February 8, 2007
Just did a quickie Arto interview for an update to his etnies.com. team page. Enjoi.
So how does it feel to finally be back in the game after being plagued with injuries and whatnot?
It is a whole new ampage level of bologna vibes! Epic!
January 24, 2007
Danny Supa
By Rob Brink
The Skateboard Mag, March 2007
Quiet, stylish, underrated, skating switch, lots of pop, New York City. These are all common words used over the years to describe Danny Supasirirat. But then, while pre interviewing some people, I got this:
"His tricks are best described as explosive...seriously. Each one is like watching a mini explosion. He puts his all into it.
-Kevin Imamura, Nike SB
"It's like a bomb goes off when he does his tricks."
-Chris Pastras
Two quotes about Danny Supa's skating, from two different talks and two different people who work very closely with Danny. Neither knew I was asking the other the same pre-interview questions. To get a reaction that specifically metaphorical from two entirely different individuals is quite remarkable. These comments go far beyond the generic and common "He's got a great style," type of thing. And it leads me to believe that Danny is a seriously well-defined, unique and talented professional skateboarder, who has left lasting and strong impressions on the people who know him. And that says a lot without saying a whole lot, which is the way Danny would probably prefer it.
January 18, 2007
Jason and Sheckler share a moment
Did a quick email interview with Dill for his etnies.com team page the other day. An entertaining read? Of course! More on his team page over at etnies too.
Did you make any New Year's resolutions for 2007?
No.
How did the switch from DVS to etnies come about?
etnies looked like the future.
January 10, 2007
Daily Ops: Tim O'Connor
10 Ways to not have a driver's license and still maintain a skateboarding career
By Rob Brink & Tim O'Connor
The Skateboard Mag February 2007
Back in the day, the members of our north Jersey skate crew with cars and driving privileges would rotate, pass off and fight over whose turn it was to go pick Tim up or drop him off—for over 10 years—easily. Sometimes we didn't think anything of it, other times is was downright unbearable. Thinking back on things like his Eastern Exposure 3 video part, sometimes I'm baffled as to how he got anything done. Its hard enough being from the East Coast and making a name for yourself in skateboarding; not driving until your mid-twenties and you're making shit nearly impossible. To this day, after about thirteen years of knowing Tim, I've yet to be a passenger in Tim's vehicle.
January 5, 2007
Insider Info: Natural Selection
By Rob Brink
The Skateboard Mag February 2007
The back story:
A little over a year ago, when I first started writing for The Skateboard Mag, they asked me to write a piece about almost anything I wanted. I was pretty flattered that the best mag out there (in my opinion) wanted to run a feature on me. Then I had to shoot photos, and I have to say, I gained a newfound appreciation for the pros and what they have to go through to come up with a good idea and a good trick at a good spot, not to mention actually landing it and then hoping the photo looks good once all is said and done. At least the dawn of digital photos makes things a little easier, huh? About seven months after I wrote the article, Ryan Cropley and I shot the photos. Since I'm old with no real bangers under my belt, I had to take the artsy fartsy approach. So here ya go. Look mom! I'm in a magazine! And I'm not just the writer this time!
December 12, 2006
New Jack: Nyjah Houston
By Rob Brink
The Skateboard Mag January 2007
There have been a lot of young skateboarding prodigies over the years, but its safe to say that Nyjah Huston, for his age, is the most accomplished, talented and progressive than those who have preceded him.
In 2005, Nyjah earned the coveted "curtains" slot in Element's Elementaliy Vol. 1 video, nabbed first place at Tampa Am, Am Getting Paid and Goofy vs. Regular—he was 10 years old then. In his 11th year on this planet, he's managed three second place finishes thus far (Global Assault, Panasonic Open and Right Guard Open). Not to mention the Unbridled Spirit Award, a special award given to him by the Kentucky Sports Authority during the Louisville stop of the Dew Action Sports Tour.
November 3, 2006
Daily Ops: Ryan Sheckler
10 Ways To Handle Crazed Autograph Seekers
The Skateboard Mag December 2006
By Rob Brink
Some pros might never know the trials and tribulations of being adored by skate fanatics all over the world. Others know all too well. Ryan Sheckler has had his share of celebrity moments and is no stranger to outrageously ravenous fans bum rushing him or enduring endless, spur-of-the-moment autograph signings. Should you ever find yourself in his predicament, here's a few tips on how to handle it all from a guy who's got it on lock:
September 22, 2006
Finally got some stuff going over at VitalSkate... Lots more to come.
August 8, 2006
New Jack: Jon Goemann
By Rob Brink
The Skateboard Mag September 2006
After a few years of hanging out with, observing and interviewing young up-and-coming ams in skateboarding, something kind of inspiring and refreshing that I've noticed is the amount of innocence and carefree attitude that emanates from them. Qualities that, if we aren't careful, are easily lost to the hustle and bustle of everyday life, aging, girlfriends, careers, money and whatnot.
Speaking to these ams during these interviews is probably the only time I'm happy to hear “I don't know” as an answer to my questions. Because really, it kinda just means they aren't thinking too hard. And when people don't think to hard, you can bet your pimpled ass they are getting' busy living for the moment and having a good time. In Jon Goemann's case, he seems to be kicking back and enjoying the ride. Poker, candy, skateboarding, breaking and losing expensive shit and a whole lot of not knowing ... God I envy this kid and you should too. Because with the style of a modern old skateboarding soul, heaps of well-rounded ability, pop and a unique satchel of tricks, for certain, one question you won't be able to answer “I don't know” to will be "Who is Jon Goemann?"
