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Goodtimes Boardstore co-owner Gus Coronel says skateboarding is a “lifestyle trend — a real free activity.”
Walk into Goodtimes Boardstore and you'll be greeted with a mini refrigerator full of Red Bull.
Skateboarding is a high energy activity, and Goodtimes Boardstore reflects that vibe, bursting with myriad boarding and personal accessories.
“I would not own a business if it wasn't a skate shop and I wasn't a skateboarder,” said owner Gus Coronel, who was introduced to skateboarding through his older brother.
A wall of brightly colored skateboards, blaring with designs, leads you into the store; a skateboard “timeline” shows an array of boards ranging from modern offerings to old originals.
A wall of shoes boasts 120 styles from all of the major skate brands, including Vans, Converse, DVS and Etnies. Dark sunglasses, large watches and small wheels are crammed in transparent display cases sprinkled about.
Racks brimming with hooded sweatshirts fill up most of the back of the long, narrow store; a recent small remodel adjusted hat and T-shirt displays.
“Freshening up,” explained Coronel.
“I'm just a skateboarder,” said Coronel, 33. It's a “lifestyle trend,” he continued. “A real free activity.”
Coronel owns Goodtimes Boardstore along with business partner Sam Anderson, also 33. Both grew up locally and attended Sierra Mountain High School (now Sierra Foothill High School).
The store has been open since 2001.
“It was open for four years before that in Nevada City under a different owner,” Coronel said. He bought his share of the store from Anderson's previous partner.
“It just kind of happened — right place, right time,” he said.
Goodtimes Boardstore hosts a yearly skate contest and skate camp for children ages 8 to 16. They did not host these events this year; Coronel felt he needed to focus on keeping the store open, “with the economy the way it is.”
“My main focus is to nurture and create a skateboard scene here in the community and be a place that introduces people to skateboarding and keeping them going in the right direction,” said Coronel. “That's number one, keeping the skateboard scene alive.”
“We'll have another contest next year, more demonstrations. Hopefully, the skate camp will be reestablished,” he said.
Goodtimes carries all top-of-the-line, professional-grade products, formulated for skateboarding.
“We stand behind every product we sell,” said Coronel.
Their main focus is shoes. That's our “bread and butter,” he said.
“These shoes are made for skateboarders to jump down 15 stairs. We abuse our feet,” Coronel added.
The “style is cool, as well, more accessible,” he said. “A real everyday look.”
Buying a board is hands-on and “very personal,” said Coronel. “I've been skating 25 years, and I'm just barely understanding what works best for me. I still try new boards.”
His current favorite? Blood Wizard Skateboards.
Employees are happy to give you a clinic with your board.
“We try to be one-on-one,” said Coronel. “You buy the board, wheels, we throw in stuff, put it together for you and show you how it goes together. It's very important to us that it's a positive introduction. It's for fun.”
Goodtimes Boardstore has five employees, including Coronel and Anderson, and is at 156 Mill St. in Grass Valley. They are open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Call (530) 272-7751 or visit GoodtimesOnline.com.
To contact Reader Liaison Angela Diaz, e-mail adiaz@theunion.com or call (530) 477-4203.
Skateboarding is a high energy activity, and Goodtimes Boardstore reflects that vibe, bursting with myriad boarding and personal accessories.
“I would not own a business if it wasn't a skate shop and I wasn't a skateboarder,” said owner Gus Coronel, who was introduced to skateboarding through his older brother.
A wall of brightly colored skateboards, blaring with designs, leads you into the store; a skateboard “timeline” shows an array of boards ranging from modern offerings to old originals.
A wall of shoes boasts 120 styles from all of the major skate brands, including Vans, Converse, DVS and Etnies. Dark sunglasses, large watches and small wheels are crammed in transparent display cases sprinkled about.
Racks brimming with hooded sweatshirts fill up most of the back of the long, narrow store; a recent small remodel adjusted hat and T-shirt displays.
“Freshening up,” explained Coronel.
“I'm just a skateboarder,” said Coronel, 33. It's a “lifestyle trend,” he continued. “A real free activity.”
Coronel owns Goodtimes Boardstore along with business partner Sam Anderson, also 33. Both grew up locally and attended Sierra Mountain High School (now Sierra Foothill High School).
The store has been open since 2001.
“It was open for four years before that in Nevada City under a different owner,” Coronel said. He bought his share of the store from Anderson's previous partner.
“It just kind of happened — right place, right time,” he said.
Goodtimes Boardstore hosts a yearly skate contest and skate camp for children ages 8 to 16. They did not host these events this year; Coronel felt he needed to focus on keeping the store open, “with the economy the way it is.”
“My main focus is to nurture and create a skateboard scene here in the community and be a place that introduces people to skateboarding and keeping them going in the right direction,” said Coronel. “That's number one, keeping the skateboard scene alive.”
“We'll have another contest next year, more demonstrations. Hopefully, the skate camp will be reestablished,” he said.
Goodtimes carries all top-of-the-line, professional-grade products, formulated for skateboarding.
“We stand behind every product we sell,” said Coronel.
Their main focus is shoes. That's our “bread and butter,” he said.
“These shoes are made for skateboarders to jump down 15 stairs. We abuse our feet,” Coronel added.
The “style is cool, as well, more accessible,” he said. “A real everyday look.”
Buying a board is hands-on and “very personal,” said Coronel. “I've been skating 25 years, and I'm just barely understanding what works best for me. I still try new boards.”
His current favorite? Blood Wizard Skateboards.
Employees are happy to give you a clinic with your board.
“We try to be one-on-one,” said Coronel. “You buy the board, wheels, we throw in stuff, put it together for you and show you how it goes together. It's very important to us that it's a positive introduction. It's for fun.”
Goodtimes Boardstore has five employees, including Coronel and Anderson, and is at 156 Mill St. in Grass Valley. They are open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Call (530) 272-7751 or visit GoodtimesOnline.com.
To contact Reader Liaison Angela Diaz, e-mail adiaz@theunion.com or call (530) 477-4203.
