What got you into skateboarding?
I moved to a new neighborhood with my family as a kid. I did not know anyone on the block and I was a new kid with a bike and a scooter, all the other younger kids a few houses down had skateboards. Every day, they would bring out a tiny launch ramp and a fun box with graffiti all over it. They just looked to be having a lot of fun I tried approaching them to see if I could use their skateboards and the only thing they said was “fuck off”. That’s when I knew I had to get one of my own. Different times.
What is your skate scene like in your city?
The skate scene in LA is strong and only growing. There is always somewhere to skate. So many places to go whether it be a skatepark or being out in the streets. Nowadays I look forward to Sundays at Jkwon. There is a heavy scene there with many crews and people around the globe coming to skate here.
What is you to go trick to start your sesh?
I’ll just do Ollies to get the legs going. Throw around some shuvit’s and 180’s. 5050 grinds.
Do you feel skateboarding has changed your life? How?
Yes, skateboarding has changed my life, it has shaped me into who I am today.
For myself it is the biggest teacher in patience and really testing yourself physically and mentally. How far you are willing to go or come back for something. Falling over and over to fail, the bruises, the concrete beatings, I apply all these circumstances to my life now because of skateboarding. I am not afraid to fail, it just makes me want to go harder and keep enjoying the time while I am skateboarding. It opened my world in Art, Music, and other genres that I don’t think I would have noticed or cared if it was not for skateboarding. It is my international language. I can travel and communicate through skateboarding. It’s the keys to the city and you’re in control of how you see the environment.
What pro skater inspires your skateboarding?
Hard question because daily I watch older videos and get inspired by the pros from then and now, skateboarding, street, Vert, it is all inspiring in my eyes. Skateboarding is not easy and some of these pros are 50 or older and still doing it.
Do you prefer watching skate videos on social media or buying it? Why?
I honestly prefer buying a video. It gives back to the brand that created the video and the skaters that put in the work. Also, I just miss the times where I would throw in a VHS or a DVD. I would sit there and watch the entire video. No distractions. Nowadays videos come and are forgotten the same if not a few days later. Social media has definitely changed/influenced how skate videos are released.
What is the gnarliest trick you have ever done? How did you feel when you landed it?
I am still trying to get gnarly tricks now, ha-ha. Recently I 360 flipped into a bank over by the LA river for my Bones bearings video. That one had my heart pumping. Even just to get to the spot. Once I rolled away, I was stoked I knew it happened i was waiting all week/weeks to make it happen. Felt great! Now it is on to the next.
Tell us a little bit about your local skate shop & what they do for the skateboard scene?
Lottie’s is the local shop. The shop provides a second home for kids in the neighborhood. They get a full dose of skating hanging in there. Mike gives back any way he can to them and everyone who comes around. Lots of love.
What is your daily routine before you go shred?
My daily routine is, be thankful for another day. I would make some coffee, check out every skate website and look at what is happening around in skateboarding. Text a few homies see if they are out or not. Shower, eat, stretch a bit then get out on to be on the roll.
Any inspiring words you want to tell the next generation of skaters?
Have fun, but do not get frustrated- there are better days, just practice! These tricks don’t learn themselves. You have to LOVE it. In anything you do, just be passionate about what you are doing and go make your mark.
