When did skateboarding change your life?
I can’t remember the exact date, but it was when I was young. Probably like 7 or 8 years old. I saw my brother doing ollies and shuv it’s and I was hooked. But I couldn’t afford a board till I was like 12 lol.
What is your favorite trick and why?
On flat ground, my favorite trick is tre flip. It’s just the best looking and feeling trick to me.
With skateboarding in the Olympics, do you think skateboarding can prostitute itself or to lose the true essence?
No, and I hate skaters who say skating must be _________. Skating is whatever each individual skater wants to make it. I don’t care if you want to do mannys all day or jump down a 20 stair. You could take the wheels off and juggle them while riding a unicycle on a tightrope for all I care. Skate alone or skate competitively. Do whatever kind of skating makes you happy.
When was the first time you won a skateboard contest & how did you feel?
I haven’t won one yet, but I imagine that would feel amazing. I’ll probably enter one in the future.
Skateboarding and music are very connected to each other, what do you like to listen to while skateboarding?
Hip hop/rap. Mostly 90’s rap but I’ve been incorporating more new stuff recently also.
Do you prefer to shred in the streets or in skateparks? Why?
I prefer in skateparks nowadays. I’ve always been a learn by repetitions type of person so skateparks are the best option for that. You can skate over and over for hours without having to worry about getting kicked out.
Have you ever thought about giving up skateboarding? Why?
Yes, I have, and I actually did give up skating during my college years and when I went to grad school. I just figured it was something I had to give up if I was not going to be pro at it. That was dumb. I got back into it after grad school and never looked back.
What inspires you to shred and evolve every day? fame or just fun?
I suppose I am a bit egotistical with skating. I like learning what is considered the hardest tricks because they are the most challenging. So yes, a bit for fame. But also learning the hardest tricks is the reward to me. You put hours into it to finally get a trick the way you envisioned it in your head. It’s like each trick is a piece of art you are constantly refining.
What is your daily routine before you go shred?
I’ve become a bit of a health nut in my pre-skate routine. Once I wake up I get about 6 ounces of water and mix in some greens just to get hydrated. After taking that down it’s time to get on the yoga mat, so I’ll be stretching for about 30-40 min mostly on legs since we use those the most during skating. After that, I’ll make myself a shake for breakfast (water, oats, vegan protein, nutzo butter). I make sure to pack my bag with a gallon of water, Pedialyte, sunblock. Also, I make a pre-workout drink with more water, creatine, and BCAAs. I usually will skate from 3-4 hours so it’s basically a long-ass workout. Then it’s time to skate the park.
Any inspiring words you want to tell the next generation of skaters?
Skate, however, whenever, and whatever YOU want to skate. Do the type of skating that makes you happy.
