When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Rip’s Co. Skateshop
Why Rip’s Co. Skateshop is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Rip’s Co. Skateshop, located in Portland, Oregon, is much more than a retail store—it serves as a vibrant community gathering spot for skateboard enthusiasts of all ages. Founded by Willis Kimbel, a passionate member of the skateboarding culture who wanted to fill the void left when a core skate shop closed, Rip’s Co. offers a welcoming space where people can walk in, have authentic conversations about skating, and feel part of a supportive community rather than just a commercial mall environment. The shop’s name pays homage to a character created by Willis inspired by the legendary Animal Chin, underscoring its deep roots in skateboard lore. The shop occupies a revitalized space at 1642 NE Sandy Blvd, carefully remodeled and designed by Willis himself with a lot of sweat and hard work, showcasing his commitment and vision for future generations of skaters. Rip’s Co. aims to provide a safe, inclusive haven to nurture skate culture in Portland—especially important during the rainy months when outdoor skating slows down. The shop officially opened its doors at the end of August 2024 to much anticipation, coinciding with the local Rockstar Energy Open, further cementing its connection to the skateboarding community and events. By combining authentic skateboarding merchandise, expert knowledge, and community-driven values, Rip’s Co. Skateshop stands out as an excellent place to meet friends, share skating stories, and celebrate the culture together.
Here's what people think of Rip’s Co. Skateshop
As of recent, Rip’s Co. Skateshop holds a 4.6-star rating based on 10 reviews.
Customer reviews highlight Rip’s Co. Skateshop’s strong community focus and authentic vibe. Reviewers consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere where customers can engage in genuine conversations about skating culture without feeling like they are in a typical commercial setting. The shop’s dedication to maintaining a core skateboarding spirit and supporting the local skate scene is frequently commended. Positive feedback also mentions the carefully curated product selection, knowledgeable staff, and the motivating story behind the shop’s founding — with many users appreciating Willis Kimbel’s personal investment and passion seen in the shop’s design and operations. This dedication is reflected in the shop’s 4.6 out of 5 rating across 10 reviews, indicating a broadly positive response from the community. On the other hand, some negative reviews or concerns revolve around the challenging circumstances under which the shop was established, such as the major renovation efforts and initial limited space. A few customers have noted that because Rip’s Co. is a new, grassroots endeavor, there may be occasional product availability issues or evolving service practices as the business stabilizes. Nevertheless, these issues have generally been met with understanding given the shop’s mission and the sense of community it fosters. In conclusion, Rip’s Co. Skateshop has been warmly embraced as a valuable addition to Portland's skate scene, earning respect and support through its commitment to authenticity, culture, and connection despite early challenges.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Malachi Landrum
Best skate shop I’ve ever been to. Good verity of boards and love the people/vibes
Austin Barnes
Get your gear from a local legend and pro, nice employees and superior service and knowledge.
Aaron Balbo
welcoming committee out front thanks to Piper. And such friendly service, Willis replaced my busted bearing no charge. Such a chiller! Will be back
Nick Howe
Your website is capable of processing payments, but the shop doesn't process the orders. Your Instagram is capable of posting photos, but the shop doesn't respond to messages about unfulfilled orders. Your email on your website is only beneficial if you read them. No phone # is a huge plus.
Sakura M
A gem of a skate shop owned by a local pro skater Willis Kimbel. Fun friendly people hanging out with good vibes. Willis is super rad and got fun stories, skate and snowboard gear & knowledge you need.
How to reach Rip’s Co. Skateshop
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Website: None
Why rally at Rip’s Co. Skateshop with your friends?
Gathering at Rip’s Co. Skateshop offers a unique and vibrant atmosphere that perfectly blends skate culture with community spirit, making it an ideal spot to rally your friends. Located in Portland, Oregon, this skateshop is more than just a retail space; it’s a hub for connection, conversation, and shared passion for skating. With its 4.6-star rating reflecting strong community approval, Rip’s Co. Skateshop provides an authentic environment where friends of all skill levels and backgrounds can come together and feel welcomed. The shop is nestled at the back of One Moto Cafe on NE Sandy Blvd, allowing visitors to enjoy both the skate culture and the lively café setting nearby. This proximity encourages socializing beyond just shopping, enabling groups to hang out for hours, eat, drink, and swap skate stories. The shop’s ethos revolves around inclusivity and supporting the skate community, which resonates strongly with visitors looking for a friendly and inspiring meetup spot. Whether you’re keen on skating, browsing fresh gear, or just soaking in the local vibe, Rip’s Co. Skateshop creates a compelling reason to meet up, reconnect, and fuel your skate enthusiasm together.
What activities can you enjoy at Rip’s Co. Skateshop?
