PING’s Secret Skateboard Company: A Surprising Venture into Longboards and Cruiser Boards

When you think of PING, the image that probably comes to mind is one of golf: precision-engineered clubs, high-performance equipment, and a legacy of innovation on the green. However, what many may not know is that PING isn’t just focused on perfecting your golf game. Tucked away in the shadows of their renowned ZING WRX name is a secretive division that takes a completely different path: Slek, a skateboard company that specializes in longboards and cruiser board completes.

Slek isn’t your typical skateboard company, much like how PING isn’t your typical golf company. While PING has made its name by producing some of the most sought-after golf equipment globally, Slek operates quietly, almost under the radar, but with the same dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail that has made PING a leader in its own industry.

PING’s Unique Approach to Business

Before diving into Slek, it’s worth taking a closer look at what makes PING stand out in the world of golf. PING has never been a company that follows the crowd. Founded in 1959 by Karsten Solheim, an engineer who sought to solve the problems golfers were having with traditional putters, PING started with a groundbreaking invention: the Ping 1-A putter. Solheim’s approach was innovative, using engineering principles to create a club that changed the dynamics of putting.

This mentality carried through as PING continued to evolve, becoming known for releasing products on their own terms. Unlike many golf companies that rush to keep up with yearly product cycles or the latest fads, PING sticks to its own schedule. Products are only released when they’re ready and meet the company’s high standards, ensuring that golfers receive top-quality equipment rather than rushed offerings.

Another unusual aspect of PING’s business model is their decision not to sell golf clubs through their own website. While other major manufacturers embrace direct-to-consumer sales models, PING opts to rely on authorized retailers. The decision has allowed them to maintain an air of exclusivity and ensure that their clubs are fitted and sold by trained professionals, guaranteeing that customers get the best possible experience with their equipment.

Moreover, PING remains one of the few privately owned golf equipment manufacturers in the world. In an industry dominated by publicly traded giants, PING’s independence allows it to follow its own path, free from the pressures of shareholders and quarterly earnings reports. This independence is a significant factor in their ability to innovate at their own pace.

With this background in mind, it shouldn’t be too surprising that PING would venture into a completely different industry—but it is the way they’ve done it that is truly unexpected.

Introducing Slek: A Secretive Skateboard Company

Slek, the skateboard company owned by PING, operates under the ZING WRX umbrella—PING’s custom engineering division. ZING WRX is well-known for crafting custom golf equipment and pushing the boundaries of innovation in golf club design, but what many people don’t realize is that the same ingenuity is being applied to skateboarding.

Much like PING’s approach to golf, Slek follows an in-house production model that’s rare in the skateboard industry. While most skateboard companies outsource the production of their components, Slek does it all themselves. They manufacture the boards, the wheels, and the trucks, ensuring complete control over the quality and performance of their products.

This holistic approach allows Slek to create boards that are not only beautifully crafted but also built to perform. From the design of the deck to the formulation of the urethane used in their wheels, every aspect of a Slek skateboard is carefully considered and meticulously engineered.

Slek specializes in longboards and cruiser boards, which are types of skateboards designed more for smooth cruising and carving than for tricks or technical skateboarding. Longboards are known for their stability and ease of control, making them perfect for downhill racing or leisurely rides. Cruiser boards, on the other hand, are smaller and more nimble, ideal for getting around town or commuting.

Craftsmanship and Quality: The PING Legacy Continues

One of the key reasons PING has been so successful in the golf industry is their commitment to craftsmanship and quality, and that same dedication extends to Slek. Like PING clubs, Slek boards are built with precision. The company uses high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to produce boards that not only look good but ride smoothly and handle well under various conditions.

For the deck of the board, Slek uses a combination of materials that balance strength and flexibility, allowing riders to maintain control while carving or cruising. The trucks—those essential components that connect the wheels to the deck and allow the board to turn—are designed in-house, offering a unique geometry that enhances the board’s performance.

Even the wheels are special. Slek formulates its own urethane, a material that plays a crucial role in determining how the wheels grip the pavement, how fast they roll, and how smoothly they ride. With full control over every aspect of the manufacturing process, Slek ensures that each component works together seamlessly to create a superior ride.

Why Skateboarding?

The idea of a golf company owning a skateboard company might seem strange at first glance, but there’s more overlap between the two sports than you might think. Both require a fine balance of precision, control, and fluid motion. Whether you’re navigating a golf course or cruising down a street on a longboard, the feeling of mastering the terrain and the equipment is universal.

Additionally, skateboarding has grown into a global phenomenon over the past several decades, evolving from a niche sport into a mainstream culture that appeals to a wide range of people. Longboarding, in particular, has become popular among those looking for a laid-back, enjoyable way to get around or spend time outdoors. PING, with its roots in engineering and craftsmanship, saw an opportunity to bring their expertise into a new arena, creating high-performance boards for this growing market.

A Well-Kept Secret: The Future of Slek

While Slek remains largely under the radar, it’s clear that PING’s venture into skateboarding is more than just a side project. The same innovation that has driven PING’s success in golf is now being applied to skateboarding, and as more people discover Slek, the brand could very well become a serious player in the longboard and cruiser board market.

For now, though, Slek remains something of a well-kept secret, known only to those who dig a little deeper into PING’s diverse offerings. But with the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship that has made PING a household name in golf, Slek may not remain a secret for long.

Whether you’re a golfer looking to take a break from the green or a skateboarder in search of a new ride, Slek’s longboards and cruisers are well worth checking out. They may not be what you’d expect from a golf company, but that’s exactly what makes them so intriguing. After all, in both golf and skateboarding, it’s all about the ride.