The most experimental, controversial, subversive, and Vine-friendly skateboarder working in New York City today. Interview by Jesse Alba and Genesis Evans. Scroll to the bottom for details on the re-edit contest.
Where are you from and what’s your favorite board company of all time?
I’m from Monteville, New Jersey, which is near Parsippany and Towaco, and my favorite board company is Creature.
What nationality are you?
American.
But what about ethnic background?
Korean. 100%.
How did you start skating?
My friend Lynden from New Jersey got me into skating. He had a Popwar board, with Phantom Two trucks, orange Spitfire wheels and riser pads. We were chilling in my basement and he had to take a shit. My basement is carpeted, so I stood up on his board and learned how to ollie in the time it took him to take a shit. Then I got on CCS and ordered a board.
When I was learning how to ollie, my cousin told me that Stevie Williams learned to ollie on his second try.
In my first week of skating, everyone I grew up with told me it took them years to learn tricks. I was just like “Nah, first week, I’m gonna learn how to kickflip,” just so I could call them and tell them I did it.
Where did you skate in New Jersey?
I grew up skating in a town where the main spot was a basketball court and rec center, sort of like Tompkins. It was outside, but in the wintertime, they’d put an air bubble over it. My mom had a mini van and we’d put a box and a Zero flatbar in it to bring over there.
How about Chris Cole leaving Zero for Plan B?
I haven’t been keeping up with that to be honest. Chris Cole was actually my first favorite skater. Ryan Sheckler and Chris Cole.
Who are your favorite skaters now?
Paul Rodriguez, Phil Rodriguez, Brian Tober, Adam Zhu and Nate Rojas.