Sheckler, Bucky, Caballero Skate Toys

Few kids can skateboard like San Clemente pro Ryan Sheckler, but now they can control Sheckler’s every move through his life-like Omni-Tech action figure created by Action Sports Toys LLC in Oceanside.

Recently, Creative Child Magazine named Omni-Tech Figures one of its 2010 Top Toy of the Year Awards calling it “the most realistic skateboard toy ever invented.” These awards are based on reviews by mothers and young-child educators.

The Omni-Tech Figures, which sell for about $19.99, aren’t just stiff plastic toys like GI Joe or Starwars action figures. They are controlled by a patented omni-directional handle that controls both the skater and the board separately. The player can rotate the figure 360 degrees in marionette style. AST says it’s the first patented action figure in 40 years.

Sheckler is one of three pro skaters to have his likeness in the AST’s Omni-Tech line. The others are Bucky Lasek of Carlsbad and Steve Caballero, a skateboarding pioneer who predates local legend Tony Hawk.

The toy’s inventor and founder of Action Sports Toys is Michael Bellon, who used to build custom homes with his dad.

Shortly after Bellon’s mother died of cancer more than 10 years ago, he had a dream in which his mom appeared and told him it was his destiny in life to do something that would have a positive impact on kids. Remembering all the good times he had growing up playing with toys with his mother, Bellon wanted to create a new type of toy.

He took an over-sized G.I. Joe doll and inserted springs and joints into the limbs that would allow the figure to make life-like movements. Bellon envisioned an action figure that actually moved differently than the static, stationary ones.

Because he was a life-long skateboarder and action-sports enthusiast, Bellon decided to create a skateboard figure first.

After years development and raising financial backing, Bellon had a prototype but needed a manufacturer. Running short of cash and and unsure  what they would do when they arrived, Mike and his father, Richard, flew to China. They met with one of the top toy manufacturers in the world who instantly loved the idea.

Still, Bellon spent several more years fine tuning the toy. In 2008 he founded the company, Action Sports Toys LLC and his dad is the chief operations officer.

In just a few months, Action Sports Toys has sold more than 50,000 Omni-Tech Figures. Click here to find a retailer.

In the future, Action Sports Toys plans on rolling out different lines including BMX, motocross, snowboarding and surfing figures. Skate and surf accessories and play sets are also being developed, the company said.