Canadian Roll Spotlight

Richie Eisler approached me sometime before Winterclash to do another interview and of course I was excited, especially because our first interview came out so well. The first interview took place over a year ago, and at that point a lot in Richie’s life was changing, he was getting ready to leave school, constantly seeing new places through travel, getting a new frame. This interview shows how that change has progressed, Richie is now out of school and thinking of what to do in the future, is not only getting another pro frame, but a complete pro-set up from the Conference ( Richie is the first Canadian to get a pro skate), and is still traveling all around and enjoying life. I hope everyone enjoys reading the interview as much as I enjoyed putting it together. I also hope people realize that Richie’s attitude and personality are exactly what the rolling industry needs to thrive.

Travel

Canadian Roll (C.R): From what you have been telling me, you have traveled a lot of places this year, do any in particular stand out in your mind, and if so, why?

Richie Eisler (R.E): Yeah it was a great year for travel. All of it was incredible, but China was probably the most unique. I was there with school, so we got to see a lot of amazing things that you don’t see on a normal trip. We toured government palaces, power plants, businesses, sweatshops, factories, the Great Wall, etc. The pace of change in China is staggering - that’s probably what stood out most to me. It was inspiring.

C.R: What inspires you and drives you to continually travel to new destinations?

R.E: I’m addicted. I want to make the most of my time and experience as much as possible. I have been lucky to have the opportunities to do it, but I have also made a point of not passing any of them up.

C.R: How do your family and friends react to you leaving so often?

R.E: Everyone is really supportive.

C.R: In our last interview you stated that road trips with friends have provided you with some of your best memories. Are there any you can share with us?

R.E: Last spring we went on a two week, “no plan” trip around Western Canada and parts of the US. It was the greatest feeling to wake up each morning and know that the entire day was going to consist of pure freedom and exploration. One day we felt like pulling over and wandering around ice caves and moon rock fields in Idaho, another day we had a snowball fight with the last snow left on a mountain at Lake Louise, one afternoon we sailed a boat around a lake in a valley in Montana and another day we skated the best spots in Pullman Washington. Each day was full of new adventures. Each day was perfect. There’s just something about that type of trip. I can’t wait to do it again this year. We’re probably going all the way down to Tijuana and back!

C.R: So I heard that you are going to the Winterclash in Germany. What are you expecting from the Winterclash ?

R.E: That’s right! Every year I have had school related commitments that have kept me from attending, so I’m really excited to finally have a chance to go. I am expecting gigantic crowds, overwhelming energy, mind-blowing skating and a great opportunity to hang out with friends from around the world that I don’t see enough. EDIT – that’s exactly what Winterclash was. It was a great trip.

C.R: Where is your favorite place in the world to roll ?

R.E: Barcelona is my new favorite. The spots and architecture are incredible for skating and you can always cool off at the topless beach afterwards.

C.R: What keeps you coming back to Canada ?

R.E: Living at home to finish school has kept me coming back to Canada in the past. For the future it will be friends and family. My next step is to move down under and enjoy being outside year round. I’ve had enough of hibernating 5 months a year.

Injury

C.R: You are just getting back into topside tricks, 15 months after you hurt your ankle, so I must ask, did the pain discourage your skating at any point during recuperation ?

R.E: Yeah, it has been really difficult. My ankle was really stiff for the longest time. It never discouraged me from skating but it was frustrating. I still don’t quite feel like I’m skating at 100% but the situation has improved A LOT in the past few months. I am going to physio again because it is hard to compress forwards. Soon enough I think I will be back to 110! haha.

C.R: Did this injury force you to skate differently, and if so how ? Was this a positive or negative experience and why ?

R.E: Definitely. It was hard to compress my ankle forward or sideways, so low landings, gaps and topsides were out. It has also made me feel less agile. It was mostly a negative experience because I was really limited in what I could skate. If anything positive came of this, I got better at switch tricks.

C.R: How does it feel to almost be back to 100% both skating wise, and in general everyday life ?

R.E: It feels great! I am having more fun than ever and am really happy with everything right now.

Miscellaneous Questions
C.R: How would you explain the “EislerQ” for people who do not know what it is, and tell us how it went this year ?

R.E: It started as an “anti-contest” several years ago. We would always go to these contests around the country and the funnest part was just skating with everyone from other cities and hanging out, but people were always scattered around the city at different hotels and stuff. I decided to have a “contest” where the whole concept was just to get together, everyone stay in one place and there would actually be no contest at all. So that’s what we did. Skated all day, enjoyed a lot of BBQ and then partied all night. Everyone in one place. It was amazing the first time and has been every time since.

This year everyone stayed in hotels again, but it was just as fun as ever. We had a big jam at the indoor park, watched an Icons premiere at the local pub, held a giant mini-golf tourney, completely took over the dance floor at the bar, doubled the headcount at a big house party, went watersliding and finished it all off with a session at the outdoor park in Swift Current. It was the perfect weekend. It’s crazy that all these people live so far apart, but have become such close friends. Every time we get together it feels like we have never been apart. Everyone clicks instantly. I love it.

C.R: Will we ever see an EislerQ edit documenting the event ?

R.E: I meant to film a lot at this last one but I was so busy having a blast that I never once took out my camera. Other people captured a lot of memories, but I’m not sure what they’re doing with the footage. Previous EQ footage from over the years has appeared in Canadian skate videos and online edits.

C.R: Are there any projects you have been working on lately ?

R.E: I have been working on the new “Regina Monologues” video and another massive skatepark edit, but that’s it right now. I was filming for a Kizer video but that fell through – the curse of rollerblading projects! There is talk of a new USD video but it is supposed to be entirely HD so I’m not sure how or when I’ll be able to film for that. My friends and I will also be making a tour documentary this spring….

Wheels

Richie’s Pro Wheel

C.R: You recently got another pro wheel from Undercover; were you able to choose what you wanted on the wheel ? And if so, what inspired the whole design ?

R.E: Yeah, I had full creative control. The design was inspired by the artwork for Fear and Loathing. I was looking at the movie poster one day and thought that a parody of it would make a sick wheel graphic.

C.R: Who did the art work for your wheel ?

R.E: I did it myself.

C.R: I have been really looking forward to rocking your new wheel with your anti-rockers, so I have to ask, what has taken this wheel so long to come out ?

R.E: Undercover wheels were manufactured in China in the past. As it turns out, the Chinese lost my wheel design and never bothered to say anything about it. So all this time we figured they were producing the wheel, but they weren’t. We were expecting the wheel to be out in September but now it will probably released early summer. Manufacturing has been shifted to the US now. I have tested the prototypes and there were some core problems that are being fixed right now, but the urethane was incredible. If things work out, I honestly believe the new line of Undercover wheels are going to be the best wheels ever made.

C.R: Last I heard you and Kenneth Dedeu were Undercover’s brand managers. How did this all come about? What made you take on this new role ?

R.E: True story. They just asked me if I would like to take it on. I figured it would be a good experience and it has been.

C.R: How do you feel about Undercover’s new team and the re-branding ? Why did the re-branding come about? Lastly, what can we look forward to in the future from Undercover wheels ?

R.E: I’m excited about it, but credit should go to Kenneth as it was his idea and he had the most input for the new designs and team and image and everything. I think it was just time to step up the game for UC and that is exactly what has happened. The wheels are constantly being improved, some of the freshest skaters in the industry have joined the team and things are really looking up. In the future you can look forward to Billy, SK and Jeph Howard wheels….

C.R: Why should rollers pick up Undercover wheels ?

R.E: The next wheels are going to be the best thing you’ve ever skated, they’re often released in fresh colors, the team is stacked, and The Conference does more to support rolling than its competitors.

Skates **Take Note: I was unable to ask about the release date because of all the delays with the Conference manufacturers**

C.R: Can you give us any information about your pro skate that comes out this year ?

