When did you start skating and who or what got you into it ?

I started skating pretty early i was about 7 or 8. I would always see the ole stick with wheels on it layin around everywhere in this place i lived at when i was a kid i think one of my cousins left it around and ever since i guess i rolled with it.

What video did you have to watch that would hype you up before a session ?     

Used to love watching trilogy and the girl/chocolate video with all the G’s in it… still watch em to this day, it’s the classics.

Who first hooked you up?

The homies would always kick me down with there throwback gear could never afford the fresh shit… The homie jeff diaz had this lil company called frozen and he used to hook me up fat always.

How did you get hooked up on Label and what was it like turning pro for them?

Got hooked up at a damn am back in the day and a lil bit after that it progressed to being a part of the label, then yea turned pro for them not too long after which was def life changing experience. so hyped and thankful that John Lucero gave me the oppritunity to do what i love and just do me which ill always appreciate til the day i die.                         

Whats a crazy tour story and who defined the label?                 

Shit all of them were great. King of the Road was pretty wild we had phelps on the mission for the second half of the trip it was pretty crazy from 30 packs everyday to a black dreaded singing cowboy shit just so much random shit happen. Everybody on the team defines the label straight raw and real especially Lucero he’s a legend.

Label went through some changes and then Chet left it seemed the end of label . What was going on in your head ?

Yea label def went through some changes these past few years u know its this shitty ass economy thing going on so everybody is on edge and yea shit has def changed from a couple years back but shit we all bounce back from shit evenually.                      

What made you leave the Label ?                                           

There is def no bad blood between me and the label love all those heads over there but just came down to doin other things and there was another oppritunity to do somethin cool elsewhere and i felt that i wanted to seek other adventures so i did. Though If it wasnt for john and the label i wouldnt be in the position im in and the life i have now. Im definintly honor to have been a part of the label. Straight Black History.

You just got picked up by Santa Cruz  a pretty big legendary company with sick riders how did that come about ?

Yep im santa cruzin’. Im hyped they have a good establishment over there def cant go wrong they have been doin it for years shit good product, good wood, and good peeps. Yea they hit me up a lil while ago and it seemed like a good thing and slowly things feel into place i know all those heads anyway so yea now here i am.                

Who’s been hyping you up lately, that your like that dude just killing it ? 

Shit everybody is always killin it just so many peeps lets see my boy wes kremer is always wreckin shit, paul sewell out here in dago, evan smith is g to watch shit the list can go on.

What’s the positives  and negatives about being a pro skateboarder in your opinion ?     

Positives: Rip all the time, Traveling, lil bit of money, good times.

Negatives: Negativity, politics, not too many negative things to say in the end I ride a piece of wood with wheels on it for a living straight thankful we can even to do that.

What’s your set up consist of ?    

Straight 8in by 32 Santa Cruz Skateboard, Some hollow 149 Indy trucks, 52mm OJ wheels, and FKD bearings. Lets roll.

Any rituals or crazy things you do before skating a spot or a particular color of deck you can only ride ?                                 

Nothin crazy just try not to trip myself out thats really it dont get mind fucked cause your mind can definitly play some tricks on ya.

Top five great skaters that pop in your mind right of the bat?   

Shit ah Guy, Lavar, Sheffey, Cardial, Wes kremer

What’s on the horizon for you any new parts ,tours , etc ?

Doing positive shit. Just dropped a Part for transworld on the website so go check that shit out its called transmission and had a lil intro vid for santa cruz too. So yea tryin to keep things moving gotta keep husltin in this life and these times so dont forget about a brotha now ha.

Any shout outs , words of wisdom ?

Shout to all the homies and all the sponsers that had my back though thick and thin and words of wisdom is,” fuck the bullshit and live life’. -B.Hess

When u start skateboarding and What got u into doing it ?

Living in New York when I was 9.  I realized you couldn’t ride a snowboard on the cement

What was the video that got you hyped and you had to watch it before each shesh.                  

I would have to say the Rack City Music Video.

Whats your shred stick consist of ?