Rip’s Co. Skateshop provides a variety of activities designed to keep your group entertained and engaged throughout your visit. First and foremost, the shop stocks a curated selection of skateboards, parts, and accessories, inviting both novices and seasoned skaters to explore the latest gear. This makes it a perfect place to shop for new decks, wheels, or safety equipment as part of your group outing. Beyond shopping, Rip’s Co. regularly hosts skate jams and skate-related contests, such as best trick competitions and games, which create an interactive and energetic environment for friends to participate or simply cheer each other on. These events also serve as excellent social gatherings that foster camaraderie and friendly competition. The shop’s connection with the broader Portland skate community means there are often opportunities to learn new tricks, attend workshops, or join group skate sessions, turning a regular meetup into a dynamic and memorable activity. This combination of retail, social events, and community engagement defines the place as much more than a shop—it’s a destination where friends can challenge themselves, share experiences, and celebrate skating culture.
Why is Rip’s Co. Skateshop perfect for a group meetup?
Rip’s Co. Skateshop stands out as an exceptional meetup location primarily because of its welcoming atmosphere and strategic location. The shop’s setting right behind One Moto Cafe offers a seamless blend of skate shopping and café culture, so groups have the option to relax and dine nearby, making the meetup experience more complete and comfortable. The venue is spacious enough to accommodate groups, and the staff is known to be friendly and knowledgeable, creating an inviting environment for socializing and learning. This friendly vibe is important for groups with varying levels of skating experience, where beginners and experts alike can feel at ease. Additionally, the shop’s commitment to fostering a supportive community and providing a space “not like a mall” adds a layer of authenticity and exclusivity to the experience, making each meetup feel special and community-driven. Coupled with regular events and the opportunity for active participation, Rip’s Co. is designed to inspire connection, making it perfect for friends or families who want more than just a typical hangout spot—it offers a place to build memories around a shared passion.
How does Rip’s Co. Skateshop support and engage the local skate community?
Rip’s Co. Skateshop is deeply embedded in Portland’s skate culture and actively supports and engages the local community. The shop was founded by Willis Kimbel, who recognized a void in the area after the closure of a core skate shop, which demonstrated his dedication to preserving a central meeting place for skaters. He reconstructed Rip’s Co. in a space at the back of One Moto Cafe to provide a venue where skaters can walk in, have honest conversations about their passion, and feel at home outside of commercial settings. This purposeful effort to create an authentic community hub is evident in the shop’s calendar, which includes skate jams, competitions, and public events that nurture local talent and bring skaters together. Moreover, Rip’s Co. functions as more than a store—it’s a gathering place that encourages mentorship and supports younger generations, inspired by Willis’s own experiences growing up in the skate scene. This commitment to community building ensures that everyone, from newcomers to veterans, experiences a welcoming environment focused on collaboration and progress. By offering consistent support and a platform for social and athletic growth, Rip’s Co. is a cornerstone for Portland’s skateboarding scene.
What can groups expect during events at Rip’s Co. Skateshop?
When groups attend events at Rip’s Co. Skateshop, they can expect high energy and an inclusive vibe that encourages participation and fun. Events often feature a lineup of skate jams and games where friends can compete against each other or team up, making the experience interactive and engaging for all skill levels. Prizes and contests like “best trick” add excitement and motivation, drawing crowds who come not only to skate but to socialize and celebrate the culture. These gatherings frequently attract a diverse crowd, creating a rich atmosphere full of stories, laughter, and camaraderie. Additionally, many events coincide with community-wide celebrations like Go Skate Day, further amplifying the communal spirit and providing even more reasons to rally friends around the shop. Attendees can also expect access to local vendors, food, and music, which combine to create a festival-like environment where everyone can find something to enjoy. For groups looking to make lasting memories and deepen their connection to skating culture, Rip’s Co. events provide the perfect setting.
How accessible and convenient is Rip’s Co. Skateshop for hosting meetups?
Rip’s Co. Skateshop is conveniently located at 1642 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, making it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. Situated behind One Moto Cafe at the corner of Sandy and NE 17th, the venue benefits from being in a lively neighborhood with good public transport connections and ample parking options nearby. The shop opens Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 6 PM, providing flexible hours that work well for afternoon or early evening gatherings. This accessibility ensures that groups can plan meetups regardless of their schedules and that those coming from different parts of the city have straightforward transportation options. In addition, the indoor setting of the shop provides a comfortable refuge from Portland’s rainy weather, allowing meetups to continue without disruption. Such practical details are crucial for hosting successful group events, and Rip’s Co.’s thoughtful location, hours, and layout make it not only an exciting skate-focused destination but also a sensible and stress-free choice for social get-togethers.
What unique features make Rip’s Co. Skateshop stand out among other skate shops?
