Richard Stickney’s recent video part in Smile has turned the skateboarding world on its head, proving that manuals can be just as captivating as any vert or gap trick. For many, a manual-focused part might seem dull, but Stickney’s unique approach, filled with intricate combos and creative lines, has captivated viewers. Beyond his impressive two-wheeled skills, Richard also works behind the scenes at Cons, contributing to the development of the Jenkem JP Pro shoe. To delve deeper into the mind of this manual maestro, we sent him a series of questions.
What filmer did you blackmail to sit through hours of you trying manual tricks for this part?
I owe them unlimited beers for their patience! [laughs]. I admit, I have a short temper while filming, which can make it a less-than-fun experience. Fortunately, I’ve been filming with my good friend Sam McCormick for years, so he’s accustomed to it, and we collaborate well together. More recently, I’ve also been filming with my teammate Cam Dumaine, who also has a tech part in the video, so he understands the time commitment involved.
What can you do for a longer period of time: stay in a manual or have sex?
That depends on if I’m having a good day… for either, haha.
There aren’t too many manual parts these days, what made you want to put one out?
I kind of just fell into it. I’ve always leaned towards being a manual guy. My dad is a carpenter, so I grew up with a lot of wood scraps in the backyard, which I used to build all sorts of crazy setups—ledges to pads and things like that. I’m not much of a hucker either, so gaps don’t really interest me. I usually try to think of something unusual or a unique way to approach a spot, hoping that even if people aren’t stoked on the clip, they’ll at least find it a creative way to skate.
Richard Stickney showcasing his unique approach to skateboarding.
What would you say to someone who calls you a pussy because you just do manuals?
I’d probably agree [laughs]. But, in all seriousness, everyone has their own style of skating, and each style requires a different type of discipline and courage. I have immense respect for those who can jump on a rail or huck down a set and endure the physical toll it takes. At the same time, I get incredibly stressed out when I spend an hour trying to flip into a trick and then have to worry about flipping out of it too. It’s a mental challenge when you’re not even coming close to landing it.
Also, I try to eat well and stay healthy, but my body is unusually fragile. I get injured easily. If I were to start hucking, something would inevitably go wrong, whether it’s my ankles, shoulders, or something else.
What’s the secret to good balance? Is there a cheat code?
Yeah, don’t skate loading docks or gaps or anything else that you’re supposed to skate growing up that makes you a well-rounded skateboarder. I pretty much avoided hucking whenever I could, so now I kick out on anything bigger than a three-stair. It’s a mix of positives and negatives, I suppose.
Richard Stickney demonstrating impeccable balance and control.
Has anyone called you Manny Man before, like Mega Man?
I haven’t heard too much related to manuals specifically, but I’ve definitely heard a lot of attempts at nicknames based on my actual name. The nickname that stuck when I was younger and started meeting people in the city was Sticky. But for Richard Stickney, I’ve heard them all—Dick Stick, Sticky Dicky, Ricky Sticky—there are dozens, haha.
Are you ever nervous that people are going to catch a tail scrape or a wheel tap that you didn’t notice?
Oh, it’s happened before and will likely happen again. People have sent in zoomed-in screenshots of that one frame where there’s a wheel touch. If it helps them sleep better at night, then go ahead. I don’t mind [laughs]. Obviously, the goal is to do the trick correctly, but we still film with a VX camera, which means we have to capture through the viewfinder, so there’s no audio, and the footage is often a little blurry. It can be hard to tell if there’s a tap unless you’re certain.
Are all four wheels allowed to touch if you’re doing a shuv or something in the middle of the manny?
In a perfect world, or if you’re patient enough, there shouldn’t be more than two wheels touching during a manual.
Richard Stickney’s technical skill is evident in his manual variations.
I didn’t see you skating in the Jenkem Converse you helped design with us. What’s the deal with that? You don’t like the shoes or something?
Damn, shots fired [laughs]. Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of a rubber toecap. If I have a choice, I prefer the flick from a suede vamp. It’s pretty cool, though, I happen to be a size 9, which is the sample size we use for all our prototypes. So whenever there’s a new model or material we need to test, I get to skate it for a few days. This allows us to make the necessary adjustments quickly. It’s not just me testing them, but it helps us work at a faster pace because we can cut out the middleman. And I get to experience firsthand how the material and upper perform.
Have you considered becoming a yoga guru like PJ Ladd in your next career? I heard he can levitate.
I’m trying a little more yoga these days, but I can barely touch my toes. I think I have a long way to go if yoga is going to enter the picture [laughs].
Since you’re from Boston, what’s the one stereotype about people from there that you think is true?
I can give you a few because they’re all accurate. Right off the top of my head, there are five Dunkin’ Donuts that I can get to in under five minutes by pushing from my apartment. You’re essentially ostracized from the community if you don’t follow Boston sports. And most people are a bit of an asshole, but you learn to like it because it saves you from a grueling conversation most of the time.
Video by: Cornerstore Skateboards
Photos by: Caleb Kaiser