R.E: I can’t say a whole lot just yet. They will be classic thrones, they are more colorful than your average skates and they come with my new kizer frames and new undercover wheels designed specifically for the skate. The frames will also be available separately as aftermarket hardware. Again, I was given full control over colors and everything. I worked hard (along with Kenneth) to create an original colorway/design and I am really pleased with the results. Kenneth is amazing to work with.

C.R: When you heard you were getting a pro skate what went through your head ?

R.E: I was flattered. This is a goal that I have had in the back of my mind for a while now. At first I thought it was out of my reach but things have just kinda fallen into place. Rollerblading tends to be an industry where a lot of big plans fall through, so I was unsure at first, but I got more excited as the designs started to take shape and I realized that this was really going to happen. Apparently, the samples are being photographed as we speak, so it is definitely happening. It’s pretty funny and pretty exciting at the same time.

C.R: You are the only Canadian to ever get a pro skate, so it is easy to see why people identify you with Canadian rolling. How does this make you feel ? Also, how does it make you feel that you are getting such recognition while still living in Canada - a place that is generally ignored by the industry for its great rollers ?

R.E: It’s an amazing feeling! I still feel like a little kid that is just hooked on blading, so it’s crazy to think that all of this has happened and that I have now become one of the people that I looked up to for so many years. This activity and the people in it have influenced me so much, in such a positive way. It’s weird to think that now I’m in a position where I can do the same for other kids in Canada and elsewhere. Getting to this point from the middle of nowhere is probably the highlight of the whole thing. Everyone always cheers for the underdog, right? But things seem to be picking up for Canada, exposure wise. SOL has been receiving a lot of positive attention, so that’s good for Canada and really for everyone who skates. I’d far rather see that type of attitude and skating influence the masses than some wannabe celebrity characters.

It’s interesting to think back on how I’ve changed over the years, too. For a while when I was younger, I went to more contests and stuff like that. Even though it was always mostly just about skating, having fun and seeing friends, I cared more about where I was going with skating. It’s like I was having a blast and not too concerned about everything, but part of me was also trying to “make it.” And then after a few years of that, I just stopped trying to prove something and skated without giving a damn about what anyone thought. Just trying to do stuff that made me happy or challenged me. Ironically, that’s when different opportunities started happening and snowballing for me. Now since things have changed yet again, I have been trying to promote the companies that support me by focusing on showing skating for how fun it is and TRYING to make it look as fluid and technical as I can. Suddenly it’s like I care again, but with a different focus. This has seriously been a really interesting journey and I’ve learned a lot about others, as well as myself. Skating has kept me so young but also helped me to grow up so much.

C.R: Will it be strange seeing people wear your pro skate ?

R.E: No question. It will be surreal. I just rollerblade. It’s just a fun thing to do. A pro skate seems so funny. But it’s going to be like a piece of evidence that I can accomplish anything I really want to and it will be a nice little reminder of how amazing this adventure has been. It’s also ironic considering that skating has been my outlet for setting and accomplishing mental and physical goals.

C.R: Why should people pick up the Richie Eisler pro skate ?

If you like it, you should get it. That’s it, really.

This is Not The Richie Pro-Skate, But It Is Funny.

School

C.R: You recently finished school; for people who do not know, what program were you taking ? Also, what do you plan on doing with that education ?

R.E: I completed a Bachelors degree in Media Production and then a Masters in Business. I focused on International Business. I plan on doing something that combines both subjects. At the moment I am doing CSI style video and image processing/enhancing for the police, but I’m looking out to move on to a new job as soon as possible. Maybe producing for TV or movies, something in marketing, something in skating… I don’t know. I want to do something where I can be creative for a while, I’d like to be a professor, etc. I guess I want to do too many things at once.

C.R: Why did you choose those programs ?

R.E: Skating drew me to filming/editing and I like creating things and telling stories, so media was an easy choice. The business degree was another step towards teaching at a university and an opportunity to round out my skills/knowledge.

C.R: What is the main thing you learned from all the education you received ?

The main thing I learned is that I like learning new things. I learned about myself.

C.R: How has your life changed since finishing school? Does it feel like you have moved on to another stage in your life now, and if so, what are the positive and negative aspects of this new stage? Do you have more time to do the things you love, or are you out looking for work?

It hasn’t changed too much. The only real difference is that I am spending my days at work instead of school. It’s nice to have a steady paycheque. I miss being at school every day but I am enjoying the lack of stress/deadlines. I guess I am in a new stage but it doesn’t feel like it, just yet…I am basically just enjoying my time and saving money to move. You’re gonna have to check in with me in a year for a good answer to this one.

Shoutouts ?

I want to thank Be-mag for supporting me since the beginning. While the rest of the industry media was focused on San Diego, Be-mag branched out and covered the entire world right from their first online issue. They have done a lot for me and I am really thankful for that. Thanks to my mom for bringing skate parts home from a trip to NYC 14 years ago. Those $25 anti-rockers have really paid off! Thanks to my dad for helping me with all my traveling. I also want to thank all the guys at The Conference for how well they have treated me. It has been great working with them and I have seen and done a lot of things that never would have been possible without them. Thanks.

Richie Eisler Skates a Line For Canadian Roll 

So there you have it, the second Richie Eisler interview from Canadian Roll. I sincerely hope these become an annual occurrence because Richie’s answers are thought provoking, and he always has something interesting to talk about. I hope everyone enjoyed the interview and I really hope people are thinking of picking up Richie’s pro skate to show support for one of the best rollers in the industry!

A few weeks ago I was sitting with some friends watching skate videos, and one friend brought up the fact that we see these pros in videos and we think we know them, but in real life we have no clue what they are like. Lucky for me this situation does not apply when talking about Cameron Card. I was able to get into contact with Cameron and approached him about doing an interview to see how he was since the injury, so that people can hear everything he has to say about the situation. However, while in the process of interviewing Cameron I realized he is genuinely a good person who speaks from the heart, which is rare to find, but makes for a great interview.

Canadian Roll (C.R): For those people who have been living under a rock, would you like to recap what happened to you on July 13th, and what where the extent of your injuries ?

Cameron Card (C.C): I hurt my head, ear, and ribs rollerblading on a SWS tour out in Indiana on Friday the 13Th of July ‘07. I jumped off a backside Royal about 12 feet high and landed feet first, they hit a crack and made me fall back with all the force of the drop. I hit the right back right side of my head causing internal bleeding and 3 cracks on my skull. It ended up breaking 3 ribs in the back, and also breaking my right ear drum.

C.R: How are you feeling now?

C.C: I’m actually feeling pretty good as in headaches and pain, my life has started to become a little confusing. Rollerblading was a good amount of my life, and it was just taken away without warning! So the stage that I’m at right now is the “figuring out your life” stage.

C.R: It has been stated that one of the biggest problems you faced was amnesia, is the amnesia still in effect, and if so is it frustrating in any way?

C.C: The amnesia I have is from about a day before the accident till about 30 days after. I remember bits and pieces, but remember pretty much nothing till about a week after it. It’s very frustrating because I would love to know what was going on during those days.

C.R: The other major problem was pain (obviously), is there anything that helped you cope with the pain besides medication?

C.C: Well since I don’t really remember much pain, the only way I can answer this is that I’m pretty sure my girlfriend helped a bunch because she was there for me the whole time. She told me that I was in a lot of pain, but I’m not sure what I did to help it. On a side note I asked her about this question and she said that I didn’t handle the pain good at all and that i would be up all night eating pill after pill.

C.R: I think the biggest question on peoples’ mind is, will Cameron Card ever be able to rollerblade again, and if so, in what form?

C.C: This is the same question going on in my mind… I’d like to go see another doctor as soon as I can, but I have to wait until I feel comfortable trusting my insurance because nothing has been taken care of with all of my doctors. I have rolled around (with a helmet on!!) but had a few times where I got a little scared for my health. My guess would be that I will be able to rollerblade but it will never be past a certain point of difficulty and never without a helmet.

C.R: I read somewhere that for a while your parents were very concerned whether you were going to make it or not. So I assume that this injury must have been very traumatizing for them. This leads me to ask, how has this injury effected your family? has it altered your relationship with them at all?

