by sinjon wicks
There’s a certain magic that happens when two worlds of craftsmanship collide. At La Marzocco, we’ve always celebrated the artistry behind every espresso shot, every perfectly poured latte. And it just so happens that craftsmanship isn’t limited to the realm of coffee. We’ve always believed in creativity without boundaries – which is why partnering with Cape Town’s renowned skateboard shaper, Kent Lingeveldt of Alpha Longboards, felt like a natural extension of our spirit.
Kent isn’t just any skateboard shaper. With decades of experience tuning every curve, line, and contour of his limited-run boards, he’s become a local legend in Cape Town’s skateboarding scene. Kent’s journey began back in 1999 when he skated his first competition right here in Cape Town. Since those early days, he has evolved into a bona fide skateboarding icon whose passion and dedication are as integral to his craft as our own commitment to coffee. When we approached him about a collaboration, it wasn’t just about creating a cool piece of merchandise. It was about celebrating the commitment to artistry, precision, and authenticity that Kent brings to his work.
Both La Marzocco and Alpha Longboards share a deep reverence for the process. In the coffee world, every step from sourcing beans to the final pour speaks to a commitment to quality. For Kent, every skateboard is a canvas where form meets function, and each board is a testament to hours spent refining details that everyday mass-produced products would never match. In partnering with Kent, we’ve merged these worlds. The limited run of skateboards are more than merchandise – they’re a symbol of two passions intersecting. It’s about appreciating the journey, whether you’re chasing the perfect grind or the perfect cup.
Our collaboration signifies more than a partnership – it’s a cultural nod to the resurgence of artisan craftsmanship in all its forms. As coffee aficionados relish the stories behind every bean and every brew, skateboarders appreciate the soul embedded in a board carefully shaped by a master. Each piece from this limited collection reflects the subtle nuances of a craft honed over years of dedication. It’s a conversation starter, a piece of wearable art for the streets, and a nod to the creative energies flowing through Cape Town.
Our partnership with Kent and Alpha Longboards embodies a shared vision of authenticity and a refusal to settle for the mundane. We see a kindred spirit in Kent’s commitment to his art – a persistent drive to push boundaries and explore new territories, much like the innovators behind every La Marzocco creation. Both our teams are devoted to breathing life into our respective crafts, fuelled by the belief that real quality can only be achieved when you invest heart, soul, and time into your work.
As we celebrate our mutual love for artisanal excellence, we invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you’re a die-hard coffee enthusiast or a skateboarding aficionado – or perhaps both – our collaboration with Kent stands as an emblem of what happens when passion and craft come together.
Stay tuned for more stories where art meets innovation and remember, excellence isn’t manufactured – it’s meticulously crafted by hand, one detail at a time.
You can learn a technique, but you develop passion only through dedication, love, pride and respect for your work. – Piero Bambi.
