Competing as a Sponsored Amateur Nationally and Internationally in the High Flying Skateboard World: Interview with a Teenage Skater

G Skater is a competitive skateboarder who loves the sport. He is talented enough to have found sponsors in the very competitive skateboard field. Because of the rules and regulations surrounding his own sponsorship, he has asked to remain anonymous for this interview about teenage skaters and his life in the skateboard world. But he was willing to share his personal experiences for other would be skateboard enthusiasts. He is a young man who is focused and goal oriented beyond his years. He has straightforward answers and insights for other would be amateur and professional skateboard enthusiasts.

How old are you now and how long have you been skating?

I am 14, and have been skating since I was 9.

What got you interested in skateboarding?

I played all kinds of sports, like motocross and ice hockey. The problem was I was only having fun on the ice or on my bike. I decided to start skateboarding because it seemed so much more accessible, no matter where I was. I needed something to focus on, and that was it for me. I actually went on a family vacation to Hawaii to surf, and saw skaters there, and when we got home I got a board.

When did you know you were good enough to get into the very competitive world of skateboarding?

Especially as a kid, there really is no limit to being good enough to compete. You can always find a grassroots contest at a local skate park that will have skaters of all ages. Once you get better, you will go up a division, and get a better place. If you are placing in the top 3 in the expert division, then you are probably ready for the next level.

You mentioned that you are an amateur status skater right now. You also said that you're making money as a skater. In the skateboard world what distinguishes an amateur from a professional skater? Is the distinguishing line between professional and amateur an age or monetary one, or both?

I make money, but not on a regular salary, payroll, or royalties like a pro would. I only get paid if I do something really good, like win a contest, or get positive exposure in a magazine or what not. There is a big line between pro and am, but it's basically just a term. There are a ton of am skaters that are better than pros these days. Age isn't much of an issue either, except for turning pro to early can ruin a career. One advantage to am is that you can compete in both pro and am contests, while pros always have to compete as a pro. Once you turn pro there is no going back. It's kind of a status thing, like our company decided to turn him pro because he's been skating good.

Are your intentions to become a professional skateboarder in the future?

Maybe, maybe not. I want to go to college, and I want to be a skater, but I don't want skating to interfere to the point where I have to drop out. I will skate the rest of my life, but I have other plans too.

What kind of prizes cash or other prizes are available to amateur skateboarders in the competitions you participate in? What are your largest wins to date?

These days it is most often cash, because if you give away a board at an amateur contest, they most likely already have a board sponsor and cannot even ride the one they win. Money could be anywhere from 500 to 70,000 bucks in some of the big contests. I haven't won anything super big yet. I'm more of a photo skater; I'm not a big fan of pressure

I know you travel around a great deal for your skating? Since you are under age, who travels with you?

A lot of times these days it is just me. I often will meet a team manager or family friend if I am going somewhere in the States, and I'll be with the team if I'm traveling out of the country.

What places in the world have you gone with your skateboarding? Which ones did you enjoy the most?

I've been all over the US, Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Australia, and all over Europe. I liked the Black Pearl Skatepark in the Grand Cayman Islands and skating in Germany is always a lot of fun!

Since you are school age and you travel around at different times, including during standard school times, how do you continue your education while you travel for competitions and exhibits?

I do about 90% of school online, and next year it will be 100. When I was younger and in school, my teachers would give me alternative assignments or what not to fill my grades. High school is a lot harder to keep up with when you travel a lot.

How many participants are in the competitions you are a part of nowadays?

Depends on the contest. Usually hundreds of skaters

How much time do you spend skateboarding every day? How much do you think is necessary to be truly competitive?

I skateboard roughly an hour every day at least and more on weekends or if I am traveling. You have to keep all your tricks, but I know a lot of kids that skate 4 days a week and still are good. It is all personal preference. I'm just in love so I have to be on my board when I can. I always skate when I can, even if it is just riding around. It's all learning board control and comfort, so it's all helping.

What injuries have you sustained while skating? What is the worst one?

I've broken bones, a few concussions, and stitches once. Broken hands and arms a lot from falling. Worst injury was snapped ribs I fell on a wall ride and landed on the metal strip coping. They took about 8 months to heal.

What well-known skaters inspired and influenced you?

I really like Bucky Lasek, Daewon Song, and Walker Ryan right now. Bucky and Daewon are guys that have been around for a long time, but they are still creating new tricks and straight shredding. Walker Ryan is a newer street skater with a sick style and a lot of skills

What kind of board do you use? What kind did you start with?

I ride a 7.5 inch wide deck. It's just a standard board. I started with a board from a company called Almost, they make great boards. If you are really interested, get your parents to buy you a real board, from a skate shop. It may cost more than a Walmart board, but you will improve so much more. It's amazing.

How many different boards do you have and how quickly do you wear out a skateboard?

I have stacks of boards in my room. My parents have probably saved tens of thousands of dollars with not having to buy me boards. I try to skate a board until it breaks. This takes some time, but the wood wears out from rails or grinds and eventually gets too thin. If I'm skating for photos or video, then you have to be able to read the sponsor logos, so the boards wear out quicker. I try to give these to my friends or what not. I give away a lot of boards

Which successes in the skateboarding world are you most proud of to date?

I'm just proud of where I am at with my skating. Even if I had no sponsors, I'm stoked that I can land all the tricks I can.

What is your favorite trick to perform and what moves does it involve?

I really don't have one specific trick, just tricks that show my style. Tail slides on rails, kickflips on flat ground (board spins around underneath you), and kickflips to an indy grab on a ramp (in the air) are a few tricks that I like a little more.

What is your longest recorded air time?

Aha I have no idea. It's only a couple seconds at most unless you are one of the mega ramp dudes. Those guys are gnarly.

Do you have any warnings or advice for other kids wishing to get into competitive skateboarding?

I would just concentrate on having fun. Push yourself to improve, but not at the point where you want to quit. Skateboarding is extremely frustrating, so you have to keep an open mind. Also don't drink or do drugs, and eat healthy so you have more time on your board and less injuries.

Where do you hope to see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years with your skateboarding?

I'll definitely still be on my board hopefully and just having a good time. I really have no idea where the future will take me.

G_Skater is a bright young man with focus. He has his head on straight. Whether he chooses to continue in skateboard competitions or not, go pro or stay amateur, if his current path is any indication, G-Skater will succeed in what he aims for.