Add a little extra clearance to your setup with the independent Designed to fit perfectly between your deck and trucks, these durable riser pads help reduce wheel bite when riding larger wheels or skating with looser trucks. Made from high-quality hard plastic and finished with the classic Independent logo, these 1/8" risers deliver reliable performance without affecting board feel. Supplied as a pack of 2, they’re the perfect upgrade for smoother turns, added clearance, and a more comfortable ride. Who Are INDY?? The Independent Truck Company, often simply called Indy, stands as one of the most influential and enduring brands in skateboarding history. Since its founding in 1978, the company has shaped not only the evolution of skateboard hardware, but also the attitude, identity, and progression of skate culture itself. Independent was established in Newark, California, by a group of industry pioneers—Richard Novak, Jay Shiurman, Fausto Vitello, and Eric Swenson. At the time, skateboarders were frustrated with the lack of reliable trucks on the market; many either broke under pressure or failed to turn properly. Independent was born out of this need for stronger, better-performing equipment, with a clear mission: build trucks by skaters, for skaters. The release of the first Stage I trucks in 1978 marked a turning point. Designed as a hybrid of the best features available at the time—combining smooth turning with improved durability—Independent quickly gained a reputation for quality and performance. This commitment to function over hype became a defining principle of the brand and remains central to its identity today. Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Independent rose alongside the rapid growth of skateboarding itself. As the sport evolved from surf-inspired cruising into aggressive vertical riding and street skating, Indy trucks proved capable of handling the increased demands. Their durability made them especially popular for grinding and high-impact skating, helping to enable the technical progression that defined modern skateboarding. Beyond hardware, Independent played a major role in shaping skateboarding’s rebellious, DIY ethos. Closely tied to NHS, Inc. and the rise of Thrasher Magazine—co-founded by Vitello—the brand became synonymous with a raw, anti-establishment attitude. This was reflected in its bold graphics, iconic cross logo, and unapologetic slogan: “Ride the Best.” Independent’s imagery and messaging helped define skateboarding as more than just a sport—it became a countercultural movement, rooted in individuality, creativity, and resistance to mainstream norms. This cultural positioning distinguished Indy from competitors and cemented its place at the core of skateboarding’s identity. Innovation has also been a constant throughout Indy’s history. From the early Stage models to modern iterations like the Stage 11, the brand has continually refined its designs—improving geometry, materials, and strength without compromising the feel that skaters trust. Rather than chasing trends, Independent has built its reputation on incremental, functional improvements, ensuring each new release meets the real-world demands of skating. A key part of Independent’s influence lies in its team riders. Over the decades, the brand has supported some of the most respected skateboarders in the world, contributing to its credibility and visibility across generations. Its trucks have become the preferred choice for countless professionals, reinforcing its status as a benchmark for performance. Importantly, Independent has maintained its relevance across multiple eras of skateboarding—from the pool and vert scenes of the 1970s, through the street revolution of the 1990s, to today’s diverse global landscape. While many brands have come and gone, Indy’s consistency and authenticity have allowed it to remain a constant in an ever-changing industry. Today, Independent is widely regarded as one of the most trusted and recognisable names in skateboarding hardware. Its trucks are often considered the industry standard, and its legacy is deeply embedded in the progression of the sport. From enabling new tricks to influencing skate culture’s visual identity, Indy’s contribution goes far beyond the products themselves. More than four decades on, Independent continues to embody the core values it was founded on: durability, performance, and authenticity. In doing so, it has not only helped shape how skateboards are ridden—but also what skateboarding represents.
