Atlas finds its way downtown

From across the floor, the customers can look into the large window to see the various types of clothing hanging from the racks including the skateboarding equipment.

For the past 10 years, Atlas has found a home on Second Avenue in downtown San Mateo selling wares and providing a welcoming environment for skaters of all types to come together and hang out.

Owner Ryen Motzek opened the shop with co-owner Mike Manidis with the intention of becoming a safe haven for people who are interested in skate culture and other related products.

Another goal for the Atlas Skate shop is to be a welcoming environment for everyone. Patrick Beaudouin, now a member of the ownership group, emphasized that in some skateboarding shops, the stereotype can be that they’re intimidating and only “certain people” can go in. Not for Atlas, as many come to browse and talk about the items and just catch up.

Beaudouin is more behind the scenes when it comes to the business, which they said is a success because they are following their passion.

“We’re not doing this because it’s cool,” Motzek said. “What we’re in for is being in tune with the culture around skateboarding.”

The customers are both loyal and vary in age whether it’s a 5-year-old getting their first skateboard or an adult picking up new bearings or grip tape for their boards.

The process for getting a new board is simple. The customer gets fitted for the board size and, after they pick a design, the skateboard is fitted with the wheels and other necessary parts.

Motzek said they use Instagram to include sneak peaks of their latest products and collaborations. Atlas offers more than 350 different skateboard designs; there is new products coming in almost every day.

“We love art,” Motzek said. “We try to have pieces that show different things, especially for almost anyone.”

As most businesses experience, it started slow but the shop’s customer base gradually grew. Beaudouin also attributes the success of their business to keeping it “pure,” meaning it attracts people in a good and positive way.

One of the few challenges they had was creating their own merchandise. This is due to time and energy going through the process including coming up with their own designs. They do house their own clothing line which comes out seasonally.

For their 10-year anniversary, the owners are doing collaborations with popular brands such as Levi’s, Spitfire Wheels and Real Skateboards. Motzek said a party will be thrown at Public Works, at 161 Erie St., in the Mission District Oct. 14 around 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Motzek hopes locals from all around will join the party and celebrate their anniversary and sponsorship. Email info@atlasskateboarding.com to RSVP. Ages 21 and over. Atlas is at 209 Second Ave., in downtown San Mateo. Go to atlasskateboarding.com for more information.