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{{Short description|American skateboarder}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{BLP sources|date=August 2008}} {{BLP sources|date=August 2008}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Natas Kaupas
| image =
| caption =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1969|3|23}}
| birth_place = ], U.S.
| birth_name =
| occupation = Skateboarder
| death_date =
| height =
⚫ }}
⚫ '''Natas Kaupas''' (born March 23, 1969)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.californiabirthindex.org/birth/natas_kaupas_born_1969_10614759 |title = Natas Kaupas, Born 03/23/1969 in California {{!}} CaliforniaBirthIndex.org}}</ref> is an American former ]. He grew up in South ], in the area known as ], and is of ].<ref name=youtube /> He is often referred to as one of the first true professional ].


==Career==
⚫ '''Natas Kaupas''' (born 1969) is a semi-retired American ]. He grew up in South ] in the area known as ] and is of ]n descent.<ref name=youtube /> He attended Santa Monica High School. He is often referred to as one of the first true professional ].
⚫ ===Early 1980s===
⚫ Kaupas began skating during his childhood years. In 1983 Kaupas won a local Santa Monica surfing contest and received a ] (SMA) skateboard as a first place prize. SMA was operated out of the back of a surfshop owned by ]. Kaupas approached Engblom about becoming a member of his skate team, which did not exist. However, Engblom was impressed with Kaupas's skating ability and offered to sponsor him.<ref name=youtube>{{cite web|title=Natas Kaupas : Street Skating 101| date=May 12, 2012 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccf0ENQBee0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/ccf0ENQBee0 |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |url-status=live|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=November 20, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


Kaupas attended ] in the 1980s.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sanra Monica High School |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-a-students/140744459/ |access-date=30 December 2024 |work=] |date=2 June 1985 |page=12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Santa Monica High School |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/143564911/ |access-date=30 December 2024 |work=] |date=1 June 1986 |page=12}}</ref>
⚫ ==Early 1980s==
⚫ Kaupas began skating during his childhood years. In 1983 Kaupas won a local Santa Monica surfing contest and received a ] (SMA) skateboard as a first place prize. SMA was operated out of the back of a surfshop owned by ]. Kaupas approached Engblom about becoming a member of his skate team, which did not exist. However, Engblom was impressed with Kaupas's skating ability and offered to sponsor him.<ref name=youtube>{{cite web|title=Natas Kaupas : Street Skating 101|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccf0ENQBee0|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=20 November 2012}}</ref>