C.C: My Mom has always worried for me when I’m rollerblading but she’s a very calm person, when she later told me the story of how she was freaking out, and what was going on at my home when this happened I was very surprised because I really didn’t know how bad this really was. I’ve always been close with the family so nothing has changed with my relationship with them.

C.R: In the intro to your VG 22 sections you stated, “Rollerblading is me, I am rollerblading” now that you aren’t able to roll, how do you perceive yourself?

C.C: As a very sad person missing something I was and can not be anymore..

C.R: Also in that VG 22 intro you stated, “… every time I am scared to try something I just put it in the back of my head and try it.” considering your injury, would you still give this advice to other rollers out there ?

C.C: Well I also said “know your limits, but exceed them.” meaning don’t just go out and throw a trick just because you heard someone say “just do it.” Know what your capable of and push your self a little over. If you push too far you’ll get hurt. So if your scared of something you believe your capable of then yes I would still give that advice. If I had another section now that I could throw some of my thoughts in I’d say “Wear a helmet, because life is more important then just trying to look cool.”

C.R: In what aspects has the injury changed your life? Do you see life any differently now then you did before?

C.C: It’s changed my whole life. I’m a lot more careful now, I don’t take the kind of risk I use to take. It’s tough though, because that’s what I use to do to take out the stress of life. I need to find other ways now.

C.R: In every interview, article, or snippet of information I see about you, you seem like an optimistic person. So I must ask, has this injury, in any strange way, brought some benefits? (have you been able to spend more time with loved ones, friends, seek new hobbies etc..)

C.C: As of now, sadly it hasn’t brought too much good in my life. It was very hard for my loved ones to deal with me while being in the state I was in. I guess one good thing would be I finally bought a camera. I’ve always wanted to do photography but was too busy with rollerblading.

C.R: What takes up your time now?

C.C: I’ve been working a bunch, climbing, and mostly photography. You can all check out my flickr site at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cameroncard/

C.R: Has the injury affected any of your other hobbies?

C.C Yeah living in Utah we have a winter so I use to snowboard and ski in the winter. I will no longer be able to do those.

C.R: In Barely Dead you said that you were eating Ramen noodles on tour because you were so broke. Now that you can’t rollerblade to make that small capital you were making before, does it mean you have to look for a job in the “real” world, and if so, how do you feel about that?

C.C: Yeah I’ve had a job for the last couple years of rollerblading, but going on tour and traveling so much didn’t allow me to make much money. So now I’m working much more at a ski resort and just got moved to a manager position. I don’t like it all that much I’d rather be traveling the world doing what I love.

C.R: We always hear that rolling is a fleeting business and there is no health insurance from sponsors. Have your sponsors helped you in any way since the injury?

C.C: Moral support! I don’t expect anything else. If people were making millions in our sport then I’d expect them to pay the bills. Zik (empire) and Mark (integrated) are awesome guys and if they could, I know would help 100%. If everyone in the rolling world sponsored me then we could do it with just a couple dollars a piece!! paypal me at cameron.card@gmail.com!! haha kidding!

C.R: Also on Barely Dead you stated that it was a year before you were off your parents insurance, when the injury occurred were you under any insurance?

C.C: Yeah actually 3 weeks before I went on the tour some of my friends told me to just get an accident only insurance for 25 dollars every check. I got on it and 2 weeks later…. I hit my head. So for 25 dollars I saved a bunch!

C.R: evoL, the video you did with Hayden Eatchel, has been received very well throughout the rolling industry. Can we expect to see more of your work behind the scenes? Will this work only be video and photography or will you branch off into other aspects?

C.C: I would love to branch off into other aspects I have nothing in the works right now. I’m going to work on my photography and get some more equipment and hopefully start to shoot in the industry. I just need to get my life all straitened out before I get into any other adventures.

C.R: Your life is full of many experiences that not many people can say they have gone through. Do any stand out in your mind that may or may not be skating related?

C.C: Yeah I’d have to say when I went from skating street in Utah, and flying to ASA’s to compete, to living with Dave Paine, and Randy Spizer in Californa, filming for VG22. Those are guys I only just looked up to and dreamed of just skating everyday with. So it was an amazing experience.

C.R: What legacy do you want to leave on rolling?

C.C: I hope that I showed that if you get in the spotlight to not let it get to your head and to always enjoy what your doing. Your still the same person no matter how bright the light is.

C.R: What Question would have liked me to ask you that I didn’t, and can you please answer that question?

C.C: I would have asked “Did getting in the spotlight ever effect who you are?”
No I never let it get to my head, it just made me want to be a better person so if there was some kids that looked up to me then it would hopefully rub off on them. If you look at my career I didn’t push too hard on getting pro this pro that.. I just tried to be in the spotlight enough to make enough so that I could still do it. I’ve had a million amazing experiences and I’d just like to thank everyone that supported me during my rollerblade career.

So there you have it, Canadian Roll’s interview with Cameron Card. I am not going to lie, the first time I read some of those answers I was taken back. I realized how much Cameron’s situation has changed and how dangerous what we do is. However, having said that rolling brings a lot of people close together and has a lot of positive aspects, which I am sure people like Cameron Card, Me, or anyone reading this would not trade for the world. Remember to appreciate what you have while you have it.

-Nick. D

I recently got a hold of tony from Outaline skate shop and was able to take up enough of his time to get this interview done. I was pretty excited to get this interview with Tony for a couple of reasons. First, Outaline was the first shop I ever bought a good pair of skates from (Remz 03s). Second, it is the shop that I associate my roots in rolling with, so it holds a special place in my memory. Having said that, I was very exciting to get an interview with Tony himself, as he has supported rolling for many years, even longer then I have been skating, so it was interesting to talk to someone with that much dedication, and hear his perspectives on things.

C.R:What is your full name?

Tony Chiang: Tony Chiang

C.R: You are currently a Grad student, do you find it difficult to both run the shop and go to school? What motivates you to do both?

T.C: Running the store doesn’t really take a lot of time so it’s no big deal.

C.R: Want to give us a little history of Outaline skateshop?

T.C: Wow. Going way back - 1994. Chris Edwards dare to air, Hoax, and so on. The skate industry was amazing then. Everything was new and revolutionary. The store opened in a little hole in the wall in an area called Yaletown that back then has pretty desolate. For the first two years I didn’t have a day off besides Christmas.

C.R:You are not a roller yourself, what attracted you to this industry and compelled you to start a business in it?

T.C: I used to to roll a bit, but when I opened the store I was already 24 so I was definately on the “senior” side of things. I still enjoyed it though. We even had a halfpipe in town at the time so I got to ride that for a while. Good times, but it was hard to skate and run a store at the same time - I had almost no employees back then so it was tough. The aggressive side of the store actually came after the fitness side. Back then, inline was just getting started and 90% of the business was fitness skaters.

C.R:Do you still feel the same way as you did when you first began? Has anything changed, has anything stayed the same?

T.C: No. What happened? The same thing that happens whenever something new is no longer new. Honestly, the passion is just not as obvious in the industry anymore. It’s still there, but with the limitations of the economic viability of skating, the industry is having a hard time supporting itself. Without investment, new products are slower to come out and without new products, there is not as much excitement.

C.R: How are sales?

T.C: Not as good as years ago

C.R: What state do you think the Canadian rolling scene is in at the moment? What steps do you think people should take to make it better ?

T.C: The Rolling scene in Canada is pretty small. There are a core group of skaters that obviously love skating together and hanging out and there are also small pockets of skaters here and there, but I am not sure it’s even big enough to call a scene. As for making it better, as much as we like to believe we have the ability to change the momentum, it’s pretty tough. It’s a vicious circle - without enough skaters, the industry can’t afford to invest in itself and without investment, there is no excitement to drive interest.

So…I dunno.

C.R: What distinguishes Outaline from every other shop in Canada? And why should people buy from you?

T.C: Outaline was the first.

“Every other shop”?. You make it sound like there’s a shop on every corner.

