Have you ever watched a skate video and felt simultaneously inspired and incredibly lazy? If so, you need to know about Chris Mathis. He’s not your typical pro skater; he’s a 30-something union ironworker who recently dropped a killer part in Jake Todd’s new video, “Devil’s Pocket.” Chris’s story is a testament to the grit and determination that skateboarding and manual labor can instill in a person.
A Skater’s Day Job: Where Danger Meets Dedication
It’s rare to find someone whose day job is as physically demanding, if not more so, than skateboarding. For Chris, an ironworker in Philadelphia, cuts, sprains, overexertion, and falls are all part of the job. This blue-collar approach to life is evident in his skating. You can tell his worn pants didn’t come from a thrift store; they’re the result of hard work and dedication. His skating style reflects years of experience and a deep respect for his craft. If Chris’s video part doesn’t make you appreciate your desk job, hopefully it motivates you to fix that hole in your wall.
Mini Q&A: Insights into Chris Mathis’s World
After watching his part, we wanted to know more. Here’s a mini Q&A with Chris about his life, from Philly skating to ironworking, and his history with World Industries:
From Steel Beams to Skate Decks
What does your job as an ironworker involve?
I’m a union Ironworker. We set the steel for all the high rises. Build bridges, do stairs, and a lot of welding and fabrication. Anything structural made from steel is basically ironwork. I’ve been doing it for almost 10 years and still love it. It’s tough on the body, but you get to build cool things, see the city from unique perspectives, and work with some of the most interesting people you’ll ever meet.
Is ironworking more dangerous than skating?
[Laughs] It’s more dangerous than the skating I do now, but I’m getting older and mostly skate small banks these days.How do you balance filming a video part with a full-time physical job?
It’s definitely not easy, but I can’t complain. I get out of work early and still manage to skate most weekends. There are many people doing the same. However, sometimes after work, the last thing I want to think about is where I’m going to skate.
Chris Mathis skating
World Industries: A Blast from the Past
You were once part of the World Industries team, correct? What was that experience like?
It was awesome. To be honest, I thought World was lame before they started sending me boards. It just didn’t seem right when I was watching Danny Renaud’s Mosaic part on repeat. My friend Andrew Cannon, who skated for them, started hooking me up. After that, I moved to Arizona and started going on trips with the team.
World Industries is legit; they took good care of me and brought me to places I never would have seen otherwise. After watching the Steve Rocco documentary a few times, I realized how much they impacted the skate industry. I’m glad I was a part of it. It gave me a taste of California skating and showed me how skilled everyone is. We did an East Coast tour with Andrew, Derek Fukuhara, Timmy Knuth, Anthony Shetler, and Billy Davenport. The tour was great. The team was solid, and people seemed hyped on it. After that I moved back home, they put out a “Welcome to the team” part for me, and then a month later, the company was sold and the skate program was shut down. So thanks to everyone at World who put up with me and let me crash on a couch out there.
Chris Mathis performing a wallride
The Transition to a Career
When did you decide to pursue a career outside of skateboarding?
Probably a year after the whole World Industries thing ended. I was still skating a lot and felt like I gave it a fair shot. At 22, I was working in a car parts department and selling weed to everyone who worked there. My paycheck was $280 a week and I was basically everyone’s doormat. Everyone was miserable and complaining all the time. It was depressing. Finally, I just got fed up and decided to listen to my dad and get a “real” job.
What are the benefits of being in a union?
It pays well, you get good healthcare, retirement, and all that. It’s also great when a big job ends and you get laid off. People think it’s the end of the world, but I just try to plan a trip or take some time off. When you’re ready to go back to work, you just go up to the hall and get another job. I wouldn’t want to do what we do non-union. If you get hurt or fall off a building, you’re likely screwed for life or unable to work for a long time. With a union, at least you have a big group of people fighting for your rights, instead of being alone against the world.
Chris Mathis on a construction site
Sobriety and Skating
I heard you’re now four years sober. What led you to get clean?
Well, I was messing up, drinking too much, and getting myself into trouble. It’s hard to admit you have a problem until it hits you in the face. Things just weren’t working out the way they were. I tried a few times not to drink during the week. Then the weekend would hit, and I’d make up for lost time. I just needed to get my priorities straight.
Have you seen any improvements in your skating or daily life?
A thousand percent. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to have a few beers with the guys, but self-control isn’t my strong suit. It’s great to wake up on a Saturday and go skate without a pounding headache and feeling like crap. I’m definitely more motivated and have a lot more free time. It’s nice not having everything revolve around drinking. It takes time, but overall my life is a lot better without it.
Chris Mathis skating in a park
Perspective Shift
How has your outlook changed in the last four years?
I’ve learned to slow down and appreciate the good things in life. Don’t stress about what’s out of your control, and try to be a good person. It’s all basic stuff, but it’s easy to get stuck in a selfish mindset and forget what’s actually important.
What’s the strangest thing about today’s skate scene?
Skateboarding in the Olympics. When I was growing up, skating wasn’t cool, and I kind of liked it that way.
Conclusion: A Unique Blend of Grit and Grind
Chris Mathis is more than just a skater; he’s a testament to the power of hard work and dedication, both on and off the board. His story is a reminder that there’s no single path to success, and that sometimes the most rewarding experiences come from balancing seemingly disparate passions. Chris’s ability to combine the physically demanding world of ironworking with his love of skateboarding is truly inspiring. Be sure to check out his part in “Devil’s Pocket” by Jake Todd to see his blue-collar skating in action.
Video by: Jake Todd
Interview by: Ben Komins
Buy the full DVD here
