Not too long ago the very elusive and nomadic legend Tom Penny surfaced with a new Flip pro model board graphic featuring the stoner-hippie comedic duo Cheech and Chong. What planets aligned to bring these two unlikely forces together?

We recently got the opportunity to sit down with the iconic comedy duo Cheech & Chong and find out. We chatted with them about the legend that is Tom Penny, skateboarding, Arto’s pool, and their historic collaboration with Flip.

Get to scrolling because it’s time to get up close and personal with the great Cheech & Chong!

What were the circumstances that lead to you guys being involved with Flip Skateboards? Or is this a question that is best left to the attorneys?! 
Cheech: We finally tracked them down because they were making the boards without our permission.
Tommy: They put our likeness on their boards and sold them in stores. They also gave us a couple of “free boards”.

Were you guys ever tempted to try out skateboarding during your earlier years of Cheech and Chong?
Tommy: Yes once back in 1966 I tried on a skinny model. You know the roller skate wheels nailed to a piece of 2X4? It was a very short painful ride. More like a whoops awghhhh!
Cheech: Not during Cheech and Chong but as a teen I attached metal skates to a 2x4 it is a really easy way to kill yourself, those steel wheels go up to 30-40 mph OG skateboards!

When you saw your likeness next to the name Tom Penny, did you wonder, “Who is this Tom Penny guy?” Did you realize he is such an important legend in skateboarding? 
Cheech: Who?
Tommy: I do now.

Tom Penny is quite a nomadic character and is always in various parts of the world. He is a great fan of you guys and one of these days he would likely love to meet you guys. Would you have any words of wisdom for the man himself?
Tommy: I would love to meet him. I would tell him how much I love his music. Oh no that’s Tom Petty!
Cheech: I especially like American Girl.

Do you have more fans as a result of your affiliation with this famous skateboard deck? What’s it like having an entirely new generation of young skaters know who you guys are? 
Tommy: Our new fans? Hey, we have fans up the yin yang and there is always room for more. We have a huge yin yang. I like skateboarders. They are always smiling because they are doing what they love. And I love they way they relate to cement and hard surfaces. High pain thresholds is a must for skaters.
Cheech: My little nephews all skate. It is nice to have a legacy”

Did you guys have a good time at the Flip photo shoot for the ad?
Cheech: Oh yeah, I had a lot of fun at the photo shoot, it was cool watching them skate in the pool, plus now we know where they live!
Tommy: It is always nice to get paid.

What kind of stuff have you guys been working on with Flip and can we expect more Flip Cheech and Chong skateboard products coming down the pipeline? 
Cheech: We are in talks, new stuff is in development. Plus now we know where they live!
Tommy: We are also putting final touches on a Cheech and Chong animation project.

How does it feel to be featured on Flip’s longest running pro board graphic?  
Tommy: Well, I feel honored and old.
Cheech: Underpaid.
 
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