People can buy from outaline if they want, if they don’t want, that’s cool too. Honestly we’re not exactly talking millions of dollars here.

C.R: How do you feel about people buying from American Shops ? What downfalls do you think comes with buying from them, if any?

T.C: Don’t care. One day, buying from the states might no longer be a choice, but a necessity.

C.R: Do you find that competition with American stores makes it difficult to sell items?

T.C: See above

C.R: Anything you would like to tell customers?

T.C: I really appreciate dealing with everybody that has ever come in the shop or ordered online. You too Nick.

I really am grateful and wish everybody the best.

C.R: Shout outs?

T.C: YYYEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAA!!!!

I recently got a chance to get in contact with Leon Basin, the owner of Shop-Task, which is one of Canada few rolling shops, and ask him a couple of questions about his life, business, and rolling in general. I was really excited to do this interview, because Shop-Task was one of the main supporters of Canadian Roll right from the beginning, and Leon always had insightful ideas or responses about rolling that opened my eyes on a lot of issues. Also, Leon is just a generally nice person that won’t hesitate to help a fellow roller or promote Canadian skating to its fullest. I highly suggest that people check out the Shop-Task’s website at http://www.shop-task.com/ or go by the messageboard, which can be found HERE.

1. C-Roll: You recently opened up the online shop, have you noticed any major changes from how you were running Shop-Task before ?

Leon Basin: Now with an online shop, inventory has to be accurate for customers to browse. The website took Shop-task to the next level. It is a lot more organized and professional than before.

2. C-Roll: With the opening of the online store, how have sales been ?

Leon Basin: Sales have been great and getting better every month. Being online helped out a lot in reaching new kids that are just starting out and skaters all across Canada.

3. C-Roll: How much work goes into running the shop and having a life outside of rollerblading ?

Leon Basin: My life is rollerblading. All my time goes to running the shop. I’m always making orders, updating the site, shipping packages and talking to customers. Even on my free time when I’m skating/filming and touring, I’m promoting my shop.

4. C-Roll: Are there any promotions or tours planned in the near future ?

Leon Basin: This summer I went on two tours. I drove across western Canada to Calgary and flew to Toronto. I also held the first Vancouver Amateurs competition, Van Am, which was a great success. My next project is the Shop-Task Flow Team dvd which will be edited by Joey McGarry.

5. C-Roll: What do you believe sets Shop-Task apart from other stores in Canada, and why do you believe people should buy from you ?

Leon Basin: Shop-Task has the biggest selection of the hottest shit in Canada. I’m very experienced and knowledgeable about the products I carry. Plus, I am honest and always keep my customers happy.

6. C-Roll: Running Shop-Task keeps you in tune with what is happening in Canadian Rolling, what do you believe is the state of our industry ? Is there anything that needs to be improved or do you think it is fine the way it is ?

Leon Basin: The industry used to be really strong but it collapsed because of a weak foundation. In the past few years I’ve seen a lot of rollerbladers taking matters into their own hands by starting companies, websites and organizing events. The industry is now in the process of rebuilding a strong foundation and we all need to support each other.

7. C-Roll: What are some of the downfalls of being a shop owner of a receding industry ? What are the benefits ?

Leon Basin: Some distributions/manufacturers are extremely unprofessional which makes it difficult to bring in the products on time. This makes me look unprofessional to my customers. The benefits are seeing the industry grow and knowing that I am a big part of it. Plus, everyone wants to be my friend.

8. C-Roll: Everyone knows running a rolling shop is risky business, so with that risk in mind, what made you start Shop-Task and believe that it could succeed ?

Leon Basin: I knew Shop-Task would be successful because I could see what other shops were doing wrong.

9. C-Roll: Shop-Task sponsors lots of events such as the Popularity Contest, Pimp Cup, Hamilton (Ontario) Skate Weekend, Ghetto Street Battle and the Ottawa Flossathon. Is that important to you and if so, why ?

Leon Basin: This is important to me because it is my way of giving back to the industry which why it’s important for everyone to support all Canadian shops.

10. C-Roll: Why do you keep prices so competitively low ?

Leon Basin: In the end it all comes down to price and service. I provide Canadian skaters with the fastest and cheapest way to get the products they want.

11. C-Roll: Shop-Task seems to be striving for more than just an online shop, you have Task-TV and the constant pictures updates. Is this an important part of your business by getting recognized though other forms of media and not just through word of mouth ?

Leon Basin: Media is the best way of marketing. Pictures and online edits are not only good advertising for Shop-Task but also for Canadian skaters that should be recognized for their talents.

12. C-Roll: Will there be a Shop-Task Team in the near future and if so, is a video in the works ?

Leon Basin: I’m a very picky person, especially when it comes down to a team. I do have a few carefully selected skaters on my flow team and a flow team video is in the planning process.

13. C-Roll: Anything you want to say to your customers or potential customers ?

Leon Basin: I want to thank all my customers for supporting Shop-Task and to the potential customers, thank you for taking the time to read this article.

14. C-Roll: Shout outs !?

Leon Basin: I want to thank: My girlfriend, Eli, for all her help; Joey McGarry, for his superior editing skills; AJ DeLong, for all his contributions to Canadian Rolling; Steve Eising and Jordan Coles from IDFA Clothing, for having money in the bank; Nick Damico, for keeping the Canadian rollers up to date; Todd McInerney, for Popularity Contest; D-Structure, for the Montreal Classics. Tom Dixon from Rolligious, for keeping Calgary on the map; Chris Wedman and Will Pursell, for making us all look good; the Shop-Task Flow Team for ripping it everyday; everyone who believes in freestyle rolling; and to all my customers.

Shout outs to: Anyone I forgot to thank; Brendan Shaughnessy and all the Ottawa boys; Mobb crew and all my hommies from the GTA; RPT and the Calgary crew; SOL crew; Kamloops boys; and everyone in Vancity.

-Nick. D

When I first had the idea of interviewing Richie Eisler I really did not know how to approach him about wanting to do an interview. I assumed he was a really busy person and probably did not have time to put toward an interview. Well I couldn’t have been more wrong, not only was Richie easy to approach but also had a great attitude toward the whole interviewing process. I think that really sums up Richie though a person with a great attitude, good outlook on life who is genuinely a nice person, and lets not forget he can also roll with the best of them. So when he agreed to do the interview I was damn happy, when Devon Hanofski also contributed that got me even more excited about this interview. So I hope everyone enjoys.

Richie Eisler: Holler back! Dick Richie here with Devon Hanofski, reporting live from Regina where the water flows like wine… sparkling wine to be exact. The time is 16:47 - December 31, 2006 – New. Years. EVE! We are currently wetting our lips with a delicious beverage known as Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut MAGNUM. (No joke, I swear. It’s “very dry, fruity and finely balanced… a consistent monde selection gold medal winner…”)… AKA “The Bubbly.” Life is good right now. Really good. In fact: it has been the best year of my life, yet again. Probably the 10th consecutive year in a row as the best year of my life. What did I do to deserve this? I Hope everyone else had a great year too! …and that the coming year will bring great things…

Alright let’s get into the interview…

Canadian Roll: You’ve gone through some major injuries, first your head and now your ankle. Do you want to explain what happened, how it happened and how it is affecting your life right now. Did it give you any different perspectives? Different out looks on skating?”

Dick Richie: The day before I was supposed to go to Europe for 6 weeks I went for a little skate. I was supposed to leave for Hungary the next day and decided I was sick of packing and it was a really nice day so I went to roll around the outdoor park. Next thing I knew – I was laying in a hospital bed worried about being late for my flight. Turns out I slipped back somehow on an air over the hip and landed on my shoulder/head on the flat bottom (from about 7 feet up). I was dizzy so I called my dad for a ride and he took me to the hospital because I was rambling and incoherent. It’s ironic - for the few weeks leading up to the trip I was being careful to not push my limits while skating to make sure I didn’t get hurt. So much for that. To be honest, it hasn’t really affected my life as much as it probably could have. I was pretty lucky to get off with no permanent problems and the only real set back was missing the Europe trip. I have been living each day to the fullest for as long as I can remember so it’s not like I really changed my attitude in that sense (like lots of people do after scary accidents). I’m a bit more careful about my skating right now but I’ve always been careful to stay within my limits so no real significant change there, either.

