Arbor Snowboards - Built on Purpose, Ridden with Style

Since 1995, Arbor has been doing things their own way—melding surf, skate, and snow culture with a deep respect for the environment. But more than that, they’ve always built their gear to match their ethos, rather than crafting an ethos around their gear. Founded by Bob Carlson and the late Chris Jensen, the brand came from a simple but radical idea: make boards that ride beautifully without trashing the planet. Long before "sustainability" was a buzzword, they were building decks with fallen Hawaiian Koa wood, funding reforestation efforts, and proving that performance and responsibility could go hand in hand.

Bob Carlson grew up skating and surfing in Santa Monica in the era of Tony Alva and the Z-Boys, developing an appreciation for flow and style that would shape the way Arbor builds boards. But first and foremost, he was an environmentalist. Carlson first started selling sustainable Hawaiian Koa wood, and as he and Chris Jensen spent their time snowboarding at Mammoth Mountain, the idea took shape—why not use this beautiful, responsibly sourced timber in snowboards? The two decided to go all in, opening their own factory to turn the vision into reality.

From day one, sustainability wasn’t just part of Arbor’s identity—it was the entire foundation of the brand. While using eco-friendly materials might be standard practice today, in the mid-'90s, when the industry was all about skulls, crossbones, and plastic topsheets, it was unheard of. Arbor’s choice to use natural wood wasn’t just a design shift—it made them an outsider in an industry of outsiders, setting them apart from the get-go. They set out to prove that boards could be built with the planet in mind without sacrificing performance, and they did. They were the first to swap out plastic topsheets for responsibly sourced wood veneer, an innovation that the rest of the industry eventually followed.

Over the years, they’ve continued experimenting with sustainable materials—bamboo for strength, bio-resins to cut out toxic glues, recycled steel edges to reduce waste. Arbor isn’t just trying to do less harm; they’ve always led with the belief that the right materials and the right approach naturally create the best boards. This is why their identity has remained so cohesive—every product they bring to market follows the same guiding principles, making them one of the few brands that truly builds to their ethos first.

This commitment to sustainability extends beyond materials—Arbor has always believed in actively restoring the environments that fuel their craft. That’s why they formalized their forest-focused sustainability efforts through the Returning Roots program, which ensures that for every snowboard and skateboard sold, a portion goes directly to reforestation projects in Hawaii’s Koa forests. This initiative isn’t just about giving back; it’s about making sure the land that shaped Arbor’s identity continues to thrive for future generations.

Arbor has never been just about snowboarding—it’s about the full sideways lifestyle. From the beginning, their boards reflected that surf-skate-snow connection, so it was only natural that they expanded into skateboarding. It started with a simple idea: repurpose old snowboards into longboards. That experiment clicked, and soon, Arbor was crafting some of the best skate decks out there, using the same commitment to sustainable materials—bio-urethane wheels, recycled materials, and responsibly sourced wood.

That seamless crossover between board sports is what defines Arbor’s team. Snowboarding legends like Bryan Iguchi and Marie-France Roy have been longtime ambassadors of the brand, pushing the limits of freeriding while embodying the company’s respect-for-nature ethos. Meanwhile, rising talents like Jared Elston, whose recent video Mechanical Bull, showcase the raw, creative energy that Arbor represents. Add in heavy hitters like Red Gerard and Pat Moore, and you’ve got one of the most well-rounded teams in the industry—riders who can charge anything from backcountry lines to urban setups with style.

The same energy extends to Arbor’s skate program. With downhill icons like James Kelly and Liam Morgan, Arbor’s influence in skateboarding is just as strong as in snowboarding. Whether you’re dropping in on a mountain face or tucking into a steep descent on pavement, Arbor riders keep that surfy, free-flowing approach alive across every discipline.

At Ballistyx, we back brands that actually walk the talk. That’s why Arbor stands out—they’ve never had to force an identity or reinvent themselves to stay relevant. Their commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship has been baked in from the start, because they put the planet first, the end result is seriously good boards to ride—a fortunate byproduct of their dedication to doing things the right way. If you want to dive deeper into their history and ethos, check out their 25-year documentary, "Crossing the Grain.", and Arbor is one of the best examples out there. They’re not just making boards—they’re keeping the original free-spirit of riding alive. If you want to dive deeper into their history and ethos, check out their 25-year documentary, "Crossing the Grain."