The ‘interview’ Category:
Urban Legend: Owen Hopkins
July 28th, 2010 / No Comments » / by Jonathan Young
The Europeskate site is heading more and more in the direction I’ve always wanted it to – getting skaters, musicians, generally people with the same mind-set as myself to hook up and exchange thoughts and information. That’s why when Chris W. Smith contacted me offering an interview he did with Karma Skateboards team member Owen Hopkins, I gladly accepted – and here it is, enjoy!
You know what the best part of being a journalist is? – I have the freedom to write about not only myself, but the dudes I look up too – In this case we have an interview with a true urban legend, may I introduce to you (just in case you’ve been living under a rock for the last few years!): Mr Owen Hopkins.
When I was younger I used to get the oppourtunity to watch Owen skate a fair bit. Two things made Owens skating instantly recognisable: 1) The pure speed he would hit his tricks at, and; 2) The enthusiasm he had for skating (probably the most enthusiastic skater I’ve ever met!)! Ten year have passed, and Owen shows no signs of slowing down, in fact he goes from strength to strength.
In recent years major mile stones for Owen include obtaining sponsorships from established UK skate labels, filming video parts, and getting his first major (10 pages!) interview in SideWalk Surfer… The future can only get even better!
» Man, myth, urban-legend… But who is Owen Hopkins?
I’m Owen Hopkins, also known by many nicknames! I’m 27 years of age and I’m from Newtown, Powys (Wales, UK) originally, but currently reside in Bristol (UK) – it’s a good place for skating.
» How many years have you been skating? – What do you think inspired you – Like, the initial kick-start?
» Back then, who were your role models?
Definitely some of the older locals of the scene – Toby, Sam and Wylie in particular, when they came out street skating it was like Christmas had come early… Slightly later, Danny Jack was definitely one of my biggest influences – We used to push each other a lot when we first started skating together.
» When was the first time you tried something big/scary/risky?
Hard question, I’m sure everything was scary back then – Maybe the first time I ollied the five set at my old primary school, it was quite long with really rough ground. The first time I did it was on a board signed by Chad Muska, maybe I was inspired!
» With reference to skating, how important is music to you?
Music and skating go hand in hand I feel – the blend between a good song and good skating is magical – a lot of my music taste is down to what I have heard on skate videos over the years. That said though, I don’t really like it when people plug in during a sesh, I find it very anti-social. I like it when there is interaction with the people around when you skate.
» What’s your most “played-out” record?
I’d probably say Ready to Die by Biggie or maybe Dark side of the Moon by Pink Floyd – they are both quality.
» How do you rate the scene in Bristol for live music?
It’s very good but I don’t get much of a chance to sample it at the moment.
» At present, where’s your favorite skate location?
I don’t really have one, there are a lot of good spots in Bristol and everything has been done everywhere, so I am making an effort to find some new stuff to skate in the city – I have found some new stuff lately – just need to drag a filmer or photographer out there sometime soon. There is a new bench and stair spot which I have skated near Temple Meads lately, that is really good but a lot of security. I skated Hereford skatepark yesterday – I would definitely recommend that to anyone.
» Have you ever had any bad experiences with security/the-law/random crack-heads? … Or perhaps, even a turbulent time involving a combination of the said nuisances? (Again, with reference to skating!)
Yeah a few, the worst was when a bunch of guys tanked up on cider and lighter gas rushed this skate-spot in Edinburgh to beat my friend up, because he beat them up earlier for trying to beat him for not giving them a cigarette – He didn’t even smoke! I defended my friend by rugby tackling some guy that was taking him from behind. I held him down but someone stamped on my head and I was out cold until the next day…I can’t remember anything from that day. Apparently skateboards were connecting with a fair few heads after my head got stamped on though!
» What did you have for breakfast this morning? And, is this a fairly typical breakfast for you?
Weetabix! That has always been my breakfast since I learnt to chew!
» When was the last time you read an interview that made you cringe?
Probably mine to be honest…
» On the subject of interviews (insert evil cackle here), how did your interview with “Sidewalk” materialise? – And did they exaggerate you enthusiasm for fame a little?
Oh yeah definitely!!! I was keen for photos from more of a personal perspective really – to have something nice to look back on, always a dream to have photographs in the magazines. Definitely wanted some sort of recognition – it’s just nice when someone likes what you do. The interview came about because I sent a link of footage to Ben and Leo at Sidewalk… I think they either liked it or Ben didn’t want me to hassle him again because I had hassled him for some magazine coverage a couple of years before. Always feel like a prick when I see him!
» In terms of “skate-life”, how many years you got left in you?
I want to skate for as long as I can. I’m not sure how long it will last at a sponsored level, but I’m still learning new tricks, and can just about throw myself down stuff from time to time.
» In this day and age, what do you think about the relationship between skaters and bikers?
I’m not sure – it’s a hard one to gauge for me. I think in rural areas the relationship is a lot closer because I think they are both kind of outcast people in that environment – I used to skate with BMX’ers and go on trips with BMXers a fair bit when I was younger. I do notice in the city that there is a vibe when BMXers rock up at a street-spot that is predominantly more of a skateboarding spot. I think the relationship is generally ok though, scooters definitely get the most hate though.
