The Donovan Dresti Interview

So Donovan, what are you to up to these days?

I have been up to kinda a lot, I have been skating and filming, playin in my band Dark Heavens, and just finished my new board graphic for 2008 for Rekon Skateboards. I have also been gearing up for snowboard season, stayin fit, can’t wait…

Most people know you got your start in snowboarding. How did you make the switch to skating?

Friends believe it or not, my close friends were like “even though you are a pro snowboarder, you are better at skating and should pursue that.” I took their word for it even though it was a hard decision, as they ended up being right and skateboarding would be my main deal.

How did your sponsors deal with your decision to focus on skating?

They were totally cool, and told me that if I ever needed anything that they would have my back. I still am sponsored for Snowboarding and still am pretty active with shooting photos and videos. I just don’t do it full time like I used to, and they are cool with that. They also realize that skateboarding and snowboarding are very similar as well in so many ways.

Looking back, do you have any regrets with the decision or things you wish you’d done differently?

Sometimes, on the days that I get kinda burnt on skating and the scene, I wonder about how far along I would be in my snow career. When I see my friends in videos riding powder for a living, it kinda makes me think about my decision. No worries though, I did the right thing I and happy with what is going on in my life.

Things seem to be going great at Rekon. Talk to us about what you guys are working on these days.

We are a real company with real skateboarders and people that know the industry. Our graphics are clean and our direction is really focused on the riders and quality products. I am super stoked to be a part of a company that I can help in many different directions.

Are you doing a lot of skating, or are you more focused on the business side of Rekon?

I have to do both, but skating comes first, that is my job and I need not only to promote Rekon, but myself and my other sponsors like, Kicker, Anarchy Eyewear, Insight, etc.

Who are some of the up and coming Rekon riders that you are most stoked on?

Jason Martinez, AKA J-GNAR…He is silly good, and can rip with the best in the world, no joke. He is pretty low key which I am trying to break, but he has the skills and he is well rounded. Whether it’s a contest, filming videos, or shooting photos, he just kills it - a natural. I am super stoked to have him on the Rekon team.

I hear your band is tearing up the scene in the Bay Area. What are you guys all about?

We are Punk Metal meets a classic rock sound, check out the Dark Heavens MySpace Page. We are blowin up and gonna be playin shows in 2008. Come see us as it’s a guaranteed good time. We dress up like rockers, write our own songs that just hit the party vein in all of us, and have a good stage show with smoke, sound, lights, explosions etc…

So I am sure everyone asks you this question, but how has it been working with Steve Caballero?

Steve is great, he is so humble, and has been ripping for so long. I really respect the CAB and had the best time with him when I toured with him on the Warp Tour. I don’t see him all that often lately, but Cabbage is the man, and super cool to work with.

Since your focus is primarily on skating, how often do you get to head to the mountains?

Not enough, but the last few seasons it has begun to be a priority. The way I see it , if it is raining, then go snowboarding, and it rains quite a bit up here in Nor Cal. Also, I have been riding better because there is less pressure, which in return makes it more fun too. I will be heading up a lot this season.

What is your advice to groms who have sick skills in more than one sport?

Just feel it out, and be able to take criticism in a positive way. Don’t be arrogant, let the people that watch you dictate your direction. My theory is an army of people can’t be wrong. Also, have fun and be yourself, and the rest will fall into place.

Any other advice to groms on the come up? What do you wish you knew back in the day that you’ve had to learn over time?

What ever sport/sports you choose, just work hard and have fun. I know that sounds lame, but it’s true. Practice makes perfect, it does…practice, practice. Then once you have skills, enter contests and get a shop sponsor, and if you have what it takes you will be on your way from there, trust me. Also, having an outgoing personality that everyone enjoys is a thing that will help a lot. Hope this helps you young players out there, thanks for reading this, now go shred something.