Mikey Scott's Column

The Dreaded Dallas Ives

mscott — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 02:19:00 GMT

It's always refreshing to see people who have grown up in a small town take some risks and eventually make it to the big leagues. Even though Dallas Ives isn't quite in the big leagues, he is definitely making a lasting impression with the right people inside Canada. Growing up in Stoney Point, Ontario, Dallas and 599 other residents made up the total population of his hometown. As Dallas explained to me, "Two corner stores, two schools, a church and a bank. You know, a small ass town. When I was growing up back there, I wanted to get outta there as soon as I could."

Although this isn't the first interview that he's had, I really wanted to make sure that he is able to continue to get the recognition that he deserves. After totally blowing it in the first round of questions I did with him a few weeks ago, I sat down and re-constructed a new set of questions aimed at bringing out what skateboarding really means to him. Hopefully he ends up being stoked on this interview ‘cause I don't think I've got enough time to show it to him before it goes online. Here's to you Dallas, hope you like it.

Dallas at the 2009 Vancouver stop of the DC Nationals tour.

So lets get this straight, if you were born and raised in such a small town, how did you end up picking skateboarding?
I was almost seven years old and my first memory of skateboarding was watching these guys skate this little quarterpipe and using it as a kicker. They were getting so high that they could have ollied way over my head. Since that day I just always wanted to skate.

So is it fair to say that skating is pretty damn important to you. Without getting to deep into it, what does skating mean to you?
Skating to me is something that will always be there. It's my passion, bro! Ha, ha. I'll skate ‘til I can't anymore, ‘til my body doesn't let me anymore. So skating to me is pretty much life.

Well articulated, homie. Growing up on the east coast, what made you move out to where you're currently living?
I live on the West side of Canada in Vancouver B.C. I like it here; the weather is a hell of a lot better than back where I grew up.

When you're feeling all beat up after a good session, what is it about skating that motivates you to keep going until you get a trick?
Having a good sesh at a street spot is always really motivating. I also really like skating with all my homies from back home. You know, just skating with anyone who's down to skate. I am get seriously motivated off of other people when I'm skating. Even watching people learning how to skate gets me stoked to skate. Sooooo many things get me stoked to skate.

That being said, what would you be doing if you didn't have skateboarding?
Well coming from such a small town, I figure I could be doing a lot worse, considering the shit I used to do when I was younger. I feel like I wouldn't be as happy if I wasn't skating. So really, I have no idea what I would be doing without it.

After watching you skate contests for the past two years, you seem to be a pretty consistent guy when it comes to skating. Care to comment?
I don't really know. I remember being young and just wanting to have all my tricks down good.

How long do you think your skate career is going to last?
I don't think I could even call my skating a career ‘cause a career means you get paid. I just skate and I'm going to continue to skate, no matter what happens.

Not to change the topic, but when was the last time you washed your hair?
Almost a year and a half.

Damn that's like 500 days. Is that where the dreads came from? What's up with the dreads?
No, my girlfriend really wanted to dread my hair so I let her. I'm kinda stoked. I mean, it's not too time consuming; I just have to sit there and let my girlfriend do it or I go and pay a dreadlock specialist to do it. I like dreads. I wanted to get them for years so I did. Fuck it!

What kind of response do you get from the chicks with those dreads? Are they down?
I could care less, man. But yeah, some girls are grossed out. You be surprised...even some dudes are grossed out, but fuck'em, it's my head I know they don't stink. Ha ha.

Name three types of shampoo and two types of conditioner. No overlapping!
Fuck that's actually hard to think about. Pert Plus...fuuuck...I dunno.

Ok enough on the hair tip. If you could have thrown three tricks down Wallenberg before it got demolished, (R.I.P.) what would they have been?
Dang dude, three tricks, you gotta be kidding me. Maybe I would have tried a switch front three... I don't wanna say I think I could do anything down that shit without checking it first for myself.

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Related:
Droppin' Dimes with Dallas Ives
Billabong Damn Am 2009
DC King of Vancouver 2009

Ams and Pros: What's The Difference?

mscott — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 03:26:00 GMT

Simply put: the times, they are a changing. No longer do the days exist where professional skateboarders are easily able to have long-lasting careers without working twice as hard to keep the pay cheques coming in. With local skateparks popping up at an alarming rate, it's no surprise that the skill level of amateur skateboarders is accelerating. Unfortunately for the pros, it shows no sign of stopping any time soon. Is it then fair to say that, based on skill level, the line between professional athletes and amateur athletes is becoming blurred?

I believe so. With all the hype surrounding amateur skaters these days, I decided to interview a few of the industry's finest to see what opinions they may have. If there's one group of people that can give you the uncensored info you need to form an opinion, these are the guys. Read this interview and be sure to comment below with your thoughts.

Introducing the panel:
· Corey Sheppard, professional skateboarder
· Timebomb Distribution's Judah Oakes and No Limits Distribution's Mike Prangnell, former professionals turned team managers
· Sandro Grison, Color Magazine editor*

*Sandro requested it be known that his thoughts and opinions are based on the general scope of the industry, and there are exceptions to all the rules and this doesn't apply to all ams or all pros.

How do you define an amateur athlete?
Sandro: I don't define "athletes", but in skateboarding we've been forced to cast our own judgments. There's so many guys deserving of "pro" status and pros who have no right to be called pro.

Mike: Someone who does not receive a pay cheque and/or does not have a signature product, like a deck or shoe or roach clip.

Judah: An amateur skateboarder is someone that is sponsored by companies, but doesn't have their name on a board.

Corey: Well, I consider an am a pro these days. They are so good and, personally, they are almost better then the pros. Well... not all, but a lot of them. They are younger and don't care as much if they hurt themselves! I think than an am skater that is still up-and-coming really needs to prove to the industry and companies that: A)They can make it; and B) They have what it takes.

Are their different levels of ams?
Sandro: Unofficially, I guess there is. There's the fresh meat, the lifers, the man-ams, and the super ams who shred harder and get more coverage than the pros do.

Mike: In Canada I guess there are distributor ams and direct ams. Most guys spin their wheels in the distributor-sponsored realm and some end up getting on direct, where they have a real chance at moving up.

Judah: In my opinion, there is, as some work harder than others, and those that work harder get rewarded and looked after more than a rider that doesn't work hard. It seems that skate companies are putting a larger emphasis on their amateur athletes these days. I think it's good, as there's a huge amount of talent out there: the ams out there today are just as good as the pros. As the older pros retire from skateboarding, the new ams are the skateboarders of tomorrow and ultimately the future of skateboarding.

Corey: Yes. Look at Tyler Bledsoe and Grant Talyor... wow! Then look at say, "Johnny Ass Face", maybe doing the same type of tricks, but it looks like a bag of shit. You can just tell who's hot and who's not... what I mean is, style is everything, or at least I personally think. The level to me depends on how great the skater makes the trick look!

Is it good or bad that skate companies are putting a larger emphasis on their am skaters these days?
Sandro: Any company putting more emphasis on their ams is one of two things, needing to restructure their team because their pros aren't ripping anymore, or simply building up their ams to eventually get that pro-status. I don't think there's anything wrong with the ladder. Too many guys turn pro these days that haven't yet been properly established as ams. It's good to pump up the up-and-comers.

