The internet can make anyone a star overnight, and that’s exactly what happened to Avery Baxter. A viral clip of a well-dressed man executing a perfect streetplant on a skateboard took social media by storm. The mystery surrounding the “suit-donning streetplanter” had everyone intrigued. We at LongBoards Guide, with a little help from our friends at DLX SF, tracked down the man behind the trick, and his story is far more compelling than anyone could have imagined.
Avery, a Bay Area native, isn’t a Silicon Valley executive, as many had speculated. His life has been marked by hardship and resilience. This interview reveals his journey into skateboarding, his unique style, and his inspiring perspective on life.
Avery Baxter performing a streetplant in a suit
How it all Happened
So, were you actually on your way to work when that viral clip was filmed?
Not exactly. I was on my way to surprise my adopted mom for Mother’s Day. I hadn’t seen her in about eight months because I had moved. I happened to be passing by San Jose State University and saw some skaters. I watched them for a while, and then I asked one of the guys if I could borrow his board. He warned me to be careful, and the rest is history.
And that first try was the one that went viral?
Yeah, it was my first try. Honestly, I didn’t even realize I stalled that long. I was dealing with some anxiety and had a little Bombay gin to calm my nerves before seeing my mom. I just took off, and boom, there it was. I told the skaters to send the video to me, but instead, they sent it to the internet. A few days later, one of them texted me saying, “Hey man, you’re going viral.” It was surreal.
My brother saw me at church and said, “Brother, I think you’re famous.” I was so confused. He told me, “You’re all over the internet, people are asking who your dad is!” I was shocked. I wasn’t looking for the fame, it just happened.
Avery Baxter looking at the camera
A Journey Through Skateboarding
How did you get into skateboarding and master those old school tricks?
I got adopted when I was eight. During my time in different foster homes, a neighbor kid had a skateboard. I wanted to learn, he gave me a board, and I never stopped. Simple as that. I was always drawn to the handplant and the ho-ho. I used to be able to do ho-hos when I was younger, and I’m determined to master them again. I skated with Karl Watson at Pier 7 in San Francisco before they closed it. I also used to go to all the Hood Games in the Bay Area.
Growing up, I was a huge fan of Tony Hawk and Hosoi. My first board was a Nash, and then I got a Santa Cruz board, the classic screaming hand one. That’s when I started learning how to ollie and all the basics.
My son skateboards, I’ve been teaching him since he was a toddler. I also have three daughters who skateboard. My son, who just graduated high school and wants to be a chef, is trying to get me back into vert skating. I’m 38, and I also teach kids from age three to eleven. They’re easier to work with because they don’t think they know everything. I work with kids from low-income or Section 8 families. It’s essential for them to have a positive outlet.
Is this an after-school skate program you’re running?
Not really. I just teach kids on the streets when I see them out and about. I just want to reach kids in any way I can. I’m also a poet and a stand-up comedian. That’s my passion.
Avery Baxter with a skateboard
Skateboarding Today and the Past
Do you keep up with skateboarding these days?
The only modern skater I really watch is Rob Dyrdek. I loved watching him when he was a youngster. He really took over.
Were you ever sponsored?
No, I never was. Skateboarding was always my outlet for when I was angry or nervous.
You’re currently living in Oakland, California, right?
Well, I’m basically homeless right now. I stay at the Henry Robinson Center on Clay Street in Oakland. It’s a transitional facility. I have two roommates, but it’s not an ideal situation because they smoke meth. I never thought I’d get addicted to anything, but I got hooked on it. I’m working on it, and I’ve been doing a good job, but I’m not strong enough to be around it. So, I mostly use my room for storage and sleep elsewhere with the help of my family, who I reunited with after 15 years.
I had a house in the hills, but the landlord didn’t renew our lease. So, we had to split up. My kids went one way, my fiancé another, and I lived in a tent for a while until I got into the Henry Robinson Center. I’ve been thinking about setting up a PayPal to ask for a small donation from people to help make something work for my kids.
Avery Baxter speaking to the interviewer
Overcoming Adversity
It sounds like you’ve been through a lot.
I really have. I was molested and tortured. I was tied to water heaters and burned with cigarettes. My biological mother was a prostitute, and she recently passed away after we reconnected. I was molested at age seven by a man off of 9th street in Oakland. He was one of my mother’s friends. He would offer me money from a jar in exchange for oral sex because he knew I was struggling to feed my mother who was battling with drug addiction.
After all that, I should be a monster, mad at the world, but I’m not. I love seeing kids smile and be kids. It goes by so fast. One day you’re ten, and the next you’re in your twenties with so much responsibility. Skateboarding is my outlet for the anxiety from all of the issues I’ve faced.
We hope things get better for you. If you create a PayPal, we will include it in this article.
Okay, I’ll do that. [Editor’s note: he set it up: [email protected] ] I’m currently trying to get my daughters a place to live. Anything to keep the lights on, I would be grateful for. I want to relieve their mother of some stress because she’s moving to Belize, and that’s going to cost her a lot of money. She really wants the kids to live with me. We’re hoping for a blessing.
Avery Baxter smiling
The Significance of the Suit
Why is wearing a suit so important to you?
My adopted dad always told me that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. You never know when you’ll meet your future employer or an opportunity. If you look like you have money, you can rub elbows with people who have money, and hopefully, they see your good personality.
Since my dad passed away, I’ve been dressing nicely every day to follow in his footsteps. He’s a great role model. People liked him for his actions, not just his words. You can say anything, but actions and time show you what a person is really like.
The world judges you from the outside. If I walk into a store with a hoodie, I get treated one way. If I walk in with a suit, it’s, “Excuse me, sir, can we help you with anything?” It’s a whole different experience. I liked that experience. It’s like when Superman goes into the phone booth, puts on his cape, and emerges with his chest out and back straight. That’s how I feel when I put on a suit, even if I don’t have money in my pockets.
Avery Baxter posing in a suit
So even when you were living in a tent, you wore a suit every day?
Every day. Even if it means going to Salvation Army or a second-hand store. I also get help from Wardrobe For Opportunity. They fitted me for a three-piece suit, which is the one I was wearing in that viral clip. It was such a blessing to receive that. I don’t have many suits like that, but if I did, I would try to open up centers to help others.
I never really cared about money. I believe that if you do what you love, your personality will get you far in life. If you chase money, you’ll end up miserable.
People would ask me, “How do you wear a suit while living in a tent? You wake up every day, put on a three-piece suit, and act like you have a million bucks when you don’t even have lint to rub together.”
I would just say, “That doesn’t matter to me. I’m on a natural high all the time.”
Avery Baxter looking forward
Conclusion: A Story of Resilience
Avery Baxter’s story is one of resilience, passion, and hope. His viral streetplant was more than just a cool trick; it was a glimpse into the life of a man who has overcome incredible adversity. His dedication to skateboarding, his love for his family, and his positive outlook are truly inspiring.
If you wish to reach out to Avery or contribute to his cause, you can email or send PayPal donations to [email protected]. Your support can make a real difference in his journey.
Interview: Ian Michna
Photos: Sean Carabarin
Special Thanks: Matt Derrick, Tory & DLXSF.
