Whenever the name Machnau is uttered handrails within miles begin to shake in fear, and for good reason. Paul has been in the game for decades now and left his mark on skateboarding like no other. Never letting up or slowing down Paul seems to just take more on. Whether it’s producing another ‘next level’ video part or heading up a new company, he seems to always do it with the ferocity of a man with a mission.
Even though Paul is not skating in the West 49 Take The Cake contest he is still playing an integral role as judge. So what will it take to win the cash, let’s hear it straight from the judges mouth. P-Rod and Sheckler I hope you are taking notes.
But before we get to the meat of the interview, a little run down on the competition which Paul will be officiating. The West 49 Take the Cake contest will begin on Friday October 1st in Niagara Falls with the Axe Twist Amateur Open Qualifiers. October 2nd will hold both the amateur finals and the Take The Cake professional competition. Push.ca will also be hosting an open skatepark for all those who wish to come out and skate but please remember helmets are mandatory. You can purchase tickets online at west49takethecake.com.
And for everything you need to know about the Axe Twist Amateur Open:
- West 49 and Schick Xtreme3 dropped another $1500 into the Axe Twist Amateur Open (1st $750, 2nd $500, 3rd $250)
- New Era will be outfitting the top three Axe Twist Amateur Open Finalists in New Era authentic gear via an exclusive online shopping experience (1st $500, 2nd $350, 3rd $250)
- New Era will also be outfitting DJ New Money from Montreal, the two day host DJ, in its New Era 59fifty authentic hats and apparel.
- The Hart & Huntington tattoo Co in Niagara Fals, yes Carey Hart's, is awarding an on the spot live 1hr session to the winner of the AXE TWIST Amateur Open. Hart & Huntington will also be taking appointments for onsite sessions on Oct 1 & 2 in the sponsor village between 2pm and 6pm !! Click info@hartandhuntington.com or call 289.296.4633
Name:
Paul Machnau.
Age: Older than you, younger than your parents.
Home: Vancouver, B.C.
Sponsors: Redstar Skateboards, Redstar Clothing, Dakine, Independent, Nixon, RDS skate supply, IS eyewear, Bones swiss
What’s your best memory of big skateboard contests? I guess placing second at Tampa Am January 1999. I was pretty blown away, but so Hyped!
How does it feel to be on the business end of the contest? Well actually, I have been judging quite a few contest in the last few years. It feels good to sit back and watch the new generation come up.
What tricks is it going to take to win the big money?
A "NBD" (never been done) could win it for sure. Or it could be the MVP of the day. It's skateboarding, anything can happen!
Will you be keeping tabs on the Redstar riders to make sure they only celebrate AFTER the contest is complete?
Hell no! I'm not worried about these guys, they know what they have to do. Plus, that big purse will do that job for me.
Which skater is your money on? I'm gonna gamble safe on this one and go with my top three - Torey Pudwill, Tom Asta or Paul Trep!
Pre-skate ritual?
These days wake up and see what hurts that day. Ok, now I know what i'm gonna skate.
Song choice for hitting big rails? Slayer, come on.
Favorite type of skate terrain right now?
Anything granite!
Future of skateboarding: contests or internet videos? Neither it's always going to be innovation and individuality.
Here is Paul's part from the Globe video series United By Fate.
Some classic Machnau, check out his Draft Pick from Skate Canada.
If you missed either interviews from Chaz Ortiz or Brandon Westgate just click on thier names.
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