MY SKATEBOARDING PAST
In my earlier years I got paid to travel the world and skateboard professionally for a living. Coming from Imperial Valley with one of the top poverty rates in all the United States I was always an unlikely candidate to pull off what I did. So I am extremely proud of everything I accomplished on a piece of wood with four wheels on it. I rode for some pretty large brands and all before the “mainstream” sponsor was a normal thing. I made a fantastic living from it and the following images below are just a few of the advertisements and signature products I had through the years in my 20s and early 30s. I still skateboard and will continue to till the day I leave this world. But for now in present day I skateboard just for fun and exercise. I already accomplished everything I set to do and more on the board! I skateboard now purely for my mind and soul. Skateboarding will never leave me. I love it.
The “NAR” flip. A trick I am credited with inventing. I landed it for my first time 2 decades ago! Time flies. I was doing them to manual and nose manuals for a while as well.
Great memories in Michigan turning Pro for SIX STARZ skateboards and them bestowing me with what today is still my favorite graphic of all time. A true honor! Always grateful for Six Starz and the years with them on the brand.
All four of my signature pro model Body Glove shoes side by side from many years ago. My favorite was always the black and yellow mid top.
Body Glove signature Ruben Najera pro model Mid Top in Black & Yellow. This was the original mockup before its production many years ago. At the time I was super into the Batman 1989 movie thus the colors I chose on this shoe.
Body Glove signature Ruben Najera pro model Mid Top in Black & Silver (Reflective). This was the original mockup before its production many years ago. When light would hit it the illumination from the reflective accents could be seen from a decent distance. Super stoked on it at the time.
Body Glove signature Ruben Najera pro model Slip On in Black & Gold. This was the original mockup before its production many years ago. These were super comfortable yet still great to skateboard in.
Body Glove signature Ruben Najera pro model Slip On in Black & Olive with a Silver (Reflective) tongue. This was the original mockup before its production many years ago. A reflective logo was added onto the tongue which I was super stoked on at the time.
My signature POWERBAR box and flavor. Sold worldwide at all major grocery chains! Target, Wal Mart, Kroger, and more. Millions of units sold!
My billboard for DRAVEN footwear on EDSA highway in the Philippines.
I had the front cover of SKIDMARK skateboard magazine!
Front cover of LEGITIMATE skateboard magazine.
1ST PLACE win ES GAME OF SKATE. Lake Forest, California (Orange County)
Social media ad run by SIX STARZ skateboards showcasing my signature board for their brand at the time.
1st place at the ACTIVE rideshop Game Of Skate. 2011
Double page spread inside PETER GRIMM magazine showcasing my signature hat sold at TILLYS stores.
My ad with MOSSY NISSAN in San Diego county. Was featured in City Beat magazine.
Modeled for BEN DAVIS brand appeared throughout their social media advertisement campaign.
My signature belt by C4 BELTS which was sold at ZUMIEZ stores throughout the United States.
The worlds first signature shoelace.
Featured on back of OLLIEPOP bubble gum packages sold at ZUMIEZ stores worldwide.
Front cover of 2009 PETER GRIMM headwear catalogue.
My pro signature wheel with BETTER Wheels company.
My ad for GLAMOUR KILLS clothing featured in TRANSWORLD SKATEBOARD magazine and THRASHER magazine.
Back Cover of the PETER GRIMM headwear catalogue.
My signature skateboard featured in the TRANSWORLD skateboarding magazine product guide.
San Diego Comic Con autograph signing with my cast mates of "SKATE GOD" the movie. Corey Duffel, Leticia Bufoni , Moose, and Garret Hill.
Ad campaign for my signature fleece with SPACYCLOUD apparel.
My first sequence ad ever. Was featured in SELF INFLICT magazine.
Cover page of GRIPGUM website.
NEBULA eyewear gave me my own trading cards exclusive to SDCC.
Featured cover article on PETA2 website.
The first signature POWERBAR box I was featured on. My first big check!
These displays featured a photo of me skateboarding and were found at VONS, ALBERTSONS, and RALPHS grocery stores worldwide.
These self standing displays featured a photo of me and were found at RALPHS, ALBERTSON, and VONS grocery stores throughout the world.
Featured on the JNCO jeans website.
Cover page of SNEAUX shoes website.
A 5-0 Grind I did Featured in a tour article inside SEPTICORE magazine in Mexico.
My signature beanie "The Ruben" which sold at TILLYS stores around the world.
A sequence ad I had for Ergodyne gloves used in an online campaign.
Ad for HEART GRIPTAPE.
One of many banners of me at a convention with a photo of me modeling hats for PETER GRIMM headwear which would be carried at TILLYS and later FOREVER 21 for the male line.
Flyers featuring Mike Francis and I announcing an event we would be attending and making an appearance at.
Featured on convention banners at Action Sports Retailer show.
On the news fighting to get a skatepark made in my hometown.
Article in IMPERIAL VALLEY PRESS about my Comic Con invitation and autograph signing.
Flyer featuring my name as a special guest pro skateboarder at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. for the "Finding A Line" demonstration.
Newspaper Sports front page in the IMPERIAL VALLEY PRESS featuring a story about my signature POWERBAR boxes.
The first review of Tony Hawks RIDE video game that I was chosen for which was featured in LEGITIMATE skateboard magazine. I was one of initial original first game testers for this at Activision.
My signature "Real Wood" mini tech deck Fingerboard.
Poster released by SCOFF skate laces in my younger years.
Interview for FIRST STOKE website.
My signature QUESTION hardware set.
Back cover page ad of LEGITIMATE skateboard magazine.
Early ad with SCOFF skate laces.
2nd place medal in ES GAME OF SKATE early 2000's. Phoenix,Arizona.