Primitive

Its catalog now includes decks, complete skateboards, wheels, accessories, and a large clothing collection.

At HawaiiSurf, Primitive fits naturally into our skateboard world while retaining a strong streetwear identity.

The origins of Primitive

LThe story of Primitive began in California around Paul Rodriguez and his associates.

The Primitive project first appeared in 2008 as a skate shop and clothing brand in Encino, in the Los Angeles area.

L’s brand world would gradually expand.

From Primitive to the Primitive Skateboarding project

The development of a full-fledged skateboard brand came in a second phase of Primitive’s history.

After leaving his former board sponsor, Paul Rodriguez wanted, in particular, more control over his career and projects.

Primitive decks began to be developed before Primitive Skateboarding was established as a full-fledged skate brand.

Paul Rodriguez and Primitive

Paul Rodriguez is inseparable from Primitive Skateboarding.

A professional skateboarder known for his street skating and technical skills, he is also the brand’s founder and owner.

His influence can be seen in the products, team, and overall identity of Primitive.

P-Rod

Paul Rodriguez is commonly known by the nickname P-Rod.

His career in professional skateboarding predates the development of Primitive by a long way.

With the brand, he adds an entrepreneurial dimension to his skateboarding career.

Primitive and Los Angeles

Primitive is deeply connected to Los Angeles and California.

This setting plays an important role in its identity.

Street spots, urban culture, fashion, and skateboarding come together in the aesthetic developed by the brand.

A brand focused on street skating

Primitive is particularly associated with street skateboarding.

Its team brings together several riders known for their technical skills on rails, ledges, gaps, and various urban spots.

This focus naturally carries over into its decks and complete skateboards.

The Primitive Skateboarding team

L’équipe makes up a central part of Primitive's identity.

Today, the brand brings together several generations and nationalities of skateboarders.

Paul Rodriguez remains at the heart of the project, alongside an international team.

Tiago Lemos

Tiago Lemos is one of Primitive's most recognizable riders.

The Brazilian skateboarder is especially associated with powerful, technical street skating.

Primitive regularly develops signature decks bearing his name.

Miles Silvas

Miles Silvas is also part of the Primitive pro team.

He has several deck models in the brand's collections.

His precise, technical style is a direct match for Primitive's street focus.

Carlos Ribeiro

Carlos Ribeiro has been with Primitive since the early years of its development in skateboarding.

The Brazilian rider is particularly known for his technical skills.

He also has numerous pro models in the lineup.

Wade Desarmo

Wade Desarmo is part of the Primitive pro team.

The brand develops several decks bearing his name.

He fits into a team built around a strong culture of technical street skateboarding.

Giovanni Vianna

Giovanni Vianna is also part of the current Primitive team.

He has several pro models in recent collections.

The team’s international diversity now plays a major role in the brand’s identity.

Filipe Mota

The Brazilian Filipe Mota is also part of the Primitive team.

The brand offers several decks bearing his name.

He represents a newer generation of riders on the team.

An international team

Primitive is therefore about more than just Paul Rodriguez.

Tiago Lemos, Miles Silvas, Carlos Ribeiro, Wade Desarmo, Spencer Hamilton, Trent McClung, Robert Neal, Tre Williams, Giovanni Vianna, Kyonosuke Yamashita, and Filipe Mota are part of the brand’s current lineup.

This team allows Primitive to maintain a direct connection with contemporary skateboarding.

Primitive skateboards

Primitive now offers a complete range of gear.

It includes decks, complete skateboards, wheels, and various accessories.

Riders can therefore choose a ready-to-ride product or build their own setup.

Primitive at HawaiiSurf

The Primitive collection at HawaiiSurf reflects several facets of the brand.

The selection includes complete skateboards, wheels, as well as clothing and accessories, subject to availability.

This variety lets you explore both the gear and the lifestyle identity of Primitive.

Primitive complete skateboards

A Primitive complete skateboard brings together the main components you need to ride: deck, grip tape, trucks, wheels, and bearings.

It’s already assembled.

This is especially practical for a rider who doesn’t want to choose each component separately.

Also check out our full selection of complete skateboards.

Primitive RPM 8.25

HawaiiSurf also carries the Primitive RPM Complete Skateboard 8.25, subject to availability.

Its 8.25-inch width is a very common size for contemporary street skateboarding.

It offers plenty of room underfoot while still being suited to tricks.

