What got you into skateboarding?
I have been skating since I can remember. I think I got really into it from the older kids in my neighborhood. I remember when I was really young, going to the older homies house and watching the Shorty’s 411 VHS before going to rip around the city
What is your skate scene like in your city?
The tidewater area in VA has such a diverse and heavy skate scene. You can find it all out here. There are spots for every type of skater. Fat bowls, chunky pools, street spots are endless and skateparks around every corner. From D.I.Y. spots to TEAM PAIN-built parks, we got it all. So many unique styles and the vibes are always high no matter what session you pull up on
What is your go-to trick to start your sesh?
I usually just pump around to get the blood flowing and go with the tricks I am feeling that day. I try to mix it up every time I skate because it keeps my mind constantly coming up with new ideas. And it gives me time to figure out what my body is not stoked on that day because it usually takes me a good hour or so to get fully warmed up. So, plenty of time to scope out obstacles and lines and let the mind get creative
Do you feel skateboarding has changed your life? How?
Skateboarding has undoubtedly changed my life in such amazing and chaotic ways. It has probably had just about everything to do with shaping who the person I am today. I have met so many good homies across the world and traveled to places I would not have ever dreamed of visiting. I have skateboarding to thank 100% for that.
What pro skater inspires your skateboarding?
I would have to say Jay Adams is the first dude I saw in one of my moms’ old skateboard mags and I thought his style was off the charts. Inspired me to start skating more and try to imitate his way of skating the best I could. Some recent dudes that have stoked me out are Greg Valencia, John Gardner, Ben Koppl, Aaron Goure, Kento Yoshioka & DEAD DAVE.
Do you prefer watching skate videos on social media or buying them? Why?
I mean it is hard these days to not watch vids on social media because it is always in our face and we are all glued to our phones every day, which is a fucking bummer because it is rotting our brains. But I, without a doubt prefer buying hard copies because it is how it was when I was young. It was the biggest thrill to hit the local shop and snag a new video and watch every part and when it is over, having the shred juice flow through your veins and wanting to go have a killer session with your homies. And then having your insides wanting to jump out of your body with anticipation because you cannot wait till you can hit the shop again and get your hands on the next video. It is a feeling that well exceeds watching clips or short videos on the internet.
What is the gnarliest trick you have ever done? How did you feel when you landed it?
Man, that is a tough one! I do not think I could pick just one trick to be straight up. Every time I roll up to a spot or a park I just skate and do whatever tricks come to mind and hopefully stick it and come out alive. If the trick gets my heart pumping, then to me that is a gnarly trick just from that feeling alone. Sometimes slapping a curb or having a mellow backyard mini-session gets me just as fired up as bombing crazy hills or going for a heavy trick. Skateboarding, in general, is gnarly and if I can pull off whatever I was going for that day then that is all the hype. Being able to still just throw the board down and push into the unknown is by far the gnarliest feeling that I think I, and any other skater can experience.
Tell us a little bit about your local skate shop & what they do for the skateboard scene?
Since I made the move back to Virginia from Portland, I have only had the chance to visit two local shops which were both such rad and homie-owned shops.
Siren Skate Shop & Cardinal Skate Shop
There are probably about 5 local and skater-owned shops in the 757 area, and they all do so much not only for skateboarding but for the skateboarders who help shape the skate scene into what it is in this area. No matter if you are the little grom hanging around the shop or the old head who occasionally slaps some pool coping, the local shops got your back and have much love for everyone who walks in.
What is your daily routine before you go shred?
I really do not have a routine before skating. I just kind of roll with the day and just go with whatever is well. Usually, I just meet up with the homies and make the mandatory pre-session stop at 7-Eleven. Then snag the essentials. Water, cigs, some munchies, a 12 pack, and some zig-zags, and then let the skate gods take it from there!
Any inspiring words you want to tell the next generation of skaters?
KEEP THOSE TRUCKS LOOSE
PUSH HARD
STYLE MATTERS
FUCK THE NEGATIVITY
STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF
DON’T OVERTHINK IT
HAVE FUN
