7.25.10
Ask Ivan Narez:
From Steven "Johnsey" Johns
Valo-brand.com . Themgoods.com . Valo4life.com
7.25.10
Ask Ivan Narez:
From Steven "Johnsey" Johns
My Q is what type of camera do you use ? Lens? I'm trying to get into filming as a hobby other than tattooing professional and skating and wanted to know what's a good starter camera? Like a GL2 or Fx7? Would HD be they way to go?
Right now I’m pretty much filming most of the stuff with the Panasonic hvx-200 and the 5d mark2. For the hvx I use the century optics fisheye and have some stuff with the letus 35mm adapter. For the 5d it’s whatever nice lens I could get my hands on. If you wanted a starter cam right now the way to go is definitely HD cams. Canon came out with a new camera called the t2i(550d) which is pretty good for its cost. The video looks nice if you keep it on tripods or have a stabilizing system, or if you want a real video camera, not a dslr hybrid. Which im still not fully sold on the dslr revolution, than you can look into the vixia canon camera. You can zoom with them and also move around without it looking like jello. My mom has the hv30 and my girlfriend has the t2i so I got both bases covered. Let me get a tattoo!
Thanks
Steven "Johnsey" Johns
From Jose
Dear Mr. Narez,
There has been footage of you running around in a Panama hat, pictures of you in Panama. Would you like to explain why it is that you are obsessed with Panama, and why it is that you secretly wish that you were Panamanian?
Well first and foremost I would like to make it clear that I am a mexicano. Which is why the next question will be so thorough. I was born in mexico and moved to the states illegally when I was about 2. Unfortunately I couldn’t swim at the time so I don’t think I got here the way most of my peeps did and at the time it was probably easier than it is now. With the whole Arizona shit going down. But to get to your question, a year and a half ago I had the chance to make a trip out to panama with one of my homies for the carnaval deals that go down there. It was super fun, we got to go to the canal, some carnavals, got tanked, I saw the biggest booty ever, and to remember this all I picked up some Panamanian memorabilia, which turned out to be a hat. So I wouldn’t say I wish I was secretly Panamanian, I just like to go with the flow, Plus I got a mexico hat too but sneaky jacked me for it. Oh ya, and to top it all of, my girlfriend is a Panamanian ;) (but she wishes she was Mexican)
From Jero
Describe in detail your recipe for the perfect bowl of Guac.
So lets get down to business. Before I start it off I want to let you know that a sacrificed some of my thumb for this question.
First ingredient, start off with this packet of guacamole mix that you can get at your local store for about a buck.
Next step; throw that shit out the window because if you fucksing with mix to make guac than your a chump.
Ingredients
3 Avocados
2 lemons
2 tomatoes
Cilantro
Onion
Cucumber(optional)
And rock salt
Start off by dicing all your deals up real fine, cops the onion first since that’s usually the worst thing to cut, make sure you wear your AM party shades otherwise your going to cry like a baby. Cut it up super fine because the last thing most people want is to bite into a crucial piece of onion while trying to enjoy a fresh guac tak. Plus, It’s not going to get you any points with the ladies if you reek like onion. I usually cut my tomatoes into 4 sections than dice them from there, so you want them to be small, but not too small. Otherwise you end up disintegrating the mates. Chop up some cilantro, I just grabbed a small amount, probably about a quarter of the whole bunch. Chop that up real fine too. Grab the cucumbers and slice them up real fine Julienne style and than cut the Juliennes to make them small cubes. The cucumbers give you a nice refreshing crisp when you get some in the guac. Most people won’t really notice it is even in there but it makes it taste nicer. Cut up the avocado in half and swivel them out, here comes the dangerous part. Pitting the cad… I normally stab the knife in laying flat into the pit to get it out of the avocado cleanly, but this time it was more than I can handle. So be safe, you could do it with a spoon to but realistically its not as fun. Mash up your cads in a bowl and add the 2 lemons and the rock salt. I like the rock salt because it gives you some extra crunch. Once you have a perfect blend of cads, salt, and lemon, mix in the mates the rest of the ingredients and stir them around with a spoon.
I like to keep my mates in normal chopped size and not mash them with the guac because it adds a nice red color to parts of the mix. If you mash the mates and cods together than you lose that. After you spoon stir them all together taste it for salt, might need some more salt and more lemon and maybe even a bit of pepper.
After you got it down exactly how you want it put it in a nice bowl and make sure you take a picture of it for your collection of food pictures on your Iphone.(you should see mine, I probably have 20 pictures of guac alone on my phone)
Enjoy with some chips, a quesadilla, or a bagel. It makes anything that taste good..taste better. Its even great when you come home from the bar and realize you got a big bowl of guac in the fridge from the morning. So double my amounts and make some extra.
-Ivan
From Florian
what are your favourite recents blade videos ?