Mike: Companies sponsor lots of am skaters. I call it corralling. They corral skaters like cattle. Some guys perform and move up the ranks, others are sent out to pasture. The main reason companies like ams, is that they are cheaper and more motivated. The less pros, the better. I strongly believe there should be a higher level of achievement to become a real pro skater, not just the fact that your name might sell a few boards.

Corey: Think about it: they are the future of each company! Of course they should put more money into them, to make sure their foundation is solid to the world. You know, make them a "household name", as they say! They are the next pros and think of all the dudes that are just flowed and want to be in the pro's shoes. Everyone has to work harder these days, bottom line!

Is the line between pro and am still easy line to see?
Sandro: No. Pro means you get paid for what you do. Today ams, meaning the skaters without pro model decks or shoes, are getting paid, too. So the line is blurring for sure.

Mike: If you're talking about real pros, yes, it is easy to see. A professional must carry himself as such. They need to know how the game works and how to deal with people and the public. Most pros have something unique about them that set them apart from others. A certain style in their skating, or look, or way of life. If you're a pro skater that doesn't follow those rules of the game, then you're probably pro for a company no one's heard of and you're making $100 a month.

Judah: No, I don't believe so... you can't tell really, except for a name on a board or shoe. I know a ton of ams that should be pro, and I know a lot of pros that should be am. That's just my opinion, though. Also, with contests being pro-am, you get a mixture at most events.

Am videos and am contests are becoming more common, with bigger cash purses. Why is this?
Mike: When you're an amateur skater, there's no where to go but up. You could come last in a contest and no one would give a shit. Most pros today live off video and magazine coverage. They are worried that people will think less of them if they do badly in a contest. Also, many pros don't have what it takes to put a clean, powerful contest run together. That is why they claim contest are lame and stay away from them. The only time a pro contest is successful is when they are invited and know other high profile pros will be there. Things like Maloof and X-Games bring out the true G's in skating.

Judah: I think because skateboarding has grown so much, and along with it came mainstream acceptance, and of course corporate sponsors can afford to throw money around like it's nothing. I remember skating pro contests in the mid-‘90s where first prize was $1,000 and there was a hundred of us battling for it. Now there is Maloof Cup where first is $100,000. The times have changed; even ams get a salary now-a-days, and so they should; how else can you live and eat and continue to progress at skateboarding?

How do you think this affects professional skateboarders?
Sandro: They get to live off their names while the ams do all the heavy lifting.

Corey: It doesn't! Pros will remain the highlight of the industry. That's what most ams want... to be pro, right? Go and get ‘em, kids!

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Related:
Billabong Damn Am 2009
Video: Am Getting Paid

Chad Albert: Take Some Notes

mscott — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:09:00 GMT

It's been said that if you love your day job, you never going to have to work a day in your life. After experiencing this firsthand, I've discovered that nothing could be further from the truth. Working in the skate industry isn't going to make you rich right away -- or at all for the matter -- but the one thing it will do is allow you to enjoy your job. If you're one of the people out there looking to get involved in the industry, then put down your laptop and get ready to take some notes. Let's take a look at how Element Canada's very own Chad Albert ended up in one of the most ambiguous jobs in the skateboard industry: the skateboard team manager.

So Chad, How did you end up in your position?
I started out slugging boxes in the warehouse at S&J Sales. Once I got comfortable there, I bugged the shit out of Jason and Steve [Greenidge] until they let me do sales and handle the team, and I eventually worked my way into buying and working with the US suppliers. From all the connections I made through that, I eventually scored the marketing manager position at Element Canada.

How long have you been a team manger?
Pushing about 10 years now...

As a team manager, what duties do you have to carry out?
I do much more than just handle our team, but as far as the team goes, I put together their promo packages, photo incentives, organize demos and trips, etcetera... all the things you'd expect from a team manager.

Nate Roline, Fronstside Tailslide, Kickflip out. Brian Caissie sequence.

What's the hardest part of you job?
Cutting a rider would easily be the hardest part.

No doubt... what would you say makes a good team manager?
I'd say someone who genuinely wants to see their riders succeed and goes the extra mile to help them out.

And on the flipside, what makes a bad team manager?
A bad team manager would be someone that doesn't give a shit.

What's the biggest misconception about being a team manager?
That it's an easy job. Sure, it's a fun job, as far as jobs go but there is definitely a lot stress involved.

What's the worst situation you've ever been in with your team?
Luckily I have a great crew of guys that are smart enough to keep trouble on the DL. Nothing I can't talk myself out of...

And for all the kids out there looking to get sponsored, how do you determine if someone should get hooked up?
Every kid is good, so it's getting harder now, that's for sure... Personally, I look at a lot of things like style and trick selection, but you really have to look at more than just their skating. Attitude becomes a big part of it, too. No one wants to be stuck in a van for hours on end with a douche bag.

So who's on the Element team at the moment?
Dave Nolan, Brandon Del Bianco, Bobby De Keyzer, Hugo Balek, Nathan Roline, Derek Swaim, Mike Mains, Will Marshall, and Geoff Strelow to name a few. We also have a few advocates, like Juliana Neufeld, Rob Dyer from Skate4Cancer and Stuart Young from the Medicine Skateboard Association.

How many people have you fired?
I have had to let go a few riders, but thankfully it doesn't happen often.

Chad Albert. Nollie Shuv It. Harry Gils sequence.

Is there anything that you hate about your job, or is it mostly all good?
Not much, that's for sure... but it does blow when your budget limits you from hooking up all the kids you want to help out. There are so many kids that work hard and deserve it.

Do you have any last words for someone who wants to be a team manager or get a job in the industry?
First off, if you're simply chasing a pay cheque, you're in the wrong place! You have to be working towards it for the right reasons. A great place to start out is at a skate distributor. Here you can get to know all of the shops, which will help you know who's killing it in there respected cities. This is also a great place to meet suppliers, which will also help the cause. Good luck!

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Related:
Talkin' TM with Dane Collison
Talkin' TM with Trevn Sharp
A Short Course In Team Management

Winter Skating: A Matter of Survival

mscott — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:06:00 GMT

Let's face it: if you live in Canada and you're a skateboarder, your worst enemies are the harsh winters and rainy springs. With nowhere else to go during these "off" months, many of Canada's skateboarders have no choice but to take up alternate sports, hibernate indoors to watch videos or play video games, travel to a hot destination, or simply find somewhere sheltered to skate without getting frostbite or trench foot.

Although all of these are possible scenarios for Canada's dedicated skateboarders, I took it upon myself to formulate a list of personal favorites when it comes to surviving the less-than-perfect temperatures in Canada. All options listed below come complete with a "kick-out" factor rating based on how tight the security typically is. A score of 10 is a total bust, and a score of 1 is practically an all-day/everyday skate spot. As a disclaimer, Push.ca accepts no responsibility for those that choose to follow this list of law-breaking skate spots! Leave a comment below if you've got any more to add to my list.

Subway stations
Looking for a place to skate during the winter? No problem. Why not try your local subway station? It might be too loud because of the echoing, but they usually has benches and a few stair sets. The ground is usually very smooth and doesn't require any preparation to skate. Watch out for security, as they're often hard to spot because of the tight areas you're skating in.

