I had a customer recently spend a little time with me at the shop. After observing me immersed in my work, he asked why I don’t post more pictures of myself. My simple reply…because the boards are the focus, not me. No one wants to see pictures of me since I feel I don’t fit the iconic sun bleached hair tan surfer look. He accepted my answer but told me to rethink my ideas of what people want to see, thanked me for my time, and left.

A few days passed and it made sense. My answer of the boards being the focus was not wrong, but not entirely right either. I’ve advertised to support your local shaper. But if your customers don’t recognize you, then how can they support you? I am the reason my brand exists. The face you see here is the one who tirelessly works to make every board the best it can possibly be.

The boards will always be the main highlight of Black//Atlantic. However, behind the boards is someone who is passionate about the quality, details, and functional design that I create.

I am Black//Atlantic – Adam Ribakoff.