Zac Efron's Central Coast-themed skateboards to debut in SLO

Correction: An earlier version of this story had an incorrect time for the Lekker Skateboards launch event; it's 7 p.m. Friday.

Actor Zac Efron has co-created a skateboard company with David Boortz of San Luis Obispo, set to launch Friday at the city’s Santa Rosa Park.

The company began when Boortz, who worked as an engineer with Efron’s dad, made a custom skateboard for Efron, who he heard enjoyed skating. Efron loved the board so much that he wanted to collaborate with Boortz.

Boortz said that Efron’s involvement with the company has helped them gain media attention. “It’s been great to work with him (Efron). He’s a decent guy that likes hard work.”

Efron, who grew up in Arroyo Grande, became a teen idol starring in the films “High School Musical” and “Hairspray,” as well as the TV series “Summerland.”

Efron and Boortz, who began Lekker Skateboards in early 2014 and own it 50-50, have completed their first line of handcrafted skateboards called “Central Coast Classic.”

So far, they’ve sold 26 of 65 boards in their first collection, each featuring a one-of-a-kind design and handmade by Efron, Boortz and several friends.

Boortz called the skateboard an all-around board, a combination of long boarding with the convenience and portability of short boards.

The Central Coast Classic line pays homage to San Luis Obispo and the skateboard company’s origins, Boortz said.

Bishop Peak can be seen in the line’s logo, and local beach sand is embedded into the top of every board. Each skateboard has a different name, including many with local ties such as “Pirates Cove,” “SLO Life,” “Cruiseberg” and “The Montana de Oro.” Each board is personally signed by both Efron and Boortz.

The skateboards are only sold online at http://lekkerskateboards.com/. Each costs $399.99 and comes with a limited edition T-shirt, trucks, wheels, bearings and replacement parts.

Boortz came up with the company’s name — Lekker, a Dutch word meaning “tasty” or “sweet” — in high school when he fiddled around with woodworking and making skateboards, a career which has always been a pipe dream for him.

The skateboards are made in a workshop in Boortz’s San Luis Obispo garage or at Efron’s house in Los Angeles. Boortz hopes to expand and eventually open a functioning workshop that’s sectioned off with a skate shop storefront, where people can watch the skateboards being made.

Boortz, who said he didn’t know the initial investment in the business, said that he has maintained his full-time job as an engineer while focusing on the boards after work.

Boortz said that they are testing designs for their second line, which will be sold at a more affordable price. They hope to have it available by the Christmas holidays.

During Friday’s 7 p.m. launch, part of the San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation’s Friday Night Skate event, Boortz will have several loaner skateboards available for skaters to try out and give feedback. Efron will not be present at the launch as he is in Hawaii filming “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates.”

This story was originally published July 7, 2015 at 3:48 PM with the headline "Zac Efron's Central Coast-themed skateboards to debut in SLO."