Our latest Artist In Residence is in celebration of passion for our respective crafts, featuring Precinct skate shop co-owner and former pro skateboarder Trent Bonham who has graced our Taphouse Artist In Residence wall with a selection from his premium skateboard deck collection from the 80’s and 90’s to now. Enjoy viewing one of the best skateboard deck collections in the country, while enjoying Burleigh world class craft beer at our Taphouse! Don’t miss out!

Welcome to our Burleigh Brewing Live Your Passion series. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up on the Gold Coast, I’ve been skating since 1986, turned pro in 1996, I had a knee reconstruction in 2008 and opened Precinct with Julian Lee in 2014.

How and when did you first get into collecting skateboards?

In 1999 on a chance discovery finding old stock of boards sitting in a Melbourne skate store. From that I thought what else had still survived & the hunting began. This was pre-internet explosion, picker shows, eBay had started but wasn’t really a thing yet.

To put it into perspective back then postage was more than the price of boards coming from overseas. You had to do leg work, trawl the forums & talk to different collectors to try find leads on boards. These days if you have the money you can go on Facebook, Instagram or eBay and buy anything you want. The dynamic has definitely changed.

What is unique about your craft?

It used to be very unique and mainly nostalgic purists. I’d get excited about vintage boards. Now it’s pretty common place as it’s seen as an investment.

Can you tell us a little about your involvement in the skating community? 

I’ve had many different levels of involvement over the years from skating professionally, filming & editing videos to holding exhibits. Currently through my store Precinct we sponsor a selection of skaters who we feel represents skateboarding, the Gold Coast & our store in the best possible way. We are always on the lookout for new rising talents.

In 2019 we joined together with DC Shoes & HOTA for the Precinct Plaza Days event, hopefully it will be back in 2021!

Would you agree building a collection such as yours is definitely an art form?

Yes, definitely. Its appreciating skateboard art, being nostalgic about different eras and board shapes and the way they all work together to create beautiful boards.

What do you love most about what you do? 

Nothing beats the feeling of a deck arriving in the mail that took you years to find … that first opening of the box, admiring the graphic, shape & screen printing work. I love the buzz of securing a board you had as a kid, the hunting & legwork process, talking with other serious collectors. It’s an instant respect & trust when you reminisce & help each other with leads to a personal holy grail find.

Have you always been interested in skateboarding?

100% and I always will be. It’s my passion.

Tell us about some of your favourite boards in your collection.

1. Blind – Jason Lee “Bowie”

2. Schmitt Stix – Chris Miller “Dog”

3. SMA/World Industries – Steve Rocco III “Test Print”

4. Vision – Mark Gonzales “Computer Face”

5. World Industries – Jeremy Klein “Dream Girl”

Why do you love what you do?

You couldn’t be deep into collecting and not be in love with it. It’s too in-depth & expensive to tread lightly.

Why do you believe it is so important that others live their passion?

Having hobbies & being passionate about them is a happy past time. If something in life gives you enjoyment & satisfaction then I encourage anyone to do it no matter what it is.

What type of skateboards will you be showcasing as Artist In Residence in the brewery?

I’ve chosen a selection of international & Australian boards from my collection as space was limited. There are boards from as far back as 1987 up until present. People of all ages will be able to look through and relate to their desired era of boards.

What do you love about the Burleigh Keg Jump event?

It’s an original event, great organisation with an incredible talent of hand selected skaters competing.

We are stoked to be working with you on this project!

Me too! I see Burleigh Brewing as an inspiring local business carving their own lane, just like we are doing with Precinct.