I’m cruising on a Birdhouse shred stick, with some titanium Theeve’s (shits light), and Hi-Fi wheels but one wheel is graphic out.

Whats the craziest encounter while out skating ?

On a Birdhouse tour through Oklahoma, we skated this abandon waterpark with a perfect snakerun. Oh some how a scorpion made its way from arizona to oklahoma in Jaws’s sleeping bag.

Who or what team are you hyped on ?                  

I’m super hyped on Mishka’s new spring line, ha. Also Nick Wooster, he’s a steezy fella.  

Whats your ideal skate trip and who would u want on the trip ?                  

My ideal skate trip would be to travel in some limo. I would have to bring Riley Hawk, Nick Tucker, Jaws, Cameron Sanch, Christian Flores, Juicy J, and some strippers. TurnTup

Whats your goto trick that determines how the shesh goes ?

No-Comply 180, it’s a make or break

Hubba or Hooters girls ?  

Hooters, only if they feed me endless wings. I would instgram it.

What is the best about skateboarding? Whats the worst?  

The best thing about skating is it’s pretty fun and the worst is all the other stuff.

Any shout outs or hate outs?

Shout outs to IBudYou, the homies at Armourdillo, Euphoric, fresh Mishka snapbacks, Jessica Puss, Jake Kanootz, New Chucks, and no hate outs i get enough hate – B.Hess

When did you first start skating and what got you into it?     

I first started skating in 1989. My homie was doing it and let me borrow psycho skate, a video where Gonz skates a few Hawaii spots, I was into it and couldnt get the hang of surfing so..

You are from Hawaii what is the difference in skating there and do you think it’s better & more laid back ?

Don’t see a better in skateboarding or skate spots anywhere,just different! Hawaii has a lot of lava rock type stuff to skate and everyone but me is definitely blazing mad spliffs,haha, we are also surrounded by water so anytime is beach brew time!

When did you get hooked up with Natural Koncept?

Sometime in the early 2000s

You have been pro for them since 2009 do you think it’s changed much since you been pro or is there more pressure?    

No money,no pressure bra!

What is the craziest  tour you been on where it was just caos?   

Easily Maui with Choppy and Kale and Nieratko brang some ruckus at that Maui contest getting the guy who put it together fired from parks and recreation,got kicked out of two hotels in one day, I think we were there with the band cky…..everything else that happened id have to tell you in person

Has dog the bounty hunter ever been after you ?

Nah but he is around,that is all shot around Aala skate park, honestly one of my favorite but ghettoest places on earth. Public fornication,intoxication,mutilation, and transvestite bowel movements on a daily.

Where is your favorite place to travel to and skate?

The Dirty South

Who would you like to go on tour with if you could pick ?

Willy Akers,James Mcguiness,Hawaii homies,Clark Hassler,Fred Gall,Wes Kremer,and Choppy..

Natural Koncept just dropped its 3^rd video “Creepin  For Life”, What makes it different than the last two videos?

Had a lot more collaborating with it.. everyone had a say in it via email, half the team i think doesn’t use a computer so  it was hard… cool concept, but i think its best if all the footie just gets sent to Katch for the next one haha

How do you feel about your footage in “Creepin For Life” and any behind the scene stories about the making of “Creepin For Life”?

I’ve noticed the older i get the less handrails im charging,  but its all good, definitiely having a great time and being fortunate enough to skate cool spots with all da different homies, hope that shows.

 Any shout, outs hate outs, words of wisdom?

JZ thanks for all the oppurtunities,but dont ever force me to learn how to drive at the Philly airport by leaving me illegally parked in a 12 passenger van filled with empty green teas and jahs green,NK,Katch for letting me be a tat guinea pig,if your in Hawaii stop by Banzai Tattoo shop and get a honu turtle rat creature face tat! Life,Skateboarding……In the end nature will crippual us all-MG – B.Hess

When did you start skateboarding and what got you into doing it?

I started skating in 2000, with a wal-mart board my grandma got me. And the town I grew up in was very small and they built a skate park that year right by my house. It all just kind of happened.