Kaupas by his own admission remained clueless and uninterested in the mainstream skateboard subculture. He honed his street skateboarding skills by utilizing his surroundings, preferring not to ride ramps or parks. By the mid 1980s, Kaupas had discovered riding walls where he would throw his skateboard up against a wall and ride off of it. He then perfected this trick by riding up the side of walls without using his hands.<ref name=youtube /> In 1984 '']'' photographer and skating commentator ] took a photo of Kaupas riding off a wall which featured on the cover of ''Thrasher Magazine's'' September 1984 issue.<ref name=sep84>{{cite web|title=September 1984|url=http://www.thrashermagazine.com/articles/magazine/september-1984/|author=Thrasher Magazine}}</ref> With this cover photo, Kaupas began to receive more magazine coverage and recognition from professional skaters.<ref name=youtube /> Also in 1984, SMA released Kaupas's first pro-model skateboard, which infamously featured a panther image drawn by Santa Monica artist Kevin Ancell.<ref name=stricker>{{cite journal|last=Stricker|first=Eric|title=Natas and the Black Panther|journal=Transworld Skateboarding|date=September 2004|issue=22|pages=96}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=DISPOSABLE: The Natas Panther|url=http://skateandannoy.com/2010/02/disposable-the-natas-panther/|publisher=Skate and Annoy|accessdate=20 November 2012|year=2010}}</ref> At this point, Kaupas was regularly skating with such notables as ], Julien Stranger and ] and pioneering what would be known as 'street skating'. Kaupas and Gonzales innovated many new skateboarding tricks and ideas, the first of which was transferring ]'s ] from freestyle skating to street skating.<ref name=youtube /> Kaupas by his own admission remained clueless and uninterested in the mainstream skateboard subculture. He honed his street skateboarding skills by utilizing his surroundings, preferring not to ride ramps or parks. By the mid-1980s, Kaupas had discovered ] where he would throw his skateboard up against a wall and ride off it. He then perfected this trick by riding up the side of walls without using his hands.<ref name=youtube /> In 1984 '']'' photographer and skating commentator ] took a photo of Kaupas riding off a wall which featured on the cover of ''Thrasher Magazine's'' September 1984 issue.<ref name=sep84>{{cite web|title=September 1984|url=http://www.thrashermagazine.com/articles/magazine/september-1984/|author=Thrasher Magazine}}</ref> With this cover photo, Kaupas began to receive more magazine coverage and recognition from professional skaters.<ref name=youtube /> Also in 1984, SMA released Kaupas's first pro-model skateboard, which infamously featured a panther image drawn by Santa Monica artist Kevin Ancell.<ref name=stricker>{{cite journal|last=Stricker|first=Eric|title=Natas and the Black Panther|journal=Transworld Skateboarding|date=September 2004|issue=22|pages=96}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=DISPOSABLE: The Natas Panther|url=http://skateandannoy.com/2010/02/disposable-the-natas-panther/|publisher=Skate and Annoy|accessdate=November 20, 2012|year=2010}}</ref> At this point, Kaupas was regularly skating with such notables as ], Julien Stranger and ] and pioneering what would be known as 'street skating'. Kaupas and Gonzales innovated many new skateboarding tricks and ideas, the first of which was transferring ]'s ] from ] to street skating.<ref name=youtube />


==Widespread Recognition== ===Widespread recognition===
In 1986 demand for SMA skateboards had grown at an increasing rate which they struggled to meet. At 16, Kaupas impressed Engblom when he arranged a manufacturing and distribution arrangement with the much larger company, ]. It is claimed by some in the skateboarding community that Kaupas pioneered rail slide maneovures in the late 1980s while at a Pro-Am skate contest held in ]. Kaupas stunned the crowd by attempting a ] down a handrail. Although his attempt was unsuccessful, skating history was made.<ref name=youtube /> This was followed up when Kaupas and Gonzales performed what is considered the first legitimate rail slide and later with 50-50 grinds.{{citation needed|date=November 2012}} In 1986, demand for SMA skateboards had grown at an increasing rate which they struggled to meet. At 16, Kaupas impressed Engblom when he arranged a manufacturing and distribution arrangement with the much larger company, ]. It is claimed by some in the skateboarding community that Kaupas pioneered rail slide manoeuvres in the late 1980s while at a Pro-Am skate contest held in ]. Kaupas stunned the crowd by attempting a ] down a handrail. Although his attempt was unsuccessful, skating history was made.<ref name=youtube /> This was followed up when Kaupas and Gonzales performed what is considered the first legitimate rail slide and later with 50-50 grinds.


In 1987, Kaupas had his debut role in the Santa Cruz skateboarding video, ''Wheels of Fire''. In the film, Kaupas displayed an ability to ] which far surpassed anyone else, and his part is considered to have paved the way for the new direction of skateboarding. This role gave Kaupas a sudden jolt of notoriety, however attention was soon turned to the spelling of his first name as 'Natas' spelled backwards is ']'. Kaupas attempted to explain his name as being the masculine version of Lithuanian female name, 'Natalia'. Despite this however, many schools and shops instituted a ban on any merchandise bearing the name 'Natas'.<ref name=youtube /> In 1987, Kaupas had his debut role in the Santa Cruz skateboarding video ''Wheels of Fire''. In the film, Kaupas displayed an ability to ] which far surpassed anyone else, and his part is considered to have paved the way for the new direction of skateboarding. This role gave Kaupas a sudden jolt of notoriety, however attention was soon turned to the spelling of his first name, as 'Natas' spelled backwards is ']'. Kaupas attempted to explain his name as being the masculine version of the Lithuanian female name 'Natalija'. Despite this however, many schools and shops ] on any merchandise bearing the name 'Natas'.<ref name=youtube />