I would say the most recent video I have enjoyed was fade nation 2. Had a good feeling.
have you a favourite section from the 4life video ?
Ivan- Not yet, were still in the process of finishing it up so I cant really say I have a favorite yet but if I had to choose its probably going to be the blackout section that’s not yet made, but should be pretty great.
From Peter D
Hello Valo -
Ivan - For as long as I've known you, you've mostly been a pretty clean cut guy (not to be confused with Clean Guy). I mean, you used to shave at least, you even had a shaved head for a while (remember that super vato loco look?) anyway, what made you grow the monster stash? Is your stash influenced by your Hispanic roots? How does your stash effect your rollerblading? Have you given your mustache a name? Have you ever given a mustache ride?
--
-Peter Drozdowski
I think that trying new looks is kind of a way of growing up and finding out what fits you better. After a while you realize what you are most comfortable with and what looked stupid. For example, I don’t think I would go back to the bleached tips days or the massive rat tail, but I would go back to growing out the stash. Unfortunately It has been relieved of its position but plans on coming back soon. I’m not really sure what it is influenced on, It kind of just happened. I would say it makes me look a bit more Mexican which is pretty sweet. It doesn’t affect my blading moreso as it affects my consumption of food. It’s pretty hard to eat something and keep clean. I had to wipe my face about 10 times every sesh and had to avoid going to the hoots for sake of decency. Mustache is nameless and no comment to your last question. My mom might read this.
From Tien
hello this is Tien, brian krans' buddy from iowa.
i got some pretty awesome questions for you.
1.do you think krans can out drink you on tecate? what about whiskey?
2. compare with krans, you cook better or he cooks better?
3. will valo ever visit taiwan?
4. i want some pink souls, will they ever come out?
VALO4LIFE
gracis amigos.
I think krans could probably out drink me entirely, not to make him more of a man than I am because he drinks more, I would say he is more of an alcoholic. I cant really say I have experienced many Krans meals, he was a cook for a while so the last thing he wanted to do was come home and cook some more. I usually cook about 3-4 times a week so I wouldn’t say im a better chef but, im a better chef..
3. No
(just kidding, Taiwan seems like a sick place, we gotta do a valo asia tour!)
4. I don’t think they will ever come out to the general public, but I have seen some floating around the house here. If I ever meet you and think you’re nice enough, than I could probably pull some strings and get them since I don’t see bsmith riding them anytime soon.
Hey bro it's Jeff Asi just wanted to whats up bro and to know how is it working with the valo team, going too all parts of the world to film?
Its pretty much the coolest thing ever, Making the video has been an amazing experience and I have done things I would have never dreamed of. Plus all the dudes is homies so it’s even better. I grew up with victor when he used to live across the street, and bsmith and jj were always norcal homies. The rest of the dudes are dope too so its always a good time.
Signing off
-Ivan
6.22.10
Ask Victor Arias Now Online:
From: Johnny
Q: When valo team coming to new York?
sup johnny, seems like it wasnt that long ago that the dudes were there! i unfortunatley couldnt make it to NY with the rest of the team on that trip, but i'd like to go soon.....ive actually never skated new york, i know the A's have a game against the yankees in august, me and a homie were talkin bout it,would be pretty tight to go to the game and rock an A's hat in yankee stadium! hahaha
OAKLAND!!!!
From Cavin
who of the 2 girls in the paradiso u liked more...
?whats paradiso?
HMMMMM........i'd have to say neither cavin, MY lady looks way better! they look 16 anyways, im not tryna be the next star on "To Catch a Predator"!
From: Brian Krans SF, Ca.
Yo Vic! Could you be so kind as to answer a question for me: what's your secret for lacing all of those sick negative variations you seem to have no difficulty in lacing on big ass rails?
Thank you for your time, good sir. Stop by more often.
kransberry! just be confident and dont think about it too much, let your mind go blank, u have to have the personality of a piece of paper, believe in being "ONE" with the spot............and if that doesnt work theeeennnnn oh well, next cutty sark' is on me!
From: Chyal
wat up baller?
when u guys coming up to oregon and washington again (battleground skatepark specifically)?! id love to skate with you guys.
whats good mang, im almost positive we're hittin oregon for STYD2....not sure if battleground skatepark is on the agenda or not, but i def. wouldnt mind goin back there.......park was hella fun!
From: Ben Beckett
Hi my name is Ben i live in England
first off i love the Mazda you drive in your edit by Vinny Minton it looks so sick
But my question is what do you look for in a skate and why?
Thanks
whats goins on ben, what do i look for in a skate...?
comfort, solidness, durability,support and ofcourse it has to look good! its very important that your skates are visually appealing, they gotta be laced up the right way, symetrical, color coordination.........all that!
