What got you into skateboarding?
My neighbor got me into skating when I was about five years old. He was about ten at the time. The funny part was I knew he was into my sister so I used that as a way to get him off the board so I could use it, and that’s how it all began!!!
What is your skate scene like in your city?
Well, I’m from a very small town in North Carolina called Cherryville. Unfortunately, the skate scene is and has always been small. Right before I moved to California I was one of the only people that still skated out of the group of people I grew up with.
What is you to go trick to start your sesh?
An FS smith grind!
Do you feel skateboarding has changed your life? How?
Absolutely! I feel like skateboarding has changed my life. Skateboarding has also taught me a lot. I have learned that to succeed once you have to fail a million times over, but in the end, it’s worth it. Skateboarding has also given me the drive to better myself daily! It’s provided me reasons to travel and skate some of the biggest Am contest in the world, which is something I dreamed of as a kid. I honesty could mention a lot of reasons skateboarding has changed my life, but the biggest one is skating gave me great friendships. I’ve made so many friends all over the world from skating and I wouldn’t trade that for anything!
What pro skater inspires your skateboarding?
This one is tough, but probably Ishod Wair! He is just well rounded and in my opinion one of the best to ever do it. He can skate anything. He also skates contest and does well in them. When I watch his videos I always get stoked to go skate!
Do you prefer watching skate videos on social media or buying it? Why?
Lately, I’ve been watching videos online, but if I had a choice I would buy most of them. One reason is that it’s a good way to support local shops, and there is nothing like owning and collecting your favorite videos. Something to pass on later down the road.
What is the gnarliest trick you have ever done? How did you feel when you landed it?
I’ve been skating for a long time and landed a lot of tricks, but to me, half cab crook nollie inward heel out is definitely to me maybe not the gnarliest, but the hardest trick I’ve ever done. The first time I landed it was one of the best feelings. I just felt accomplished, and after working on a trick for so long and finally rolling away nothing fees better!
Tell us a little bit about your local skate shop & what they do for the skateboard scene?
The Way skate ministries, unfortunately, closed down 2 years ago, but they did so much for the scene. The shop also had an indoor skate park. They provided a safe place for kids to skate because the town wouldn’t give the city a skate park. I hate they are gone, but I’m thankful for the great memories and friendships I made from when they where open.
What is your daily routine before you go shred?
I watch skate videos, grab breakfast and a coffee. I stretch before each sesh as well.
Any inspiring words you want to tell the next generation of skaters?
Stay healthy, and take care of your bodies. Enjoy the journey and NO matter what always keep skating FUN!
