Vintage Cal-240 from UPM!

[Kippsta]

A few years back (must've been mid 2007) my little brothers friend was riding his dad's most prized possession which was handed down to him; a 24 inch long plastic/fiberglass Cal-240 skateboard with all of the original fixings. Grabber IV's and Universal Trucks. The little ride was from a company called UMP (Universal Plastic Molds) and based on the style and size of the board it had been made way back in the 1970's around the "revolution" era of skateboarding (mid - late 70's).

I tried the thing out. It was flexible, sharp and super turny and it must have been the most amazing thing I ever rode. At the time I did not know sh*t about skateboarding, neither did he, which was a benefit. A MAJOR benefit. This kid wanted to trade my old, rusty, waterlogged (not to mention doubtable quality) World Industries board. The stock bushings were broken and wheels were cracking. I was ridiculed by his offer and immediately responded to his proposal with a loud, ecstatic "Yes!".

From then on I slowly discovered the old school, surf skate style and it's beautiful aesthetic. I started to learn every retro trick in the book and became a surf skate guru to my friends and team. I mastered half the list of old school tricks, from every physically possible bert transition to walking spinners and nose wheelies.

Suddenly, in mid 2008 a boredom grew in my skateboarding. The short lived break was revoked in the spring break of 2009 when I picked the thing up as a quicker way to get to my friends house. That half hour to forty five minute skate across Bowen Island got me back into it. Unfortunately,whilst extremely baked that night I left it at his house when I went home. I thought "Hey, he's my best friend, I can trust that he'll keep it safe." Little did I know I could not trust his step brother, whose name will remain anonymous.

One week later, I found out he had been riding it. Two weeks later.. the back truck had completely snapped, off came the hanger and half the base plate and it skidded into the night and into a world of which it would never, ever been seen again. I was furious and pissed off. I researched the price of the damage and that price was a price he payed. We took the other truck off and left it as a lonely and unused deck for months.

Summer of 2009 came a long and that meant my 15th birthday. I got a new skateboard, the Landyachtz Bamboo Dingy and rode that plenty, which improved my style and skills. Unfortunately, within a month and a half of possession the plywood on the tail began to split and snap. I was disappointed in the quality of the board but I also remembered not all hope was lost. I took a look at the Cal-240 and that same day I switched over the Tracker Midtracks and Retro Bertz wheels to the board. It's an amazing ride and no regrets existed in that decision.

I realized the other day that I know nothing of the Cal-240, or about it's quality at least, which is why I brought this here to the S.L. Forums. Could I get any background information from any of you old school riders?

[Cantee]

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