Coach Devon: The bubbly is still flowing!

Canadian Roll: If you ask just about anyone they will say “Richie Eisler has amazing style.” What do you think makes for good style? How did you get yours to the points where it is now?

Dick Richie: I’m definitely flattered that people say that, but it’s kinda funny to me because over the years people would say anything BUT that about my skating. First, during the old CAT tours when I was winning all the contests, people talked shit that I was good at park but couldn’t skate street. Then a year or two later when I had some video sections out – people said I was good at street but couldn’t do stunts, wasn’t good at skatepark and had bad style. Maybe it’s just a T4 thing but there were so many haters. I just find it kinda funny that at one point or another in my time skating – people have criticized me for every little thing they can think of. I think style is the most important part of skating so that’s the nicest compliment I think I could receive. I think good style comes from experience skating and just making things flow and look easy. It’s not something you can really force so I’d say I just got mine to the point it is by skating for more than half my life and having so much fun doing it.

D Cups: I’d like to interject here with a few samples of video evidence. No street skills in the good old days? Try:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVCY7fnUZac
No skatepark skills? Tell that to the 35 THOUSAND viewers and 100 love letter comments found here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NRZh9qlu74
No stunts? No style? Happy New Year:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZrV_9unF0w

Canadian Roll: How hard do you work on learning things switch, and what made you learn them? It seems like you have every trick down both natural and switch.

Dick Richie: I really like this question because I don’t really see switch as even being real. Unless you have a wooden leg you should be able to do any trick either way if you just learn it. Exceptions would be one-footed grinds with your unnatural leg or topsides on square stuff with a stiff unnatural ankle. But really, switch tricks are just new tricks that you maybe didn’t learn the first time around. For example: a “switch royale” happens to look like a natural royale but it’s really just a different trick with your feet in different positions. Why should it be considered unnatural? A “natural” royale isn’t really so natural when you first try to learn it, so why should switch be considered some magical thing? I really started to take an interest in switch grinds because learning new things was the most exciting part of skating to me, and it was getting to the point where I really had to do something intense for it to be 100% new. I started learning all the switch tricks and skating felt like it did in the beginning – really fun and full of new accomplishments every single time. Switch spins were tough to learn but the benefit has been huge. Now that I can spin comfortably in both directions – the amount of tricks that open up as possibilities increases quite a bit. This is especially fitting right now because my right (more natural) ankle is still stiff and weak from tearing ligaments so I’ve solely been doing switch tricks while I work it back to strength.

Devonairre: Lately I’ve been making a point to learn switch spins and it makes skating more fun when you’re learning new things. Living in Regina with Richie and Dan Varin (one of the original switch masters) – it’s pretty hard to avoid getting into the whole switch thing. Again, let us dive deep into the archives and bring some evidence to the table:

http://zine.d-structure.com/inline/whatyouknow.mpg

Canadian Roll: If anyone has watched Black Market, they have heard the constant call for professionalism in rollerblading. The lack of professionalism was seen as one of our downfalls in the mid to late nineties, what role do you think it plays in rollerblading today?

Dick Richie: I think it should play a huge role but I’m going to have to admit that rollerblading is one of the biggest clown show circus industries imaginable. People call themselves professionals? Haha. There are so many positive things about rollerblading and the people in it, but professionalism is not one of them. I’m happy to say that I’ve noticed this is beginning to change for the better, but we’re still a long way from where we should be. I would like to point out that people like Jon Julio, Erik Bailey, Jochen Smuda, Oli Benet, Chris Haffey and several others are taking things in the right direction with their skating and professional attitudes. I think we need leaders in this area and these guys (and many others – these guys just come to mind first) are taking things in the right direction. I’d also like to say that professionalism in this sense doesn’t always mean boring business style shit – it is also a lot about making skating look good and bringing a positive attitude. Being a good role model or a positive leader. SOL videos are an example of something that I think is very professional but may not come across that way. Obviously the videos are full of fun and energy, and their portrayal of their characters and personalities may not seem professional at first glance – but it is the whole idea of showing the fun side of skating and life that is professional. The production is obviously professional but I think professionalism in this sense is also just showing how fun skating really is. The amount of people that love those guys and love skating after watching their videos is evidence of how professional they really are. It ‘s about how you present yourself and your sport or culture or whatever it is.

Professional Brut Magnum consumer, Devon H: Basically, I think rollerblading needs more Jon Julios and Richie Eislers because they really are the definition of professionals. Take a look at how they are promoting it and you will understand. Stop making t-shirts and do it up right.

Richie: P.S. I want to clarify something as well… I obviously have some opinions about a lot of topics relating to skating and in an interview like this we are discussing all these things in depth, but at the same time I also really view skating, in a very simple way: It’s a fun activity that captures my imagination and makes me smile. Nothing more, really. There’s two sides, I guess. But, in the end it is just something I love to do, never mind anything else.

Devon: I concur. At the end of the day all the crap doesn’t really matter – you are just doing something that you still enjoy as much as you did the day you first got into it.

Richie: It’s kinda funny that I’ve been enjoying life so much but two of my favourite things, music and skating, are basically forms of escape!

Canadian Roll: You, like many pro rollers today, are no longer a teenager with a carefree life to solely devote to skating. How do you balance school, friends and your busy life while still finding time to skate at such a high level.

Dick Eisler III: I’m not really sure how I balance everything! I just kinda do what I think is right and things work out. Skating has really just been a fun activity for me and it just so happens that all sorts of amazing opportunities and experiences have come with it. Friends are just a normal part of life and I have met almost all of my best friends through skating in one way or another. I think it’s easy for me to balance school because I really enjoy learning so it’s not really much of a burden. Obviously my parents have been amazing in letting me live here and putting up with my crap. If I were living on my own right now it wouldn’t be so easy to take off to Australia (or wherever) all the time. So yeah I don’t really know. Time flies. I fell in love with rolling around on wheelie boots and acting like a stunt man, and the years of AMAZING memories/trips/friends have just kinda flown by. I’ll be done school in May and then I’m planning to move somewhere warmer or travel a bit so I guess I’ll have to see how it all works out.

Canadian Roll: Your life seems to have been packed with many experiences that not a lot of people can say they have gone through. Do any stand out in your mind that may or may not be skating related? What do you think allowed you to be in the position to live life in such a manner?

Dick Richie: Life is what you make it, right? You only live once and it may not last any longer than this exact moment. That is something that always on my mind. I am pretty much constantly seeking out new experiences and adventures. Obviously, like I said: the support of my parents has enabled a lot of the traveling and stuff to happen and there have been a lot of friends and family that have been involved as well, but at the end of the day I think a person’s own attitude and motivations shape the way their life unfolds. This is something we could talk about forever (as your attitude and perspective are shaped by so many influences), but I don’t know, I think you just have to make yourself happy. There are so many experiences standing out in my mind right now that we’d need to write an entire book just to scratch the surface…

Devon: It’s the Regina attitude! Given’er. Haha. Living to the fullest!

Canadian Roll: Over the summer you went to Australia, which is how they got the cover shot of Be-Mag’s 21st issue (congratulations). You have also traveled to many more destinations because of skating. As roller and just a person who is living life, do you think this travel has effected your mind set, if so how?