Kick out factor: 6

Underground parking lots
Office buildings and shopping malls usually have an indoor parking lot below them. Since many of the shopping mall undergrounds aren't totally enclosed, most of the office buildings are. Typical obstacles include manny pads of various lengths, bumps, curbs, curb cuts, high and low cement ledges, and wall ride spots. Watch out for the low ceilings, stale air, and echoing sounds when you don't land a trick. As far as security goes, you have to be quick on your feet in these areas. If security comes after you, skate to a different floor instead of using the stairwells and elevators. Trust me on this one, there's nothing more awkward and humiliating then opening the elevator doors to a security guard smiling at you.

Kick out factor: 7

From the Skate & Destroy contest, held in the underground parking of Whistler. Caissie photo.

Public Indoor Skate parks
Far and few between? Yes. Impossible to find? No. If you're lucky enough to have one in your hometown, get there and take advantage of it before it goes out of business. I haven't really seen an indoor park inside Canada stay open for more then two years, but there are some like Toronto's very own Shred Central that make it work. Rates to skate these facilities may be based on an hourly basis, or a per session basis, and a helmet (and maybe pads) is usually required. If you don't have pads or a helmet of your own, feel free to rent the diseased rental equipment but beware of the consequences (ed: arm and leg zits!). The only way to get kicked out of these places is by avoiding payment, skating after-hours, throwing temper tantrums, or getting in fights. Behave yourself and you can skate all winter!

Kick out factor 1-10 scale: 3

Inside Shopping Malls
Been eyeing up that set of stairs in your local mall? Wait no further, because the winter is the time to do it! With all the people in the mall avoiding the cold weather outside, the security guards are mostly attending to shoplifters and fights in the food court. Make sure you have all angles covered on film, since you're only getting about two tries before security pounces. Go for the bangers right away!

Kick out factor: 10

Travel
Been saving up all summer from landscaping during the day and flipping burgers at the night? If you were smart enough to get a job during the summer, you'll finally be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor while skating outside of Canada during the winter months. Popular travel destinations include Arizona and Tampa in The States, and Barcelona, Spain. When travelling to unfamiliar spots, be sure to hunt down the local skate shop and ask them where the good spots to skate are. Who knows, if they think you're cool enough, they might even let you in on some super secret "local's only" spots.

Kick out factor: 2-10 (depending on the spots you hit up)

Barcelona is a very skate-friendly destination. Caissie photo.

Ghetto Spots
Are you so lazy that you don't want to leave the house? No problem, simply head down to your basement or out to the garage and gather up some supplies. Whether it's flat ground tricks, super short many pads, or miniature ledges, these spots can give you the necessary training time to perfect a few tricks for the summer months.

Kick out factor: 1-5 (depending on how much noise you make and how much your parents love you)

Mini Ramp in your garage
Last but not least is the garage mini-ramp. Everybody should have at least one friend who has one. Nothing's more fun then sessioning a two to three foot mini with a bunch of your friends; trust me. For those of you who've tried one of these wicked inventions, they are well worth the time (two days) and effort (four guys) needed to create them; just ask Push.ca's own Andrew Sayer. Be sure to watch out for flying boards, low ceilings, and short decks on the top of each drop-in space.

Kick out factor: 2-7 (depending on the hours you skate them and how many cases of beer you donate to the owner)

The Serrics: Andrew Sayer's indoor mini in T.O.

Bonus footage: Here's how the Artschool skaters are dealing with harsh winters in Calgary.
(Please visit the site to view this media)

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Related:
Skate and Deploy, not Fear and Loathing
Barcelona, as seen by Brian Caissie
Building A Mini Ramp TF

Mix Tape with Corey Duffel

mscott — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:15:00 GMT

Ever since the introduction of the Walkman for your cassette tapes (what's that?), technology has given people the ability to walk the streets listening to their favorite tunes. After the Walkman, we saw the introduction of the portable CD player, the mini disc player, the mp3 flash player, and finally the iPod. What's the point in talking about the history of music devices you ask? Simple: I didn't know how else to make a decent segue into the music column that I recently did with Corey Duffel. In order to find out what role music has in Corey's life, I decided to ask him about his favorite tunes and what they meant to him. Check out what the "Duff Man" has to say below.

Lots of people out there prefer to skate with their iPod so they can "focus" and "get in the zone" while they are skating. What's your take on this?
I can't take anyone seriously that skates with headphones on. I think it is an utter waste of time and looks gross. If you want to be an antisocial mark-go ahead and skate with your headphones on. I'd rather be out fucking off with my friends and talking amongst them, not listening to music with my selfishness. Plus I hate not being able to hear my board pop and my bearings spin or the grind of my trucks on rugged concrete.

How important would you say music in your day-to-day life?
Music to me is as essential as the air I breathe; I could not live in a world without music.

What type of music do you listen to? Does it differ depending on what you're doing (skating, chilling, partying)?
I like what I like. I'm heavily into the genres I fancy. Obviously, I'm a rocker and rock ‘n' roll is what I like. If I'm driving through the nighttime I might get a bit creepy and listen to some eerie gothic sounds. In the daytime I love power pop and other music that I can sing aloud with.

(Please visit the site to view this media)
Corey in Osiris' Feed The Need.

When was the last time you bought a CD? What was it?
Quite frankly I wouldn't be able to remember. I just asked my girlfriend, she says it was What Does Anything Mean? Basically... by The Chameleons. I prefer to buy vinyl. I can care less about downloading and that crap. I want to own the piece, I want to read the lyrics while I listen, I want the cover art, I want to hear the record crackle. Compact discs don't offer all the beauty a record does. Downloading especially does not do a damn thing for me.

What are your top 3 artists/groups of all time?
You really want me to label music like this? I don't think that is going to happen, so I will mark down 3 bands/musicians that kill it. The Jam, The Cure and Billy Bragg.

What are your top 5 songs of all time?
I can't just sum up 5 songs like that. I will write down 5 songs that get played a lot by me. These are in no order:

"Don't Stand So Close To Me" by The Police
"Straight To You" by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds
"Shirley" by ?
"House of Cards" by Radiohead
"Alison" by Elvis Costello

What's the best song that's been used in a skate video?
I am not sure if this is the best song used, but I really thought it was smashing. I love the song and the way it went to his skating. This is more the best song for a part-this is the best part! Moody Blues, "Nights In White Satin". Heath Kirchart in Transworld's Sight Unseen.

(Please visit the site to view this media)

If you could make the ultimate 10-Song playlist to skate too, what songs would be on it?
I don't know. I can't recall the last time I put together a music playlist together while skating. Actually I have never made a playlist to skate to. Sounds like something a football player does before he hits the gym.

I like the Seventeen Seconds album by The Cure. I think there are 10 songs on the album, and every song is brilliant!

