Sawdust in the Pit: The Dual Life of Dave Ware
Dave Ware, a Wilmington-based builder and musician, rediscovered fingerboarding during the pandemic while playing with his daughters. What started with a simple wooden ramp evolved into Warehouse Ramps and contributions to USAFBL park design. A longtime punk musician with Monkey Knife Fight, Dave blends creativity, community, and DIY spirit—now also running Radio FB Shop to support the growing fingerboard scene.
Dave Ware is a hands-on creative based in Wilmington, North Carolina, with a lifelong passion for building, music, and making something out of nothing. His fingerboarding journey dates back to the early ’90s, when he and his friends crafted cardboard ramps and DIY setups inspired by the skate spots they saw in magazines. Like many, Dave drifted away from fingerboarding over time—but the spark returned years later during the pandemic, when he started fooling around with Tech Decks alongside his daughters. That playful moment led him to build a small wooden ramp, which reignited a deep creative drive.
What began as a casual project quickly turned into a full-blown obsession. Discovering the thriving global fingerboard scene online, Dave dove back in—designing and building ramps, parks, and custom features. His distinctive builds eventually caught the attention of the USAFBL, and he now contributes by helping design and construct parks for the league. His work continues to reflect his love for hands-on creativity and his dedication to the scene.
Music has also been a major part of Dave’s life. In 2007, he joined Wilmington punk band Monkey Knife Fight, a raw and gritty group that had already made a name for itself. Over the years, they’ve shared stages with icons like Guttermouth, DRI, Agent Orange, Bad Brains, and The Murder Junkies. One of the most unforgettable shows was opening for GWAR at the now-closed Ziggy’s—complete chaos in the pit, with fans walking out soaked in red food coloring. While the band plays less frequently now, Monkey Knife Fight is still active, balancing music with life, families, and work.
Dave’s favorite fingerboard memory is attending the first USAFBL event in Chicago—a grueling 18-hour drive that paid off with an unforgettable experience. He competed in the vert contest (and got wrecked), but the real reward was the energy and community.
Today, Dave also supports the scene through Radio FB Shop, a local online and warehouse fingerboard store he runs with his friend Alex in Wilmington. Through design, music, and building, Dave stays deeply connected to the culture that continues to inspire him.
Links:
monkeyknifefight.bandcamp.com
Instagram: @warehouseramps | @radio.fbs
