Pro Skater Danny Supa Interview

NYC was the spot to be on April 20th, as the 2008 King of Spring Skateboard Showdown was going off. There was $3000 in cash prizes, and the event was stacked with talent. Ain’t nothin’ like a bunch of 12 year old rippers jacked up on Red Bulls.

New York City is also the home town of Venice Beach transplant and superstar pro-skater Danny Supa. FirstStoke.com had the chance to sit down with Danny who was back from the East Coast. Here’s what he had to say:

FS: You were recently at the Redbull King of Spring competition in NYC, how was that?

DS: Yea, the King of Spring Showdown had a real good turn out this year. Billy Rohan was the host, and he put on a great contest for the kids in the neighborhood. There was a best trick comp on every obstacle so it was easy to win money. It was cool.

FS: So you're living in Venice Beach, have you been picking up any other hobbies such as surfing?

DS: No, I haven’t taken up surfing yet. I'd like to though, but I'm just sticking with skating for now. I give surfers a lot of respect.

FS: Respect. Do you snowboard?

DS: Nah, I like the concrete.

FS: How does the skate scene in Cali compare with New York?

DS: It's really different with driving around to spots and stuff out here in LA. In NYC you can skate or take the train to any spot so that’s cool. There are ups and downs to both places though. NYC can have pretty harsh weather, but the traffic in LA gets crazy. I really like skating both.

FS: So your sponsors are among many of the top brands in the industry. You skate for Nike SB and Redbull, as well as Arnette, Stereo Sound Agency, FKD Bearings and High Fidelity Wheels. I understand that you're working on a line of signature sunglasses too. What can you tell us about that?

DS: Yea. Pretty much I can tell you right now that I’m working on some signature glasses with Arnette. They should be out soon.

FS: Nice, we’ll definitely be keeping our eyes open for those! So when did you first get into skating, and who was your first sponsor?

DS: Well I first started skating when I was 11 years old. So that was like 18 years ago and I’ve been skating ever since. My first sponsor was in the early 90's and it was this company out of upstate NY called Dead End.

FS: Who were the skaters that influenced you when you were coming up, and who are some of the new faces you see changing the game today?

DS: When I was coming up it was Robbie Gangemi, Ryan Hickey, Vinny Ponte, Eric Koston, Mike Carrol, Rick Howard and the old Plan B team. Today Eli Reed, Daryl Angel, Benny Fairfax, and Dyson Ramones are the ones to watch.

FS: Nike SB has one of the sickest teams out right now, how did you get on with them?

DS: My friend Robbie Jeffers from Stussy hooked me up. In the beginning, Scott Johnston and Kieth Hufnagel helped hand pick the team.

FS: Do you have any words of wisdom for kids trying to get sponsored?

DS: Just skating in general will get you noticed. Most importantly have a good attitude. There are a lot of kids that are great but sometimes get nowhere in skating because their mouths mess everything up.

FS: What advice do you have for someone who is just starting out?

DS: The best advice I have is: Keep trying! If you can't land something, don’t just give up, and don't worry bout sponsors. Just skate!

FS: What’s your favorite trick?

DS: I like heelflips.

FS: Who's got the best 360 flip?

DS: When I was growing up it was Jovantae Turner, now day’s Justin Brock has the best tre.

FS: What's your perfect set-up for skating?

DS: For me, I gotta have Swiss bearings, and Stereo’s Danny Supa pro-model deck. Trucks are Venture lows, with Hi FI 51 mm wheels, 7/8 allen bolts, and Mob Grip.

FS: Street or vert?

DS: Street for sure. I like watching vert though.

FS: Favorite skate spot?

DS: Flushing Meadows Park NY, there's like ten spots in there.

FS: Where's your favorite place to shop for groceries?

DS: I like going to Costco, and I also like getting my coffee and groceries at Robins Nest Convenience Market because it’s close to my house in Venice Beach.

FS: Legendary skate vid?

DS: Plan B’s Questionable.

FS: Yea, that’s a pretty legendary video. What was your favorite part in a video you skated for?

DS: That would have to be Zered Bassett’s Vicious Cycle. Harold Hunter’s part was my favorite.

FS: Where do you see yourself in the future with skateboarding?

DS: I definitely see myself being involved with skateboarding somehow, maybe even starting a company.

FS: Any shout outs?

DS: Gotta say what’s up to Stereo, Nike SB, Arnette, Hi Fi, and Redbull.

*Contributed by FirstStoke.com correspondent Matt Frank