What was the video that got you hyped and you had to watch it before each sesh?

my first video was Shorty’s “Fulfil the Dream.”  I got it from a friend at the time and basically burned out my VCR playing that thing so many times. And that is the one video me and my friends would watch before going out to skate.

Whats your shred stick consist of?

Character 8.25, 8.25 trucks, Autobahn 53mm Sidecuts, Alchemy Grip, FKD Bearings, Character Blue Collar Hardware, and Lakai Carlos on my feet.  Shoes count right?

Whats the craziest encounter while out skating?

I haven’t really experienced anything to crazy so far. Im not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. And when dudes get hurt, it isn’t crazy to me, just bad. So I guess cruising LA with Patrick is pretty much the craziest thing to me… every time.. haha

Who or what team are you hyped on?

Right now I’m currently hyped on The Chocolate Video. Those dudes have been putting in work. The trailer is epic. Go watch that shit!!!

Whats your ideal skate trip and who would you want on the trip?

Damn. It would be rad to go on a trip with the Girl or Lakai guys.  But as far as what we will be doing this summer I know the the Character and Wellborn guys have some good stuff planned out. Those trips and events are the best. For the homies, by the homies, with the homies.

Whats your go-to trick that determines how the sesh goes?

I have no idea. I usually just cruise around and do manuals and stuff like that. If that’s feeling weird then the session will probably suck. But that really doesnt matter. Ill skate either way.

Hubba girls or hooters girls? 

haha. I follow Hubba on twitter.  They do have some pretty enticing “Good Morning Wood” Ads I will say. And we all know who and what is at Hooters…

What is the best about skateboarding and whats the worst? 

Best thing is being able to meet people, travel, and skate in events/contest. You can’t really go wrong with that. The worst is getting injured, or when skating completely whips your ass. Those sessions that make you feel 80 years old for 5 days… haha.

Any shout outs or hate outs?

Never Hate Outs…

Character Skateboards, Wellborn Clothing, Lakai, Autobahn Wheel Co, Alchemy Grip, Street Ice Wax, Small Town Skate Shop, Hometown Heroes, Chicago, The Marfs, my Ginger, Ariel Ries, Joey, Chaz Ortiz, the Character fam, Sam Newman & The Birdman, Jason Rogers, Mike De Camp, Al Butella, Soma Fuller, The Melch, the Smalltown Fam and so much more.  thanks!!!!! – B.Hess

Whats up Gershon thanks for taking the time to do this interview. Being your one of my favorite skaters I looked up to was always amped to see any kind of footage from you. Lets start from the beginning.

When did you start skating?

I started skating in the summer of 88 after watching my friend ollie

Who or what got you into skateboarding and who did you look up to?

My friend Blong Vang got me into skateboarding and one of the first skateboarders that I looked up to was David Graves(H-street).

What video hyped you up that you had to watch before you skated?

Probably Ban this.

What was the first company to sponsor you?

Sipwear(Mike Dissippalo), which was a very small clothing company

You have rode for a bunch of companies ,skated with the best of the best who stood out to you as your definition of a pro skater?  

Tony Hawk

I remember you came down to south Florida and did a demo where I live . You were one of the few pros that took the time to talk to everyone. You didn’t have “I’m a pro and  suck it attitude”. How important you think it is not being a hero or think your better then anyone but being real?

All I know is that life is real regardless of theatrics, no matter how many people cheer my name, I still have to answer to my choices. If I acted extra special, then I would have to live up to that when in public. I only know how to be me, maybe because I was too busy living, the hero part is someone’s perspectiveof me. I never set out for that. If I inspire people, I’m honored, but what others do, is theirs

You were on Powell  which everyone wanted to ride for them at one point back then. How was it riding for them?

Powell was the most professional company that I rode for, we had full coverage insurance which is pretty much rare in this industry

Which company was the one that you enjoyed riding for the most?

Powell

Whats your thoughts on the industry back then and now?

