TOM, ARTISAN SHAPER AND FOUNDER OF MERLIN SKATEBOARDS

As a skateboard shaper and art craftsman, Tom Merlingeas designs and handcrafts every Merlin skateboard in his workshop in Bergerac, Dordogne, France. From the initial sketch to the final finishing touches, every step is carried out by the same craftsman, with constant attention to detail and quality.

His approach always starts with the skateboard as a functional riding object. Shape, strength, ride characteristics and durability form the foundations of his work. The choice of materials, woodworking and marquetry then add depth and character to each creation, without ever losing sight of its primary purpose: to be a genuine skateboard built to ride.

Driven by a desire to understand every stage of the manufacturing process, Tom developed his first shapes in 2021 and continued learning alongside different shapers. This ongoing pursuit led to the creation of Merlin Skateboards in 2022, with a simple ambition: to craft skateboards in France without compromise, where every decision is guided by quality rather than the constraints of industrial production.

Today, every new skateboard is an opportunity to explore a shape, a wood species, a technique or a finish, in a constant search for the right balance between performance, craftsmanship and identity.

The Shaper’s Craft

Shaping at the heart of craftsmanship

The shaper designs and crafts skateboard decks by working on their shape, dimensions and construction. At Merlin Skateboards, every shape is developed with care to find the right balance between feel, performance and identity.

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WOODWORKING

Wood is at the heart of Merlin Skateboards’ craftsmanship. Wood species, veneers and marquetry are carefully worked to create unique skateboards.

This approach to working with wood places each creation at the heart of an art-craft tradition, where technical expertise meets artistic expression.

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ANOTHER VISION OF SKATEBOARDING

Between performance, aesthetics and personality

For Merlin Skateboards, a skateboard is about more than its function. It should deliver a great ride while having a distinctive shape and aesthetic of its own. Each creation is designed to strike the right balance between the pleasure of riding and visual identity.

A skateboard remains first and foremost a riding object, but it can also become a true work of craftsmanship. Handcrafted production allows us to explore the relationship between performance, materials and aesthetics, without ever losing sight of what matters most: the pleasure of riding.

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INSIDE THE MERLIN SKATEBOARDS WORKSHOP

The workshop is the heart of Merlin Skateboards. This is where ideas take shape, materials are worked, and each skateboard evolves through to its final finish.

Designed as a space for making, but also for research and experimentation, the workshop is where new shapes are developed, woodworking techniques are explored, and small-batch or custom creations are brought to life. Every project is made with the time and precision it deserves.

Explore the Workshop