Later in 1987, Kaupas had become such a well-known figure that shoe company ] offered him his own pro model shoe, an entirely new concept in the skating world.<ref name=shoe>{{cite journal|last=Senrud|first=Christian|title=15 Things You Didn't Know About Pro Model Shoes|journal=Skateboarder|date=March 2010|volume=19|issue=7|pages=110}}</ref> The marketing and design of the shoe was influenced by Kaupas. He was able to use his artistic talents, which he later incorporated in SMA skateboard designs. Later in 1987, Kaupas had become such a well-known figure that shoe company ] offered him his own pro model shoe, an entirely new concept in the skating world.<ref name=shoe>{{cite journal|last=Senrud|first=Christian|title=15 Things You Didn't Know About Pro Model Shoes|journal=Skateboarder|date=March 2010|volume=19|issue=7|pages=110}}</ref> The marketing and design of the shoe was influenced by Kaupas. He was able to use his artistic talents, which he later incorporated in SMA skateboard designs.


In 1989 Santa Cruz released a follow up video to''Wheels of Fire'' entitled ''Streets on Fire'', in which Kaupas played a greater role. Kaupas stand-out performance in the film was a new trick where he ollied up onto a fire hydrant and performed a 720 degree spin on top of it. The trick would be known as the 'Natas spin' and has also been adapted to the sport of ]. The 'Natas Spin' was also incorporated into the ] since ]. In 1989, Santa Cruz released a follow-up video to ''Wheels of Fire'' entitled ''Streets on Fire'', in which Kaupas played a greater role. Kaupas' stand-out performance in the film was a new trick where he ollied up onto a fire hydrant and performed a 720 degree spin on top of it. The trick would be known as the 'Natas spin' and has also been adapted to the sport of ]. The 'Natas Spin' was also incorporated into the ].


Kaupas along with fellow skater ], who was now skating for SMA, began a tour across America driving used ]s. During the tour, the duo discovered many unknown but talented skaters that would later skate for SMA. Upon their return in 1990, skateboarding's hype had died with a ].<ref name=youtube /> Kaupas along with fellow skater ], who was now skating for SMA, began a tour across America driving used ]s. During the tour, the duo discovered many unknown but talented skaters who would later skate for SMA. Upon their return in 1990, skateboarding's hype had died with a ].<ref name=youtube />


In 2005, Kaupas received the Legend Award at the seventh annual Transworld Skateboarding Awards.<ref name=awards>{{cite journal|last=Stricker|first=Eric|title=The Seventh Annual Transworld Skateboarding Awards|journal=Transworld Skateboarding|date=September 2005|volume=23|issue=9|pages=174}}</ref><ref name=capps>{{cite journal|last=Capps|first=Brooke|title=Quiksilver skateboarder holds street-cred line as he steers expansion|journal=Advertising Age|year=2006|volume=77|issue=10|pages=37}}</ref> In 2005, Kaupas received the Legend Award at the seventh annual Transworld Skateboarding Awards.<ref name=awards>{{cite journal|last=Stricker|first=Eric|title=The Seventh Annual Transworld Skateboarding Awards|journal=Transworld Skateboarding|date=September 2005|volume=23|issue=9|pages=174}}</ref><ref name=capps>{{cite journal|last=Capps|first=Brooke|title=Quiksilver skateboarder holds street-cred line as he steers expansion|journal=Advertising Age|year=2006|volume=77|issue=10|pages=37}}</ref>