Dick: The Australia trip was so amazing. I’ll never forget the people I met and the adventures we had. Thanks, I was also really excited to find out I was on the cover of Be-Mag! I had a night shot (roof grind) in my profile in issue 6 that they were considering for the cover but it was too dark – kinda ironic that I ended up getting a cover 15 issues later – with a night shot! Haha. I think travel is one of the best things you can do with your time. It is like a drug, an education, an adventure and a party all in one! Seriously, the amount you learn through traveling… meeting so many different people and just opening your mind outside the little world you usually live in – so valuable. The countless road trips with friends over the years have provided some of the best memories of my life. And skating is such a perfect activity to team up with travel – wandering through the world, searching for new adventures, creating playgrounds from boring courtyards and obstacles that nobody else even notices or cares about – and just seeing things from a different perspective…. Again, I could go on forever about all this stuff… This interview is going to end up at 20 pages if we don’t stop now! Haha

Happy New Year everyone!

Well there you have it an Interview with Richie Eisler AKA Dick Eisler and Devon Hanofski. I want to personally thank both for taking time out of their schedule for providing such quality answers. Also taking time out of your New Years Eve celebration is greatly appreciated. I hope everyone enjoys the interview, and if you kids are good and follow through with your New Years Resolutions we just might have a follow up. Richie you’re the man, Devon your funny as hell and to all that read this keep rolling.

-Nick. D

What is one more picture.

Since starting the website I have had a lot of questions about one topic in particular, Shop-Task. It seems people want to know who runs this shop, how its operated and more importantly how they can get their greedy hands on some merchandise. I decide to clear some of these question up for people and had an Interview with Leon Basin and Brian Mccutcheon. I have come to realize these guys a good hearted people who care about their customers and about Canadian skating, ontop of that I’ve realized they really like to say TASK WHAT !!! And I respect that.

If anyone wants merchandise you can contact Shop-Task Ontario at shoptask@hotmail.com and Shop-Task B.C at taskbc@hotmail.com. Or use the phone in Ontario Call (416) 822-0669 and for B.C (604) 218 3251

Also the guys have generously let me post up 1 bonus section from their video, Task Ontario. I have hosted it up on Megauploads HERE for all to share. You will have to download VLC player to view the video, but VLC player is such an astounding media player, that allows people to view many video formats, so it is not a pointless download to view a video once. You can Download VLC Player HERE.

13 QUESTIONS WITH SHOP-TASK

Q1-Who started Shop-Task? And when was it created?

A1- SHOP-TASK was established summer 2005 by Leon Basin and Brian McCutcheon.

Q2-Why was Shop-Task created?

A2- SHOP-TASK was created to make rollerblading more POPULAR, ACCESSIBLE and AFFORDABLE.

Q3-Your business is not run like any other, would you like to tell people how you move products.

A3- We dont have a store front. That allows us to keep the prices very low. We have a big inventory and we can get almost any product within 2 weeks. We offer a free deliver which makes us very ACCESSIBLE.

Q4- Are you seeing any profit from any of this, and if so where does it go?

A4- Profits are very small but we do move alot of product which is very important. All profits go towards SESSIONS, COMPS and new products.

Q5- Does Shop-Task stand for anything, and what’s the meaning behind the name?

A5- Task is our crew name.

Q6- What does Shop-Task contribute to Canadian rolling?

A6- GROWTH.

Q7-Shop-Task treats their customers with respect and in a professional manner without any ego, do you think that is essential in running a shop?

A7- We are rollerbladers same as our costumers. No matter if you are a beginner or an expert, Shop-Task will hook you up.

Q8-What Identity would you like people to associate Shop-Task with?

A8- BEST PRICES.

Q9- The DVD (Task-Ontario) came out not to long ago, how much is it selling for and what can people expect to see?

A9- TASK ONTARIO features the best rollerbladers in Ontario. Bonus includes all Shop-Task sessions up to date. PRICE $20

Q10- Are there plans for another video any time soon?

A10- Videos are key. We want to capture and promote Canadian skaters.

Q11- How was STSB (Shop-Task Skate Battle) and what went down at the competition

A11- The STSB was SICK. Despite the weather, a lot of people still showed up and skated the dope spots we came up with/created.The bank to rail was destroyed by Sean Knight, along with every other spot. Kyle Godden and DP came through in a big way as well. Steve from Keswick also laid down some pretty bad ass stunts on every spot for the ams. Not to mention, the man himself, Hans, also killed it. All in all it was a sick day, with lots of good skating and sick spots, which BTW (By the way) will probably not get to be skated again. Thanks to everybody who came out, and be on the lookout for more Task fings!!

Q12-For the 1 dumb question of the interview, If both of you could have 1 super power what would it be and why. Super skating power does not count.

A12- Fuck super powers, we are TASK…………. WHAT!!

Q13- Shout outs?

A13- JESUS, MARLON BRANDO, BART, ALDO, PHILLIP, FERNANDO, ELI, 1-900, PETAR, SK, DP, RBB, RAT,B-RAD, BNS, D-TOUR, EDGAR, WHEAT, THE HUM, J-CRIZ, MCINNIS, AJ,WILL, K-GOD, STEEF,DUB, DAVE, RICK, NICK, HAYDEN, SIMON D, MIKE DAVID, FARMER, BOYLE, JON TOPPING, HANS, JONG, SER GAY, IVAN, YURI, TERRY, BLAIR, HAAPOJA BROTHERS, ERIK BURROW, MALTA BROTHERS, VIGNEUX BROTHERS, ALL YOUR SISTERS AND YOUR MOTHERS, MOBB, DEFINE, 519 CREW, KESWICK CREW, MTC, PEPE, MTL, ISRAEL, I DARE U, TC, MILLAR, WES, ANTON, COMPTON, KEITH, YOB, LEO, RANDY, RILEY, SAZLEBERRY, BAXTER, NEIMA, MASON, JOSH SILVER, STEPHANE, SWISS, JOSH, JASPER, ADRIAN, STAZE, ROSS, SAPOTA, DELMAR, CLEAH

SPECIAL THANKS TO

-You for reading this.
-Our customers for supporting Shop-Task.
-VM - MAGAZINE and CANADIAN ROLLER NEWS for promoting the Canadian scene.

TASK WHAT !!!

-Nick. D

Task Ontario Review

First and foremost I must say that this video was put together in a professional manner. When I first received the DVD from Leon Basin (Who is an awesome guy, who is helping out Canadian rolling more than people will ever know, and has my total respect ) I was amazed at the level of quality the DVD was made, it definitely doesn’t look like something someone threw together in a short time to make money. For presentation I’m giving the video a 9/10, It looses a point not because it lacked anything but I like to see people always strive for better.

SECTIONS

The sections are broken down into 8 intervals. Starting with the Intro, which contains excellent skating timed to a Eminem/ Shaggy remix timed to eye of the tiger by DJ Defcon. Although I am not a fan of Eminem, the song suits the intro and the Shaggy part more than makes up for the Eminem part. The video starts out strong with Hyden Watt doing things on handrails that I have a hard time accomplishing on my Practice rail. Simon Davis performs amazing switches on a Handy rail, Aaron Mcinnis (who is progfiled on VM-Magazine) performs one of the best fast slides ive seen in a long time down a high rail, Kyle Godden (K-God) shows us amazing style, and AJ DeLong performs some gaps that would scare me to death.

Leon Basin’s section is next and if you know Leon you know how good the man is and it deffinetly shines through in this video. Doing crazy spin souls, spin unities that I can’t really wrap my head around, so for me to put it into words would not do it justice, you truly have to see the video to understand this level of skating. The section includes every type of skating possible, technical park skating, long rails, crazy wave ledges Leon shows us how diverse a skater and how well rounded he truly is with this section. The section is timed to History by Controller controller.

DP then gets the next section, and all I can say is that DP has flow. It seems the guy floats up to all his tricks and floats out with little hesitation. The level of confidence and speed at which he approaches things makes this section great, add to that he can switch tricks with little effort and you have a solid section which pumps you up to skate. I like the instrumentals the editors used for his section (All Caps by Madvillan), the flow of the instrumental matches DP’s flow while he skates.

Then We get the legendary montage. We get a rap track for this one (Just Blaze by Freeway) and it suites the editing well. You can expect the same high level of skating exhibited in the intro within the montage. It has everything from park skating to crazy ledges, to crazy long rails, to crazy drops, to crazy kinks, to numerous switches. If you have any preferance of skating style it will be satisied with this montage. The only problem I seem to have with the montage is that I’m not a large fan of hip hop or rap, but that is strictly personal preferance and has no bearing on the video.

