Photo: Quincy DeinEOS was stoked to pick up #1 skimboarder in the world. Here is the interview:
3rd year with the #1 UST ranking… what motivates you to stay on top?
I have always had an intrinsic motivation to challenge myself. I enjoy it. It's fun getting to do what I do and the only way I can continue doing so is if I keep challenging myself and performing well. I want to see the sport grow and be respected worldwide. It's a big vision and it's worth fighting for. It's all about the journey for me, not necessarily the goal, but how I get there that keeps me motivated.
How stoked are you to pick up your new sponsor ExtremeOutdoorSupply?
I am very excited to be with EOS. Paul is a great guy and a growing retailer with innovative ideas to keep things fresh for consumers. I like his spirit and direction. It only makes me want to do my job better.
What brought you to EOS?
Paul, EOS owner, approached me last summer about joining the team. Before then, I had little to no idea what his whole operation was all about. As I got to know him better, I realized what a good guy he is. He has surpassed his reputation and continues to take care of me.
Predictions: Who is the rider that will be on your heels in '08?
There are a number of good riders out there these days. People are getting better every year as I get older and older. It seems like competition is a lot closer these days, which is great for the sport. I think that Brad Domke is the obvious up and comer. He is still young, but is obtaining more experience at every contest. I've been guiding him a bit lately and it's been a pleasure to see his success. He is very hungry to take me out, so I'm on high alert. Sammy Stinnett is also nipping at my heels, although I don't know if it's just because he's half my size. Nevertheless, he will be a constant threat for a long time. It will be interesting to see how he is judged next year. Other good riders I anticipate facing are Noogie and Stephen Bradford.
What rider pushes you?
There are a lot of riders that push me. Sometimes it's one of my good friends Grady, Noogie, or Warren. Other times it's Domke, Danny Diaz, and Jaime. Grady and I have this friendly competition instilled in our friendship. When I skim with him on a good day, we push each other equally. For example, he and I skimmed a good day at Solmar during our most recent trip with the Exile team. It was a sketchy set up this day cuz the connection broke right in front of 'Bitch Rock' making it dangerous to pull into a lot of waves. We were just stoked to be skimming siders at Solmar instead of wrap after wrap, so we were amping to pull into the biggest wave. We weren't sure if it was even physically possible to skim around the rock after seeing most of the waves hit the rock. No one else got in the water for a while because they thought it was too dangerous. I think Grady came close on one of his first waves and I saw the possibility of making it so I was all fired up to catch one. Then I think I caught one around the rock that sparked that session. He was ready to pull into anything he could catch and it was great because it motivated me so much to not go soft. I can remember pumping out to a wave hearing everyone from team Exile screaming at me not to pull in except for Grady who was telling me to pull in. It's this friendly competition that keeps me excited about skimming. Grady ended up hitting the rock and being washed over it later that trip. Seeing him be fully committed encouraged me to continue going for it. Days like these are why I keep skimboarding.
What's coming up for Solag Skim School in 08?
Solag Skim School is working on formalizing its operations by offering online registration and payment. Also, I'm working with EOS to offer a big package for kids including a board and lessons. I expect the camps to grow with the success I saw last year. Steve Taylor will be my right hand man too. Also, I'm working with Alley Oop Adventures to offer a travel skim trip to the Bahamas, Cabo, and Laguna (for the kids who don't live there).
The next big trick?
I'm not sure. I enjoy trying to do different tricks before waves so that its more like I'm working on a line similar to skateboarding. I'm working on my frontside 360 shuvs, shuv to 360 shuv, and 540 shuvs before waves. These are difficult tricks to do on a day to day basis because the water isn't always fast enough, but when the conditions are right, it's a lot of fun getting creative trying something different. Other than that, I still love getting a big in and out. I've also always wanted to do a 360 air drop. We'll see what happens.
Advice for upcomers?
Attitude is everything. Be a positive influence on others and you will be successful.
What bear is best?
That's easy, Brown Bear. Bears, beets, Battlestar Gallactica.
Thanks Paulo for riding for us!
Just a heads up ->
- Buy any Exile Skimboard from EOS and get one free hour of skim lessons from Paulo!!
- Solag Skim Camps now available to buy on EOS.
- Support Paulo's sponsors: Resistance, VonZipper, Exile and Atwater. (Atwater board shorts also available on EOS.)
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