==Other Ventures== ==Other ventures==
In 1991 fellow pro skater ], who founded ] skateboards, approached Kaupas about starting his own line of skateboards. Kaupas left SMA and began 101 Skateboards. The company would become an outlet for Kaupas to employ his graphic and artistic talents.<ref name=skately>{{cite web|title=101 Skateboards|url=http://skately.com/library/brands/101-skateboards|publisher=Skately|accessdate=20 November 2012}}</ref> By 1992, 101 had become a major brand, however a broken ankle meant Kaupas' skating career was halted. While convalescing, Kapaus explored his artistic talents more and began to use computer graphics programs. He was soon asked to assist with the first issue of the Big Brother skateboarding magazine, which was also owned by World Industries. As World Industries and 101 Skateboards became more successful, scooping up many well-established pro skaters and new emerging amateurs, Kaupas lost interest. Kaupas received a call from Larry Flynt Publications who were interested in launching a new magazine entitled ''Rage'' and needed an ]. Kaupas left shortly afterwards however, again losing interest after a change in tone of the magazine. In 1991 fellow pro skater ], who founded ] skateboards, approached Kaupas about starting his own line of skateboards. Kaupas left SMA and began 101 Skateboards. The company would become an outlet for Kaupas to employ his graphic and artistic talents.<ref name=skately>{{cite web|title=101 Skateboards|url=http://skately.com/library/brands/101-skateboards|publisher=Skately|accessdate=November 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819013700/http://skately.com/library/brands/101-skateboards|archive-date=August 19, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> By 1992, 101 had become a major brand, however a broken ankle meant Kaupas' skating career was halted. While convalescing, Kaupas explored his artistic talents more and began to use computer graphics programs. He was soon asked to assist with the first issue of the Big Brother skateboarding magazine, which was also owned by World Industries. As World Industries and 101 Skateboards became more successful, scooping up many well-established pro skaters and new emerging amateurs, Kaupas lost interest. Kaupas received a call from Larry Flynt Publications who were interested in launching a new magazine entitled ''Rage'' and needed an ]. Kaupas left shortly afterwards however, again losing interest after a change in tone of the magazine.


In 1998 Kaupas along with longtime friend Mark Oblow formed Vita Shoes, which was short lived. Kaupas then found work in design and art with clothing companies ] and ]. Both companies also sponsored him for their skateboarding team. Quiksilver soon promoted Kaupas to the role of graphic director and then vice president of marketing.<ref name=capps /><ref name=transw>{{cite web|title=Quiksilver Promotes Natas Kaupas To Vice President Of Marketing Of Quiksilver Americas|url=http://surf.transworld.net/1000007016/features/quiksilver-promotes-natas-kaupas-to-vice-president-of-marketing-of-quiksilver-americas/|publisher=Transworld Surf|accessdate=20 November 2012}}</ref><ref name=brandweek>{{cite journal|last=O'Loughlin|first=Sandra|title=Kaupas Rides Quiksilver Wave|journal=Brandweek|year=2006|volume=47|issue=12|pages=36}}</ref> In 1998 Kaupas along with longtime friend Mark Oblow formed Vita Shoes, which was short lived. Kaupas then found work in design and art with clothing companies ] and ]. Both companies also sponsored him for their skateboarding team. Quiksilver soon promoted Kaupas to the role of graphic director and then vice president of marketing.<ref name=capps /><ref name=transw>{{cite web|title=Quiksilver Promotes Natas Kaupas To Vice President Of Marketing Of Quiksilver Americas|url=http://surf.transworld.net/1000007016/features/quiksilver-promotes-natas-kaupas-to-vice-president-of-marketing-of-quiksilver-americas/|publisher=Transworld Surf|accessdate=November 20, 2012}}</ref><ref name=brandweek>{{cite journal|last=O'Loughlin|first=Sandra|title=Kaupas Rides Quiksilver Wave|journal=Brandweek|year=2006|volume=47|issue=12|pages=36}}</ref>
In 2004, Natas started a new own board company, ] under the manufacturing and distribution of NHS. Natas' art background led him to focus Designarium on artists rather than pro skaters. He has commissioned artists to interpret his original Santa Monica Airlines Panther graphic into their own vision. Each board is produced in limited edition runs. In 2004, Natas started a new board company, ] under the manufacturing and distribution of NHS. Natas' art background led him to focus Designarium on artists rather than pro skaters. He has commissioned artists to interpret his original Santa Monica Airlines Panther graphic into their own vision. Each board is produced in limited edition runs.