>From Jeff:
How is your style so clean and good? How can i make mine more stylish and good?
to be honest with u it was kinda weird for me.....i used to be 5ft.7 FOREVER! then all of a sudden i just shot up to 6ft.1 so my style was weird for a momment, but once u skate more n' more u just kinda get comfortable and it starts comin more naturally!
u wanna make ur style better? u just gotta learn to rollerblade before u can "rollerblade".......skate around ur block, practice skating fakie lookin over both shoulders, carve bowls, watch videos, im not saying COPY the people in videos but i always found that watching stylish skaters helps too, i came up watchin vinny skate and i was always juiced how he made everything look so effortless so it made me wanna do that too!
From Yuuki - TX
Hey Vic!
Who inspires you to keep progressing in the game, and on that note as of today who is your favorite roller? .. You look mad tall but your skates always look baby size, whats up with that? Size 7 toecut?
I'll end it with you are the most technical skater I've ever seen, you are nuts man. Keep shredding.
knowing that i got people supporting me that have the same vision,all the homies out there on the sessions(J.S.F Family) seein' julio, and Hertel workin to make this industry go in the right direction, theyre out there workin to make their companys better so of course ima bust my ass for the company!
favorite roller at the momment would have to be E.S.G....and of course the all time favorite Loui Zamora!
nah i dont be rockin size 7's, shits is way to small for me!.....i fuckswit size 9's!
Thanks yuuki, i really appreciate it!!
From ESG
Hey Victor, my name is ESG. I wanted to ask you, where does the term " Sa La" come from? I always hear you saying it and I was also curious to know what it meant? By the way, I think you're one of the best skaters I have ever met and hope to be your friend one day!!
Valo4Life!! (in my best Itchy voice I can make)
aight, lemme break it down, we in the bay area consider ourselves inovators of slang, if we didnt make it up, we make it better! so in specifics the term "Sa La" was originally "whats up" which evolved into "sup", which evolved into "saaa", which evolved into "saap blood" which evolved into "saa bluh", which transformed into " SAAA LLAAAAAA"
so you see, Saa Laaaa rolls off the toungue a lil' better then "Whats Up Blood".....SIMPLE!
thanks ESG! JSF4LiFe
From Charlie
see everyone rocking creates these days and it reminds me of when able first hit the scene. What are your (true) thoughts on able? And why are creamy chicken top ramens the shiznittobamsnipsnapsam?!
charlie the tuna,
Creates are the shit thats why, no way around it, by far best frame on the market!!!!
ABLE.....able was what it was, it was fun while it was there, all the homies rode for em' vinny,austin,franco,tory,ivan,ross..etc. all thing must come to an end though. dawg.......why u blowin up my creamy chicken spot, u cant just be givin out my secrets like that holmes, i prefer to stay underground!!!!!
From Pablo Davie Fl,
Hey Victor A., my name is Pablo Porta from Davie, FL.....but enough about me, Do you think its possible to go through years of skating without breaking any bones or serious injury?
ayyy pablo, i guess its possible but ur gonna have to be super carful and very cautious of what you do. i actually remeber having a conversation with jeph howard not to long ago and he was tellin me that in all the years hes been skating hes never broken a bone before......sooo, i guess it IS possible.....but you never know whats in the cards for ya!
From Gnaf
This to Victor Arias : Looking for title / interpret music from the Arias/Narez part in Able - Out of the Dard DVD, thanks !
Gnaf i have no idea what that song is called or who sings it, so i dont think i can interperet it for you either.......your gonna wanna talk to sean engler or dunkle bout that one!
From Rodrigo. from Santiago de Chile
hey Victor, how are you?! my question is, are you latino? I mean, you look so latino bro, and your name too, hablas español? hahaha
and, have you any plan to come to South America on tour? we expect that badly!
greet from Chile!
whats goins on rodrigo, im doin real good actually............YES, im 100% Mexican! i was born in Guadalajara,Jalisco Mexico and grew up goin back n' forth from a lil' town outside of there near Chapala (Pueblo Nuevo) and nor-cal. si, hablo español muy bien...aunque aveces no parece jaja
seems like alot of people are visiting south america lately, looks like a blast, i'd love to get out there soon!
Saludos a todos de chile!!!
-Victor
PEACE OUT everyones, thanks for the questions.
-Victor
6.16.10
ASK VICTOR ARIAS!
Send him your questions to:
Get@themgoods.com
6
.12.10
We just added our 4Life World Premiere Countdown Ticker...
^^^^
4Life World Premiere
At the
Victoria Theatre
Victoriatheatre.org
9:00 PM
October 29th, 2010
San Francisco, Ca.
More details to come..
6.6.10
ASK ERIK BAILEY
NOW ONLINE!
From Alex:
Yo dude I am A.Verbenko I skate VALO and I am from Estonia you probably dont know this country but anyway you are freaking awesome skater and I wanted to ask, will you do some new edits in this year that will blow my head again, if you do then for what video and when!!?????!! Thank you ! Valo4Life Yeah !
