We travelled to the land of the living skies, Saskatchewan, for the next SHOP TALK segment, catching up with Regina's core skate shop: Tiki Room. For nearly 30 years, Tiki Room has been a cornerstone of Saskatchewan’s skateboarding scene. What started as a small extension of a local clothing shop in the mid-'90s quickly grew into a dedicated skate shop built by and for skateboarders. From the beginning, the goal was simple: to create a space where skaters felt understood and supported. As Tiki approaches this major milestone, we look back at its roots, the evolution of Saskatchewan's skate culture, and the passion that has kept the shop thriving for three decades.
CSB: Tiki Room is coming up on 30 years in business - such a huge accomplishment! What did the early years of Tiki Room look like? What encouraged you to start the business, as well as keep it going all this time?
Tiki: Thanks! Yeah, Tiki will be celebrating 30 years in May of 2026. Simultaneously it feels like forever and also like no time at all. The shop started out somewhat organically. I had taught myself how to sew pants in the early 90's as I couldn't purchase clothing that I wanted locally. I went to a shop in Regina that was making clothes and ended up working there and sewing for them (World of Trout). We started selling skateboards at WOT (around '94-'95) and skateboard sales grew to the point where we branched it off so that a skate-specific store would be there to service the community. The early years of the shop were not that much different than today: boards, shoes, tees and homies. The intent was to provide a shop where you, as a skateboarder, could go and they understood what you were about. I'd like to think we have stayed true to that. It's always just been about skateboarding to us.
I started skateboarding in 1984, so it's in my blood. It isn't hard to stay motivated. I still nerd out on vids, shoot skate photos, build ramps, and help other people in the industry with web and design stuff. I enjoy most aspects of having the shop.
CSB: What's the Saskatchewan skate scene like? How have you seen it evolve since you first opened in the 90s?
Tiki: The scene in Saskatchewan is really great. There are some really good skaters that have come out of Sask and there is a real kinship between the skaters from the cities and towns. You can't mention skating in Sask without mentioning winter. It's a lot of work to provide spaces in the winter and the people that make that happen are gems. Many thanks to the volunteers who keep everyone rolling year round.
The scene has evolved, no doubt. There weren't skateparks in the 90's. Social media didn't really exist, and skateboarding was not seen as a normal interest. Now it's in the Olympics- quite a trajectory to witness within a lifetime. When you really boil it down though, the scene in Sask is the same in a lot of ways. There is a solid group of people doing it and making things happen.
CSB: Why do you think skate shops are so integral to the culture of skateboarding, especially in Canada?
Tiki: Skate shops can be the liaison between our subculture (if you can call it that anymore) and the rest of society. A bit of a bridge, if you will. Having a shop gives you an opportunity to support the skate community and give back and at the same time foster new people in the scene. Skate shops can break down that barrier of intimidation for someone that has seen skateboarding but doesn't know where to start. It's also a central point for everything and everyone who has been in the scene for a while. You'll always see someone you know. People take pride in their local shops. I love seeing that and love supporting that too. I always try to get shop tees when traveling to new cities.
CSB: What have been the best parts of owning a skate shop? What things have been the most challenging?
Tiki: The best parts of owning a shop are the friendships that have spawned from staff, customers, reps, other shop owners, volunteers, etc. These are lifelong friends. Seeing new gear as it comes out is always a treat. I still love setting up completes, especially someone's first one.
Things that are challenging are keeping the lights on haha. It's a competitive world out there with things like online stores, inflation, and all the distractions of the internet. The internet and social media is double edged: it can pull people away from skateboarding, but it can also expose people to it.
CSB: Are there any big future goals for Tiki? What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind with your shop?
Tiki: As is, the plan is for Tiki to stay true to its original intent: create a central point for skateboarders in our scene and to help foster skateboarding through events and volunteerism. And to keep the lights on haha.
In terms of legacy, I'd like to think we've accomplished the goals listed above and would love to see that continue. It's been such a learning experience. We've done some stuff right, and some things wrong, but our intent was to always be a solid shop that supported skateboarding. Many thanks to everyone that has contributed to skateboarding not just in Regina or Saskatchewan, but everywhere.
Through the years, Tiki Room has remained true to its mission—serving as a hub for skateboarders, fostering community, and supporting the growth of the scene. While challenges like changing retail landscapes and Saskatchewan’s long winters persist, the shop’s commitment to skateboarding has never wavered. With a deep appreciation for the friendships, memories, and experiences built along the way, Tiki’s legacy is one of passion, perseverance, and dedication to the culture.
The relationship between a skate shop and it's local skate scene is symbiotic - one can't exist without the other. Grassroots skate shops like Tiki keep the authentic spirit of skating alive, ensuring Saskatchewan skaters always have a place to call home, to feel welcome & seen. It's our job as skaters to ensure we understand the absolute necessity of places like this, and do what we can with the resources we have to keep local skate shops alive. We'll say it once, and we'll say it again. Support your local shop. They are the lifeblood of skateboarding in cities, towns and communities across our country, and we couldn't do what we do without them.
Want to support Tiki Room? You can shop online at www.tikiroomskateboards.com or follow their journey on instagram at @tikiroomskate