==Filmography== ==Filmography==
{|class="wikitable" border="2" cellpadding="4" background: #f9f9f9; {| class="wikitable"
|- align="center" |- align="center"
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year
Line 38: Line 53:
| ''NSA '86, Volume 4'' | ''NSA '86, Volume 4''
| Unreel Productions | Unreel Productions
| Featured Skater | Featured skater
|- |-
| 1987 | 1987
Line 46: Line 61:
|- |-
| 1987 | 1987
| ''On The Prowl'' | ''On the Prowl''
| NSI Video | NSI Video
| Featured Skater | Featured skater
|- |-
| 1987 | 1987
Line 56: Line 71:
|- |-
| 1988 | 1988
| ''Wheels Of Fire'' | ''Wheels of Fire''
| ] | ]
| Featured Skater | Featured skater
|- |-
| 1988 | 1988
| ''Street Skating With Rob And Natas'' | ''Street Skating with Rob and Natas''
| (None) | (None)
| Featured Skater/instructional street skating video | Featured skater / instructional street skating video
|- |-
| 1988 | 1988
Line 72: Line 87:
| 1988 | 1988
| ''Savannah Slamma'' | ''Savannah Slamma''
| ] | ]
| Featured Skater | Featured skater
|- |-
| 1989 | 1989
| ''Tales From The Street'' | ''Tales from the Street''
| Mack Dawg Productions | Mack Dawg Productions
| Featured Skater | Featured skater
|- |-
| 1989 | 1989
| ''Streets On Fire'' | ''Streets on Fire''
| Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz
| Featured Skater/First video to feature "Natas Spin" | Featured skater / first video to feature "Natas Spin"
|- |-
| 1989 | 1989
| ''Speed Freaks'' | ''Speed Freaks''
| Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz
| Featured Skater | Featured skater
|- |-
| 1989 | 1989
| ''Savannah Slamma III'' | ''Savannah Slamma III''
| NSI Video | NSI Video
| Featured Skater | Featured skater
|- |-
| 1989 | 1989
| ''Goin' Off'' | ''Goin' Off''
| T.R. Productions | T.R. Productions
| Featured Skater | Featured skater
|- |-
| 1990 | 1990
| ''A Reason For Living'' | ''A Reason for Living''
| Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz
| Featured Skater | Featured skater
|- |-
| 1991 | 1991
| ''Quiet Storm Volume 1'' | ''Quiet Storm Volume 1''
| Frontline Video | Frontline Video
| Documentary on skateboarding in ] | Documentary on skateboarding in San Diego
|- |-
| 1996 | 1996
| ''Shit'' | ''Shit''
| Big Brother | ]
| compilation video from Big Brother magazine | Compilation video from Big Brother magazine
|} |}


==Video games== ==Video games==
*Natas Kaupas is a secret playable character in ]. * Kaupas is a secret playable character in the 2004 video game '']''.


==Further reading== ==Further reading==
* , 2009. Juice Magazine * , 2009. '']''


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}}
<references/>


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see ]. -->
| NAME =Kaupas, Natas
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American skateboarder
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1969
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
⚫ }}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kaupas, Natas}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Kaupas, Natas}}
]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 19:41, 30 December 2024

American skateboarder

This biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately from the article and its talk page, especially if potentially libelous.
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Natas Kaupas
Born (1969-03-23) March 23, 1969 (age 55)
Santa Monica, California, U.S.
OccupationSkateboarder

Natas Kaupas (born March 23, 1969) is an American former professional skateboarder. He grew up in South Santa Monica, California, in the area known as Dogtown, and is of Lithuanian descent. He is often referred to as one of the first true professional street skateboarders.

