A new shop opened in the Village Lane on North Circle Drive. The store is one that hasn’t been seen in Idyllwild before — a skateboard shop.
Build a Board Skate Shop opened Sept. 18.
Carlos Mercado, of Cathedral City, who was born and raised in the Coachella Valley said, “I’ve been coming to Idyllwild since I was a kid. I’ve always loved it up here. It’s cool. It’s all mom and pop shops, no chain businesses.”
The store sells skateboard decks and all of the accessories needed to create a custom board. Urban art supplies, stickers, punk rock and metal style records and books are also available. There are plans for t-shirts and other merchandise.
Mercado has been into skateboarding since he was a kid.
“I started skateboarding when I was in fifth grade,” Mercado said. “I also have a lot of experience in music and urban art, so I want to provide that to the community.”
Outside of skateboarding, Mercado wants to help children have a space to express themselves with urban art.
Urban art, like graffiti, tends to be looked down upon. It’s harmful to the environment and can deface public or private properties. Mercado wants to change that.
“I want to have people see the good in urban art,” Mercado said. “I want to have some plywood for children to come and paint. Make it a great, creative outlet while taking it off the streets.”
With water-based spray paint available at the shop, it’s less harmful than oil-based spray paint. This allows children to explore and experiment with these water-based spray paints.
The Idyllwild Skate Park was a fun place for children to hang out. However, it has needed some maintenance for years. The wood is warping from the weather and bolts are coming loose. Those that enjoy the park do their best to fix it on their own, but Mercado wants to dedicate funds to help get the park back into top skating form.
“I want to make Mayor Max skateboards and every time one sells, I’ll put that money towards updating the skate park,” Mercado explained.
These Mayor Max boards could make a great art display to hang on the wall, or if someone would want to build it for riding, Mercado would be happy to help make that happen.
With winter on the way, skateboarding will decline. However, Mercado has found a solution — snow skateboards. You guessed it, just like a skateboard, but built for the snow.
“I found these little boards with a rubber bottom that are built for snow,” Mercado said. “I want to bring those in for winter. I also want to bring in some heavy-duty, off-road wheels that are built for sand and dirt.”
For children and adults alike, Build a Board Skate Shop has all you need for skateboarding, urban art supplies and much more to come. Be sure to stop by and meet Carlos.
Build a Board Skate Shop is open Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 54200 N. Circle Dr.