» From all your travels, what is your most cherished (or one of them!) memory?
Barcelona 2006 – The whole five months were amazing, good times, good friends and much partying… Oh and some skateboarding, ha ha!
» Tell us about the most “Rock & Roll” week of your life (or at least the printable bits)?
Ahh man, I’m from the country, we don’t do rock n’ roll, ha ha. Let’s just say it was very messy because I can’t remember it.
» I nearly forgot to ask the most obvious… Who do you skate for?
My sponsors are Karma Skateboards and Who? Clothing – check them out at karmaskateboards.com and whoclo.blogspot.com
» Cheers Owen… Before we wrap things up, do you have any shout-outs, thank you’s, etc?
I’d like to thank my sponsors Karma Skateboards and Who Clothing, and all my friends and family and anyone who is helped me along the way. Peace.
That’s a wrap! – CWS
Photography by: Leo Sharp, Nathan Rutherford and Tristan Bonnomet
Additional videos:
Theories Of Atlantis Interview Dan Magee From Blueprint Skateboards
July 9th, 2010 / No Comments » / by Jonathan Young
I love to have time off from work especially when the weather is as fantastic as it is today – chilling on the balcony and checking out everything in the skateboarding world I’ve missed in the last two weeks.
Well, I found the really impressive website “Theories Of Atlantis” this morning which put together a very good interview with the man behind Blueprint Skateboards, Dan Magee. A great read which is not always easy to find these days on the web. I have to admit I can learn a thing or three even from the way the interview was made. Make your opinion, check out the interview with Dan and I bet you’ll be hooked for more…I am already!
» click right here for the Theories of Atlantis interview with Dan Magee
Checking In With Fred Olande – Interview With Europeskate
June 17th, 2010 / 2 Comments » / by Jonathan Young
A couple of weeks ago I received an email from one Fred Olande letting me know that I had spelled his name wrong in one of the articles I had written a while back. No big deal so I checked it out.
Wait a second I said – the same Fred Olande from way back in the 90’s? Oh yeah, the vert rat who rode for companies like H-Street and New Deal Skateboards which left a huge impression on skateboarding, paving the way to where we are today. Fred had some serious skills which he put to the test especially in halfpipes and I can bet that some of these tricks haven’t been done in a while by any pro, that’s how tough some of his tricks were.
After getting the spelling right with Fred’s name, he even answered some questions for us. Sorry for the lack of pictures in this interview – can you guess who he’s hanging out with in the picture above? Make sure you watch the video so you can see how good he was already 20 years ago!
Fred, give us a little history lesson about yourself. When did you get started with skateboarding and when did you skate for which companies?
I started skating after I seen the first bones brigade video in 86 and just like everyone else I just skated with friends and decided to build a ramp. I called a few companies to get sponsored and then I talked to George Wilson of Z Boyz and I told them I had a ramp and the next weekend most of their team came down from LA and they just wanted to ride my ramp but ended up liking the way I skated so after that I was on their team and that was in 87. After I was a Z boy I rode for Blockhead and then Santa Cruz and then H-Street and my last team was The New Deal.
Who were you skating with back then and who were the big names for you?
I skated with Danny Way and Peter Hewitt quite a bit. Peter would come down to my ramp in Imperial Beach and we would skate all weekend long when we were in High School. In 1987 we had a little contest in my backyard and that is when I met Danny Way. He won the contest in the backyard and I took 3rd out of 5 people and from then on we became friends. As far as later on the next few years the big names were Jordan Richter, Brent Schneider, Alphonso Rawls, Matt Moffett, Sean Andrew, Derek Williams, Bucky Laskek, So many people to name.
Traveling and skateboarding go hand in hand – where did you get to go and what was one the most memorable experiences?
When I first was on Z when I was 15 it seemed like we drove to every contest. Every week we were in Arizona, Nevada, Northern California etc going to amateur contest. Later on when I turned pro for New Deal I traveled to England, Dominican Republic, Mexico City all the states etc. I been to a lot of places and met a lot of good people but I would say my most memorable trip is when we went to the Domincan Republic to do a demo back in 91. It was me Mike Vallely, Ed Templeton, John Montesi and Neal Hendrix. That was a crazy demo and the people were crazy rocking the van we were in and just the overall environment. I would love to go there now I heard it is a really beautiful place.
I never got to see the world when I traveled because most of the time you would fly to a demo or contest and then go do the demo and then stay in your hotel and leave the next morning, I never really got to sight see and do the things I would do now as an older person. I guess when I was young I didn’t care though. If I could do it again I would be a full on tourist. We did get to see England because we were there for awhile and that is a great place.
Were you a contest skater or did you like the normal sessions more?
I always like to compete and love the adrenaline of contest so I wasn’t the type of person that didn’t want to do contest but having a normal session with all your friends is something that you will always remember. I guess you will remember if you did well in a contest too but there was nothing like skating all day with your friends and learning new tricks and just having fun with no stress.
What are the biggest differences you see between the contests today and back in the 90’s?
