Philadelphia has long been a breeding ground for skateboarding legends, with names like Josh Kalis, Stevie Williams, and Ricky Oyola. While these icons remain influential, a new wave of Philly skaters is capturing attention, including Jahmir Brown, Kris Brown, Mike Ward, Brian O’Dwyer, and the remarkable Efron Danzig. Efron’s 2022 was a whirlwind, marked by joining William Strobeck’s Violet board company, appearances in fashion campaigns, and notable video parts. This interview delves into Efron’s experiences, her take on the skate scene, and what’s on the horizon.
Efron Danzig performing a trick on a skateboard, with a subway entrance in the background.
So, how much would it take for you to quit smoking cold turkey?
I really want to quit. Maybe a $1000 would do it. I’ve tried before, the longest I’ve managed was about a month. I even got hypnotized! That was the only time I took a break in seven years. I felt better, I could actually breathe. Then, bam, right back to a pack a day [laughs].
Hypnotized, like the whole swinging clock thing?
No, it’s not like that. I was conscious the whole time. It was pretty silly, but it worked for a bit. You have to want it and believe it. Or at least let yourself be taken away by it. I don’t know if I’d do it again, but I might have to. It was just over a month and I still wanted to smoke all the time. There was just a little voice saying, “Don’t smoke.” It must have been the hypnotist.
Could you get hypnotized to try a really hard skate trick?
I think so. Someone could hypnotize you into feeling safe and confident. You might not actually be safe, but confidence helps. They do it for public speaking, so I guess it could work for skating. You can get hypnotized for anything these days! [Laughs]
Efron Danzig looking thoughtfully into the distance while holding a skateboard.
Did you go to college?
I went to Temple University for a bit. I enjoyed it and want to go back. I took a semester off to tour with my band, but COVID happened. I was on unemployment and the tour was canceled, so I started skating a ton. When school started again, I gave up and just skated every day. I miss all that information and learning. I don’t feel as sharp [laughs].
What does your mom think?
She’s really supportive. She just wants me to have security, and wants me to go back to school. I want to as well, just not right now. I think she’s happy I’m doing my thing.
Who were your heroes growing up?
Definitely Frank-N-Furter from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I saw them and was like, “That motherfucker is beautiful.” He’s a psycho but he’s just… it! For skaters, I really liked the Lurk video guys, especially Stu Kirst. I wish I could skate like that. His Strangers part? That’s the one. Sickness was one of my favorite videos as a kid. I love the Melodi guys too, and Akobi [Williams] is awesome.
Who is one of the most underrated skaters right now?
Mike Ward, all day. He’s super underrated. He only tries the hardest stuff. He works his ass off for everything.
Animated gif of Efron Danzig skating and performing a trick.
How did you end up on Violet?
It was natural. I met Bill [Strobeck] at Muni. I knew Kris [Brown] already, and Bill was filming for Play Dead. He kept coming to Philly and we skated, then I went to New York. The winter before last winter, he said he wanted to start a company. About a year later, we launched the promo.
What does Violet bring to skateboarding?
It’s hard to say since I’m involved, but that’s what I enjoy about it. We’re all involved. A lot of us make art, so we can show it through the brand. It’s a nice platform for putting out stuff besides just skating. Every drop has art from our friends or someone we’re fans of. It’s also fun having videos to work on. Just skating every day, trying to film for something bigger.
Are you making enough money from skating to live on?
I don’t really make money from skateboarding, just a little from Violet. Modeling has been enough to live on for a few months now, which I’m really grateful for. I also work at a cute little animal-themed bookstore. I want to get a place in the city. I’ve been subletting for a bit. It’s definitely hard. I was couch surfing from June to August and subletting since September. I’ve moved seven times since August! I keep getting more stuff so it gets harder every time. My friends are amazing for helping me move. We always say, “This better be the last time!” but it never is.
Efron Danzig looking pensive and holding a skateboard while standing near a building.
How is the dating scene different in New York and Philly?
New York has so many random people. Philly is small, so you see the same people all the time, which is funny.
Have you ever shown up to a first date with a board?
[Laughs] That would be embarrassing, I try not to. But, I definitely have, but not on purpose! If a guy pulled up to a date with a skateboard, I’d just giggle inside. We can’t both do this [laughs].
Animated gif of Efron Danzig skating and performing a trick.
I saw that you walked on a runway recently. Were you nervous?
That’s when I started smoking again [laughs]. I was so nervous the first time. I tore my ACL the day before my first show last year. I was excited to walk this time. I was thinking, “I can’t mess this up.” I was in these four-inch platforms, with sunglasses, baggy leather pants, walking on wet cobblestones. In rehearsal, one of the other girls tripped, which made me even more nervous! I was just like, “Don’t fall, don’t fall!” I was relieved after the show. The next one was way easier, kind of like playing a show – you shut your brain off and just do it.
Were you high before you walked?
Yeah [laughs]. It calms me down.
I heard you roll spliffs with menthol tobacco.
Yeah, and my friends make fun of me. But unless I have grabba, I don’t know what to do. This is the tobacco I have and I don’t want to smoke a greener.
What’s your spliff ratio?
Before bed, maybe 70% weed, 30% tobacco. But when I’m out, it’s like 60/40. Sometimes, I get a little anxious when I’m high, so I use less weed when I’m with people.
Efron Danzig looking into the camera while posing.
How do you deal with Instagram comments? Positive or negative, they can mess with you.
[Laughs] People are so funny. It’s cool to see nice stuff, but I don’t want to be affected by what internet people think. A lot of the negativity is just plain transphobic. It’s strange how many men care enough to say the things they do. I’m a trans girl who skates, so far away from them. Skating is strange. There are a lot of weird dudes watching you. You have to take the internet with a grain of salt. It’s better to not know what thousands of random people think, good or bad.Some say shit-talking is part of skating, is that just from the old guard?
It depends on the type of shit-talking. It can be fun, but it depends on who it’s coming from and who it’s attacking. Maybe think of the implications before you speak.
What about gatekeeping? Does skating need it?
No. Just mind your own business. Be nice or funny. These dudes are so serious and salty. Have a heart!
Animated gif of Efron Danzig skating and performing a trick.
Has anything changed about your worldview since being introduced to the skate world?
It’s hard to say if it’s specifically related to skating. My overall worldview has changed, but that’s probably from just getting older.
Are you more cynical or hopeful these days?
Ah, cynical, but still hoping.
The queer skate community seems really tight. What makes it so special?
We’re just close-knit. Chandler [Burton] was one of the first queer skaters to reach out to me. They got me to California last year, which was the first time I skated with a bunch of other trans or queer skaters. It was a great experience. There’s so much love and support. That’s what the skate scene is missing.
Last question: What does “serving cunt” mean?
[Laughs] Oh my god, like, you are just that bitch. I can’t even describe it. Like if you pull up and someone says, “She is just serving cunt,” or, “Oh that’s cunty!” You just know when you see it.Interview by: Larry Lanza
Photos by: Quinn Batley, Keith DeBottis, and William Strobeck
