Dudr x Tamper Room - Fingerboard Fest

Tamper Room Fingerboard Fest Feb. 17th 2024

Diving into Fingerboarding: My First Event Experience

Hey there Geeks!

I’m excited to share my journey into the world of fingerboarding, especially after the amazing experience I had at the Fingerboard Fest held at Tamper Room in Fremont, California, on February 17th, 2024. This event was not just a gathering of enthusiasts but a pivotal moment for me personally and creatively.

It all started with a flyer that I designed for my friend Dudr, showcasing the festival's vibrancy and excitement. Little did I know, this event would mark my debut as a vendor, despite my lack of preparation. But sometimes, the best decisions come from diving headfirst into the unknown.

I had dabbled in designing merchandise before, but fingerboards were a whole new territory for me. It was a chance encounter with a customer at my day job that sparked the idea. We bonded over our shared love for fingerboarding, and they generously offered to help me kickstart my own fingerboard project. This person turned out to be Metal Fingerboards, a pivotal mentor in my journey.

Armed with enthusiasm and a few basic skills, I began researching how to apply heat press transfers—an art I had previously used for clothing—to my fingerboards. Without a heat roller or much modification knowledge, I improvised with a flat heat press and painstakingly hand-applied each graphic. It was a labor of love, but seeing my designs come to life fueled my determination.

For the event, I created six unique graphics, enough for giveaways and some to sell. It was my first time as a vendor, and despite my nerves, the response was incredible. People loved the boards, and I even managed to sell some of my previously designed merchandise alongside them. More importantly, the festival became a hub for connecting with other Bay Area brands and forming friendships that continue to inspire me.

Looking back, I realize that if I hadn’t taken that leap into vending at the Fingerboard Fest, I wouldn’t be here today—creating fingerboards and sharing my passion with the world. It’s been a journey of learning, networking, and most importantly, following a passion that has opened doors I never thought possible.

I made the fingerboards with love and dedication, and it’s fulfilling to see them appreciated. Here’s to more fingerboarding adventures ahead!

-Super Kaiju