EB: Hey Alex, Of coarse I know of Estonia. That's where Encino man is from. I'm always working on some new edits. I have been wrapping up my 4Life part which should be out in late October. Plus, I've been stacking clips with Erik Bill. Not really sure what for yet.
From Nick:
Hey bro. I've been blading Valo since day one. Can u give me a tip I can do handrails and all that shit but i have trouble when there higher then usually. how do u jump so high.
EB: Hey Nick, To be honest, I don't really know. I just gradually worked my way up. Pulling up your legs as high as you can is almost as important as the jumping.
From Hafiz Hyena of Singapore:
Hey Erik Bailey! Firstly I'd like to say I like how you dress,even with all that skating you definitely look the best AND THAT HAIR DOES IT EVEN GET MESSY?!?!?Secondly is Valo ever gonna come over to Asia you know to Soichiro's country and the rest??Hope you have a good day and send regards to rest.Valo4Life
EB: Thanks Hafiz, That's why I use Lay Rite or Murrays. I was in Hong Kong two years ago for almost a month. Where were you? I'd really like to get out there ASAP. How are the spots out there in Singapore?
From Endless Dreams Lakewood,CA:
What's up man, you're one of my favorite skaters and I love your style. I was just wondering if it bothers you that Gregory Preston is drawing right now as your reading this?
EB: I can't say it bothers me one bit. Draw on amigo.
From Chris Kerr -Ireland:
Erik,What was your first ever skate video? If you can remember! Have to say, mine was The Hoax.
Chris K, Ireland
EB: Hey Chris, My first was Vertical Axis. It came out in 93' I think. It was mostly just vert filmed from the deck.
From Ondrej CZ:
Hello to Mr. Bailey! I want to start this off by thanking you because in the beginning you and Brosky pretty much influenced me and then I got my first pair of skates. But to the questions: 1. Do you get on well with your brothers? 2. What is your favourite trick? 3. And have you ever helped with building concrete bowl? 4. And have you ever met King Khan or Marc Sultan personally?:) Guess that's everything off the top of my head and hope to see another great STYD tour:) because the first one was the greatest tour video I've seen.
Ondrej CZ
EB: Hey Ondrej, I don't have any brothers, just 3 sisters and yes.. we all get along great. My favorite trick would have to be a true makio. They just look nice. I used to lay cement here and there, never at a skatepark though. I haven't met either of those dudes, but I'd like to.
From Erik Bill:
1. If you could bring any Idaho O.G. back into skating to session everyday with us, who would it be?
EB: Danny Urresti, R.I.P. homie
2. When are you going to get an old pick-up truck?
EB: ASAP
3. How do you feel about those who can squirt?
EB:I don't know what your saying but, yeah, I feel fine about it.
From William Garcia USAF:
Bailes,
You are one bad@ss mofo, what’s the secret behind great steaks ??? Steve McQueen or Paul Newman??
and How much for the Triumph??
haha Besides that I just wanted to give you a little praise. The new king of cool, seriously. Favorite skater, I think that you handle yourself at a professional level and still skate for the fun and love of it. Can’t wait for your sesh in 4Life and stick to the folk music scene, Woody Guthrie folk festival July 14-18 Try to make it out.
It’d be boss to get to meet you one day.
William F. Garcia, USAF
Sheppard AFB TX
EB: Thanks for your service William. The secret behind good steaks would be using a rub instead of marinades. Spade el ranch does the trick and not overcooking. I prefer mine rare. Steve McQueen. For you, 3,000 bucks. Thanks for the kind words. I would love to make it out there for the Folk Fest. Maybe one of these days.
From Louie Martz:
Oh hey Erik, just wandering why you rep Buckley so hard, when you knowI am the realest cat alive? -Louie Martz
EB: Louie, Its probably because you pissed in my suitcase and would knock on my window at 4 in the morning.
From Christopher Bray:
Erik-Can I stay at your house this summer for a Blade B Que?
With Love--Christopher Bray
EB: Chris, Absolutely, Anytime. No freeloading though.
From Hugo:
Hi Mr Bailey:
Is your next pro skate gonna have some real improvements?Because the shape of your skate feel strange I m pretty sure you got a different shell under your skin!! Why valo don't try new things with the Roces Fifth element shell??I will kill for some white eb1 or the black one because material were 10 time stronger as my TV2.PLease Mr Julio make a re edition of those eb1!! Hope next valo tour will come in my city in France!
EB: Sup Hugo, Yes, it's gonna be full of improvements. The shell is the same, it's the liner and the tongue that'll be different. I'm not a fan of the 5th element shell but be on the lookout for new things to come.
From Omri Baum:
Hey Erik,You are my favorite blader, I like your rolling style, its awesome!
I have a problem when I'm tring to do a tops tricks (like fish, top-soul, top-asid, top-porn, alley opp top-soul and more...) with my valo's.
May you give me a reference?
Best regards,
Omri Baum.
