Independent Skateboard Trucks
In 1978, in the surf and skate hub of Santa Cruz, California, four visionaries Richard Novak, Jay Shiurman, Fausto Vitello, and Eric Swenson set out to revolutionize skateboarding hardware. Their goal was ambitious: to design a truck that married the turning of Bennett trucks with the rugged strength of Tracker trucks. The result was the iconic "Stage 1," Independent Truck which debuted in May 1978. Crafted from durable aluminum alloy, it quickly became the benchmark for performance and reliability, cementing Independent Truck Co.’s place in skateboarding history.
Independent Truck Company affectionately known as “Indy” was born in May 1978 in Newark, California, out of a frustration with the skateboarding market. In the mid-1970s, skaters were stuck choosing between Bennett Trucks, which turned smoothly but broke easily, and Tracker Trucks, which were durable but unresponsive. Seeking the best of both worlds, industry pioneers Richard Novak, Jay Shuirman, Fausto Vitello (who also founded Thrasher magazine), and Eric Swenson set out to create the ultimate truck. Their designs were brought to life by Ermico Enterprises in San Francisco, the only dedicated skateboard truck foundry in the U.S. at the time. The original "Stage I" debuted in 1978, featuring a T-hanger profile and high-tensile steel axles, setting a new standard for performance.
Over the years, Independent trucks evolved through a series of “Stages,” each refining design and functionality: Stage II (1979) introduced extra-wide trucks for vertical skating; Stage V (1986) added a hollow section for weight reduction; Stage VII (1993) updated the baseplate to fit both old-school and modern boards; and Stage XI (2012) combined classic geometry with modern materials for superior turning and stability.
The company’s iconic logo, a stylized cross designed by Jim Phillips in 1978, drew inspiration from California surfer culture and Pope John Paul II’s robes. In 2021, to avoid unintended associations with controversial imagery, Independent transitioned to a modern circular lozenge logo.
Throughout its history, Independent Truck Co. has built legendary credibility with its “Ride the Best” team, featuring skate icons like Tony Hawk, Mark Gonzales, Steve Caballero, and Andrew Reynolds. From its thoughtful engineering to its cultural influence, Indy remains a cornerstone of skateboarding, blending innovation with heritage.