Tom Sims: The Visionary Who Revolutionized Board Sports

Tom Sims was a trailblazer, a dreamer, and a pioneer who left an indelible mark on the world of skateboarding and snowboarding. Born on December 6, 1950, in Los Angeles, California, Tom grew up with a passion for adventure and innovation. His journey into the world of board sports began in the most unexpected of places—a seventh-grade woodshop class in Haddonfield, New Jersey. It was there, in 1963, that Tom crafted what he called a "skiboard," a wooden contraption that combined his love for skiing and skateboarding. This humble creation would later evolve into the modern snowboard, changing the landscape of winter sports forever.

Tom's early fascination with skateboarding was sparked during a visit to his grandparents in Los Angeles, where he witnessed kids bombing down streets on skateboards. Inspired, he returned to New Jersey and began honing his skills, eventually becoming a world-class skateboarder. In 1975, Tom clinched the title of World Skateboard Champion, solidifying his place as a legend in the sport. But Tom was never one to rest on his laurels. His restless creativity led him to explore new frontiers, and snowboarding became his next great passion.

In 1976, Tom founded SIMS Skateboards and Snowboards, a brand that would become synonymous with innovation and excellence. Under his leadership, SIMS introduced groundbreaking products like the first laminated multiple-ply maple skateboard decks and the first metal-edged snowboards. Tom's vision extended beyond equipment; he was instrumental in shaping the culture and lifestyle of board sports. He sponsored some of the biggest names in skateboarding, including Tony Hawk and Christian Hosoi, and played a pivotal role in popularizing snowboarding as a mainstream sport.

One of Tom's most iconic moments came in 1985 when he served as the snowboarding stunt double for Roger Moore in the James Bond film "A View to a Kill." This high-profile appearance brought snowboarding into the global spotlight, inspiring countless enthusiasts to take up the sport. Tom's influence didn't stop there; he was a relentless advocate for snowboarding, lobbying ski resorts to open their slopes to snowboarders and organizing the first-ever World Snowboarding Championships in 1983.

Tom's contributions to board sports were not just technical but also cultural. He believed in the power of self-expression and creativity, values that resonated deeply with the skateboarding and snowboarding communities. His legacy lives on through the SIMS brand, which continues to innovate and inspire new generations of riders.

Tom Sims passed away on September 12, 2012, in Santa Barbara, California, but his spirit endures in every carve, slide, and jump performed on a board. He was more than an athlete or an inventor; he was a visionary who saw the world as an endless playground. Tom Sims didn't just create boards; he created a lifestyle, a culture, and a legacy that will forever be etched in the annals of sports history.

TOM SIMS at the 1976 Hang Ten Skateboard Contest

Tom Sims Skateboarding, The Last Day July 16 2012

Class of 2018 - Tom Sims Tribute Video