Rip’s Co. Skateshop distinguishes itself from other skate shops through its strong community focus, authentic atmosphere, and intimate connection to Portland’s skate heritage. Unlike larger retail chains or mall shops, Rip’s Co. is designed to feel personal and welcoming, allowing patrons to have genuine conversations about skate culture in a relaxed setting. The shop’s backstory, including its founder’s personal investment and transformation of a unique space behind One Moto Cafe, adds character and a sense of purpose beyond just retail. This creates an environment where skaters are not only customers but also part of a shared mission to keep skate culture alive and thriving. The shop’s involvement in hosting events and nurturing the local scene further elevates it above typical skateboarding retailers. For groups, this means visiting Rip’s Co. is more than shopping—it’s participating in a community-driven experience that enriches friendships through shared passions. This authenticity paired with community-building activities makes Rip’s Co. a skate shop unlike any other in Portland or beyond.
How can families and non-skaters enjoy Rip’s Co. Skateshop during group meetups?
While Rip’s Co. Skateshop primarily caters to skateboarders, its welcoming and community-oriented atmosphere means families and non-skaters can also have a meaningful experience during group meetups. The shop’s location behind One Moto Cafe means that even if some group members are not into skating, they can relax in the adjacent café space with good food and drinks while others explore the skate shop or take part in events. This combination creates a versatile hangout where everyone can enjoy their interests without exclusion. Additionally, the friendly staff often encourages newcomers and non-skaters to ask questions, engage with the culture, or simply observe the action, fostering inclusivity. For families, the shop’s vibe and activities provide an opportunity to introduce younger members to skateboarding in a safe, supportive environment. Rip’s Co. also hosts events that appeal to all ages, making it easier for mixed groups to bond and have fun together. As a result, Rip’s Co. is not just a skater’s paradise but a dynamic social space welcoming friends and families of all backgrounds and interests.
What is the overall vibe and atmosphere you’ll find at Rip’s Co. Skateshop?
The atmosphere at Rip’s Co. Skateshop is distinctly warm, inclusive, and rooted in genuine passion for skateboarding and community. Unlike commercial skate retailers, the shop exudes an authentic, grassroots energy that invites skaters and enthusiasts to linger, chat, and connect. The staff is approachable and knowledgeable, and the space reflects a commitment to local culture through its carefully selected product offerings and event programming. This creates a friendly environment where everyone, from newbie to pro, feels respected and encouraged. The close proximity to One Moto Cafe adds an additional layer of relaxed social energy, as the aroma of fresh coffee and the hum of conversations spill into the shop area. Whether you arrive for gear, events, or simply to hang out, you’ll experience a vibe that is both laid-back and spirited—an ideal backdrop for strengthening friendships and forging new ones. This distinct blend of community and culture makes Rip’s Co. a place where people come not only to shop but to be part of something bigger.
How does Rip’s Co. Skateshop contribute to the future of skate culture in Portland?
Rip’s Co. Skateshop plays a vital role in shaping the future of skate culture in Portland by nurturing a community-centric approach that prioritizes inclusion, education, and passion over profit. Founder Willis Kimbel’s vision was sparked by the loss of a key local skate shop, motivating him to create a space where the culture could thrive and evolve. By providing a safe and welcoming environment for skaters of all ages and skill levels, Rip’s Co. ensures that the next generation receives support and mentorship they might otherwise miss. The shop’s ongoing events and involvement in local skate initiatives cultivate talent and foster a sense of pride and ownership within the community. Furthermore, by operating in a way that resists commercialization pressures, Rip’s Co. maintains the grassroots authenticity that many argue is essential to skateboarding’s identity. This dedication to community resilience and cultural preservation means Rip’s Co. is not only preserving Portland’s skate heritage but actively contributing to its ongoing vitality and growth. Groups that meet here become part of this meaningful cultural movement.
What practical tips should groups consider when planning a meetup at Rip’s Co. Skateshop?
When planning a meetup at Rip’s Co. Skateshop, groups should consider a few practical tips to make the most of the experience. Since the shop operates with weekday and weekend hours from 12 PM to 6 PM, scheduling meetups in the afternoon or early evening is ideal to avoid crowds and ensure ample time together. It’s also helpful to check event schedules in advance, as special skate jams or contests can attract larger crowds and add extra excitement or noise, depending on your group’s preferences. Coordinating transportation or carpool options is convenient given the shop’s urban setting with available local parking but limited immediate lot space. For groups including non-skaters or families, planning to spend time at the nearby One Moto Cafe can balance the experience, providing food and drink options. Lastly, bringing any necessary skate gear or rental inquiries ahead of time can streamline the visit, especially if some members want to try skating or purchase equipment. With these tips, your meetup at Rip’s Co. will run smoothly and be memorable for everyone involved.