Primitive Complete 8.125

A Primitive 8.125 complete skateboard is also featured in the HawaiiSurf collection.

This width falls between the classic 8.0- and 8.25-inch sizes.

It can suit riders looking for a balance between maneuverability and room underfoot.

Why choose a Primitive complete skateboard?

The main advantage is simplicity.

The rider gets a well-matched setup that’s ready to ride.

This option can be especially appealing for beginners, those looking to progress, or anyone who simply wants to avoid building a setup piece by piece.

Complete skateboard or custom setup?

A complete skateboard is ready to ride straight away.

A custom setup, on the other hand, lets you select the deck width, trucks, wheels and bearings separately.

The choice mainly depends on how much customization you’re looking for.

Primitive for learning to skateboard

A beginner can ride a Primitive complete skateboard if its dimensions suit their build.

Width is a particularly important factor.

A well-matched setup makes it easier to learn the basics: pushing, turning, braking, ollies and your first tricks.

Primitive for progression

An intermediate rider can also choose a complete skateboard, then gradually replace some components.

Wheels, bearings or trucks can be upgraded as you progress.

The deck can also be replaced when it gets too worn.

Primitive for street skating

L’s identity at Primitive is particularly well suited to street skating.

The brand’s modern decks are available in widths commonly used for this type of skating.

The current catalog includes many models in sizes around 8.0, 8.125, 8.25, 8.38 and 8.5 inches.

Primitive for the skatepark

Primitive boards can also be used at the skatepark.

The choice of deck and wheels should suit the types of obstacles and the feel you’re looking for.

A very smooth surface can, in particular, be used with harder wheels for a more direct response.

Primitive decks

Les decks Primitive constituent le cœur du matériel développé par la marque.

Primitive offers pro models associated with its riders, as well as team decks.

Graphics and collections are regularly updated.

Primitive deck sizes

The Primitive catalog now covers several widths.

You'll find decks in 8.0, 8.125, 8.25, 8.38, and 8.5 inches, as well as some more unusual sizes depending on the shapes.

This range makes it possible to match the deck to the rider and their style of skating.

Primitive 8.0

An 8.0-inch deck offers a relatively compact platform.

It can suit riders looking for a maneuverable setup for street skating and technical tricks.

The choice is still very personal.

Primitive 8.125

The 8.125-inch is an intermediate size.

It offers slightly more surface area than an 8.0 without being as wide as an 8.25.

Several Primitive riders ride decks in this size.

Primitive 8.25

The 8.25-inch is widely featured in the Primitive catalog.

Paul Rodriguez, Tiago Lemos, and other riders regularly ride models in this width.

It's a versatile size for street skating and skateparks.

Primitive 8.5

The 8.5-inch offers more surface area underfoot.

It may appeal to riders looking for more stability or who prefer wider decks.

Primitive offers several models in this size.

How to choose the width of your Primitive deck?

Choose the width based on your shoe size, riding style, and preferences.

A narrow deck generally feels more compact.

A wide deck provides more surface area for foot placement and landings.

Primitive wheels

Primitive also develops its own skateboard wheels.

The official catalog includes different sizes associated with the brand and certain riders.

HawaiiSurf stocks a Primitive 53 mm wheel, subject to availability.

Also check out all our skateboard wheels.

Primitive Goku 53 mm

The Primitive Goku 53 mm wheels are among the wheels featured in the HawaiiSurf collection.

A 53 mm diameter is a particularly common size for street and skatepark riding.

It offers a balance between a low setup height and the ability to maintain speed.

Primitive wheels, 52, 53 or 54 mm

Primitive offers different sizes across its collections.

The current catalog includes sizes such as 52, 53 and 54 mm.

A few millimeters can change the setup height and how it feels to ride.

Why choose 53 mm wheels?

53 mm is a versatile size.

The wheel stays compact enough for technical riding while offering slightly more material than a 50 or 51 mm wheel.

It’s particularly well suited to many street and park setups.

Wheel diameter

A smaller wheel accelerates quickly and keeps the skateboard relatively close to the ground.

A larger wheel generally maintains more speed and rolls over some rough patches more easily.

So the terrain should also be taken into account.

Wheel durometer

Diameter isn’t the only factor.

Durometer affects grip, comfort and slideability.

To compare the different configurations available, check out our collection of skateboard wheels.

Building a Primitive setup

A rider choosing a Primitive deck must then select compatible components.

Trucks, wheels, bearings, grip tape and hardware complete the board.

