What got you into skateboarding?
Honestly, it was a combination of things. At first it was Tony Hawks Pro Skater 1 for PlayStation. I can remember when it first came out and I would watch my cousins play the game and I was absolutely mesmerized. Then I used to see the older kids ride around my old street with ramps and rails set up and I thought it was the most amazing thing I have ever seen, that is when I asked my parents for a skateboard. Last important thing, one of my childhood best friends (Frank B) got this amazing pro complete, it was a Black Label board, with Royal trucks, Spitfire wheels and red’s bearings. At the time my parents bought me a shitty Walmart complete, and I hated it. Once Frank let me try the Pro Board, I knew it was for me. A few days later I convinced my parents to buy me a pro complete and I have been on the board ever since. About 14 years. Cannot stop will not stop.
What is your skate scene like in your city?
The Skate scene in my city is decent. We have two skate parks a few big box skate shops and an OG shop 20 minutes away called Switch Skate and Snow. I live in a smaller town called Oshawa, but it is close to all the major cities like Toronto, and Montreal, Windsor, Detroit, but you need a car, and when I say close, I mean within a 5-hour drive. I cannot complain though I have gotten pretty used to it and the crew we have made is amazing and always down to travel. There is plenty of local skaters too that shred hard. We have a couple of photographers and Filmer’s as well, I must say it is well rounded. The skatepark I grew up at is called Donovan and it had some of the best all-around skaters. That is where I have gotten most of my inspiration from and the reason, I am doing what I do now. If you have a minute hit up YouTube and look up some Dons montages.
What is you to go trick to start your sesh?
I would say my go to trick to start off the sesh would be a Tre Flip or as some would call it a 360 flip. I have a few other tricks that I can call “go to” “like back 180, switch heelflip. Heelflip” but the 360 flip is my favorite.
Do you feel skateboarding has changed your life? How?
Skateboarding has changed my life and for the better. It has shown me so many different perspectives, opened my mind, kept me out of serious trouble, allowed me to travel all over, and make friends around the world. It has shown me that friends can be family and that we all stick together without judgement and that anyone and everyone belongs. I look at the world differently now. Everything is a spot, I am always excited to go to new places and explore, and most of all it has taught me that persistence is key and to never give up. If it were not for skateboarding, I would not be as committed or motivated as I am. Pain is temporary love is forever.
What pro skater inspires your skateboarding?
This is always the hardest question as its never just one pro skater. A few guys that have really inspired me over the years are Grant Patterson, Chima Ferguson, Chris Joslin, Trent McClung, and Torey Pudwill. I could keep going but I will keep it at that.
Do you prefer watching skate videos on social media or buying it? Why?
I prefer buying skate videos because that is how I grew up and it feels more rewarding that way. I guess you could call me old school in that sense. But there is something about owning the hard copy that brings some type of satisfaction. It is the OG way hahaha.
What is the gnarliest trick you have ever done? How did you feel when you landed it?
Gnarliest, Trick I have ever done has to be that Back 180 down the Durham College 15 stair. I had honestly been looking at that set for about 2 years visualizing
Tell us little bit about your local skate shop & what they do for skateboard scene?
The closest shop we have to us which we consider our “local shop” is “Switch Skate and Snow” owned and operated by Mike Behagg. Switch is a great shop and vibe. They always throw on amazing sales like buy one get one free on everything in the store and are constantly holding sample sales and even throw boards on sale to help keep local skaters staying fresh and skating on the daily. They always have the newest most exclusive gear. On top of all the amazing gear and sales they try to hold yearly competitions around the local parks with big names like Vans and Kadence sponsoring the events. They promote and repost local up and coming skaters and have a small team with links to reps in the skateboarding world. They try to help as much as they can and do not exclude anyone. Check them out if you have the chance.
What is your daily routine before you go shred?
My daily routine before skating is hectic. But first things first a quick wake and bake is necessary. During the week I work 6am-5pm so I usually hit up the park for an hour or two after work. On the weekends and some Weekdays, I am usually running around half asleep from the mission from the night before making sure all the batteries for the cameras/lights are charging. Then I eat breakfast and take Rex (my pup) on a walk. Sometimes I get a quick workout in and warm up/cool down with some stretches, but that is only half the time (trying to get better). Then I pack up the gear and start messaging the homies. Usually, we all slack about an hour and then meet up to hit the streets or warm up at the park. Were big on street skating so we usually travel to a different city/town every weekend.
Any inspiring words you want to tell the next generation of skaters?
Honestly just have fun, skate for yourself, and never limit or doubt yourself. If you can invasion it, you can do it. It might take ten thousand tries but if you really want it, you can make it happen. Also never lose the passion of this amazing addiction we have grown to need. Cannot stop will not stop baby go shred!
