Ethan Loy, a skateboarder who spent 12 years with Element Skateboards, has embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining Swim Skateboards. This move marks a significant shift for Loy, reigniting his passion for skating and freeing him from the constraints of a large corporation. This interview delves into Loy’s experiences, offering insights into his career, personal challenges, and unique perspective on the skateboarding industry.
Ethan Loy Nosegrind
The transition has been met with positive reactions, particularly to his new video parts. Loy humorously acknowledges that part of the improved reception might stem from his departure from Element, stating that some people wouldn’t watch his footage when it was associated with the brand. After more than a decade with Element, where he joined at 16, Loy was among the majority of the US team who were not offered contract renewals. This significant change prompted a reevaluation of his finances and a need to find ways to support himself outside of the skateboarding industry.
To make ends meet, Loy has taken on various jobs. He works in the cannabis industry, cutting plants, setting up grow rooms, and trimming the final product. He also works for Amazon Flex, delivering packages, which he notes has been a surprisingly beneficial way to discover new skate spots. He emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency, stating, “Life needs to be supported and skating does not support life.” Despite not earning a professional skateboarder’s salary, Loy’s love for the sport is stronger than ever.
Loy admits he wanted to leave Element earlier but felt stuck due to the financial security it provided. He now sees his departure as a blessing, forcing him to take control and understand that skateboarding isn’t everything. This experience has taught him that money isn’t the driving force behind his love for skateboarding.
His decision to grow his hair and beard wasn’t a personal style choice, but a strategic decision to maintain continuity in his video parts with Element. He wanted to avoid having his footage appear dated, so he kept his look consistent. He also respected the opinion of Jon Miner, a skateboarding video veteran, who encouraged him to keep his hair long, stating, “Dude, keep your hair long. You look badass.”
Ethan Loy with Dog
Loy is not interested in gimmicks or rebranding to further his career. He prefers to dress like a normal person and emphasizes that his skateboarding should be the focus, not his fashion choices. He criticizes skateboarders who prioritize modeling over skateboarding, believing that their skating should speak for itself. Loy’s firm stance against selling out to brands like Cariuma further emphasizes his dedication to authentic skateboarding.
At 28, Loy is beginning to feel the toll of years of skateboarding. He’s had multiple ACL injuries, a wrist reconstruction, two collarbone breaks, and a dropped shoulder. He humorously compares himself to a crash test dummy, admitting he didn’t learn how to fall properly until a few years ago. He recalls being nicknamed a “wounded deer” by Chad Tim Tim and Levi Brown due to his constant injuries.
Ethan Loy Kickflip
Loy reflects on the absence of slam montages in modern skate videos, finding them cringy and unpleasant to watch. He believes that viewers prefer to see skaters succeed rather than get injured. He acknowledges that while he might find fail compilations funny on a drunken night, he doesn’t want to see skateboarding portrayed that way.
Growing up, Loy attended a Christian school, an experience he describes as providing him with a different kind of education, one that was different from the public school experience. His parents aimed to shield him from gang activity and drugs. He humorously notes that skating provided him with the public school experience he lacked. He admits to losing his virginity at 17, which he considers a late bloomer by some standards. He recalls sex education being a brief, two-day affair at his Christian school.
Ethan Loy 5050
Loy notes that not skating for a paycheck has actually made him more focused and driven when he does skate. He explains that working forces him to make the most of his skating time, pushing himself harder and achieving personal goals. He emphasizes that his accomplishments in skateboarding are not for financial gain but for his own sense of accomplishment.
Loy doesn’t understand why he hasn’t been sponsored by a major brand like Monster, but he’s content with skating for himself. He criticizes the idea that skaters should act like pop stars and believe they deserve everything, emphasizing that skating skills should be the primary qualification for sponsorship, not just modeling or popularity.
Ethan Loy Fakie 5050
Loy shares that he attends Nyjah Huston’s parties occasionally, describing them as chaotic gatherings with hundreds of guests and security guards. He describes it as akin to a Hollywood celebrity event, highlighting the level of fame some skateboarders have achieved.
He has also dealt with the common perception of being “David Loy’s brother,” a label he has been working to break free from. Loy describes how he tried to emulate his brother’s skating style, but injuries forced him to develop his own creative approach to skateboarding. He still respects and enjoys his brother, but he wanted to create his own unique path in the world of skateboarding. When asked who would win in a fight, Loy jokingly concedes that it would always be his brother, David. He also mentions another older brother, Bryce, who would often intervene when David would tease or wrestle him.
Ethan Loy Wallride
Loy then shares the tragic story of his oldest brother, Bryce. Describing Bryce as having a “fuck it all” attitude, he recounts how Bryce suffered a debilitating injury while rock jumping. After a horrific accident, Bryce was paralyzed, suffering for years. In an effort to cope with the pain, he tried various pain management methods, including opium and shamanic rituals. Eventually, he became addicted to prescription pills, which dramatically altered his personality and created family strife. Loy recalls taking Bryce to get his last refill of pills, and it took him a long time to reconcile that it wasn’t his fault. Bryce passed away at their grandmother’s house the day after their father’s birthday. Loy points out the cruel timing, adding that his grandmother passed away seven years later on the same date.
Ethan Loy Fakie Smith
This tragic period forced Loy to mature quickly. The experience was incredibly challenging for his whole family, prompting them to seek therapy. He and his brother now work with a recovery group for misguided teens, teaching them how to skate, which is an initiative connected to their family therapist.
Despite these heavy life experiences, Loy prefers not to burden others with his struggles. He states that he will gladly share his story if someone is willing to listen, but he’s not going to be the “mental health guy.” He expresses frustration with those who claim to be experts on mental health, stating that “nobody knows.” He firmly believes the solution to the opioid epidemic lies in reducing the use of pills and finding proper alternatives.
Ethan Loy GIF
While acknowledging his family history might lead some to believe they are cursed, he prefers to see life as having both sour and sweet moments. He is confident in his ability to handle whatever life throws at him, adding that “Skating is bullshit compared to what I’ve been through.”
Loy’s story is a testament to resilience, and his journey serves as an example of the power of finding your own path in skateboarding. His dedication to his craft, combined with his willingness to confront his past, makes him a compelling figure in the skateboarding community.
Ethan Loy Slappy
Interview by: Ian Michna
Photos by: Ryan Lee, Ben Karpinski and Alex Papke
