This interview with Alexis Lacroix, known for his unique ski-skating and appearances in Dime videos, delves into his thoughts on happiness, the similarities between skateboarding and circus, and his experiences hitchhiking across North America. Using the Proust Questionnaire as a framework, we uncover Alexis’s perspectives on life, creativity, and personal growth.
Alexis begins by defining perfect happiness as finding the key to managing one’s emotions and challenges through self-knowledge, potentially aided by meditation. He reflects on how traditional sources of happiness, like success and material possessions, are fleeting, suggesting that true contentment comes from inner peace. He acknowledges that his past travels provided more time for meditation, and that skating and music can also induce a meditative state when his mind is clear.
Alexis Lacroix Interview
His girlfriend’s involvement in the circus, specifically her skill on the Chinese pole and hand-on-hand balancing, has opened Alexis up to a new world of acrobatic artistry. He observes how circus performers seem to possess unique physical capabilities, as if they’ve “unlocked their capacity for their body type”. This leads to a discussion about the surprising connections between skateboarding and circus. Alexis notes that skateboarding can easily fit into a circus show, adding a dynamic and unexpected element. He recalls seeing a skateboard act in a circus when he was younger, and how the skaters mastered a 360 flip despite not having traditional skateboarding style. Alexis also finds parallels between his own skating and the clowning aspect of the circus—the idea of doing something impressive in a humorous way and not taking oneself too seriously.
Alexis Lacroix Performing a Trick
When asked whether people respect the difficulty of his unique stunts, Alexis admits that some people are impressed by seemingly simple tricks, and that the most challenging tricks he attempts are often the traditional ones. He finds satisfaction when others recognize his more traditional skateboarding skills, viewing it as a balance to the “funky” tricks he is known for on social media. He appreciates that his creative skating has reached people across the world, seeing that comical influence as more rewarding than mastering difficult, traditional tricks.
Alexis reflects on what he would return as if he were to die, choosing a dolphin due to their intelligence, lack of predators, and ability to communicate. His most treasured possession is a Fender guitar from the late 90s, a reminder of his musical aspirations. He draws inspiration from Jerry Garcia’s improvisational style, seeking to bring a similar sense of spontaneity to his own band. He no longer believes he was born in the wrong generation, finding the variety of contemporary music scenes exciting.
Alexis Lacroix Backside 180
Alexis observes a shift in skateboarding culture, with more skaters embracing emotional openness. He believes “cool guys” are evolving into emotionally aware individuals, and that being in tune with one’s emotions is a sign of strength. He notes that the inclusion of women in Dime skate trips has contributed to this positive shift, creating a less macho and more diverse environment.
His advice to others is to believe in themselves and take chances, reflecting on his life-altering decision to hitchhike across North America with no money. He acknowledges that it wasn’t financially rewarding but provided invaluable experiences, adventures and a sense of resilience. He highlights the importance of embracing life’s journey and taking chances, regardless of the outcome, and that it’s okay not to have it all figured out.
Alexis Lacroix Switch Heelflip
Expanding on his hitchhiking experience, Alexis describes how he would busk for money, travel and skate, sleeping in various places and encountering different experiences. He emphasizes that it was a unique way to see the world and learn about oneself. He discusses the subculture of long-term travelers and how they consider moving often essential to the lifestyle, avoiding settling down in one place for long. Although he admits being “homeless” at the time, he saw his travel as a unique way to explore the world.
Alexis also highlights the importance of self-awareness while traveling, specifically avoiding getting blacked out drunk in order to protect his possessions and remain alert. His travel experience opened him up spiritually, teaching him to recognize signs and believe in the power of intention.
Alexis Lacroix Grinding
When asked who he admires most, he names his daughter, reflecting on the invaluable life lessons he’s learned from watching her grow. He also acknowledges his parents, cherishing the chance to reconnect with them and experience the joys of family. He also expresses admiration for the people closest to him, such as his family, finding it difficult to admire individuals he has never met.
Regarding his signature “Oh Yeah,” he’s amused that his daughter has started using the phrase, showcasing his influence on her. Alexis also discusses his experience with No Fear Skate Co., a board brand that was never launched due to issues with the name. This experience has left him without a board sponsor, and he notes the challenges that Canadian skaters face in securing direct sponsorships from US-based companies.
Alexis’s greatest fear is being stuck in a situation with no escape plan, worrying about those trapped in mundane routines. He also fears the direction of society and its impact on his own place in the world. He expresses a desire to live off-grid, connecting with nature and gaining the skills to survive outside of city life. He reflects that his parents instilled in him a love for the outdoors, a passion he now regrets not embracing earlier in life with them.
When asked how he would like to die, Alexis expresses a desire to avoid a tragic death, yet he acknowledges the poetic nature of dying in a meaningful way, like a Viking warrior. His life motto is a blend of skateboarding and music: “Roll all day, rock all night,” and the idea of survival with “Stay alive”.
In conclusion, this interview with Alexis Lacroix provides a window into his unique worldview. From his thoughts on happiness to his adventures hitchhiking and his love for his daughter, Alexis’s perspectives offer valuable insights into skateboarding, creativity, and the search for inner peace. He encourages us to be open to new experiences and to never stop seeking ways to grow, learn and find our own unique path.