(Please visit the site to view this media)
Corey vs. Rick Howard in Battle at the Berrics 2. (after the Stereo ad)

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Related:
Push.ca and Osiris at Muskoka Woods
Video: Osiris at Muskoka Woods
Osiris Tour Videos 1-4

Filming a Video Part with Morgan Smith

mscott — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:36:00 GMT

Do you think you know what it really takes to not only become a professional skateboarder, but to maintain that status? Sure, the fame, the fortune and the world travel seem awesome (and not a bad way to make a living), but in reality there's a lot of hard work that goes into it... way more than most people realize. Take, for example, filming a full-length video part for a big-time skate video and the pressure that goes along with it. It's nearly impossible to understand that pressure without actually experiencing it.

I had the chance to interview "Toronto's next pro" Morgan Smith to get his perspective - and advice - on filming a video part. Fresh off his much-anticipated part in The Blind Video, Morgan had plenty to share about his experience growing up and paying his dues to get to where he is now, and what it was like to skate and film alongside the guys he looked up to as a kid.

Keep reading, kids... you just might learn something.

Frontside flip to manual, 180 out. Oscar Szydlowski sequence.

Over the years, what have you learned about filming video parts?
I've learned you have to just film exactly what you want, because if you don't, your not gonna be hyped when you see all your footage. Just going street skating is the best way to start thinking about what you want to film; checking out spots and just doing tricks that come to mind right away is usually how it works out. I usually just have a gut feeling about what tricks I want to do, they just pop into my head right when I see a new spot.

Yeah, I guess it's a pretty personal thing to be pumped on what you're filming and just do what comes naturally... How important is it to make sure you have a well-rounded video part?
I think it's pretty important to try and skate everything, but you've got to skate what your good at, too. For example, if your trying to skate tranny spots and you're not that good at tranny, then maybe don't try to film anything until you feel comfortable. Other then that, I like trying to get a little bit of everything so you don't get cornered as just a "rail skater" or "ledge skater", you know?

In your opinion, what does it take to make a good video part?
You've gotta have a bunch of good footy and a good track. Getting a bunch of footy that you're hyped on is the hardest part; it might take years of travelling and just learning new tricks. You want your video part to be something you're proud of. It's hard to satisfy yourself, but I guess you have to just keep skating and trying to one up yourself. After all the filming, a good song is basically whatever fits your skating, like a faster song if you skate fast , or maybe just a song you're hyped on.

Do you ever plan out a video part before you start to film it?
Not really... I don't plan a whole video part. I will definitely think of tricks I want to do; that's all I think about. I'll usually have a spot and a trick in mind and just go and try to do it. Sometimes I just have nothing planned though, and just go skate and see what happens, and that can work out really well too sometimes.

(Please visit the site to view this media)
Morgan sessioning a drainage ditch.

How long does it take to film a good part? Is there a timeline, or is it usually given to you?
Filming a good video part takes over a year for sure, but it depends... I know kids who can film 30 clips in a week. Usually there is a deadline, and it's a year or two away, so it's always in the back of your mind, like, got to film, you know? I find most of your good footy gets filmed a couple months before the deadline just because the pressure is really on.

Do you think that it's easier now-a-days for people to film a video part, compared to when you first started skateboarding?
I think it was easier to film a video part when you first start skating, because you're just a little kid and you just go around your city and just film whatever you can do on any spot. You're not really too concerned, you just want to skate. Now-a-days you have to find good spots, and try to get stuff that you're really hyped on, so it's a little harder to get clips... but it's still fun, you just have to try a little harder, I guess.

As far as the filming, what role does the filmer play with the video part? Can you film with anyone, or do you really have to trust them?
A good filmer is definitely key. I'm down to film with anyone, but I like filming with friends, just because it's more laid-back and less business. If it's just you and your friends going skating, that's when it's the most fun, and that's when you skate the best, I think.

In your opinion, how does editing affect the making of video part?
Editing affects the video part a lot. I just like basic editing, nothing to flashy. If something is edited all crazy, then its really hard to watch the actual skating even if its amazing footage.

Swtich flip to nose manny, flip out. Oscar Szydlowski sequence.

You mentioned music earlier... is it important for you to make sure that your footage works well with the song?
Yeah, for sure... Like I said before, if you skate fast, use a fast song. If you just use any song and put it to your skating, it might just turn out kind of awkward. Usually just listening to a song you can tell if it's going to work for a video part or not.

In your experience with filming a video part, how much footage actually gets used in comparison to how much gets shot?
It really depends on the skater, I think. Some dudes will only film what they want and end up with amazing parts and no extra footy. Most people usually have a lot of extra footy lying around after you edit a video part, just because you're always filming and there's always B-footy.

Yeah, I guess that's the case when you're trying to get the best footage you can. What was your first video part and what's it like watching it today?
My first part was for the skate shop DBS; it was called Cinco. It was the first video for the shop and I was really hyped when the owner [Brad Hainschwang] told me I could have a part. I just went filming with my friends and tried my best, pretty much. I ended up getting first part in the video. Watching it now-a-days is kind of funny; things were just so different, but it brings back a lot of memories so that's pretty cool.

Were you stoked on your part in The Blind Video?
I was pretty hyped on the part, but there is always stuff you want to make better about your skating. You are your own worst critic, I guess... Bill Weiss put it all together and I was hyped on the song and clips he used.

(Please visit the site to view this media)
Morgan's part from The Blind Video.

How do you stay motivated? Do you keep a trick list?
When I lack motivation, it's usually because I'm getting frustrated because I'm not getting tricks or whatever, so I usually just take a break and just try and skate some parks or whatever. When it comes to staying motivated though, I just try to think about being at the premiere and just trying to make myself satisfied, basically. Trick lists can be really good or really bad... I usually just try to keep mental notes of what I want to do.

What's the most time you've ever spent trying to land a trick on film?
I've tried ledge lines or manual tricks for hours and hours and not even gotten them, and that is, like, the worst thing ever. You just want to land the trick so bad, but usually you just have no energy left. Your brain wants it, but your body can't do it. I don't really remember what tricks specifically; I guess I try to forget that kind of stuff.

What's it like watching yourself along side big names on the Blind team? Has it set in yet that you're actually skating with some of the people you grew up watching in videos?
It honestly hasn't set in yet at all; it's just a new group of friends that are cool to skate with. Watching the video is sick because all of those guys are amazing and I get hyped for them because I know they are good people too, you know? It's crazy to think that I used to watch all these dudes, and I know their whole skate history... [laughs].

(Please visit the site to view this media)
Morgan in Prodrome.

What is your top three skateboard video parts of all time?
Josh Kalis or Brian Wenning in Photosynthesis, Mark Appleyard in Sorry, PJ in Wonderful Horrible Life.

You recently started a You Tube channel that you constantly update, right? What was your motivation behind this?
I just have a digi photo camera, and it records video too, so I just started filming stuff. My friend said, "post it on You Tube" and I did. It was fun to just get clips and post them for all my friends to watch. It was getting all my friends hyped and that makes me feel good, so I'll just keep doing it, I guess.

Any advice for people out there trying to film a video part?
Just go skate. Go skate with your friends and see what happens... try to keep it fun and just film stuff that you think will make you satisfied. Look for new spots or just check out old ones and just do what tricks come naturally. Keep in mind how spots and surroundings will look on film, and think about how the clips will fit together in your part. Basically just go skate every day and stuff will work out.

Check out Morgan Smith's recent return to The Berrics for a Bangin!

