When I started skating around Hamilton, me and my two friends would always hear of this crew that was supporting Hamilton rolling, yet we could never get in contact with them. One day I met up with the creator of this crew, Brian (we call him B). He had all the inspiration and motivation in the world for Hamilton skating and how to promote our scene. As our crew started to fade away and skating began to die off B would constantly arrange small session, competitions, give aways, anything and everything to get people to skate. Over the years Cypher really hasn’t become a crew to me but more of a family, and we have tried to promote Hamilton rolling to the utmost.
So I wanted an interview with the Godfather of the Hamilton rolling scene, B to hear his thoughts on how things in Hamilton are and how Cypher is holding up.
What was rolling like in Hamilton when you first started?
I started skating 10 years ago. Seems like such a long time now. Back then things were very different from what they are now. I think this is why I see skating differently than most of the new kids today. Back then it didn’t matter what trick you could do as it was exciting just to roll in the first place. It was fun, not a competition at every session. I’ve seen a lot happen over the years and I’ve seen a lot of people come and go.
How has it changed through the years?
Again, it has changed in many ways from people stopping to people starting to skate. Most importantly though I feel that style is starting to be phased out for bigger tricks. I think style should be the foundation of any skater. I try to preach style into anyone I skate with that is just starting out. Don’t get me wrong, it is great to see the new kid hit true mizou or something, but if it doesn’t look good then you haven’t spent enough time on it. A great way to see how skating has changed is to watch old TSB (Toronto Skate Battle) comps and compare them with today’s TSB comps. I believe that TSB has truly captured the Canadian scene since it’s inception.
What are some of the Major spots people can find in Hamilton?
Well the most classic spot would be the Delta ledges. Everyone seems to love the Ghetto Rails as well. Big “gay” purple, as made famous by Russ and Harrison are not a big thing anymore. Jackson ledges are destroyed by bikers and Beazley is filled with skateboarders. If you don’t have someone with you that knows Hamilton, you won’t find much but there are a lot of gems hidden away in our city. Lots of rails and ledges, unfortunately though, if you’re not driving, it can take a long time to commute around the city by bus.
When and why was Cypher skate crew created?
Cypher wasn’t always Cypher. We changed our name from Waxup to Cypher in 2001 when the whole Canadian scene shifted. By shifted I mean, crews were everywhere and it seemed as if there were skaters everywhere. Between 1999-2002 Cypher had 20+ members in it’s crew at one time. Sessions were massive and we started to lose structure. I don’t know how many people remember Waxup but we had alot of fun times skating with other people from around Ontario. I guess we changed names because Waxup was an invite into all sorts of gay jokes.
What does Cypher attribute to the Hamilton Scene?
Cypher, I feel, has kept a scene alive in Hamilton. It sucks that a lot
of people that helped build the foundation in Hamilton don’t skate anymore but they’re not forgotten, from Matt Reid, Mike Cull, Ryan Willock to Danny Disabato. I always try something new each year with the crew from throwing competitions to just giving free stuff to show that skating should be a friendship as well.
The Industry seems to be in a slow transition period, can you say you’ve seen that within Hamilton and Cypher more specifically? If so what do you think has created this slow period?
I’ve seen it within Cypher for over three years now. The interest in skating just is not the same as it used to be. I feel that all the people that have tried to keep the industry strong are the same people who no longer have the time or commitment. A lot of us are getting old and getting tied down with families and that makes it very hard to find the time to skate and keep things the way they should be. I used to skate everyday, and now I’m lucky if I can get out once a week. When this starts to happen the industry suffers because I am no longer spending my money on skating because I have other priorities. I see this everywhere and I’m sure it is affecting everyone that is older, just the same.
Any big news coming up for Cypher in the near future?
All I have to say is watch out for Roger.
What do you think would benefit the Hamilton Scene the most, in this particular moment in time?
A new skatepark. It would bring in people from around the area. Turner park in the south west end of the city is apparently getting a skatepark.
Does Cypher have a website where people can see Hamilton skating? Possibly get in contact with you to set up sessions?
We have a website that hasn’t been touched in a few years so I won’t post that. We’re constantly checking dekalzshop and vm-magazine’s forums so people can post there, or they can add me to msn @ waxup_allstar@hotmail.com
How has creating Cypher, and getting involved with skating changed your life?
Creating Cypher itself has not changed my life at all. Skating
though has allowed me the opportunity to meet a lot of people and also travel around Ontario and see things that would otherwise never be seen by me. Skating has allowed me to understand what my body can do. It (skating) has made me who I am today without a single doubt and forthat I am forever thankful.
Shout outs?
Cypher crew, Roger, Steve, you (Nick), Glenn, Dave, skip-hoolio, page and the gang (We’ll get out to Scarborough again). To everyone that is still around skating and all the old waxup/cypher riders (Sergio, Terry, Ryan, Brandon etc.).
PEAS
****NOTE link to Flickr for pictures HERE****
-Nick. D
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