Quotes

I practiced the trick in complete darkness first so that when I would do it in the light, the confidence would be there. And it was.

[on growing up] I was always an outcast. When I started skateboarding it was actually not a cool thing to do. We were looked down upon and to the few skateboarders that we had around us I was still not accepted and "cool" enough. I didn't have the right gear and I didn't do the "right" tricks. I actually remember starting up my own skateboard team and recruited all of the misfits and kids that no one wanted in their crews. I essentially formed my own version of the X-Men and I was Professor X. We called ourselves the "Riot" skate crew and we would make a ton of skate videos . These early years were essentially my introduction to filmmaking , creativity, and the whole D.I.Y. lifestyle. I loved it!

Always be yourself. The truth is your individualism is the only true thing you have that's rightfully yours. Be proud of who you truly are and what you really like and are a fan of.

[on life] My complete outlook on life and success stems from skateboarding. You have to learn to accept falling and failing before you can succeed at anything. Failing is a part of the process once you accept that the fear goes away and the confidence grows stronger. Commitment and dedication is everything. Be prepared to fail numerous times and be prepared to earn your glorious success when it finally comes.

[on skateboarding] I used to play a lot of baseball and basketball when I was younger but I was always the kid on the bench that got stuck in left field during the last inning or was a last resort fill in on the court. During these times I experienced a lot of bullying by players and coaches as well. There came a point when I was extremely depressed but skateboarding saved me from that. With skateboarding I was attracted by the fact that I could do what I wanted, how I wanted, whenever I wanted! No sitting on the sidelines, no coaches yelling at me. I was the star and I could learn as many tricks as I wanted. It gave me a complete sense of freedom and accomplishment that I was missing all of my life. I love skateboarding it will never leave me.