38 THRASHER
Andy knows that he's a dick sometimes. He
also knows how to ride a skateboard. Learning
new tricks while maintaining a fast, furious on-
edge style is Andy's goal. He hates to be inter-
viewed, so the following remarks are carefully
thought-out answers to his own questions.
What's the story with Santa Cruz?
They kicked me off because I skate old school
and told me that my name doesn't sell and that
kids are not into me. They also blamed me for
Jason Rothmeyer quitting because I vibed him. I
don't know what they were talking about, they
were just trying to find excuses to kick me off, I
guess. So then they decided to give me a sec-
ond chance by having an all-street part in the
video where I'd skate the way they wanted. Fresh!
The next day, they kicked me off, but didn't tell
me for a week. That's the story.
Do you have any new sponsors?
Fuck yeah, I ride for Spitfire wheels. I used to
trade two sets of Speed Wheels for one set of
Spitfires. I also get stuff from Shorty's.
What does skateboarding mean to you at this
point in your life?
It means to have fun, that's why I started skat-
ing. You can go fast, get sketchy, slam or make
it. Being on the edge.
Who have you been skating with lately?
With my friend JP. He mostly surfs, but he's
been skating a lot lately. He's been learning a
bunch of new tricks, he's rad. I went to the City
not long ago and skated with Joey, Julien and
those guys up there. Skating with all kinds of peo-
ple, it doesn't get old.
Who were some of your influences while
growing up?
Lance Ripley and Tony Hospital were ripping
vert before I could even grind Derby. Tony is
thirty-five and still learning. But he has to work on
his attitude. Peter Hewitt was raging a long time
ago. Also Ross Goodman goes big on vert. Todd
and JJ are two dirty guys in San Jose.
Who are your favorite skaters?
Gonz, Jessee, Julien, Sheffey, Cardiel, Frazier
and Salman.
What's the craziest thing you've ever seen?
"Black eyes are
good, just think of
them as trophies."
Ben Schroeder skat-
ing the Powell mini-
ramp at a Halloween
party they had there.
He was going so fast
of hand and destroying
that he was totally out-
the ramp. People on
the ramp were scared.
Also, anytime that Cardiel is skating.
Do you like to fight?
No, I like to get beat-up instead. Black eyes are
good, just think of them as trophies.
What kind of music do you listen to?
Fear, Motörhead, Iron Maiden, Blast.
Have you ever seen GG Allin live?
Yeah, Julien Stranger, Joey Tershay and I saw
him. He's sick, it smelt like shit so bad. But girls
love him. After the show, girls were asking him for
kisses and everything.
Anything else to say before you leave?
Always keep skating and don't let anyone
vibe you for the way that you skate. And just
remember that it's all about fun and that is the
bottom line. Slayer!
Supporter
the firm
Josh and Ray. Friends. Skaters. Supporters.
VANS