Catch up with shredder, photographer, and distributor Brandon Smith to learn a bit about his thoughts on the current state of blading, and where he sees it all going. Having traveled the world with Valo and Them Goods, he’s got a pretty wide-open perspective on the whole thing, and given the whole post-Winterclash argument that’s sprung up elsewhere, this is a fascinating, recommended read. — ONE

What kind of obstacles do you like to skate the most in blading?

Anything that’s made of cement. Preferably a buttery ledge or some random, out of the ordinary obstacle.

In chestboarding you can skate flat ground and become a millionaire. Do you think one could be pro in the blade game and never skate handrails or gnarly stunts? Why or why not? How important is the danger factor in getting clips in blading?

That’s probably because they’ve created an image and personality that people are curious enough about to follow. It’s all about being unpredictable so people wonder what’s next. As far as the danger factor, no it doesn’t matter. There’s been pros in blading throughout the years that skate “safe” but you still want to see every section they put out.

Do you believe it’s possible to make skating challenging yet only skate smaller obstacles?

Yes, and that’s the best part about blading; you’re only limited by your own creativity. Doing a trick is just as much about the mental aspect as the physical. After skating for many years you start to realize a soul grind is a soul grind whether its on a red curb or a big rail. Blading really gets fun when you start using your mind.



Brandon Smith / AO Fishbrain

Why do you think it takes a skater so long to truly develop their style?

Like everything in life, tt takes a long time to figure out what you like and what you don’t. Part of developing your style is trying out new and sometimes uncomfortable things. Some people are scared of change and criticism so they stick with what’s expected of them and/or with what they are familiar doing. When you stop taking what other people think into consideration (and focus on your self) you get a better idea of what you really enjoy.

There are a lot of ams who huck themselves down a double set to 540 true top whatever who are quickly forgotten about. This being said, do you think having mature style nowadays is an element that is absolutely mandatory in rollerblading as far as becoming a pro is concerned?

Yes. In fact, i know many people in our industry that won’t even pay attention to someone with horrible style. I would much rather watch someone do a stylish mizou than any other harder trick that looks like garbage. In my opinion, these individuals are the ones that need to represent the blading community, and be considered professionals. You wouldn’t want an “outsider” to see someone hucking themselves down a set of stairs while flailing all around, barely landing on two feet.

You have been pro for so long. Do you feel that your style has matured in the last 10+ years? In watching other bladers shred in the game who have come up over the years, who do you think has really matured style-wise?

My skating now is definitely different than when I first started. It’s all a part of growing up. Before it was just about doing tricks… now it’s more about how I do tricks, and the obstacles I choose to do them on. A prime example of someone who has really matured style-wise is Broskow. He went through a major transformation from being great to simply amazing. When you see Alex skate you can’t help but appreciate how solid and smooth his skating is. You can also tell he is having a lot of fun on his blades.

Do you believe we are in a new era of rollerblading, one where most rollerbladers are finally skating newer more interesting stuff? Do you think there are a lot of busters in the game still chesting it up on the flat rail with 15 tapper status dance moves?

One way to differentiate yourself from everyone else is by skating “newer, more interesting” stuff. So yes, some people are doing that. It’s refreshing because I think we are all tired of seeing the same thing over and over. Yes, there are still a lot of people into that type of thing, and there are even a few individuals that can skate flat rails and make it look good.

In rollerblading, one creates a piece of “art”, if you will, with every clip or photo they get. This clip or photo is a presentation of an idea… typically one which embodies embracing danger, redefining limitations and looking fucking cool while you accomplish the aforementioned. What can bladers do on an individual level that will help to improve rollerblading’s aesthetic presentation to the general public both in regards to what we wear and how we skate and do our tricks?

Now that you let the secret out, I think anyone that reads this will be in a better position. To sum it up: think before you skate! Or better yet, think while you skate. I’m no fashion expert, but I would say a good starting point is to listen to your parents. If they say you look like an idiot, you probably do!

What is the future of rollerblading? Where are we headed progression-wise?

More bladers stepping away from the standard hand rail and taking their technical skill to new, more interesting terrain. This is already happening naturally due to the fact that all the “standard skate spots” are getting knobbed, capped, torn out, etc.

Why are you excited about the future of rollerblading?

More professional, solid, stylish skating all around.

Interview © 2009 Tommy Boy

Photos © 2009 Someone Pretending to be Brandon Smith