Back in the day this industry was more hand shake deals, now it’s about agents

You have been it seems low key these days what have you been up to?

I’ve always been low key, I just haven’t had big money behind me for a while(Most people don’t look for pros, they wait to be shown). Anyway, I’ve been skating still, it just isn’t my main pursuit. I like to be productive, so I focus a lot of my time on creative projects(Most based around skateboarding). ”The Park Ranger Series” is the main one, I get sections filmed at skate parks, then edit them to music. I started doing it because I got tired of people telling me that there’s nothing to skate, correction, nothing that they WANT to skate. I remember when parks were harder to come by. The oBtuseconcept is a label under which I put some of those projects out. We also have been doing demos as well

Tell me about the video project you been workin on and whats it called?

For the last 6 or 7 months I have been working on a part for Zach Elders(Zelder films) upcoming video”Love it or leave it”(My first part in a few years), which should be out in February

Whats in the future anything coming up that we should be on the look out for?  

I should be in Europe the end of Feb for about 3 weeks working on an oBtuseconcept feature, hopefully I’ll be back in time and have the funding to get to Tampa in March. In early April(7th), I should be in Corpus Christi for an am contest and more filming. Basically a bunch of travel -B.Hess

What got you into skating and when did you start? 

I actually just picked up a board when i was like ten but it only lasted a month or two, but it wasn’t until it was my birthday when I was turning fifteen that out of nowhere my buddies who didn’t even skate pitched in and bought me some complete from play it again sports. At first I was like what the fuck but we went across the street later at night and rolled a parking block in front of their house and I just started up from there. I met some kids i worked with who had been skating for years and after that we like turned into an army there were always mad heads at all the spots, new people everyday just progressing so hard.

What was the video that got you most hyped and ready for a session?

I was always down with whatever came out at the time honestly we always just tried learning whatever we could. But one of the main videos had to be one of Lakai European tour videos called “Beware The Flare”. I have always been huge Girl skateboard family fan , I mean those dudes have practically created skating today they have pushed the limits with every video and have done so many things with skating. Even if they didn’t skate in the videos they are always fun to watch and put together extremely well. I mean they have Mike Carroll he is the best skater of all time hands down he is a true OG.

What’s your set up consist of right now?

Right now I am riding one of those newer recycled Real decks. I mean in this economy you do what you can to save and I suppose since they are recycled it’s like ten bucks cheaper but they are super sick . I have always had heavy feet but these boards don’t even get pressure cracks and when it comes down to wheels and trucks I honestly usually just get what I can which are at the time hammy downs from my buddy Van, thanks dude.

What is your craziest encounter in skating?

Being arrested for skating Seminole high school. I was sixteen so me and my buddies just went to juvi but we had like ten cops jumping over fences with tasers freaking out. They ended accusing us of stealing band equipment but as soon as we were put in the car the cop who was driving us was like don’t worry about it were just taking your from tresspassing. When we got to the detention center the guy who directs you what to do told the cop what a waste of time and just had us sit in his office and watch tv.

Who or what team are you hyped on?

Seriously everyone is so good nowadays whether it’s on the pro level or the kids at the local skatepark i mean i was watching some kid do back noseblunts on this sketchy bump to bar at the park like it was no joke. I am always hyped when it comes to being creative I am completely over watching kids do laser flip to feebles down twenty stair handrails. I am into creative lines and dope tricks on shit you can’t even imagine of skating.

What is your ideal skate trip and who would you want to be on?

My ideal skate trip involves Jake the Phelper Phelps , Van Chlapowski, and all those crazy fuckers from Rip and Dip clothing. Their videos are insane they skate so hard yet creative and usually end up partying with a hobo.

What your go to trick that determines how the session will go?

I start off by pushing as fast as possible and praying that I fall usually I intentionally do fall just to get the blood going once you fall your like fuck whatever what’s the worst that could happen now. I mean when you first get out there your all unstretched, tired and just hoping you don’t fall. Then probably snap a couple of fakie ollies.

Hubba girls or hooters girls?