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Related:
Run It Back with Morgan Smith
Morgan Smith's Blah Blah Blah
Morgan Smith at The Berrics

Icons: Rob "Sluggo" Boyce

mscott — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:28:00 GMT

I don't mean to offend anyone I've had the privilege of recently interviewing, but I when I was given the chance to interview one of Canada's greatest skateboarding icons, I was actually a little nervous... and normally this isn't a problem for me.

In a typical situation, so long as I have all my questions strategically worded and well thought-out, the person I'm interviewing should feel comfortable with me and be able to provide the answers I need to complete a solid interview. But as I sat down to lay out the questions for this particular interview, I stopped for a second and really started to put time into figuring out what particular angle I was going to approach it from.

Really though, what can anybody learn about Rob "Sluggo" Boyce that they haven't already read in countless magazines and watched in various skate movies? That was my challenge. So I hope you'll learn something new about one of skateboarding's first pros to get upside down from reading this. And on that note, allow me to re-introduce Rob "Sluggo" Boyce to you through this "Icons" interview. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.

How long were you pro for, Sluggo?
I was pro from 1991 ‘till 2004.

So during those years, who did you skate for, sponsor-wise?
I actually first went pro for Real Skateboards and eventually retired on World Industries skateboards. In my whole career, I only rode for two board companies.

Who did you usually skate with when you were pro? As we all know, you were in a pretty famous crew...
Back in the day I skated with all the original Vancouver skaters: Sean Kearns, PD, Rick Howard, Chibber, Jimbo, Steve Calvert and a bunch of others... The scene was tiny back in the day and everybody basically knew every body. My crew that I skated with was the world famous Red Dragons.

Tell us about how the Red Dragons went from a crew to a business.
Early in Colin [McKay] and my professional skateboard careers, we were smart enough to start thinking about our futures. In thinking about that, we opened up a couple of businesses. First we opened RDS skate supply, then Centre Distribution and finally Red Dragon Apparel. So I'm very heavily involved in skateboarding to this day.

What was the worst decision you made during your career?
The worst decision I made in my career... I think I should have moved to California for a chunk of my professional skate career, much like Colin did. I'm pretty happy the way things have turned out though, and with that being said, I have no major regrets.

What was the best decision you made during your career?
The best decision I ever made was to not wait until I was finished being a pro skater to plan out my future.

What was the stupidest purchase that you made as a professional athlete?
Stupidest purchase? I'm a compulsive buyer... the list is too long!

What was the best memory of your career?
I have entire head full of insane memories. I had the privilege of skating with all the icons in skateboarding and have stories that go with them. From Tony Hawk to Christian Hosoi, Danny Way, Mike Carroll, Henry Sanchez, Kareem Campbell, all the way to Tom Penny. Every pro that paved the way for skateboarding today; I had the honor of traveling the world with them and watching history being made.

What was your favorite sponsor during your career and why?
My all-time favorite sponsor was Real. They didn't really treat me all that great, but they did turn a Canadian vert skater pro, just as vert was dying. I love them for that. At World Industries, Rocco and Rodney [Mullen] treated all their riders like kings. They would take all their teams on vacations every year... It was insane.

What were you able to learn from being a professional skater?
It's all based on business and relationships; they are very similar. Treat people the way you want to be treated and stand by your word. Most of all be respectful.

Looking back, what were some of the best perks?
You're famous in the "world of skateboarding", so it's kind of like you have mini rock star status. It was fun... definitely lots of high fives.

Was it hard to back away from it all?
I was pro for a long time and pretty much accomplished everything I set out to do in my pro career. So the answer is no, I didn't think it was hard to back away.

Do you have any advice for those people coming up in the industry?
Have a plan that includes goals. Don't put all your eggs in one basket!

Do you still stay in touch with your friends that you used to hang out with and skate with back then?
Well, not all of them... The Red Dragons go on vacation together at least once definitely helps every summer to stay close. Facebook!

Rob's vert part in RDS Skateboard Party!
(Please visit the site to view this media)

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Related:
Is Vert Dead? A Personal Rant

Hello, My Name Is: Everen Stallion

mscott — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:18:00 GMT

I recently found myself questioning a few rumors surrounding American am skater, Everen Stallion. Rather then continue to wonder, I took it upon myself to engage cruise control on the vehicle I was driving and ask him myself. You see, I was lucky enough to be on the Osiris Strange Crew Tour that swept through the east coast of Canada. One interesting fact I managed to learn during this interview was that his half-brother was none other then Devine Calloway. Read on below to find out more about the Black Stallion (his words, not mine!), also known as Everen Stallion.

What up! My name is Everen Stallion.

A.K.A. Big E, also known as Black Stallion.

I was raised in Bakersfield, California, the hottest place on Earth.

The reason your reading this about me is ‘cause Vanilla Mike asked me to do this interview.

Right now I'm working on filming for the Mystery promo; don't know when it will be out so don't ask!

But I'd rather be filming for a full-length video.

My most prized possessions are my apartment and my Dodge Intrepid that breaks down every time I get it fixed.

But I'd give it all away for a night with Beyonce Knowles.

The first thing I do in the morning is make bottles and change diapers.

The last thing I do at night is skeet skeet, then fall asleep.

My parents always told me finish school, then I could do what the fuck I want.

I love it when people smoke me out.

I hate it when people ask me if I bang.

The most beautiful thing I've ever seen is my daughter, ‘cause I'm one ugly mofo.

If you ever see me walking down the street it's because my car probably broke down; fuck Dodge.

My most notable run-in with the law was last week I caught a case, lawyers say I can't talk about it.

I loose control when I'm gone of that brown bottle.

If I had to say sorry it would be for ‘cause I stepped on your shoes.

The last time I swore I'd never drink again was right after a night of birthday drinks. I blacked out and started telling everyone the world was gonna end on 2012!

My future projects and plans include my skateboard, my daughter, and 5 hour energy drinks.

Before I leave, I'd like to give a shout out to Jesus Christ, my baby Marley Stallion, my mom, brothers and sisters, Mystery, Elm, and Osiris, and all my other sponsors, Wavelengths SBI, all the Bakersfield homies, the Osiris Canada homies, Vanilla Mike (ha!), Jason and Alex, speed, Jamie Thomas, and the rest of my family and friends and anyone who's ever helped me out; peace.

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Related:
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Video: Osiris at Muskoka Woods
Osiris Tour Videos: 1-4

Pros and Cons with Lee Yankou

mscott — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:45:00 GMT

I've always found it easier to point out the negative in any situation. So no matter what comes my way in life, I always try and identify at least one pro (along with the obvious cons!) so I can figure out what I'm supposed to learn from being there.

Lee Yankou is a man of similar thought. This young, open-minded skateboarder has been rising through the ranks ever since he received his first shot in SBC a few years ago. After catching up with Lee in person a few weeks ago, I decided to throw a few random topics at him in an effort to find out the pros and cons of each. Take a look below to find out what he really thinks about living in Toronto, getting free stuff from his sponsors and getting hurt as little as possible!

Living in Canada for most of the year
Pros: "Hanging out with the bros who you started skating with, knowing all the good, cheap food and skate spots. Not getting lost driving in a foreign city. Having a filmer and photographer that are down to go out whenev's. Plus, we have SBC, Concrete, King Shit, and Color here."

