On Wednesday, March 8, 2023, a unique sight could be seen at Santa Monica Beach. People were playing basketball from the back of an old school bus. This wasn't just any old bus, though - it was the Shred Sled, a custom-converted 24ft 2001 International school bus designed by @abuslifestory, @desgnarlais and @brookedoeseverything to be the best damn skate/rv/party bus ever created. The Shred Sled is the hub for Beyond the Board, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that uses longboarding as a tool to empower people with confidence and community that go "beyond the board."

In the past 16 months, Beyond the Board has traveled over 15,000 miles, hosting 75 plus events in over 30 cities, including Seattle, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, and beyond. They use the Shred Sled to build up local longboard communities and, of course, to have a big adventure along the way. The Shred Sled is a home for all skaters - new and old - and it's the perfect vehicle for exploring new places and making new friends.

The goal of Beyond the Board is to create a space where people can feel confident and connected. Longboarding is the perfect tool for this, as it requires focus, balance, and determination. By learning how to longboard, people can gain a sense of accomplishment and develop new skills. But Beyond the Board goes beyond just teaching people how to ride a board. They also host weekly meet-ups with "@viberidela", where people can come together to hang out, skate, and connect.

Beyond the Board's mission is to use longboarding as a tool to empower people with confidence and community that go "beyond the board." They believe that everyone should have the opportunity to feel empowered and connected, no matter who they are or where they come from. By traveling around the country and building up local longboard communities, Beyond the Board is making that vision a reality.

So the next time you see the Shred Sled rolling down the highway or parked at a local skate park, take a moment to appreciate the work that Beyond the Board is doing. They're not just teaching people how to ride a longboard - they're creating a community of empowered and connected individuals who are ready to take on the world, one ride at a time.