EB: Hey Omri, Thanks, You have to learn to really commit. It's in the knees and the hips just as much as bending your ankle. Lots of practice too. It'll come with time.
From Francois -Montreal:
Hi Erik,What do you think of Taig Khris' guiness world record?
Thank you
François from Montréal
EB: Let me get a shot at that.
From Arturo of Spain:
What's up Erik, I want to ask you if you will think to go to Palma de Mallorca. The island has many good spots ;)
You should come here, you know.
P.S:Good work at VLC OPEN and I hope see you again.
Arthur.
EB: I was supposed to go this last trip. I'd still really like to make my way out there. Thanks Arthur
From Victor Nguyen Torrance, CA:
hi! i just wanted to ask if you grab the same way you spin, and do you skate your skates with a toe cut? thanks :D
EB: Hey Vic, I can grab both ways just as easy. I kind of prefer the reverse grabs more. I don't cut the toe. I rock em the way they come out the box.
From Michael Talecki:
Whats up Eric, Ivan hooked me up with most of song that were used in STYD and told me you were the one that chose the music, really liking The Felice Brothers now haha, so I gotta ask, what else do you listen to, or better yet, what are some good bands to check out?
- Mike Talecki, HTX.
EB: I listen to so much different stuff. It depend on the time and my mood. I guess my favorites would have to be: The Sonics, Check Berry, James Brown, Townes Van Zandt, Dylan, Van Morrison, Dick Dale, Roky Erickson, Hounddog Taylor, JB Hutto, Gene Vincent, and Hank Williams. I could go on and on.
From Nicholas:
do you like nicholas swan? what about erik bill? come to salt lake dood
breh
EB: Yes, yes and Yes
From Pete Bailey:
Erik, Why are you so handsome? You must look like your Dad.
EB: I don't know, Yeah, I kind of look like him.
Wish I acquired his fishing skills, though.
From Paul:
Is this the generation of Rollerbladers that can get us back the exposure the sport desperately needs to survive?
You obviously skate for a skater-owned company but do you think non skater owned also has a place in the industry? People make so much noise about skater owned that it almost seems like we are shunning the outside world.
Finally, with Valo spending so much time on tour what has been your favourite city you have visited?
Paul Cargill,
Scotland
EB: Hey Paul, Good Questions. I like to think this is the generation that can save it. I feel this generation loves blading more than its predecessors. Exposure won't necessarily save us though. It can help spread the word but what we need is a culture. We need to make sure the people getting exposure are the right ones. Sorry Taig, but that should have been Haffey.
Obviously, a skater owned company is naturally going to be better. They are more hands on and will understand the ins and outs of the industry as well as putting back into it. I don't feel the non skater owned companies put in enough or have a good vision of what blading can be. My favorite city would have to be San Francisco. The weather is perfect.. You can find any kind of food.. The coffee, Dolores Park, so much good stuff.
From George:
Whats up bailey? Why are you the Man?
EB: Just hanging out answering these questions. I don't know, I never really thought about it. Thanks though
From George Sakoulas:
Hi Erik,
This question is coming from Greece and is compound, regarding the industry... Do you feel there is enough support in the industry for the amount of skaters who hold their skating to a higher standard like Valos' pro team and others (Am teams too)? Where is there a greater need for growth in blading the industry or athletes and where do you think that growth will come from?
Best Regards,
George Sakoulas
EB: Hey George, It's hard to say. There are a lot of really good kids out there. There are also some not so good sponsored kids. I personally wish, us over here at Valo, could give kids who are truly good more opportunity. I can't really speak for other companies who don't understand what good blading is. We need more people on blades. It can come from a all types of outlets. Youtube, Thursday night skates, Your local skateshop. Only time will tell.
From ET of England:
Erik you seemed to have changed your dress sense slightly in 2010, from not folding your jeans up, wearing plaid shirts, beanies and also just letting your hair just hang. How has this new style come about, where you fold your jeans up, grease you hair back etc. and do you think it makes you look better when skating.
From E.T. in LONDON.
EB: Hey ET, That's quite observant. I guess it started on the STYD tour. I needed a haircut. I called up Carl Sturgis and asked if his girlfriend could cut my hair. She said yes but only if she could cut it the way she wanted. She did such a fine job that I just kept running with it. I have always folded my jeans, though. That just goes hand in hand with being short. Thinking it looks better when I skate hasn't even crossed my mind. I just do what makes me feel comfortable.
From Christian from Denmark :
Hey mr. Bailey. You rock.Who is your favorite roller besides yourself? Also, when are you coming to Denmark?
EB: Hey Christian, My favorite blader would have to be Julio. He's not even slowing down.
I'm probably not going to make it there this summer. Maybe next year. Say Hello To Kare for me.
Thanks for all the Questions everyone!