Cons: The spots are more haggard; they've got to go through the seasons, instead of baking in the sun all year ‘round. There are no American photographers or filmers. And I think we have more haters per capita."

Getting boxes of free stuff from your sponsors
Pros: "Having stuff when you need it, or feel like changing your set-up. It's free! Hooking up the homies."

Cons: "Shit happens and sometimes it can take forever to get new stuff. That's life."

Shredding the streets versus skateparks
Pros: "It's all fun! You can learn stuff easier in a park and it's mellower. Getting a trick in the streets is super rewarding. It's the best feeling: skating something sick in the streets that you might not be able to anywhere else in the world. Pushing down the streets with homies and bombing hills is dumb tight."

Cons: "Getting kicked out at the street spots. Having to deal with retards who tell you not to skate a spot, even though it's not their property. Rain. Bikers at parks. Loose balls at parks.

Skating handrails
Pros: "Get into it and you land it. Grinding stuff feels fun... It's kind of scary, so the adrenaline is nice."

Cons: "Don't get into it and say bye to your nuts! People who wax metal handrails are sketchy."

Getting hurt
Pros: "Forget it, I want to skate."

Cons: "You can't skate."

Skateboard Contests
Pros: "Homies winning money is cool... After-parties are fun to cap off the contest, though."

Cons: "Getting hurt at a contest makes the contest feel like such a waste of energy! Jams that are on a huge set or rail... I don't like feeling you have to do something. It's skateboarding, there should be options. It's hard to judge, too. What if someone does the gnarliest trick, but has a weird style? And someone does something less hard but makes it look like art?"

Lee Yankou in Sus Monts:
(Please visit the site to view this media)

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Five Things with Lee Yankou
Lee Yankou Ezekiel Welcome Video
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Run It Back with Colin Lambert

mscott — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:11:00 GMT

Look deep inside the skate scene and you'll find certain individuals that know every trick that's gone down, on every single skate-able spot, in most Canadian cities. This column highlights those individuals-they can tell you what went down in the videos and the magazines because they were there doing it or watching it. I'm talking about the people that, just by listening to them, you can learn what's really happening out in the streets. Enter the Run It Back spot check.

This month we are talking with Winnipeg's very own Colin Lambert. Originally born in the ‘Peg, Colin's been skating around the mean streets of Winnipeg for the past 16 years. He has a pretty solid lock on all the familiar spots around the city. But there's much more to Colin than just local knowledge: there's something to be said for a skater that can attract a list of sponsors like Zero, Fallen, FKD and Altamont. In fact, I believe the word is "legit".

Sit back and learn as Colin Lambert gives us a little history lesson on some of his favorite spots in and around the ‘Peg.

(note: not claiming these photos are these spots, but they are all in the 'Peg)

Winnipeg, MB.

City Hall Gap
This is a popular gap in Winnipeg with perfect, long marble run up. It lands into a street so you need blockers so you don't get hit by a car. It's hit or miss when it comes to being kicked out; very seldom do you get kicked out instantly. The gap has been pretty killed, but there are still some tricks up for grabs. Varial heel has never been done!

Ryan Oughton: Switch flipped it in the Canadian DC Tour video.

Micky Papa: Frontside flipped it. The photo was in SBC. He landed it super easy right as we were getting kicked out.

Kenny Harrelson: He was one of the first to skate the gap; he was the first to ever kickflip it. This was in the mid ‘90s. I'm pretty sure the footage was originally in Blue Green but you can also see it in Modern Love. He later broke his femur skating the gap.

Nick Serduletz: In my opinion, Nick owns the city hall gap. He's done a hardflip, backside heelflip and fakie flip there. The hard flip was in Sk8 Skates video Third Try and the back heel and fakie flip are in Wreck.

Skrib and Steven Betts: Both of these dudes did some of the best tricks over the gap, but I can't say what they are because the footage hasn't been used in anything. I don't want to be the jerk that leaks tricks... These dudes are super sick.

Gold Bar
It's a long four-stair rail that is gapped into. It is super claustrophobic because the wall is very close to you when you're popping. There's a bench against the rail now, but you can easily move it. Photos never do this spot justice because it's gnarly as hell! Gold Bar is the perfect spot to claim and never try your trick; everyone does it. I think there are a good handful of dudes claiming backside tail slide. No one has ever hit it nollie, fakie or switch.

Tyler Gaucher: He has the most tricks on the rail. He's done a backside 50-50, backside 5-0, backside smith grind, crooked grind, feeble grind and probably a board slide... The backside smith grind was his check-out in SBC. Most of the other tricks can be seen in the video Cream Pie.

Magnus Hanson: He feebled it. The photo was in a Circa tour article in Color.

Jake Stewart: Jake was the first guy to board slide and backside 50-50 it back in the day. The footage is in the Green Apple video, Blue Green.

Bram Adey: Frontside feebled it. The footage can be seen in Wreck 666. People tried to call him out on it not being front feeble'd enough, but screw that -- it looked good to me.

Forks Parkade Rail
This is an 11-stair handrail with super rough run-up and landing. The run-up is a slight downhill, so you don't really have to push hard at it. The rail is super steep; I hate it. It's never been skated nollie or fakie. Goofy skaters have definitely done a better job of skating this rail. It has never been frontside 50-50'd or lip slid.

Nick Serduletz: Nick did a backside 50-50 and a board slide to fakie. He also backside 50-50'd it after a long Greyhound bus ride pretty early in the morning, I hear... pretty rad trick to do in the morning. The footage of the backside 50-50 is in Wreckoning.

Jason Crolly: He's done a crook, back lip and tail slide. The tail is in Yesterday's Future, the crook is in Modern Love and the back lip is in Kybosh.

Austin Thomas: Austin feeble grinded it, which is gnarly because it's so steep. Maybe I'm stupid but feebles on steep rails seem so insane to me.

All photos: Dan Neufeld

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Related:
Rod Ferens: The Winnipeg Style OG
In The Park: The Michael Komenda Memorial Skatepark (Winnipeg, MB)
Winnipeg Run

Five Best Things with Corey Sheppard

mscott — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:08:00 GMT

It's not often that someone is given a gift that allows them to be talented in many different areas of their life. Come to think of it, up until interviewing Corey Sheppard a few weeks ago, I didn't personally know anybody that was actually capable of juggling multiple careers, while achieving success in all of them. Corey has a resume that includes 10+ years as a professional skateboarder, accomplished artist, and freelance graphic designer for companies producing skateboards, snowboards and clothing distributed on a global scale. On top of all of these amazing creative vices, Corey's become a dedicated friend to many skaters inside Canada and truly played an important role in shaping the history of skateboarding not only in Canada, but on a North American scale.

Given the fact that Corey is a well known name in every skateboarders house, I thought it would be interesting to pick his brain a little and really figure out what makes him tick; particularly in regards to his life and how skateboarding has impacted it. After getting down to business and hearing what he has to say, the phrase "Corey Sheppard is a man of many talents" is truly an understatement.

Take a look below and learn more about Corey's "Five Best Things" about skateboarding.

