Orbit everyday! Come by and check one out, and throw something on the grill for Joe!!