Recreation

Passion On Wheels

new shop opening to serve local skateboard scene

Dustin Hahn, photos by Andrea Paulseth |

FAMILY BUSINESS. Christopher Johnson – shown with his wife, Kirstin; daughter, Lily; and dog, Madeye – wants his soon-to-open business, Passion Board Shop, to be a place that parents are comfortable having their kids visit.
FAMILY BUSINESS. Christopher Johnson – shown with his wife, Kirstin; daughter, Lily; and dog, Madeye – wants his soon-to-open business, Passion Board Shop, to be a place that parents are comfortable having their kids visit.

Skateboarding is prevalent in Eau Claire, especially within the last few years. Last fall, Eau Claire’s first free skateboard park was completed at Lakeshore Park, after years of fundraising stalled the project. This spring, Eau Claire will see a new skate shop open up downtown.

Christopher Johnson is the owner and visionary behind Passion Board Shop. Johnson started skating the streets and parks of Eau Claire when he was 10 years old, along with a number of local riders who still live and skate in Eau Claire. It is something that he has always taken seriously. But he says it is much more than just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle. “I’ve had many of my greatest experiences and met many of the important people in my life through skateboarding,” Johnson said. “It has always been my outlet to relieve stress and express my creativity.” His passion has turned into something he wants to share with as many people as possible. Passion Board Shop is how he plans to do that.

Opening a skate shop has been on Johnson’s mind for several years. The completion of the Lakeshore Skatepark inspired Johnson to finally open his own store. “Skating that park with everyone this fall opened my eyes to what an awesome skate scene we really have in Eau Claire,” he said. “We finally got the park we always wanted. It’s time we get a local shop as well.” Johnson also said his wife has been his biggest supporter, and she encouraged him to take the risk and open his own shop.

Passion Board Shop, 218 N. Dewey St., is going to offer everything an Eau Claire skater could ever need. Johnson said he will carry all the normal items you would expect from a skateboard shop: boards of the skate, long, and snow variety, and apparel and accessories related to skateboarding. He believes it will be more than just that, however. “Local skate shops give the community a gathering point and are a necessary part of a thriving skate scene,” he said. “They give riders a place to meet up and get the quality gear they need to keep doing what they love.” The phrase “for skaters, by skaters” is certainly appropriate in this case.

In addition, Johnson wants Passion Board Shop to be an active part of the local community. He wants the shop to not only be a core place that riders go to but also a place in which parents are happy to let their children shop and hang out. He is also including Eau Claire culture into the shop, by having local art and photos on display. Johnson said he has a respect for people who can create works of art, as he doesn’t have those talents. But that won’t stop him from appreciating and helping those who can. “The shop gives me an opportunity to feature local artists’ talents in a different way that my customers can enjoy,” he said. “It presents local artists with a unique opportunity to market themselves and show their support for the growth of small business in the community.”

Johnson will also sell limited-edition apparel with graphics created by local artists that will not be found anywhere else. One such design is a graphic created by Keith Kohrs of Wintership Tattoo, which will be used on the first run of shop shirts and sweatshirts.

Johnson is hard at work getting Passion Board Shop ready to open on April 11 and is excited to see his store become a part of the Eau Claire skate community. “When you meet anyone else that rides, there is an instant connection,” he said. “The skate community is one big family that way. When you start skateboarding you become part of that family.”

You can find Passion Board Shop online at PassionBoardShop.com and on Facebook.