6.4.10
Ask Erik Bailey COMING SOON..submit your questions now to: get@themgoods.com
Just got this random pic from Dan L.-
Mike V repping with some Better than Baseball sheeit.
-Dan
Click image
6.2.10
Ask Erik Bailey!
Send him your questions here:
get@themgoods.com
5.29.10
ASK B SMITH
NOW ONLINE!
From Jordan from WA
Hey man! I've been really inspired by the whole Valo team, but I'm 21 and being a passionate competitor I fear that I'm too late in the game to make it pro. How hard was it for you to push yourself to get pro or did it just come over time from enjoying rolling. Did you ever sit down and say you wanted to get better or did you just live in the moment and things came naturally. Hope to see you guys in Seattle soon! P.S BS needs a pro boot.
BS: Keep shredding for fun, and one day it could happen! As long as you’re having fun, you’re going to be pushing yourself, thus getting better at blading. To be honest I was never worried about going pro. I just focused on having fun and keeping up with the tricks my friends were doing.
From CP from Denmark
Hey Mr. Smith. You are awesome! Do you blade everyday? If yes, how many hours? When did you start blading?
BS: I started ripping in 1994. I was blading before, but only for transportation and roller hockey. Some kids in my neighborhood waxed up a curb and would shred for hours on end, so I decided to follow the crowd and got hooked. I try to skate everyday but that doesn’t always work out. In my old age, I’ve realized that I appreciate blading a lot more when I have a balance of both blading and non-blading activities going on in my life. Things like riding my motorcycle and spending a lot of time with my old lady have been helping to keep the blade game exciting for me lately.
From Noel
Hey bsmith. my name is noel. big valo fan. my question is how do you do those advanced tricks and make them look effortless? . do you try to blade like that or has it came naturally over the years?
BS: There’s only one way I know how to blade and that’s the way I do it. If I wanted to skate like someone else, I couldn’t. After blading for some many years, the way I do my tricks has become second nature. I guess the only reason they look effortless is because it’s become so natural for me. Thanks for the compliment!
From Andrea Correnti-Lund
What are your favorite bearings, frames and wheels?
BS: Themgoods Swiss. Create Originals or stock Valo frames. Wheels are tricky… For now I skate whatever Justin from Amall sends me.
From Hooi from Malaysia
Hi B.Smith. Why do you look so relaxed while you’re skating. Even when you pull out a big trick ur face still looks relax.
BS: It’s easy to look relaxed when you are relaxed! I’ve spent so much time on my blades, I feel just as comfortable blading as I do walking. That, and I’m good at hiding my emotions.
From Damani Rawlins
Yo Man B your so ill dude. You’re the reason I got into photography. Um so question a little lame but how often do you skate man. And when you first started skating what was your first trick? I’ve got a plethora of questions. What is your favorite trick. When is your pro boot going to drop? What first got you into taking photos. What camera are you using?
BS: Thanks dog. I always like to hear about new shredder/shooters popping up out there! I skate 4 or 5 days a week. My first real trick was a soul grind on a little curb. Back in the day you had to start with the fundamentals. Favorite trick is a backslide. Pro boot is on the backburner, simmering at a low heat. All the OG Blade photographers got me interested in shooting photos, especially Busta, Schude, Mike G and Wes Driver. Recently I’ve been shooting with a Pentax k1000 for personal use, and a Canon 5d mark II for everything else.
From Matt, Dublin IRL
Valo is a big fan of coffee and beer, but if it came down to it and you could only have one for the rest of your days, which would it be?
BS: Call me a pussy, but I would have to say coffee. Coffee stimulates the brain and promotes healthy work habits. Plus you never said anything about Irish or Mexican coffee.
From Jan Katsner
Hei ho mr. Fakie ;) I like your style very much. What about a pro skate from you? Do you listen to music when you skate? What kind of music? Greets
BS: Thanks! I listen to music only when I’m skating by myself, which happens to be a lot. I lisen to all sorts of music from Dylan to Black Sabbath to CCR to The Temptations.
From Richard Smith
Ive been skating a couple of years now and whilst i can get 540's they are never very smooth and they often require a lot of luck that i get round in time to land. I was wondering if you had any advice for me for getting them smooth in the air and maybe adding in a little grab too.
BS: Well you’re already pulling by that last name of yours, so we should be able to sort you out in no time. If you are under rotating, that means you need to boost higher which means more speed. I’m sure it sounds scary, but that’s what practice is for. And believe it or not, grabbing will help you spin faster and get your rotation around. And don’t forget… it doesn’t count unless you grab it.
From Devin Mcallester
Hey Brandon. I have a couple questions for you. First, are you going to get a pro skate soon? If so, when will it come out? Second, is there going to be a Shred Till Your Dead 2? By the way, I have watched Shred TYD the online version at least 8 times. You killed it with your clean lines and smooth style.
