The Treaty: Bio/Review of Soul Ryde Custom
Mammoth Board Conception Treaty
by NOAVI
The Find
After adding my last 46” longboard to my growing collection, I searched high and low to find something truly unique. While thumbing through a skateboarding magazine, I came across a page featuring these magnificently rustic looking boards that literally jumped right off the page. The company was Soul Ryde, specializing in beautiful, laser-engraved hardwood decks. At that moment I knew without a shadow of a doubt, I needed a Soul Ryde board.
The Design
At the Soul Ryde website I designed my dream board. I chose to have a Jatoba wood (a very hard wood common to Central and South America and the Caribbean commonly used in furniture) deck with Purple Heart stringers- a sweet fusion.
I am the guitarist in a band formed and lead by my mother, called Mammoth Lamb. So, for the graphic of the board, we wanted to create something metaphoric of our mission in music. Being an amazing artist as well, my mother designed a killer graphic, tricked out with ancient/future symbols and signs, ultimately creating a gorgeous image for the underside of the deck.
From Conception to Reception
The ordering process went quite smoothly, and both Michael Salmon (the founder and owner of Soul Ryde) and his brother Brian were very helpful in assisting my selections of the best components for the board. The order was in, and all that remained for me was to wait for the work to be done. The closer I came to actually seeing and feeling the board in my hands, the more my excitement grew and the harder it became to wait. Michael and Brian showed lots of patience during this time as I called with many questions and inquiries regarding the progression of build. Soon enough, after a few weeks, the board was finally built and ready to ship. When I received the package, the board far superseded all expectations and proved to be well worth the wait!
The Look
The deck is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! The grip tape sparkles like the glittering cosmic expanse, juxtaposed against the subtle Purple heart stringers and cradled by that rich, reddish, almost dark honey brown Jatoba wood. I got Original S8 trucks and Retro ZigZag 70mm/78a wheels. The trucks are huge- strong and bold. The blood-red ZigZags perfectly complement the Purple heart wood. I loved the graphic we sent to the guys at Soul Ryde for the board. However, it took on an entire new life laser etched onto the beautiful hardwood deck. The board blew me away the first time I saw it, and it still sends a tingle of excitement down my spine every time I glance over at it. At 47” & approx. 20 lbs. this board is the biggest, baddest, and most beautiful skateboard I’ve ever owned or even seen. Michael Salmon did not disappoint. From out of our collaborative efforts emerged the longboard of my dreams.
The Ride
Wind chasing glory! This board is a true kaleidoscopic mix of brilliance, beauty, quality, and power. It captivates not only me the rider, but everyone who bears witness! The "Ryde" is simply awesome; a true soul ride, whose breathtaking beauty and strength powers away even on the most jacked up pavements of NYC. I call my Soul Ryde custom the "Mammoth Board" after my band Mammoth Lamb. Whenever I step onto it, the hard concrete beneath me instantly transforms into a great, grey ocean. As the board glides along, it hugs every wave, bump, dip, and crack. All of the boards I own besides this one have traditional bushing based trucks (Randal, Paris, etc.). Therefore, the Original S8’s installed on this board took a bit of getting used to. However, once I got the hang of it, I was able to fully appreciate the beauty of the board. Fast, smooth, and receptive, this board is a great pleasure to ride, with the power to transform any benign trip into an exhilarating, star-gazing excursion.
The name Soul Ryde conjures thoughts of the apotheosis of Life’s great journey. And whether you are cruising or carving, you know and feel that you are on a SOUL RYDE.
- NOAVI