Sean Knights sections is awsome, I would buy the video alone to see the crazy drunk guy on the ledge flipping around and being crazy while the people egg him on. Once again we get to hear another hip-hop track (So Rotten by Black Twang), but this one I like a lot. The rail to rail switches Sean performs are amazing and the crazy flow he has on ledges is undeniable. There are a few clips shot with a night vision camera that I wish were taken out, but it doesn’t take away from the level of skating or editing in the video. There is some really creative skating in this and I love to see that, when they put a rail between to barrels to a drop I thought it was creative and fun to watch. Sean skates it extremely well. We also see him go up rails with ease and perform insanely long rails. Also, I get to see something in this video that I don’t see a lot, lines. Sean does many lines within the section which really adds flow to the section and video over all.

Darwin Chang has the next section timed to an Tony Yayo song (Drama Setter) which features Eminem, it adds anticipation for a serious feel to the section, as if Chang isn’t screwing around, and honestly Chang really isnt screwing around. He flows in and out of tricks, he approaches things with speed, spins like a mad man at things. The only problem is I found the section to be a little short, I really wanted to see more Chang skating. Hopefully in the Next Task release I can watch more of him.

Next is Jon Craig, or J- Crizzle, or what ever you call him he’s damn good. The song he picks is amazing, It’s called Spanish Guitar Solo by Eric Clapton and suits the editing and his skating perfectly, not to mention it’s great to see comprimise within musical selection within the video. What can I say when you see a Jon Craig section he probably flows more than you, does rails you’re scared of and then switches on them and does gaps that would make you think twice. The fact that he seems to have as much flow up rails as he does down them astounds me. Once again I found this section to be a bit short for my liking, but maybe that’s because I enjoyed the skating so much.

The Caleonfornia section is next, and is basically Leon in Calie skating the spots we see in videos. I have to say this is an engenious idea and is executed well by Leon. Expect the amazing level of skating you saw from Leon’s section timed to the Bloodhound Gang, classic. Well heres what you need to know Leon is amazing and the spots are amazing, how do you think it turned out? That’s right amazing. You even get to see a nice ass, and it’s not Leons or any other males for that matter.

BONUS

I get to see Twocrew on Much on Demand. You cant get more Canadian then the Guys from Oakville hitting up a Canadian music station while the show aggressive inline the game, I don’t care who you are pick up this video just to watch this hidden clip. Do it now…I’m not kidding. They got to skate much music, that’s awsome. The only thing I could of wished for is that one of them took out Rick Cappeneli. On top of that you get an extra, I would say 30 minutes with the bonus section which are basically every event Task has heald, they are just as good as the video so check those out.

OVERALL:

The video was good really, really good, I highly suggest that people go pick this up the content is great, it’s plentiful and the people who produced it are amazing guys. The video gets a 9/10, only loosing a point because I always think there is room for improvement no matter how miniscule it may be. Great job Shop Task I hope people pick this thing up It’s worth it.

-Nick. D

I have just recently came into contact with Garett and I have realized a couple of things, he’s a genuinely nice person, he’s passionate about skating, and he’s one of those Canadians that is pushing rolling and making it exciting by trying to promote our scene. Ohh also from what I hear, he gets laid alot more than me, good for him. This interview couldn’t have turned out any better. He’s an amazing guy just to talk to and has a lot of important things to say, so listen to one of the Canadian’s on the forefront of our scene helping us push boundaries. Also it’s cool to know when I rock the new Carlos wheels from Undercover (Which I hope everyone picks up to support Undercover and Garett) he will get a “Boner”.
What is your full name?

Garett James MacGillivray

When did you start skating?

I believe it was back in 1996/1997, I was in grade 9 and had to choose between a skateboard or K2, Fatty’s, I paid for them with my flyer route money, thank god I chose the fatty’s hahaha.

Where are you from?

I’m from Sherwood Park Alberta, a suburban area about 5-10 minutes outside of Edmonton.

What is the Scene like in Edmonton? Have you seen it change or progress in any way?

The scene has changed so much through out my time. When I started there was a crew of people who rode for a local shop called United Cycle. A lot of them where sponsored and would go do demo’s ect (this was in Rollerbladings early years). Then the shop dropped a lot of them because like today they started abusing the sponsorships, not really doin much for the shop but leaching free product. Anyways, once a few of the people where kicked they started up a “crew” (hahaha I laugh at the “crew” years, it’s like we thought we where gang bangers or a B-Boy crew). This crew was called Ununited. And it had quite a few hardcore rollerbladers in it, who could really throw down and helped push the Edmonton scene to get better at skating. Anyways, the crew kind of started picking up “drinkers” and rowdy guys I guess you could call it. They kind of got elitist, and claimed they where cooler than everyone you know the typical “we party harder, we fuck more girls” shit you kind of brag about when your really young and dumb I guess hahaha. I was still friends with a lot of them, okay, then one year almost all of them just quite, some claiming that Rollerblading was gay, and drinking and partying was where it was at. I thought that was a pretty weak ass reason, I still fuckin drink and party just as hard, I didn’t quite for it though. And a good friend of mine, (probly the best in our scene) kept skating for a while, eventually he fell victim to drug addiction, and kind of just stopped. So that basically left me, my buddy Jack Phavone, Mark MacLNE, Ryan Rouxe, and Chris Angelius. 5 fuckig guys out of like the entire city. We kept on going, then some grom’s started poppin up, that was cool, they’re still around and just graduating haha. Danny Theps from Lethbridge (part owner of Gangstore) moved here with his gf, and he rips it with us all of the time, basically we have adopted him as an Edmontonian haha. And that leaves us here at this point.

How did you receive the nickname “Blader”?

I started hanging out with a crew of guys when I was about 17, I had been good buddies with one of them when I was like 10, then we just kind of stopped chillin. Anyways I think I met him for some weed or somthing, and we just started hanging out. He was a really good skateboarder and had seen me at the skatepark all the time, so when he’d tell his other friends where he was or what he had been doing he’d just call me Blader, like “Yeah dude, just hangin out with Blader.”. So I guess that added some mystery to myself, because girls in that group where all pumped to meet me, and the nickname just stuck. And it spread, through out my town, big time. Everyone I met, just knew me as Blader, they where all really pumped about it too, people I had never met had just heard of this “Blader” guy and would be like “Oh shit! Your that Blader guy! Why do they call you Blader?” (some assumed it was cause I did a lot of blades lol, my buddy would usually step in and say it’s cause I rip it on my blades). Hahaha, and now close to 6-7 years later, my name is still Blader, it feels wierd to me to be called Garett. It’s like thats no longer my name. It’s cool, I like it. May get it tatoo’d on to me because it symbolizes such a big part of my life.

What is your association with KinRol, and what is KinRol’s overall goal?

I started up Kin with my good friend Mark McElhinney like right after highschool. We wanted a company here in Canada to help give Canadian rollers their own identity. Like spark some more industry up north. So it didn’t seem like Canada was just imitating the States, just to promote our country’s scene more, and get people juiced on skating in Canada.

Is it hard to keep KinRol financially supported with Canada having such a small industry?

Yes, very hard. Everyone really digs our clothing, but you run into issues when you make too much of one thing, and flood the market. Or just selling to shops (making small runs of shit increases the cost of the shirts) so to keep them comparable to big names like Mindgame ect. we had to make like 2-4$ profit of like each shirt. Basically we where always breaking even rather than making profit. We never cared though, I just loved designing my own clothing and gettin people juiced.

Any new designs coming out any time soon?

