1991
Clockwise from above: While Cab and Lowboy
watch, the Bird flies over the channel of the
Animal Chin ramp in 1986. Dive bomb invert at
Del Mar Skate Ranch. Overview of the Hawk
facility in Fallbrook, CA. Frontside pop at Pomona.
Father Tony and son Riley at Magic Mountain.
Toey backsider above the keyhole at Del Mar.
I remember getting married. At the time it seemed the natural progression of
where Cindy and I were at in our relationship. Some thought we were too young, but
I felt we had already experienced more than many couples strive for.
I remember trying to skate street. I have always had one of the worst cases of "ver-
tosis" (the affliction of only adapting vertical-oriented tricks to street obstacles, and
making every maneuver look like it's being performed on a transition) in history.
I remember hanging out with Sean Mortimer constantly. Sometimes I think that our
brain waves have been fused together.
I remember thinking about what I should do beyond just skating for a living. I start-
ed delving more into computers, realizing there was a place for this new technology
in the skateboarding industry-namely in the video and publishing media.
I remember Bucky Lasek smoking a cigarette with his ass. He actually inhaled and
blew (farted) smoke out. It may be the funniest thing I've ever seen.
1992
I remember quitting Powell and starting Birdhouse. I knew this would give me a
chance to ease out of being a professional skateboarder while still being involved. It
seemed like a more secure option than simply milking a fading career. Per and I
became partners much like George and Stacy did: Per would take care of all of the
business aspects while I deal with the team and creative side of the company.
I remember calling people I thought would be interested in forming a good team.
I called Bucky, Colin McKay (who I didn't know was already in the founding group
of Plan B), Willy Santos, Steve Berra, and Jeremy Klein. I was surprised that Jeremy
was the only one who could make a definite decision after just one conversation
40TH
regarding this new ven-
ture (ironically, he was the
only one I didn't really.
expect to be interested,
but I thought it was worth
a chance).
I remember my ramps
deteriorating and not
having the money to fix
them up.
I remember street skat-
ing with Jeremy, Willy,
and Steve almost every-
day. This made it easy
to make our first video
(Feasters) quickly.
I remember Riley's CH
birth. It was December 6.
They say that your child's
birth is the happiest day
of your life. I would have
to agree. I never thought
I could be much of a
father with my sponta-
neous life-style, but it just
came instinctively. He is
the best thing that has
ever happened in my life.
1993
I remember deciding not to have a pro model anymore. It
wasn't that I was going to quit skating: I just felt like it was
better to stop while things were still good instead of just fading
away like so many pros from my generation seemed to be
doing. Quit while you're ahead, so to speak. I would come to
feel the same about entering contests.
I remember Jeremy starting Hook-Ups. I knew that if he
was solely in charge of design, it was guaranteed to do
well. It definitely has.
I remember Riley learning to walk and talk. He soon
moved on to standing on a skateboard, which he can now
ride in motion. His latest feat is snowboarding. He amazes
me everyday.
I remember moving back to Carlsbad. It was a great
relief to move out of the boonies. Besides, we couldn't
afford it anymore. Tearing down the ramps took a total of
almost four weeks. I wish we could have set them on fire.
1994
I remember skating quite a bit. Although I had sort of
quit professionally (still doing demos, though), I still had
the drive, and I felt like I was still improving. My body
wasn't, however.
I remember people saying that vert was "coming back."
It was hard for me to see, however. I mean, people were
giving vertical skating recognition again, but I hardly saw
any newcomers (or anyone really trying to learn for that
matter). It was still the same twenty guys or so. They are
all still progressing and revolutionizing the vertical realm,
but it seems like we need more people actually taking
an interest in learning it.
I remember Cindy and I deciding to break up. We
mutually felt it was better for the both of us. Riley will
always be our priority.
1995 (so far)
I remember learning kickflip 540's in Tampa. I had been
trying it at Plan B for about three weeks off and on. Sean
was filming, and I wanted it in our next video. I was either
going to make it or destroy myself trying. I think I ended
up doing both.
I remember Per and Jeremy encouraging me to bring back a
professional model. I felt like I could still justify putting my name on
a skateboard with my current level of ability. The only way I would
do it again would be to use my original Powell graphics. This was
exactly what they had in mind, so I called George and asked his
permission. He was very cooperative. Thank you, George.
HERE AND NOW
I remember I am currently living in Carlsbad with Riley and Greg
Smith (retired pro freestyler, fellow computer nerd and longtime
friend). I skate Plan B whenever possible and Encinitas YMCA. I
drive to Birdhouse (in Huntington) about once a week to make sure
our team is still stoked. I hang out with Riley and my girlfriend Erin,
whom I greatly admire. I also snowboard (because my bros rip),
skim, surf (less than I'd like to), wakeboard (if we can borrow a
boat), and play computer (mostly Photoshop, Quark Xpress, the
Toaster 4000, and Lightwave, for those digitally inclined). Besides
my son, skateboarding is still the biggest influence in my life and
probably will be for years to come. Each time I try to ease my
way out, I end up jumping back in with even more enthusiasm.
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