BS: Shred II is on the drawing board. Right now were figuring out everyone’s schedules and what not. We’re also sorting out the money situation. Most people don’t realize the video was not for profit, and the trip is really expensive to do. Each video sale from http://shredtilyouredead.bigcartel.com/ helps.
From Ian McGlynn
Do you think style is the most important aspect of rollerblading?
BS: The most important aspect of rollerblading is having fun. The most important aspect of being a professional is style.
From Miguel
Yo b smith! Word up bro, my name is miguel ibañez i`m from venezuela, dude I really like the way you set your skates up, so i wanna know if you cut toe your skates, and if you do or if you donñt whats your opinion on that? thanx men
BS: Yes I do. I actually size down to a 7 US and cut the toe which keeps my feet snug and allows me to ride the smaller shell which gives me a better feeling and more control.
5.24.10
ASK SOICHIRO KANASHIMA:
NOW ONLINE
From Taylor
Dude Soichiro!! why are you so sick? and what size skate do you wear? and you guys should make a trip to Utah one time
-taylor
ITCHY Translated by Ivan Narez: We asked Itchy why he is "so sick" four times.. His response is "I dont know"..But we all know why he's so sick!
He wears size 8 US skate.
From "liSten, So yOu cAn leaRn"
ogenki desuka soichiro san
ITCHY Translated by Ivan Narez: Itchy's answer is "Genkidesuyo"
From Jose Banda
Hey Soichiro how u doing? hope fine, are you guys planning to skate in MADrid on the 23th or on the 24th or both? maybe we could arrange a nice session not full of people, i guess u are filming, i know all differents kind of spots around here, ok thanx
Jose.
ITCHY Translated by Ivan Narez: I'm fine. No , I am flying home to Okayama Monday the 24th. But the rest of the Valo team will be at Seruada on Monday at 1PM
5.20.10
ASK ALEX BROSKOW:
From Jonas Halbe
Hey Alex.
so, i have some questions for you...
do you listen music if you skate? if yes, what kind of music?
whats your foot size? well i´m 46 my skates are heavy weights...
and why do you ride valo?
so, thats it. sorry for my bad english, but i´m german.
Jonas
AB: SOMETIMES I JAM TUNES WHEN I BLADE. ONLY IF IT'S A SOLO SESH. MOSTLY I'LL LISTEN TO THE BASEBALL GAME ON MY RADIO HEADSET... RIGHT NOW I'M BLADING SIZE 7s.. VALOS ARE SIMPLY THE BEST IN ALL ASPECTS.
From Dewi Roberts
MATE!
you are like, a legend. just wondering if you ever skate in wales, i know you just toured and went to liverpool, but come to wales man! and where can i get the blue AB1's apart from the valo site, cause the postage is a piss take.
tewi x
AB: THANKS DUDE. I'VE BLADED IN WALES A FEW TIMES. WITH RICHARD TAYLOR.. NOT SURE WHERE YOU CAN GET SOME BLUES.. GOOGLE THAT SHIT.
From Nathan Wallace
Hey Alex, I think I heard you say one time in a interview about being a hockey fan, and i'm from michigan and we are hockey die hards for our redwings. I was just wondering what your favorite team is?
Thanks guys!
AB: I'M DEF A HOCKEY FAN. SINCE I GREW UP IN KC WHERE WE DON'T HAVE A NHL TEAM I WAS ABLE TO BE DOWN WITH MANY TEAMS.. RIGHT NOW I'M GOING WITH THE BLACKHAWKS BUT I LIKE MANY MORE..
From metalarms1100
When's 4life comin out to dvd/blueray?
AB: HALLOWEEN DOG. HOPEFULLY VHS. CAUSE I DON'T GOTS BLURAY
From Mat Deschaneaux
Whatsup Alex, Just wonderin if you have any plans for the AB.2 sometime in the future? Anyways, VALO4LIFE! Keep rolling bro.
From,
Mat Descheneaux
P.S. where do you get your shoes from?haha
AB: YEAH AB2s WILL BE GOING DOWN SOMETIME. NO REAL PLANS YET BUT I'M SIKED FOR EM... MY HOMIE CHRIS WORKS AT A SHOE STORE AND HE HOOKS IT UP. BUT IF YOUR LOOKING FOR SOME TOP OF THE LINE SNEAKS CHECK OUT ST. ALFRED.
From Joe Dias from St. Louis
AB,
What's your favorite book and why?
Sincerely,
Joe Dias, St Louis
AB: GOOSEBUMPS... ANY OF EM
From Mrph loaded
What tha f**k hapened to your tooth? :)
Peace!
Martin from Slovenia
AB: CHIPPED IT BLADING WHEN I WAS LITTLE DUDE. THEN KEPT BREAKING IT BLADING. THEN BROKE IT EATING A POWERBAR AND SAID FLUFF IT..