Career

Early 1980s

Kaupas began skating during his childhood years. In 1983 Kaupas won a local Santa Monica surfing contest and received a Santa Monica Airlines (SMA) skateboard as a first place prize. SMA was operated out of the back of a surfshop owned by Skip Engblom. Kaupas approached Engblom about becoming a member of his skate team, which did not exist. However, Engblom was impressed with Kaupas's skating ability and offered to sponsor him.

Kaupas attended Santa Monica High School in the 1980s.

Kaupas by his own admission remained clueless and uninterested in the mainstream skateboard subculture. He honed his street skateboarding skills by utilizing his surroundings, preferring not to ride ramps or parks. By the mid-1980s, Kaupas had discovered riding walls where he would throw his skateboard up against a wall and ride off it. He then perfected this trick by riding up the side of walls without using his hands. In 1984 Thrasher Magazine photographer and skating commentator Craig Stecyk took a photo of Kaupas riding off a wall which featured on the cover of Thrasher Magazine's September 1984 issue. With this cover photo, Kaupas began to receive more magazine coverage and recognition from professional skaters. Also in 1984, SMA released Kaupas's first pro-model skateboard, which infamously featured a panther image drawn by Santa Monica artist Kevin Ancell. At this point, Kaupas was regularly skating with such notables as Mark Gonzales, Julien Stranger and Jim Thiebaud and pioneering what would be known as 'street skating'. Kaupas and Gonzales innovated many new skateboarding tricks and ideas, the first of which was transferring Rodney Mullen's kickflip from freestyle skating to street skating.

Widespread recognition

In 1986, demand for SMA skateboards had grown at an increasing rate which they struggled to meet. At 16, Kaupas impressed Engblom when he arranged a manufacturing and distribution arrangement with the much larger company, Santa Cruz Skateboards. It is claimed by some in the skateboarding community that Kaupas pioneered rail slide manoeuvres in the late 1980s while at a Pro-Am skate contest held in Oceanside, California. Kaupas stunned the crowd by attempting a board slide down a handrail. Although his attempt was unsuccessful, skating history was made. This was followed up when Kaupas and Gonzales performed what is considered the first legitimate rail slide and later with 50-50 grinds.

In 1987, Kaupas had his debut role in the Santa Cruz skateboarding video Wheels of Fire. In the film, Kaupas displayed an ability to ollie which far surpassed anyone else, and his part is considered to have paved the way for the new direction of skateboarding. This role gave Kaupas a sudden jolt of notoriety, however attention was soon turned to the spelling of his first name, as 'Natas' spelled backwards is 'Satan'. Kaupas attempted to explain his name as being the masculine version of the Lithuanian female name 'Natalija'. Despite this however, many schools and shops instituted a ban on any merchandise bearing the name 'Natas'.

Later in 1987, Kaupas had become such a well-known figure that shoe company Etnies offered him his own pro model shoe, an entirely new concept in the skating world. The marketing and design of the shoe was influenced by Kaupas. He was able to use his artistic talents, which he later incorporated in SMA skateboard designs.

In 1989, Santa Cruz released a follow-up video to Wheels of Fire entitled Streets on Fire, in which Kaupas played a greater role. Kaupas' stand-out performance in the film was a new trick where he ollied up onto a fire hydrant and performed a 720 degree spin on top of it. The trick would be known as the 'Natas spin' and has also been adapted to the sport of snowboarding. The 'Natas Spin' was also incorporated into the Tony Hawk's video game series.

Kaupas along with fellow skater Jim Thiebaud, who was now skating for SMA, began a tour across America driving used Cadillacs. During the tour, the duo discovered many unknown but talented skaters who would later skate for SMA. Upon their return in 1990, skateboarding's hype had died with a slowing US economy.

In 2005, Kaupas received the Legend Award at the seventh annual Transworld Skateboarding Awards.

