Interview by Zach Moeller.
fs wallride p- Jordan Torres
What’s good Christian? What’ve you been up to today?
I just got done doing some work, I’ve been helping some skate buddies out doing tree work. Just got off a little while ago and trying to get back out to skate for a little bit.
You’re from Omaha, what’s it like out there?
It’s the biggest city in Nebraska. It’s a little bit slower living than most cities, but it’s got everything you need. There’s enough population that you can have lots of different friends with different interests. Once you get outside Omaha it gets pretty rural in all directions, lots of corn fields.
What’s up with the skate scene there?
Its had a lot of different phases. There’s always been a strong scene out here, going back to the ‘80s with vert skating. There’s been rad people to come out of Nebraska for sure. I’d say Kevin Wilkins and Joe Hammeke are two of the most influential people in skateboarding that have come from Nebraska. They’ve helped inspire so many others. There’s also a lot of up and coming younger people who are kind of thriving right now.
Some of the photos in this interview were shot in New York. When were you out here and what did you think of the city?
I love New York City, it’s one of my favorite places to go to. Those photos were from my first time out there. We had eight days and it was one of the most ideal first experiences in New York. Everyone had a good time and we had the greatest of hosts. We got to see pretty much everything we wanted to see. We left wanting to not leave. That’s a place I can see myself always wanting to go back and visit whenever I get the opportunity.
kickflip p- Jordan Torres
Have you travelled anywhere else?
For two years prior to Covid I’d go on a Europe trip with a bunch of friends once a year. We’d go to different countries in Europe to skate and film. We’d produce little edits from the trips. Outside of that though I haven’t had too much experience internationally. I really do want to dive back into that now that things are starting to ease back a little bit.
Do you ever plan on leaving Omaha?
You know, I’m definitely at that point, especially after a year of being locked down out here that I’m ready to go see just about anywhere. I love Omaha and can always see myself coming back to this place, but I’m also super interested in seeing some other places that feel like home to me. I lived in California for about 11 years, so I still have tons of great friends out there that I’d love to go and reconnect with.
How has life been for you during the pandemic?
I have been pretty fortunate for sure. I got on unemployment after being furloughed pretty early on. That was super helpful to be able to save up a little bit and figure out what to do from there. With as bad as things can get right now, I don’t think I have anything to complain about. It’s been a slow year, but all things considered I haven’t had any significant loss in my family or friends circle.
ollie p- Cameron Leininger
If skateboarding didn’t exist what would you be doing?
I don’t know. Maybe a lot of other outdoor activities? I already try to diversify what my interests are because I get pretty burnt out if all I do is skate. I for sure want to be doing something on my bike, maybe hiking, just doing different activities that revolve around going outdoors. So I imagine if I wasn’t skating I’d be more invested in different outdoor activities.
Where do you hope to be in 10 years?
That’s a good question. I don’t usually plan too far ahead but I probably should. I’d like to see myself continuing to travel and experience different areas. I’ve been locked down here and in California, so I’d like to see myself bounce around a bit until I’m content. So if it takes 10 years to be content with travelling that’s sick.
Do you have any parting thoughts?
Shout out to all the homies in Nebraska, to Silo Skateshop, and everyone who’s supported the scene. All the homies in Cali too. Two filmer homies, Dino Torres, he’s been one of our main filmer homies, and Dan Rusin from Minniapolis. Two rad dudes. Thanks to you all for reaching out to me. It’s pretty dope to do an interview, I’ve never done one before. It’s a pretty cool experience.
wallride p- Cameron Leininger
