As he examined the shop’s selection of longboards, he grabbed a 100-percent bamboo board to demonstrate its pliable characteristics. Shifting his weight onto the balls of his feet, Rolff easily manipulates the board, causing it to nearly scrape the floor without damaging it.

Geoff Koboldt, the founder and president of California-based Bamboo Skateboards, said his customers who transition to bamboo boards notice a difference within the first week. Specializing in bamboo boards for trick skaters, Koboldt said his motivation for manufacturing bamboo boards is about more than skating.

“I wanted to do something ecological and I found an opportunity to do so with bamboo,” he said.

After graduating from MSU in 1997 and becoming frustrated with corporate culture, Koboldt decided to channel his passion for the environment as well as his childhood experiences in action sports to found a company focused on making an impact.

Koboldt said bamboo’s rapid growth cycle, low associated harvesting costs and higher potential yield means bamboo has the potential to end the era of maple dependence in the skating.

“The goal is to inspire others to be environmentally responsible,” he said.

Bamboo boards have struck a chord with MSU’s longboarders, who primarily ride to class or choose to cruise around town in their free time, according to Rolff.

Chris Long, a law student and member of the MSU Longboarding Club, said he can understand student skaters seeking bamboo boards

“Bamboo boards tend to have a little more flex than maple, carbon fiber or other materials,” he said. “So it makes them a bit more forgiving when going over sidewalk cracks, thereby providing the rider with a more bouncy and cushioned ride.”

Even with their benefits and increased popularity, Long said he hasn’t migrated over to bamboo boards.

“I am not a big fan of having a lot of flex in my boards, simply because it does not feel as stable, especially when going a bit faster,” Long said.