Zero Deck Erik Ellington Stencil (8.25)
| Availability: | In stock |
| Available in store: | Check availability |
The Zero Deck Erik Ellington Stencil (8.25) brings back one of Zero Skateboards' most recognizable late-1990s graphics as part of the company's 30th Anniversary Reissue Collection, celebrating three decades of skateboarding history from 1996 to 2026. Originally associated with Erik Ellington's early professional career, this commemorative release captures the raw, rebellious visual identity that helped establish Zero as one of street skateboarding's most influential brands. Featuring the original spray-paint-inspired Stencil graphic, modern Resin-7 construction, and special anniversary detailing, the deck combines a piece of skateboarding history with the performance and durability expected from a contemporary professional skateboard.
The bottom graphic stays true to Zero's unmistakable black-and-red aesthetic, featuring a large skull and crossbones rendered in an aggressive, distressed stencil style. The upper section of the deck is predominantly black, with irregular red spray-paint textures and scattered speckles creating the appearance of artwork applied directly to the wood. Near the nose, the ZERO name appears in oversized red stencil lettering, with individual letters framed by uneven black edges and subtle orange-red shading. Directly beneath it, Erik Ellington's name is arranged in scattered, distressed white lettering, giving the graphic an intentionally rough, cut-and-paste appearance.
Dominating the center is a massive black skull and crossbones against a bright red background. The skull features hollow circular eye sockets, a triangular nasal opening, an exaggerated toothy grin, and thick black outlines that give the image its unmistakable character. The crossbones extend outward toward the deck rails, while oversprayed black edges and scattered red paint flecks add depth to the composition. Toward the tail, the red background transitions into large irregular black shapes with a faded, spray-painted finish. The contrast between the glossy black areas and vibrant red artwork captures the punk-influenced graphics that defined Zero's earliest years.
Measuring 8.25 inches wide by 31.9 inches long, the Ellington Stencil reissue features a 14.25-inch wheelbase, traditional popsicle shape, and medium concave. The 8.25-inch platform provides a comfortable balance of stability and responsiveness, making it a versatile choice for street skating, technical flip tricks, ledges, rails, and skatepark sessions. Its medium concave offers a familiar foot position and predictable board control, while the 14.25-inch wheelbase provides a maneuverable setup for quick adjustments, consistent pop, and controlled landings.
Constructed from seven plies of North American maple bonded with Resin-7 epoxy, the deck is individually pressed to promote consistent concave, strength, and long-lasting pop. Unlike traditional assembly methods that can produce variations between boards, the individually pressed construction is designed to maintain a more uniform shape and feel. The top veneer features a laser-engraved 30th anniversary emblem, with assorted color-stained wood veneers selected at random. The model is an unsigned anniversary reissue, preserving the original artwork without an added autograph.
The name behind this graphic is Erik Ellington, one of the most influential professional street skateboarders to emerge during the late 1990s. Born in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1977, Ellington spent part of his early life skating in Arizona before eventually moving to Southern California to pursue skateboarding professionally. Known for his explosive pop, aggressive approach to street obstacles, and unmistakably smooth execution, he developed a reputation for taking difficult tricks to increasingly larger terrain. His powerful backside flips, backside bigspins, and technical handrail combinations helped distinguish him from a generation of highly progressive street skateboarders.
Ellington's relationship with Zero began during the company's formative years under founder Jamie Thomas, better known as "The Chief." Thomas established Zero in 1996, building the company around an uncompromising approach to street skateboarding, distinctive graphics, and a team willing to push the limits of what could be done on a skateboard. Ellington became an essential part of that early identity, turning professional for Zero in 1999 and contributing influential footage to the company's groundbreaking video releases.
His appearances in Zero's Thrill of It All (1997) and Misled Youth (1999) helped establish him as one of the era's defining talents. Both films captured a period when skateboarding was rapidly progressing toward larger handrails, bigger gaps, and increasingly technical tricks performed at high speed. Ellington's skating stood out for its combination of power and style, earning him a lasting place in the history of modern street skateboarding.
Following his time with Zero, Ellington became one of the original members of Baker Skateboards alongside Andrew Reynolds, Jim Greco, and other influential figures in the Southern California scene. His parts in Baker 2G (2000) and Baker 3 (2005) further cemented his reputation, while his involvement with the Warner Avenue crew and the Pissdrunx became closely associated with an influential chapter of skateboarding culture.
Ellington's influence eventually extended beyond professional skateboarding into business, footwear design, and brand development. He helped establish Bakerboys Distribution and co-founded Deathwish Skateboards in 2008, building a brand that carried forward the raw street-skating attitude of his earlier career. He also co-founded Supra Footwear, contributing signature skate shoes that combined distinctive design with practical performance. His continued involvement in independent skateboard companies and footwear projects reflects a career built around creativity, progression, and an enduring connection to skateboarding.
The Ellington Stencil graphic is an important reminder of where that journey began. During the late 1990s, Zero decks were instantly recognizable for their skulls, distressed lettering, dark color combinations, and unapologetically aggressive artwork. These graphics became closely associated with the skate videos and riders that influenced an entire generation. Bringing back the original Ellington artwork for Zero's 30th anniversary gives longtime skateboarders an opportunity to revisit a familiar design while introducing newer riders to an important part of the company's history.
For STIX SGV, this anniversary release carries a connection to our own beginnings. Zero Skateboards was established in 1996, just one year before our Monrovia shop opened in 1997. Both grew during an era when independent skate shops, full-length videos, and local skate crews were central to how skateboarding developed. From the street spots around Pasadena, Arcadia, and Alhambra to the skateparks and neighborhoods throughout Azusa, Glendora, and the eastern San Gabriel Valley, Zero has remained a recognizable name among generations of local skaters. The Ellington Stencil reissue brings back a graphic from that period without losing its relevance as a dependable everyday skateboard.
The Zero Erik Ellington Stencil 30th Anniversary Reissue features an 8.25-inch width, 31.9-inch length, 14.25-inch wheelbase, standard popsicle shape, medium concave, individually pressed seven-ply North American maple construction with Resin-7 epoxy bonding, laser-engraved anniversary detailing, and assorted top veneer colors. Finished with the classic red-and-black Erik Ellington skull-and-crossbones stencil graphic, this unsigned reissue celebrates Zero's original 1996–2026 legacy. Style number: 11114. Grip tape is not included.
Stix SGV has proudly served the San Gabriel Valley skateboarding community since the late ‘90s. With three locations across Los Angeles County, we’ve been deeply rooted in the local scene. Our Monrovia shop has been a staple since 1997, followed by our Claremont location in 2014, and our South Pasadena shop opening its doors in 2022. Our mission has always been simple: to uphold skateboarding culture and stay true to our community.