Novak’s Next Trick: Judging at Lynn

Former Professional Skateboarder Brandon Novak Comes to the BRiC  for Lynn’s “All Hands on Deck” Exhibit

On October 17th, former professional skateboarder and motivational speaker, Brandon Novak, judged the “All Hands on Deck” skateboard design competition at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus.

Novak poses with second place winner, Cash Hudson, in front of his board (S. Burke, 2024).

Novak is best known for his appearances on MTV's “Viva La Bam”, and the Jackass films. However, since ending his professional skateboarding career, Novak has dedicated himself to sobriety and currently does motivational speaking.

While Novak’s background is in skateboarding rather than art, he recognizes the importance of art in the overall culture. Although he no longer skates, he also realizes the important life lessons that skateboarding taught him, many of which can apply to Lynn students.

 “It taught me things like failure was not an option, and that the word no was unacceptable,” said Novak. “Determination and community can really create amazing outcomes, that’s what skateboarding did for me.”

After speaking with Dean Cesar Santalo months ago, Novak’s manager notified him of the event. Although he was not originally going to be in Florida during this time, he quickly changed his plans.

“When I heard what they were doing, being a skateboarder my whole life, I thought that it was imperative for me to come here,” said Novak. “Anytime that I can be a part of an event that has younger generations being a part of the culture I’m all about it.”

The hallway of the Boca Raton Innovation Campus, lined with over 200 skateboard decks designed by Lynn students & faculty (S. Burke, 2024).

Students of Lynn and other local high schools were tasked with channeling their inner creativity. However, Novak was tasked with something even harder;  picking a few of his favorite designs out of over 200 entries.

“I was asked to pick three of my favorite graphics out of all of these and I’m here to tell you that’s impossible,” said Novak. “Each one of these possesses so much of a backstory besides just a graphic.”

While the exhibit's opening night may be over, the excitement lives on! You can visit the “All Hands on Deck” exhibit at the BRIC now to see Novak’s top three designs, and more creative work from the Lynn community.