Seal Beach Teen Creates Skateboard to Honor Police

SEAL BEACH, CA — A local teenager's shock at police violence across the country spurred him to action. Hearing the news about police being shot and killed over the summer was unavoidable for James Hopton, a 13-year-old Seal Beach resident.

"It was scary because I have become friends with many of our Seal Beach police officers," he said over Facebook post.

James's desire to become an inventor and following in his grandfather's business footsteps, James now has the heart to make skateboards in the USA. His boards are simple in design, and his motto that you can surf the streets anywhere in the world.

For motivation with the Seal Beach Police Department board, he used the badge of the officers as his inspiration for coming up with the skateboard.

"I wanted to show my appreciation and love for our police, so I created a custom longboard with our Seal Beach badge."

The board also has Sharkwheels and safety lights from Shredlights, who sponsor him and his boards, for riding safely at night, he said.

"Thank you for serving us and dedicating your lives to keep us safe," he said.

The original idea to create a longboard stemmed from seeing a Youtube video where a policeman from Greenbay loved to surf. He decided to fabricate a skateboard as his "police board."

"The community was supportive and loved having a policeman patrolling so closely to them in parks and on the streets," he said.

Hopton believes having the longboard makes it easier to communicate and build friendships with the community.

See the Seal Beach Police Board on display at the station.

"And be sure to give a High Five to our policeman," James said.

For more information about Ternion and their customized skateboards, visit: www.ternionskate.com

Photo screenshot from Youtube Video.