Other ventures

In 1991 fellow pro skater Steve Rocco, who founded World Industries skateboards, approached Kaupas about starting his own line of skateboards. Kaupas left SMA and began 101 Skateboards. The company would become an outlet for Kaupas to employ his graphic and artistic talents. By 1992, 101 had become a major brand, however a broken ankle meant Kaupas' skating career was halted. While convalescing, Kaupas explored his artistic talents more and began to use computer graphics programs. He was soon asked to assist with the first issue of the Big Brother skateboarding magazine, which was also owned by World Industries. As World Industries and 101 Skateboards became more successful, scooping up many well-established pro skaters and new emerging amateurs, Kaupas lost interest. Kaupas received a call from Larry Flynt Publications who were interested in launching a new magazine entitled Rage and needed an art director. Kaupas left shortly afterwards however, again losing interest after a change in tone of the magazine.

In 1998 Kaupas along with longtime friend Mark Oblow formed Vita Shoes, which was short lived. Kaupas then found work in design and art with clothing companies Quiksilver and Element Skateboards. Both companies also sponsored him for their skateboarding team. Quiksilver soon promoted Kaupas to the role of graphic director and then vice president of marketing. In 2004, Natas started a new board company, Designarium under the manufacturing and distribution of NHS. Natas' art background led him to focus Designarium on artists rather than pro skaters. He has commissioned artists to interpret his original Santa Monica Airlines Panther graphic into their own vision. Each board is produced in limited edition runs.

Filmography

Year Film Sponsor Notes
1986 NSA '86, Volume 4 Unreel Productions Featured skater
1987 The Search For Animal Chin Powell Peralta
1987 On the Prowl NSI Video Featured skater
1987 Sacto Street/Ramp Contests NSI Video
1988 Wheels of Fire Santa Cruz Featured skater
1988 Street Skating with Rob and Natas (None) Featured skater / instructional street skating video
1988 Sick Boys Mack Dawg Productions
1988 Savannah Slamma Thrasher Magazine Featured skater
1989 Tales from the Street Mack Dawg Productions Featured skater
1989 Streets on Fire Santa Cruz Featured skater / first video to feature "Natas Spin"
1989 Speed Freaks Santa Cruz Featured skater
1989 Savannah Slamma III NSI Video Featured skater
1989 Goin' Off T.R. Productions Featured skater
1990 A Reason for Living Santa Cruz Featured skater
1991 Quiet Storm Volume 1 Frontline Video Documentary on skateboarding in San Diego
1996 Shit Big Brother Compilation video from Big Brother magazine

Video games

Further reading

References

  1. "Natas Kaupas, Born 03/23/1969 in California | CaliforniaBirthIndex.org".
  2. ^ "Natas Kaupas : Street Skating 101". YouTube. May 12, 2012. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  3. "Sanra Monica High School". The Los Angeles Times. June 2, 1985. p. 12. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  4. "Santa Monica High School". The Los Angeles Times. June 1, 1986. p. 12. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  5. Thrasher Magazine. "September 1984".
  6. Stricker, Eric (September 2004). "Natas and the Black Panther". Transworld Skateboarding (22): 96.
  7. "DISPOSABLE: The Natas Panther". Skate and Annoy. 2010. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  8. Senrud, Christian (March 2010). "15 Things You Didn't Know About Pro Model Shoes". Skateboarder. 19 (7): 110.
  9. Stricker, Eric (September 2005). "The Seventh Annual Transworld Skateboarding Awards". Transworld Skateboarding. 23 (9): 174.
  10. ^ Capps, Brooke (2006). "Quiksilver skateboarder holds street-cred line as he steers expansion". Advertising Age. 77 (10): 37.
  11. "101 Skateboards". Skately. Archived from the original on August 19, 2012. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  12. "Quiksilver Promotes Natas Kaupas To Vice President Of Marketing Of Quiksilver Americas". Transworld Surf. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  13. O'Loughlin, Sandra (2006). "Kaupas Rides Quiksilver Wave". Brandweek. 47 (12): 36.
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