Definitely hubba girls fuck hooters their food is greasy as hell I get sick from that place any time I go plus hubba girls can skate.

The best thing about skating and the worst thing about skating?

The best thing is that with all this shit going on in the world the drugs, the violence, the pressure to have to make a living, all the stress in your daily life you can step on your board and be exactly and do exactly what you want to do feel how you want to feel and just be free the world pushes us into all these certain directions that are labeled as what your supposed to do so it’s nice to say fuck that and go charge through traffic.
The worst thing definetly has to be that with my job I literally have no time to skate and when I do like the other day I roll an ankle and cant for like weeks on end and you just watch skate videos and torment yourself. Oh and the other worst thing about skating is kids nowadays worrying what everyone else is doing we are all always trying to skate like each other and hate on the kids skating differently. Imagine if back in the day people hated on Rodney or Natas or the Gonz where the hell would we be today?

Shout outs or hate outs?

Shout outs to all the kids who skate cause it feels good and you literally would die if you couldn’t, shout out to Van for all the old trucks over the years, shout out to Tommie and True Skateboard Mag keep in real since day one. and shout out to police department for being punk ass marks daily. – B.Hess

What was the video that got you hyped and you had to watch it before each shesh?

OG Solstice video on VHS. It was the first skate video i ever watched and definitely hyped me up to go shred everyday. It still does to this day.

Whats your shred stick consist of?

Anthony Shetler’s World 8.12 pro model,  Indy trucks, Pig wheels, and some All I Need and Solstice stickers to finish it off.

Whats the craziest encounter while out skating?

A few years back when Acushnet park was still around. Me and a few of my buddies headed to the local store and meet this crazy bastard. This video sums up the whole story: “http://vimeo.com/11398725 ” 

Who or what team are you hyped on?

The World Industries team is coming back stronger than ever. Im hyped on them right now.

Whats your ideal skate trip and who would u want on the trip?

Guam my birth place. With all of my closest homies.  

Whats your goto trick that determines how the shesh goes? 

probably a tre flip

Hubba or Hooters girls?

Hubba girls fo sho

What is the best about skateboarding? Whats the worst?

The freedom is the best. Not being able to skate is the worst.  

Any shout outs or hate outs?

Shout out to the Solstice skate shop for being awesome and to All I Need apparel for making all this possible. – B.Hess

Where did you start skating and when?            

I started skating in a small city called Aracaju, where I was born in Brazil.

It was in 93 when I sold my bike to buy my first skateboard.  I don’t remember the name or pro model but was a very nice one.

Who inspired you when you first started?                               

All my friends that I still skate with today, also lots of skate videos and the LOVE for the skateboard. Most importantly the sensation, and feeling of liberty I get from skating!

Who was your first board sponsor?

In 98 my first board sponsor as a professional was with a company called New Skate Rock from Brazil.  I had 2 models with then.

When I moved to US in 2000, I was then sponsored by New Deal, I love everything about the company, was a very good experience.

You have rode for some good companies through the years, New deal, Shorty’s, creation, what board sponsor did you have the most fun when you rode for them?    

All the companies have your special touch, like the people and their differences each company is unique.

But, I think New Deal was the one who push me, and gave me the motivation necessary for my career in the USA and around the world.

What happened to Creation it started blowing up then boom they were done?                         

Creation was a good company, with a good point of view, also with a great team. But in that year a start to take other direction, don’t know exactly what happen.  I left before they were done.

You started forest how did that come about?   

Forest was a Dream… A dream with non-believer.

What was the hardest part of doing a company?       

The investors…. ha-ha…. I love the investor’s lol!

What happened with forest and whom do you ride for now?       

Forest was a sick company; I was “trying” to keep moving forward, but went to sleep… Like things in life, you just need to keep on moving.  And I love skateboarding too much to have given up.

People who “sometimes” do not understand in the that moment what is right and necessary to grow… The good thing is that I truly learned that, everybody is here to learn and give thanks for what they are blessed with.

What keeps you motivated to skate and progress?                   

My Kids and Beautiful Wife!

