Myles Willard’s journey to professional skateboarding is a testament to hard work, humility, and a deep love for the culture. Even with a pro board for Toy Machine, Myles remains grounded, understanding that continued dedication will bring further opportunities. As his latest part, Myles and the Machine, is released, we delve into his thoughts on what it means to be a pro skater, his influences, and his unique perspective on the skateboarding world.
When asked what he would do with $10,000, Myles’s response isn’t what you’d expect. Rather than splurging on luxury items, he’d opt for practical transport, a car to get around town. The rest of the funds would be invested in his passion for skate videos and vinyl records. He specifically mentions the desire to own a copy of Photosynthesis with its rare orange tape, Mosaic, and a complete stash of 411VM tapes. Myles values the history and evolution of skateboarding, and he appreciates seeing how tricks, clothing, and filming styles have changed over time in these videos.
Having lived in California for nearly five years, Myles has navigated the transition from the East Coast to the sunny, laid-back atmosphere of the West. He jokes about how easy it can be to write off the day when the weather is consistently perfect. Despite this change, Myles still maintains his Maryland roots with his original ID. For him, defining his job as a pro skater goes beyond the typical marketing role of a sponsored athlete. While he acknowledges the commercial aspects, the personal significance is in validating his younger self and serving as an inspiration to other skaters. Turning pro for Toy Machine, a brand he grew up loving, was a dream come true, especially after he had started to lose hope.
Addressing the notion of skateboarding regressing in terms of ability, Myles offers a nuanced view. He believes that the sport has expanded to accommodate different styles, allowing people to choose what they want to watch and engage with. Rather than focusing on extreme or bone-crunching feats, Myles is more drawn to creativity and the ways skaters interact with their environment. He emphasizes that his focus has shifted towards what someone does with a spot and how they approach it, rather than just the raw difficulty of a trick. He doesn’t feel envious of those who may have higher profiles or bigger paychecks, as he values personal style and approach.
The conversation shifts to the social dynamics of the skate scene. Myles avoids pursuing clout and prefers to connect with people authentically, driven by a genuine appreciation for their skating. He recounts an experience where he was encouraged to network for strategic reasons but felt it was unnatural. He believes that relationships should develop organically, rather than being forced for personal gain. When asked about skaters whose careers he aspires to emulate, Myles highlights Jake Johnson and Heath Kirchart. He admires their lack of social media presence and how they navigated their careers on their own terms. He values their solid body of work and the mystery they maintained throughout their professional lives.
Regarding shoe sponsorships, Myles is currently riding for Vans, but isn’t officially on the team. His approach to sponsorships emphasizes a desire for genuine engagement, like going on trips and being involved with the team, rather than having high expectations. He simply wants to skate and participate in the culture authentically. When it comes to his own gear, Myles doesn’t have any specific rituals, other than removing the warning sticker from a new board. He finds the idea of leaving it on absurd, emphasizing his meticulous approach to his setup.
Beyond skateboarding, Myles explores creative outlets like claymation, a hobby he picked up after breaking his ankle in 2018. He describes his process as experimental and lacking structure, but that the fun is in the trial and error of making things stick and in expressing his creativity. He enjoys dabbling in various forms of art, from drawing to collage. These practices are all about maintaining a creative mindset without expectations.
Myles also shares stories from his time in a chaotic skate house, where he lived with up to eight other people. The apartment was known for its loud parties and bug issues, but now is the quietest. He recounts finding a large lizard in the house and the sleepwalking habits of his roommates. These anecdotes provide a glimpse into the less glamorous but often hilarious side of a skater’s life.
Since quitting smoking weed three months prior to the interview, Myles has noticed a significant difference in his skating. He feels more level-headed and clear-minded. The change has allowed him to skate more, without focusing on the worst-case scenario. He now spends more time skating and less time justifying breaks. He quit cold turkey after realizing it was causing more bad than good, and while he acknowledges some positive aspects of his time smoking, he feels he relied on it when he shouldn’t have.
When discussing his love for vinyl, Myles reveals his most played records are Bug by Dinosaur Jr, On the Beach by Neil Young, and The Unseen by Quasimoto. He appreciates the physical aspect of vinyl and the experience of flipping through the record art. He states that, while not a minimalist, his room is filled with skate videos, records, and little knick-knacks and considers it his own personal museum.
Ending on a lighter note, Myles plays a game of “fuck, marry, kill” with Dan Lu, Mike Sinclair, and Ed Templeton, ultimately choosing to fuck Dan Lu, marry Mike, and kill Ed. He expresses his admiration for Ed Templeton as a boss, describing him as calm, down-to-earth, and open to ideas. He is excited about the creative freedom Ed offers with Toy graphics and has been gathering ideas to send over. Despite knowing about the existence of naked pictures of Ed online, Myles doesn’t find it particularly strange in the age of the internet.
Myles Willard embodies the spirit of a modern professional skateboarder. His journey from Maryland to Toy Machine shows that dedication, authenticity, and a genuine love for the sport are just as important as talent and skill. With the release of his latest part, Myles and the Machine, he continues to inspire skaters around the world, proving that staying true to yourself will always lead to the right path.
Interview by: Larry Lanza
Photos by: Ben Karpinski & Ricky Aponte