1. Freedom to do what you want: "Simple and plain, one of the best things about skateboarding is the freedom that it gives you. More specifically, the freedom to do as you please, at any point in your career! Case in point, myself: I've never used an alarm clock at any point in my life while growing up, but now I use it every day because I want to! Actually, come to think of it, my alarm clock freaking sucks... [laughs] Did you know that some people say that alarm clocks actually kill your dreams?

2. Experience is key: "Another one of the great things about skating is all the different things you get to experience! For instance, if I didn't take up skateboarding and eventually move out to Los Angles, I would have never been so keen on art. I can't even imagine my life without including painting!"

Backside flip. Matt Price sequence.

3. Travel the world, it's a big place: "Well, this one is an obvious advantage to being a professional skateboarder. I love going to exotic places around the world! First off, I love not paying a damn penny on any of the flights that I take when I'm out there on the road, travelling for skateboarding. I went to Africa a few years ago and to be honest, I never thought that I would be going there at any point in my life. That was one of the best trips I've ever been on. I got the opportunity to pet lions, eat crazy food, and most of all, I got the chance to kick a dead hippo's tooth right out of his mouth! Man, I love that place."

4. Setting trends: "Even though this might sound a little weird, I think that fashion plays a huge role in skateboarding. We, the skaters on the streets, make the most random things work. Take for example, the shoelace belts that have caught on in the past couple of years! Like, what the fuck is that? Don't get me wrong, I love them, but the other day I saw a celebrity wearing one of them in Vancouver. It was weird to see that, because it was so obvious that he didn't skate at all. Like I was saying, we, the skateboarders, don't just set trends, we make them. The same situation applies with music."

5. Future plans: "The final thing that skateboarding has given me is the most important of all. If I never skated I would have never came to Vancouver, and met my future wife and all my great friends! In closing, I just want to say thank you skateboarding for all that you've given me, you made my life complete!"

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First Things First: Shuriken Shannon

mscott — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:29:00 GMT

There's something about the first time you try something and fall in love with it that makes that initial memory stick with you forever. So do me a favor and close your eyes for a second: Do you remember when you first stepped foot on a skateboard? How about the graphics on the bottom of the first skateboard you actually owned? If you can actually remember the answers to those questions, then kudos to you. Seriously! You deserve a round of applause and a pat on the back. Now wouldn't it be cool if we could actually ask one of today's best pro skaters about their first skate memories? Well readers, you're in luck. I recently caught up with Shuriken Shannon to see if he could remember a series of "firsts" throughout his years of skateboarding, and here's what he had to say.

What was the first board you owned?
The first board I owned was this janky-ass little banana-shaped board with no nose and tail and no grip; just a piece of wood basically that I used to bomb hills on in downtown San Diego. Those were the good ol' days! Then a few years later I got a board with a nose and a tail... some blank or something then it was on.

So was that your first skate memory: bombing a hill on that little board?
Yeah, I just remember riding down the street in downtown San Diego, and going to the skate shop. I'd never been to one before back then and I got some wack-ass clear grip tape which I was stoked on back then.

What about your very first pro deck?
It was a Black Label board and it was a 40 ounce brew [graphic]! The label had a ninja star with a dragon around it, and it was brewed in premium dark brew. It was pimp! That was around the end of 2007, then John Lucero hooked a brotha up... he's the illest. Black label, suckaz!

(Please visit the site to view this media)

How about your first shot in a magazine?
It was a switch pop shuv down this 10-stair on this bridge overpass. My homie Chris Donez shot it and it ended up getting run in Thrasher. I was hyped ‘cause that spot was ghetto. There would always be needles everywhere, crackheads poppin' out of bushes, gangbangers walking back and forth. Damn, I don't even know why we would skate that spot... It was so sketchy.

What was the first road-trip you ever took outside of the States?
It was to Spain. Spain is the hot spot for and all-around good time for anybody. It's got great skate spots, bomb-ass food, crazy-looking people... it just makes you get off your ass to go do something.

Shuriken goofin' at Muskoka Woods.

What was your first video part?
Pig Wood Slaughterhouse. That shit was gangster as fuck. It was back a couple of years ago and those were good times ‘cause Josh Beagle and the rest of the team was so crazy. Think about it: Adrian Mallory, Sammy Baca, Charlie Castelluzzo, Brian "Slash" Hansen, Lizard King, Ragdoll, and then there was my black ass, so it was a trip, but everybody was sick.

I know you must remember your first pay cheque from skating... How much was it for?
It was for $200 from Osiris. Coung Lieng ended up hooking it up and got a brotha paid. I was so hyped that I could almost stop hustling all my gear to Buffalo Exchange just to get, like, 20 bucks. Rags to riches! [laughs] Well, maybe not riches, but I'm chillin' now.

On a final note, how about your first injury?
It was an ankle injury. I thought it broke, but when I went in to check it out I ended up tearing a bunch of tendons. My foot was, like, the size of a grapefruit and I didn't skate for about 2 months! It's all part of it.

(Please visit the site to view this media)
Shuriken and the Osiris team at Muskoka Woods.

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Alex Mizurov: World Traveler

mscott — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 01:53:00 GMT

If there's one thing I've learned about this world, it's that there are lots of interesting opportunities that can arise if you choose to search them out. Take for example Alex Mizurov, who's rightfully earned his way into a job where he is able to fly around the globe and skate some of the best spots that the world has to offer. When I sat down to talk with him about some of the perks of his "dream job", one common theme kept arising: he loves the fact that skateboarding allows him to see so much of the world.

Although the job of a professional skateboarder has its normal stress, Alex assured me that he maintains a smile on his face when he's talking on the phone with his girlfriend, entering skate contests, and analyzing skate videos. If a smile on the face can earn you the competition results that Alex has under his belt, then sign me up. Seriously though, take a look the list of accomplishments he was able to generate in just over one year:

1^st place in the 2006 Es Game Of Skate Pro finals, 2006 German Champion
2006 European Champion
2006 Game Of Skate Euro Champion
2006 Game Of Skate Amateur World Champion

They say that if you love what you do, you'll never have to work another day in your life. With a resume like this, it's safe to say that all of Alex's hard work is paying off and should land him a promotion in no time. Take a look below to find out what else came up in the interview I just did with him.

First things first, how old are you and where do you currently reside?
I'm 21 years-old and right now I live in Rastatt, Germany.

Even though I don't have a clue where the hell that is, one thing I'm sure of is that all Europeans grow up speaking a few different languages. Is this true for you?
Yeah, it's true. I grew up speaking Russian and now I can fully speak both German and English.

Interesting. What was the first skate trip outside your hometown?
Hmm... I think it was for some random contest in Germany. Man, it was so long ago that I can hardly remember it. I hope that answer is good enough to use. [laughs]

Alright, I guess so. Now, in your opinion, what's the best place to skate in Europe and why?
Oh man, it's gotta be Barcelona fo' sho! That place is always a good time! It's got so many perfect spots, I mean what more can you ask for right? Go there and find out for yourself... it's nuts. Spots everywhere!

Yeah, its true, most of the people over in Canada save up money to travel out there during our Canadian winters. During the course of your travels, do you ever make it over to North America?
For sure. I'm usually over there a couple times a year, but it's just for skating though, no vacations! North America's pretty chill.