A couple years back Todd from SOL invested into the company, this was after Mark Wintenburg from Truspin Inline (a shop that had been based out of Calgary) who we had sold clothing through, had basically ripped us off over 1.5 g’s. That was like a fucking years worth of profit and work for us. This guy was a fuckin idiot. Lied about anything to make himself seem cool, and people knew this too, Shawn Unwin just told me a storey about he told them one day in the shop he used to be apart of a “gang” called Young Drangons, and one day him and his friend killed a jogger, just to be hard, and dumped his corpse in a river. They just acted interested, then a fucking random girl walks by the shop and this guys like “Yeah I fucked that girl, then her mom came upstairs and brought us breakfast in bed.” Pffffffft HAHAHA thats just to give you an idea of how big of a clown faggot this guy was. So yeah back to the main point, we leave this guy with like all of our shit, and he sells out of all of it, then keeps the money and goes out of business, (he ripped off a few other companies as well). So we were basically fucked. Then Todd swooped in on his silver steed and was totally down with getting Kin back on track. And if you have ever met Todd you know he is one of the most genuine guys, and is really really down with Rollerblading and promoting it to its’ fullest potential. He invested and we did our website and pumped out a few new hoodies and tee shirts (some of the nicest ones we’ve made to date). People loved em. Okay so that brings me up to now and this hardcore slump that hit our industry. Within this year it would have been extremely hard to pump out some new shit, alot of peoples attitudes where down, people where feelin a bit bad about the state rolling is in. So we decided to do a marketing scheme involving some company hibernation and a big project the SOL boys will be working on for Kin. FYI Joey and Mason represent Kin, so does Shaun Unwin, and Richie. So look out for this major project along with some hardcore Kin marketing to smack everyone back in the face sometime in the comming year. It’s fucking exciting.

What happened to the KinRol frames, and why haven’t you tried to re-release them?

The Kin frames where pretty gnarly. Pure solid UHMW and basically where a huge hit and got us a lot of attention. The situation was that my partner had to hand make each pair out of a solid block of uhmw. This is extremely time consuming, and I think to create one set it took him close to 3 hours of work. Factor in the amount the UHMW cost in the first place, and the amount we would sell them to shops for and basically he was working for free. So he didn’t want to continue. We had emails from like Australia and the UK for these frames. People wanted them so badly. I still have a pair on my 01 remz, they lasted so fuckin long it was insane. Basically I would love to rerelease them, but I would need more money to back it up. I have some changes I’d like to make to the design to lighten them up, and I’d like to get a faster and more efficient way to create them in order to pump them out for the demand. Until then though, they won’t be available.

The Kin frame had alot of similarities to the 50/50 cores in the basic structure. Did you see and recognition for that?

No, I didn’t. Who knows what the deal with that is, it’s a totally different frame, with an aluminum skeleton and totally different plastic and construction. The only similarities where the freestyle set up and the groove within the groove wich I had not seen on any other freestyle frames untill ours. I don’t really care at all to receave any recognition for it personally (Shaun Unwin and Mark McElhinney where the ones who accually designed the Kin frame). The fifty/50’s seem like really gnarly frames, I’d like to try a pair.

What is the Gong Show? And are you associated with it in any way?

Hell yeah dude. Gong Show was my idea to get people to come to Edmonton to party and skate. This year was the 4th annual Kin event, and that past 2 years it just happened to be called the gong show, because all of these rollerbladers are like best friends you see once a year, then we get together and it turns into a shit storm, especially when alcohol and bars are involved. So it’s going to stay the “Gong Show” cause it best represents what happens.

How did you get involved with undercover wheels and creating the designs for their wheels?

I kind of lucked out. Richie went pro for USD and Undercover, and they all work under Powerslide. They mentioned they needed a new web guy and he mentioned me. So I started working on the Undercover page and Ricardo just asked me if I wanted to take a crack at the Carlos wheel. I was like “Fuck yeah man, Carlos is awsome, and one of my fav pro’s.” So I basically knew what he would like, being the bad ass banger he was, I figured a severed head and graveyards would be fuckin gnarly. And yeah he REALLY loved it. I was really pumped to see a design of mine on a wheel. That type of work was a pipedream for me since I was 14.

Do you have any other project lined up with undercover, besides the Ricardo Lino wheel design (which was not used) and the Carlos Pianowski wheel?

At this point no I don’t, Richie mentioned to me that I could help him with his wheel. I’d love to do that. Richie’s my boy.

Is it exciting to know that kids are going to be rolling on something you created?

You bet man, gives me a boner hahaha.

You have currently been asked to help assist with the USD website, what exactly is your job? And will there be anything new and exciting on it, or any ideas you may have for it?

I will be creating the entire site, graphically and making it all work.

Can we have a date for when that site will be up?

Hard to say, there are some issues with the team that need to be worked out. And you also have to factor in getting all of the product shots and descriptions as well as rider info in on time.

While on the topic of USD, I know Richie Eisler got signed to their pro team do you think this helps Canada get some recognition within the industry, and do you think Richie is the best man to represent us?

Oh yeah, I think it’s fucking great! And Richie is like the perfect pro for any company man. So many pros get lazy and just don’t provide feedback on products ect. Richie gets involved. And in an industry that is pretty unprofessional Richie really changes that and brings his truth and honest opinions to the table. That stuff companies respect and cherish. If I could pick anyone that deserves it the most in Canada it’s definatly Richie, the guys just so fucking good, and down to earth. Yeah you’ll meet totally amazing rippers, but do they have a good head on their shoulders? Are they full of themselves? Are they good people and reliable? That’s stuff major companies really need to consider when sponsoring a pro.

I hear your working on the Kizer site as well? Any information you can share on that project?

Yeah I’m also doing the Kizer site, basically Mattius from Powerslide wants me to be the main web guy for these companies, and hire me on to provide weekly/monthly updates to the sites. It’s a dream come true, something I told myself I always wanted to do, stars aligned and I just got hooked up. Like I said earlier they really respect professionalism, and I also bring that to the table with my work. It’s time to grow up and be serious you know?

Do you have any information about Better than Baseball?

Yeah when it comes out…. BUY IT! Honestly, it’s amazing. It will be sold in bulk orders through our site www.kinrolco.com mainly for shops. We will be like the distribution site for them. So tell your local shops to order them when they come out! This video is even better than Cirque De SOL, its a video about these guy’s love for skating, about how much fun they have doing it, and about all of their friends. A real big change from the video fad’s of people acting hard and trying to be thuggish and mad at everything with a constant point to prove. There is no point here, the point is that rollerblading is fuckin fun, and you should try it. I have a friend of my gf’s from New York here in Edmonton right now, he skated hardcore untill 01/02, I showed him Clip 3, then Better than Baseball, and he got soooooooo juiced to start back up thanks to BTB, he thinks that video is the shit. I’m giving him my copy so he can show people in NY. Theres something about the SOL videos, they capture something that has never been captured in any skate video. And I think thats why they are just so fucking entertaining and good. I LOVE IT AND I LOVE THOSE GUYS!

How do you feel about the Carolina hurricanes, and their cup robbing ways?

HAHAHHAHA!!! I think it was probly the best for Edmonton, after all of those riots on whyte ave, if we had won, I think our city would have imploded!!!! HAHAHA but yeah the Carolina Goalie is from my home town (Kam Ward) so basically Edmonton won! Haha, yeah it sucked pretty bad, mainly because I know our fans care 1000 x more about hockey than the average Carolina resident. So that was the harshest thing.

Shout outs?

Yeah, shout out to Richie for gettin me involved in Powerslide, the SOL boys for promoting Western Canada and Canada in general in such a great way, my Girl Bunz for being pumped for me and rollerblading, Outaline, Dekalz, D-Structure and Roll East for supporting Kin Rol and selling our gear, Shaun Unwin for being the nicest man on the planet and reminding me of how kind the human spirit can be hahaha it’s a great thing, everyone who’s my friend, without the influence of all of these people collectively who knows how I would have turned out, all of the flakey people that quite rollerblading honestly thank you for leaving we will be much better off with out you, and last but not least thanks to the guys who created boots with wheels on the base. Keep on keepin on everyone, roc kin roll !

***Link to Flickr for pictures HERE***

-Nick.D

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