Obviously the money and all the different places where they have all the contest. My first pro contest was in Jacksonville and I remember it cost like a 1000 bucks or more to get there and first place was a 1000 bucks and second place was like 500 bucks. That was when skating vert was basically dead and now they have The Maloof, Rob Dydreks series, X-Games, Dew. We had NSA (National Skateboarding Assoc.) and that was it. Skateboarding is so big now.
How are you still involved in skateboarding and with the topic skate parks?
One of my friends asked me to help them get a skatepark in my city of Imperial beach,CA so I guess I am on a skateboard committee that gives ideas to the city etc. Other than that I skate once in awhile and also more of a spectator now.
Ever dreamed of riding the Mega Ramp?
I think to myself if I still skated everyday and than I could do it but I guess all’s it would be now is only a dream for me to do something like that.
Skateboarding itself has moved from the semi-underground movement to a multi-million (if not billion) dollar industry around the world. What do you think about this massive development, is it all good?
I guess it is good for the people putting on the contest and the owners of the different companies. Also the people who are consistently placing in the top 10 of these huge contest but it seems to me if you only have a board sponser and are professional than you still have to have a job to live in this economy to make ends meet. But I am glad its making more kids skate because of all the attention. I don’t know if its all good though.
You are a family man with three children – I heard you have a mini ramp in your backyard (from the Joe Doe Zine Blog Talk interview). How is it like to teach your own son how to skate?
My son loves skateboarding and all sports. He wanted a ramp in the backyard so I built him one. I started taking him to all the parks and he caught on fast. He goes in and out of playing baseball and then skating, playing football and then skating etc. He could be good because he is not afraid, he falls hard sometimes and although he is only 6 he brushes it off and then gets back on it. It should say I try to teach him but I think he learns more when he sees kids his age that are better than him and then he goes balls out to learn a trick
Which skaters are catching your attention these days and why?
I always want to see what Bucky is doing next. Also P.Rod, Lutzka, Schekler, and of course my good friend Peter Hewitt. I am glad he never slowed down and I am proud of him.
Any final words for us?
First off thanks for the questions I really appreciate it. And thanks to all my friends past/present who I met throughout my skating days. Thanks to all the people who sponsored me and thanks to Alphonzo Rawls and Sal Barbier for being my good friends to this day. Stay Gold Ponyboy!!
» New Deal Demo @ 1991 Birmingham, Alabama : pictures on the Team Ping website
Interview With Max Prause
March 2nd, 2010 / 3 Comments » / by Jonathan Young
My current home city Hamburg, Germany has more than it’s share of great skate spots, skate companies which are growing strong and supporting the scene and some very talented skaters. I caught up with Max Prause the other day while he was pushing his day job at Harbour Distribution – knowing how good he skates I asked him if he was up for an interview with Europeskate et voila: here’s a bit of Max Prause’s life for you! Read more…
Bitchslap Magazine Interview With Ray Barbee
March 1st, 2010 / 1 Comment » / by Jonathan Young
Bitchslap Magazine out of Denmark catch up with the legendary Ray Barbee. Read more…
A Few Words With Pedro Barros
February 26th, 2010 / 2 Comments » / by Jonathan Young
I feel quite lucky to have been able to hook up with Pedro Barros and his father Andre once again after being able to get an interview with Pedro last year. He’s exactly the type of skater that makes me want to continue skating whatever I encounter – bowls, vert, street, it doesn’t matter. Watching him pull off what he tries with his smooth style in every terrain is just eyecandy and his easy-going attitude with people around him keeps my sympathy for this extraordinary skater at a high. Read more…
Interview With SHIT Skateboards Owner Frode Goa
February 13th, 2010 / 7 Comments » / by Jonathan Young
Back in December 2009 I hooked up with Frode Goa, the owner of SHIT Skateboards and it has taken a while to get this interview together. But finally it’s ready and I’m happy to let you have a look inside the mastermind of one of Norway’s leading skateboard brands. A big thanks to Frode for this and I’m looking forward to the rest of this year and what happens with the SHIT Skateboards team. Also thanks to the photographers Alex Holm and Erik Lekang for the pictures in this interview. Read more…
Dennis McNett Interview With Fecal Face
January 19th, 2010 / 1 Comment » / by Jonathan Young
Who may know him from the Anti-Hero Skateboards show or just find out more here… Read more…
Tobin Yelland Interview With HUH Magazine
January 14th, 2010 / No Comments » / by Jonathan Young
Another skateboard photography legend – Tobin Yelland – gets interviewed… Read more…
Municipal Waste Interview With Thrasher Magazine
December 25th, 2009 / 1 Comment » / by Jonathan Young
Thrash metal deluxe band “Municipal Waste” out of Richmond, Virginia get a spot over on Thrasher Magazine’s website with an interview by Jordan Joseffer. Read it right here, check out their music and if you like it, they brought out their latest recording “Massive Aggressive” just in August 2009 and on top of that they have been really busy touring – the next European tour starts January 19th 2010 in Amsterdam!
» listen in to some of Municipal Waste’s music on their MySpace website
August 27, 2010: Ricardo Batista
August 22, 2010: Jonas Wedelstädt
August 21, 2010: bill Danforth
