I grew up skateboarding it was fun. I didn't think about money I didn't know how much professional skateboarders made. I just knew that if I became a professional skateboarder I would achieve a lot and get to travel and do these great things.

I wanted to be looked at for the skateboarder that I was. I didn't want to be the 36-year-old skateboarder who's still holding on while owning a company at the same time. I wanted to make my mark and travel and accomplish a few things here and there and then get out.

I couldn't beat people with my strength I don't have a hard shot I'm not the quickest skater in the league. My eyes and my mind have to do most of the work.

Growing up in Huntington Beach you were either a traditional sports athlete a skateboarder or a surfer. I got my first skateboard when I was five and skated off and on over the years did a little BMX racing as a kid and then in my freshman or sophomore year I started getting a little bit more into skateboarding.

I had spindly little ankles and growing up in Canada I couldn't skate. I was no good at any sports so was very much a pariah through those adolescent years.

The last few years I became a lot more into sports. Growing up the sports I liked were independent sports like skateboarding. I was really into skateboarding and not necessarily team televised sports.

I don't really remember a time younger than 5 years old that I didn't have skates on because all I can remember is every day tying up my skates and a big smile on my face excited to go on the ice.

I was a kid and I wasn't even sure if I wanted to play the drums you know? All I wanted to do was skateboard but I was still learning and taking it in so it was good.

I used to make up stuff in my bio all the time that I used to be a professional ice-skater and stuff like that. I found it so inspirational. Why not make myself cooler than I am?

I'm not squeamish at all. As a child I dragged a dead squirrel home on my skateboard and cut it open and tried to look at its brain.