Frontside Flip                                                   Photo: Durso

What are we to look for this year?

Last year, I opened a store in Fullerton, CA, in partnership with three friends and dream believers and we called it (PROGRAMME SKATE AND SOUND), the company is about everyone who loves music and skateboarding. So, I have been a very busy, with making plans and promotions.  We are helping grow the Fullerton scene and it’s always fun to go to our events that consist of, BBQ’s and signatures with companies and professional skateboarders.

I do demos throughout the United States and on tours donating my time to help the inspirational movement for the youth, with the Poseiden Foundation and others foundations that are always progressing with skateboard.

I am constantly preparing for contest. I keep shooting good images, skate, skate and skate… I am building a mini ramp in the back yard for training and to have fun with the family and friends. - B. Hess

When u start skateboarding and What got u into doing it ?  

When I was 4 years old, my dad got me into it.

Why at was the video that got you hyped and you had to watch it before each shesh?   

Lakai Fully Flared

Whats your shred stick consist of ?                       

7.5 element board, silver trucks, and 50mm spitfire wheels

Whats the craziest encounter while out skating ?

Skating with Donny Barley in Providence RI

Who or what team are you hyped on ?

Julian Davidson, and Crailtap

Whats your ideal skate trip and who would u want on the trip?    

Europe, my dad and friends

Whats your goto trick that determines how the shesh goes?

Switch Heel Flip

Hubba or Hooters girls?  

Hubba

What is the best about skateboarding?  Whats the worst?  

Best: skating , Worst: getting kicked out of a spot when your about to land a trick.

Any shout outs or hate outs?

Shout out to all the skaters in the Dominican Republic and around the world. – B.Hess

When u start skateboarding and What got u into doing it ?

I started skating when I was 12 years old. I had bought an old Plan B complete off a kid who lived a neighborhood away from me.

What was the video that got you hyped and you had to watch it before each shesh?

Anything from Jordan Hoffart gets my hyped, and the new 5boro video is so good aswell.

Whats your set up consist of? 

A Complx Deck, Hi Independant Trucks the 139s get it done for me, Bones Hard Bushings, Autobahn Wheels, all different kinds of bearings, some ALL I NEED and Complx Sttickers.

Whats the craziest encounter while out skating ?  

One day during last summer Shetler and I went to this rail in Dorchester to try and film, and we met up with CJ Linde, after the rail we went to this gas station in the middle of a four way intersection, and in the middle of broad daylight this random lady yells over to CJ “Hey are your balls tatted” (anyone who knows CJ knows hes tatted from head to toe) so he yells over “Yea…You wanna see them?” and the lady replied “Yes, Come over here and I’ll start blowing on them!” so CJ runs over, wips his balls out and shows them to the lady. she goes “They aint tatted” and CJ says “I know but can you tickle em” and then lady goes “Alright il tickle em for ya” and she did! haha

Who or what team are you hyped on ?  

Im hyped on my homie Ian Boothroyd, he shred so hard…and the Complx and ALL I NEED teams, so happy to be apart of both

Whats your ideal skate trip and who would u want on the trip?  

I would love to go to Australia it looks so fun to skate, and I would want people who are hyped to skate and hype me up to skate to come along

Whats your goto trick that determines how the shesh goes? 

I guess it would have to be Crooked Grinds, thats one of my favorite tricks

Hubba or Hooters girls?

Hooter girls haha some of the Hubba girls are a little iffy to me

What is the best about skateboarding? Whats the worst?  

The best thing is having fun with a good crew and being able to do what you love everyday, the worst is letting madness get to you

Any shout outs or hate outs?

Big shout outs to Anthony Shetler and ALL I NEED apparel, Nick Audlee and COMPLX SKATEBOARD co., they both hook it up more than I could ask for, Skaters Edge Skatepark for being 3 minutes away from me and saving me from the harsh east coast winters, my mom and dad for always buying me boards or shoes, Peter howard and Dan Mcgrath for filming awesome !!! and anyone else who I didnt mention…no hate outs hah _-B.Hess