What got you into skateboarding?
In a summary? I grow up in a farm town called Millstone, New Jersey in the 90s. Me and my sister were like the only Indian kids from k-7th grade, so I did not really fit in anywhere and I sucked at team sports. Surprisingly, the older kids at the skatepark were super nice to me and helped me with trick tips all the time. I had massive amounts of ADHD as a kid, skateboarding always kept me occupied because I enjoyed it, and you really do not ever stop learning from it. I Have not put it down since.
What is your skate scene like in your city?
The New Jersey scene is widespread, but it is rad. I would not say it sticks to any one city in this state. Everything and everywhere is like a 30-45-minute drive and every city/town has unique spots to skate. I love it here. But I also like to travel to skate a bit more. Nothing like fresh terrain.
What is you to go trick to start your sesh?
Warm up with kickflips. Always.
Do you feel skateboarding has changed your life? How?
It has taught me failure, perseverance, and overcoming objections. Going from everything great, feeling like it is all working to getting injured, then recovering and starting from scratch. You learn that certain things you do not give up because you just love doing it. Then all the other stuff just does not matter anymore. So, I mean it taught me a bunch, but I also think it has kept me level mentally. Kept me away from bad shit when I was younger.
What pro skater inspires your skateboarding?
There is a lot…James Pitonyak, Marc Johnson, David Gonzalez, Geoff Rowley, and Danny Morrin have always been some of my favorites.
Do you prefer watching skate videos on social media or buying it? Why?
I used to love buying them! But then you know, the internet…And I got bills dude, so no unnecessary purchases on my end anymore ha-ha. But shit I feel like videos meant a lot more and had more exposure to the skaters/filmers involved with them back when everything just was not on the internet. But on the flip side now there’s always great skating and videos to come across.
What is the gnarliest trick you have ever done? How did you feel when you landed it?
I plead the fifth. I feel like skateboarding in general feels great. Yea, certain tricks get me more stoked or get my adrenaline going but it is all skateboarding, and it is all love.
Tell us little bit about your local skate shop & what they do for skateboard scene?
Pro Skateboard Shop in Belmar, NJ is running by Bob Losito. I am sure it is the longest running skate shop in Jersey. Bob is a skateboarder, Father, business owner, Mental Health Advocate, he has been a therapist for me a few dozen times or so, and he is an all-around badass. The shop is involved in ASkate programs every year, they got the local park-built years ago in Belmar and fought for it when no one else did. He donates to different organizations in Belmar too.
What is your daily routine before you go shred?
It is the same every day. Wake up, stretch, spliff, work out, eat, spliff, shower, spliff, go skate.
Any inspiring words you want to tell the next generation of skaters?
Just to have fun and skate the way you want to, do not worry about everyone else’s skating. Stay away from cigarettes, make healthy choices, and stay positive. Does not matter if it sounds corny, negativity does not help anyone, Especially yourself. And listen to Slayer.