Lthe complete setup should match the deck width and the terrain you ride.

Choosing your trucks

The truck width should match the deck.

The axles should not stick out too far from the deck or be much narrower than it.

Manufacturers’ size charts help you select the right size.

Choosing your bearings

The bearings are installed inside the wheels.

They affect how smoothly the wheels spin, but also need proper maintenance.

Keep it away from water and moisture.

Maintaining your Primitive skateboard

Regularly inspect the deck, trucks, wheels and bearings.

Check the hardware is tight and look for any cracks.

Regular maintenance helps you spot components that need adjusting or replacing.

When should you replace your deck?

A deck may need replacing if it has a major crack, delamination, or excessive wear on the nose or tail.

A noticeable loss of pop can also mean it’s time for a replacement.

How often depends directly on how intensely you skate.

Primitive and streetwear

Primitive has had a strong streetwear identity since its beginnings.

The brand has developed an especially broad apparel range alongside its skateboarding gear.

T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, pants, shorts and accessories bring its identity beyond the sessions.

Primitive streetwear at HawaiiSurf

HawaiiSurf carries a range of Primitive clothing, depending on the collection.

Men’s hoodies and jackets feature in the current selection.

Find them alongside our other brands in the men’s streetwear collection.

Primitive sweatshirts

The hoodie plays an important role in Primitive collections.

The brand regularly features its logos, graphics and collaborations on different hoodies.

HawaiiSurf carries several Primitive sweatshirts, subject to availability.

Primitive jackets

Primitive also makes a range of jackets and outer layers.

The HawaiiSurf collection includes several men’s styles.

Fits and materials vary between collections.

Primitive socks

Label accessories are also part of the brand’s apparel range.

HawaiiSurf carries Primitive socks, depending on stock.

They extend the brand’s visual identity with a more understated piece.

Primitive: an identity spanning boards and clothing

The connection between skateboarding and apparel is central to Primitive.

The brand grew out of a scene combining skate shops, clothing, and skateboard culture.

This dual identity is still visible today.

Primitive graphics

Primitive develops a graphic direction that evolves with each collection.

Logos, illustrations, cultural references, and rider-focused series appear on both decks and clothing.

The product thus becomes a canvas for the brand's visual identity.

The Dirty P

The Dirty P is one of the graphic signatures used by Primitive.

It can be found on various decks and clothing.

Like the Nuevo Logo, it helps make the brand instantly recognizable.

Primitive Nuevo

Nuevo is also a name that regularly features in Primitive collections.

It appears on various products, including completes and clothing.

The brand evolves these visual codes season after season.

Primitive and collaborations

Primitive is also known for developing graphic capsules and collaborations.

These collections let the brand blend its skate identity with different cultural worlds.

They can feature on decks as well as clothing and accessories.

A brand that keeps refreshing its catalog

Primitive is about more than just its history or Paul Rodriguez.

Its catalog continues to grow with new decks, clothing, and graphic series.

The current team also helps continually refresh the pro models.

Primitive at HawaiiSurf: complete skateboards, wheels, and clothing

The Primitive collection at HawaiiSurf lets you discover several sides of the brand on one page.

Subject to availability, it brings together complete skateboards, wheels, sweatshirts, jackets, and various accessories.

To compare Primitive with other brands and components, explore our entire skateboard range.

Choosing a complete Primitive skateboard at HawaiiSurf

A Primitive complete skateboard gives you a fully assembled board, ready to ride.

Focus on the deck width to make sure it suits your preferences.

You can then compare the other available setups in our complete skateboard selection.

Choosing Primitive wheels at HawaiiSurf

For wheels, check the diameter as well as the durometer and shape listed on the product page.

A 53 mm wheel can be highly versatile for street skating, but its performance also depends on its urethane formula.

Discover the other available models in our skateboard wheels collection.

Wear Primitive every day

L’s Primitive identity doesn’t stop when your session ends.

Sweatshirts, jackets and other clothing feature the brand’s signature graphics.

Complete your outfit with Primitive and our other brands in our men’s streetwear collection.

Primitive Skateboarding at HawaiiSurf

Discover Primitive Skateboarding at HawaiiSurf and get to know a brand built around street skating, Paul Rodriguez and an international team.

Complete skateboards, wheels and clothing let you explore both the gear and the streetwear identity of Primitive.

Explore our world of skateboards, compare our complete skateboards and our skateboard wheels, then discover the brand’s clothing in our men’s streetwear selection.