From Tony
To Alex broskow
Hey..Im a 14 Year old skater from Bronx new york..Just wanted to let u Kno skating haves changed my life dramaticly From skool work all the way To the problems at my House..When i feel everything is happening Wrong in my Life i Just Pick up my valoss and Go to the skate Park and see people having the same Struggles as me makes me feel that im not the only one..Just wanted to thank u For making Ab.1s And Erik baily for making Eb.1s the best skate on the market also for keeping blading in the right direction with youre Steez lol..Hopefully one day i would be Am for Valo..Hope u get to read this..Peace Geeeeeeeee
Tony
AB: KEEP THE BLADES ON YOUR FEET HOMIE.
From Nick Fortin
Hey wazzup, just woundering what you do to jump so high, i keep trying but its just not working... :( ?!?
Keep rolling your GREAT !!!
Thanks
-NICk-
AB: I RIDE A BIKE... THANKS DUDE.
From Claudio Junior Pereira
what's up alex
so, will you go to the x-games 2010?
I'm your big fan
bye
AB: MOS DEF WILL NOT ATTEND XGAMES. I'D JUMP THE MEGA THOUGH. I'M TRYING TO SESH THAT QP.
From Jamie Kovach
Alex,
In the recent portraits of you and the team I've noticed you doing an upside down middle finger symbol. Are you consciously testing the blade community to see how long it takes for this hand symbol to catch on?
4life
J
AB: FRK
From Maxime Lanthier
Alright, so my question is : What are the things in our industry (brand/style,etc...) that you think should dissapear. If there are any, why?
Thanks!
Maxime Lanthier
VALO4LIFE
AB: SWEATS. BBALL SHORTS. DUDES OWNING/RUNNING BRANDS THAT DON'T BLADE. PEOPLE NOT PUTTING ANYTHING BACK INTO IT.
From John Lovegrove
To broskers !! Who do you think should get a pro valo skate next ??
Sent from my iPhone
AB: YOU TELL ME
From Sam Bradley
Hey mate just saw you were open to questions so I thought Id send a couple over.
Did you dig the aussie tour and any plans to come back? I saw you shreddin a bit at rampfest in melbourne but I had a broken leg so couldnt roll with ya.
How did you chip your front tooth? I did the same thing smacking my face on some coping and got some mighty ceramic fangs now. and lastly
How does it feel to outsteeze most rollerbladers by just hopping off a curb?
You are taking rollerblading exactly where it needs to go I think, interesting spots, mach 10 bombing, total control and pure technicality, much respect...
If you can be bothered to wade through my grom questions then type away mate it would be mad to hear from one of my all time champs!
peace, Sam Bradley
ps back pud to true makio was some cheat code shit, im still shocked 3 days later haha
AB: THANKS MANG. I REALLY ENJOYED THE OUTBACK. I'M A FAN OF CROCODILE DUNDEE SO IT WAS GOOD TO SEE WHERE HE CAME FROM. AND HANGING WITH THE HOMIES TIEN. ROBBIE. GAV. MEETING DION AND PINKUS... CAN'T WAIT TO GO BACK AUSTRALIA KNOWS WHATS UP
From Doug Lass
what do u see yourself doing in 10 years?
AB: ANSWERING MORE OF THESE QUESTIONS
From Rafael Wynn
Wat inspires u to skate day n and day out? And wat is ur favorite trick? Also wats it like to skate with erick bailey? Ralph
AB: HEY RALPH! ITS HARD TO SAY WHAT INSPIRES ME TO BLADE.. JUST DO IT... FAV TRICK IS A HARD QUESTION TOO BUT I KNOW A MIZU WILL ALWAYS PUT A SMILE ON THE FACE. ERIK RIPS BRO AND WHEN YOU SEE HIM RIPPING YOU JUST WANT TO RIP WITH HIM. SO BLADING WITH ERIK IS DOPE LIKE HIS DOPE!
From andr3RB
Hi Alex, I have just few questions about your tats. Firstly what(or who) is featured on them? Secondly What do they mean to you? Nothing else occurs me right now. Hope you have fun on your Europe tour and thanks and cheers from CZ :)
AB: I GOT MY MOM. ROYALS 85 PENIT. A DAGGER. CITY OF FOUNTAINS LOGO. FOR NOW.. ALL SUPER BASIC MEANINGS.
From Chad Perry
Wat Up AB.1. Its Chad Perry From The Bronx. I wanted To Know, When are you coming you the Bronx to skate? VALO 4 LIFE. Keep Cool. Tell everybody at EU I said What Up!
Peace Out Dogg!
AB: EVERYONE SAYS WHAT UP. ITCHY THOUGHT I SAID JOSH PETTY.. BUT HE KNOWS I SAID CHAD PERRY NOW. IVAN CLEARED IT UP. ERIK WAS PUMPED HE SAID WHAT UP! HOPEFULLY YOU'LL SEE ME SHREDDING DOWN THE STREETS OF THE BRONX REALLY SOON. KEEP A EYE OUT.