What's your favorite place to travel in North America?
I like it everywhere out there; Canada is so bangin! The Strange Crew tour that we finished a few weeks ago was super fun. QC, MTL, and T-DOT, what!

East coast represent! OK, what's the number one item that you make sure to pack in your suitcase when your going on a trip?
Hmm.. a credit card I guess. That's the easiest way to pay for things when you're on the road travelling and believe me, I have to pay for everything.

Any funny travelling stories that you would like to share with us before this interview is over? Missed flights, interesting situations involving the police, and so-on.?
[laughs] Yeah, I'm pretty bad for missing flights. I think I've missed a couple to many. Once I missed a flight in Dubai and had to stay there for another four days because the flights were so damn expensive to get home. I think that was one of the funniest trips though. Dubai is crazy!

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Related:
Push.ca and Osiris at Muskoka Woods

Caswell Berry's Habits

mscott — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:50:00 GMT

I'm positive that everyone is born with a little voice in their head that they look to for advice every once in a while. You know: that little voice you hear where you're unsure about something and the voice tells you to do it. Even though you may or may not take the advice, I bet you're still a little unsure about the decision until you get the results. The point I'm making here is that everyone battles that little voice in their head once in a while. When I was thinking of what to write for this column, I spoke to that voice and decided to take the advice it gave me. It told me to contact Tiltmode Squad's very own Caswell Berry, and find out what goes through his head when he is filming for videos, competing in contests, and best of all, standing at the top of a rail he's never hit before. Enjoy.

So Caswell, what goes through your head when you're: Standing at the top of a set of stairs or hubba you haven't hit before?
I don't think that I have ever wanted to hit a rail, or a set of stairs, or a hubba. I am usually getting beat up trying to skate the obstacle...

...standing there waiting to film a line or do a trick you haven't done before?
It depends on what's going on at the time of the affair. I am either waiting for the filmer or photographer to get ready. Once they're ready, I am ready, and I just try and think of water buffalo and a really good skateboarder. That is, if I'm scared.

...waiting to start a contest run?
I have no problem waiting for a contest run... I will be nervous, but there is nothing I can do about what's going to happen. I guess you just breathe and hope all goes well.

Do you have any weird habits, rituals, or superstitions with skateboarding?
I knock on wood. That is my weird habit. I don't know where it came from, but it makes me forget about getting hurt or something going wrong. If I could not think about bad things just by knocking on my board, then hell, I will knock on wood before and after the trick!

Any funny stories that you can share?
I once woke up in another man's piss... The story goes like so: One hot, humid summer night in Atlanta, Georgia, a group of Osiris riders decided it would be awesome to go and see older naked ladies dance on stage at a strip club. There was plenty of alcohol going down my throat. Eventually, I blacked out and don't remember what happened until the next day. As I woke up to a pounding headache and some possible gut rot, I noticed that I was laying in something wet. When I used to drink like a mad man before, it wasn't uncommon for me to wake up in my own piss. I have pissed in girl's beds and woke up in it the next morning on more than one occasion. I guess I am one of those drunks that piss instead of barf all over the place...

Oh yeah, back to the story. I am not going to name any names, but there was a Puerto Rican dude on the team at the time. Since we were at some fancy-shmancy hotel we had to share beds. It wasn't that bad because the bed was huge, and had gigantic pillows that we used to divide the bed into two. Apparently the Puerto Rican team rider decided to get a street walker while we were out drinking. So he had his way her while I was passed out drunk. After the ho-humping, he went to sleep and decided to piss the bed and it seeped on over to my side. The end.

OK... So what scares you about skateboarding?
Hurting myself while skating is a big fear of mine, but who isn't scared to get hurt? It is out of our hands, so you can't sit and think about it too much.

How do you deal with your habits?
I just skate and try to make some jokes with my friends... I dunno... Talk shit: that usually works for me.

Any parting advice for anyone who might share some of your habits or rituals... aside from not sharing a bed with teammates?
No, I am not one to give advice. In fact, I think I am the worst person to look up to as a role model, so maybe find someone else to ask this question to.

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Related:
Nate Lacoste's Habits

Hugo Balek: Don't Pop Your Collar

mscott — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:51:00 GMT

You know those days when you try to get something done, but for some reason or another, it just doesn't end up getting taken care of? That's pretty much how my interview experience has gone up until this point with Hugo Balek. After tracking Hugo down in person in Montreal during the Am Getting Paid contest, I was stoked to finally get this one wrapped up. In spite of all the exposure this guy's been getting over the past year, I can't really say that interviewing him was as easy as I'd originally planned. Needless to say, I picked a few random questions to get things going and the rest was history... and I'm sure I was a lot easier on him than Dave Carnie was when he interviewed Hugo for Kingshit.

Hugo rides for Element skateboards, footwear and clothing, Independent Trucks (S&Js), and Southparc. Read on, and get to know him a little better.

So Hugo, the last time I saw you was at AGP last year in Montreal. I never got to ask you: did you have a good time there?
Yeah, I did have some fun, but I blew it. I got over a hundred, but I'm just too stressed out now when I skate contests. I did however, get to see good people that I haven't seen in a while, so that parts' sick.

Are you much of a contest kid?
Not really... sometimes I do well and sometimes I don't. I think its all about whether you land your first trick in your run or not, ‘cause when you don't you get super bummed and lose motivation.

FS lipslide, bigspin out. Hutton sequence.

You've been featured in ads and interviewed in magazines... when's the video part dropping?
Right now I'm filming for the Dime Store video that's coming out this year, it's all the crew I skate with, and Philippe Lavoie is filming and editing the shit all himself. It's gnar... he's always filming with five people every day, so hopefully it will be sick.

When you're out there skating and filming with your friends, who impresses you?
[laughs] I don't know... I'm hyped when I see my homies skate. Landing some new tricks... just seeing all the crew enjoying the session.

Does having a team manager that's really good at skating motivate you to be a good skateboarder?
I don't know... it doesn't give me more pressure that Chad [Albert] skates; I just find it even doper ‘cause he's down too skate. He shreds and he knows what's up, so dealing with a skater [as my team manager] makes it sick.

I recently read in the first Kingshit mag that your family's originally from the Czech Republic. How did you end up in Montreal?
Because my dad's first language that he learned was French, and I got sent to French school... That's pretty much it. My mom speaks English, so that's how I learned my English.

Nollie bigspin. Geoff Clifford sequence.

Do you speak a whole bunch of languages like all the other Euros I know?
What do you mean? [laughs] I only speak the one where I'm from, but I guess my parents learned Russian and something else when they were younger, but I didn't. Too lazy...

Do you think that you're ever going to get out to your home country?
Yeah, man... I really want to. I might be going next year, but it isn't sure at all yet. It would be amazing!

Are you a hockey fan like the rest of the people in Canada?
No, I don't watch hockey at all... It doesn't pump me up too much, so it's a hard one to get into.

What do you think of jocks?
I think that they are the worst people, because they all look alike and when you go to a club you will only up seeing popped collars, tanned v-necks and Ed Hardy dudes.

Hugo Balek in Lo-Def
(Please visit the site to view this media)

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Related:
The Follow-Up: Lo-Def
Element Goes To Halifax
East Coast Canucks Hit Up Miami (video)