RIDEWILD.SKATEFREE.
Handcrafted custom decks, pro-grade hardware, and a community that lives for the push. Born in San Diego. Built for the streets.
Born from
Concrete & Creativity
Animal Skate started in 2016 in a cramped garage in Pacific Beach with one drill press, a stack of blank decks, and a refusal to skate anything mass-produced. Founder Dustin McCaffree had been shaping boards since high school and finally decided San Diego deserved a shop that actually cared about the craft.
What started as custom builds for friends quickly blew up. Word spread through the parks, the street spots, and the local scene. Today, we operate out of our workshop near Mission Beach — a full-service skate shop where every deck is still shaped, painted, and finished by hand.
We're not a chain. We're not a trend. We're skaters building for skaters. Every board that leaves our shop carries the same energy that built this place: raw, real, and ready to ride.
Everything You Need to Shred
From custom builds to board repair — we've got your setup covered. All under one roof in San Diego.
Custom Deck Builds
Hand-shaped and hand-painted decks built to your exact specs. Your vision, our craftsmanship.
Every Animal Skate custom deck starts as a blank canvas and becomes a one-of-a-kind piece of rideable art. Choose your shape, concave, width, and graphic — or let our artists create something completely original. We use premium North American maple and finish every board by hand in our San Diego workshop.
Pro Hardware & Gear
Curated selection of trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip from the brands that matter.
We stock only the gear we'd ride ourselves. From Independent trucks and Spitfire wheels to Bones bearings and Mob grip, every product in our shop is handpicked by skaters for skaters. Need help dialing in your setup? Our crew will build your complete — no charge for assembly.
Board Repair & Refurb
Cracked deck? Blown out bearings? We'll get you rolling again — fast.
Don't toss that board. Our workshop handles everything from grip tape swaps and truck adjustments to full deck restorations. We can also re-shape razor tail, replace hardware, and tune your ride to perfection. Most repairs done same day.
Skate Lessons & Sessions
From first push to kickflip. Private and group sessions for all ages and levels.
Whether you're stepping on a board for the first time or trying to land your first tre flip, our instructors have you covered. We offer private one-on-one coaching, small group sessions, and weekend skate camps for kids. All lessons include gear rental if you need it.
Built by Hand. Shot on Film.
A look inside our workshop, our boards, and the culture that drives everything we do.
Custom Deck Art
The Workshop
Pro Hardware
Session Life
Street Culture
What the Community Says
Don't take our word for it. Here's what our riders, parents, and fellow skaters have to say.
“Got a custom deck built for my son's birthday — the artwork was insane. Animal Skate nailed the retro Thrasher vibe he wanted. Kid hasn't stopped riding it since. Best skate shop in SD, hands down.”
“I've been skating 15 years and this is the first shop that actually listens. They dialed in my truck setup perfectly and the custom grip art is fire. Real skaters running a real shop.”
“Took my daughter to their weekend skate camp and she went from terrified to dropping in on the mini ramp in two days. The instructors are patient, encouraging, and genuinely care. We're customers for life.”
“Had my favorite deck repaired after I thought it was done — they fixed the delam, re-gripped it, and it rides like new. Saved me from spending on a whole new setup. Legends.”
Ready to Build Something
Worth Riding?
Whether it's your first board or your hundredth, we'll make sure it's the one you never want to stop skating.
Got Questions?
We've got answers. If you don't see what you need, hit us up directly.
Come Skate With Us
Drop by the shop, give us a call, or send a message. We're always stoked to talk boards, builds, and everything skate.
Call or Text
(916) 220-9814
We pick up. Promise.
Email Us
dustin+skate@terrible.app
For custom build inquiries, lessons, and more.
Visit the Shop
710 Beach Club Way, San Diego, CA 92109
Near Mission Beach. Parking out front.
Shop Hours
Send Us a Message
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.