Following the overwhelming response to our previous compilation of pro skater encounters, we’re back with more amazing stories shared by you, the fans. These firsthand accounts offer a glimpse into the often-unpredictable and always-entertaining world of professional skateboarding. Get ready for more hilarious, awkward, and heartwarming moments that prove skaters are just as human as the rest of us.
Pro Skater Encounters Header
Ishod Wair
“I was at a demo in the early 2010s, and I was behind Ishod at the top of a ramp. He turns around, looks me in the eyes, and goes, ‘I just farted.’ Then he goes down the ramp and does a textbook nollie flip down the set.” – @alec_critser. This anecdote showcases Ishod’s casual, unfiltered personality, a far cry from the intense focus he displays on his board.
Ishod Wair
Wes Kremer
“Smoked a spliff at MACBA with Wes Kremer. During the five-minute interaction, probably ten different people came up offering him weed. He was like a stoner messiah or some shit.” – @waveydarren. This story perfectly captures Wes’s laid-back persona and the stoner-culture that often intersects with skateboarding.
Wes Kremer
Christian Hosoi
“I was at an Island Burgers after Agenda in Long Beach. I’m taking a piss in the bathroom and Christian Hosoi comes up and starts using the bathroom next to me and goes, ‘I’m Christian.’ Then he looks around and says, ‘Christian Hosoi.’ To this day, I still have not felt more awkward or unsure of how to respond in my whole life.” – @connorcarpenter. The direct, almost comical introduction by Hosoi perfectly embodies his unique blend of confidence and eccentricity.
Christian Hosoi
Andrew Reynolds
“One time, at a Baker 3 demo, Active had its doors closed so nobody was allowed inside. I was let in with my mom because we were actually going to buy trucks. The entire store was empty, and when I got to the counter, The Boss himself was setting up a fresh board. He was wearing a ripped shirt. I told my mom, ‘This is the guy responsible for the video we just watched.’ My mom did the unthinkable and started telling him how she didn’t appreciate all the drinking and smoking and that he was setting a poor example for the kids. He was so cool about it and said to her how she was right. He then signed the cover of Skateboarder where he was frontside flipping a 16 stair. I still have it to this day. When I brought it up to him years later, he told me to tell my mom he’s been sober for seven years.” – @zaneyorkfly. This story reveals a more introspective side of Reynolds, demonstrating his ability to handle criticism with grace and his journey towards sobriety.
Andrew Reynolds
Daewon Song
“At my school, there was this kid named Adonis, and we would talk to him and stuff and noticed that he wore a lot of Spitfire merch and shit. We asked him if he skates. He said, ‘Kinda, yeah,’ but that his dad skates more. His dad is Daewon Song. Daewon got word of us asking and gave my friends some shirts and stuff. He signed a one-dollar bill of mine and my backpack. Daewon is awesome.” – @frijol_on_wheels. Daewon Song’s story showcases his generosity and down-to-earth nature, making him a legend not just for his skateboarding skills, but also his genuine kindness.
Daewon Song
Jake Johnson
“I was at a CONS demo in Ohio when I was 15. I was skating and standing on top of the quarter pipe. Jake Johnson, who was my favorite skater at the time, walks up to me and says, ‘What’s your favorite subject in school?’ I said, ‘History I guess.’ He starts going off about Japanese history for almost 30 minutes. I didn’t know what to say so I just said, ‘That’s awesome,’ and skated away.” – @hittingmyhead4u. Another fan shared a different encounter: “I was working at Woodward one summer and Jake Johnson was there. I was watching over a skatepark when he came up to me and said, ‘You look bored, have these,’ and handed me a box full of donuts.” – @alexandro_baptista. These two encounters paint a picture of Jake Johnson as an interesting and approachable figure, with a surprising passion for history and a knack for unexpected acts of kindness.
Jake Johnson
Brandon Biebel
“We were outside a bar in Barcelona when Street League was in town. My mate came over to say he was talking to two dank girls and he might want to take one of them home. When he pointed them out, we saw Brandon Biebel walking off into the night with a girl under each arm.” – @mykyp_. Another fan recalls, “I asked Cory Kennedy for a picture in MACBA. We got ready for the pic and Brandon Biebel comes from behind, gives him a pair of shades, and says ‘You’re too stoned for this.'” –@vxistol. These stories portray Biebel as a charismatic and amusing character, always ready for a good time and adding a touch of humor to any situation.
Brandon Biebel
Peter Smolik
“Peter Smolik stayed at my house one night. He was with another friend, and they needed a place to crash, and we had an extra room. He was mad cool from what I remember. What sticks out is he had a bottle of Texas Pete hot sauce and was putting it in his beers. Never saw that before and thought it was weird. He left the hot sauce at my house.” – @michaelnickels. Smolik’s peculiar habit of adding hot sauce to his beer makes for a memorable, quirky encounter.
Peter Smolik
Tony Trujillo
“I was at one of the Beauty and the Beast demos, and Tony Trujillo popped out of a bowl next to me. I’d noticed he was wearing a GG Allin tee. So, I said, ‘Sick shirt, dude.’ He looked me up and down and replied, ‘I don’t wanna talk to you’ and dropped back in. It was disappointing that he didn’t at least try to piss on me, but it’s chill I guess.” – @zachdoe. Another encounter: “I actually met him in a jail in the holding tank we ended up at together. He was hammered. Really hammered. He pissed on the floor and, unknowingly, all over his infamous red leather jacket that was on the ground. Cops came in a few minutes later to release him, he grabs his jacket and whips it over his shoulder, and splashed the cop in the doorway. We looked at each other and smirked, and he said, ‘I’m not gonna remember that, but you probably will.’ I was released about an hour later with a better story than anyone at that party.” – @_rag_doll. Trujillo’s encounters showcase his raw, unapologetic personality and often unpredictable behavior.
Tony Trujillo
Evan Smith
“My brother got married at Mr. Smalls Theater in Pittsburgh. Evan Smith’s sister was the wedding planner, so I told her how I was a huge fan of his skating. Later on, we are all partying at the reception and Evan walks out onto the dance floor, gives me a hug, and just starts dancing with us. Then he proceeded to shotgun beers and party with us for a while. He even took a dance with the bride. Such an awesome dude.” – @tippecanoe_and_tyler_too. Evan Smith’s genuine enthusiasm and willingness to engage with fans highlights his approachable and fun-loving character.
Evan Smith
Ali Boulala
“Met Ali Boulala at a Flip demo in Markham, Ontario in 2001. I asked him about his injury I saw in 411vm issue 30. He tried to jump from the second floor of a balcony, caught, and ate shit. I asked him if he still had the bar in his arm. He just smiled, grabbed my hand, and pressed it against his wrist where I could feel the bar. I smoked a joint with him, and like a weird little stoner, I saved the roach in a bag attached to a signed Boulala poster for about 12 years.” – @danbokma. This encounter encapsulates Boulala’s fearless and somewhat rebellious nature, combined with a genuine connection with fans.
Ali Boulala
These stories provide a unique glimpse into the lives of pro skaters beyond their incredible abilities on a board. They highlight the human side of these athletes and the often funny and unpredictable nature of skateboarding culture. If you enjoyed these stories, be sure to let us know – we’ve got plenty more where these came from!
Illustrations by: Dávid Lizom
