The narrative of aging pro skaters getting sober is familiar, often highlighting their years of hard drinking and partying. However, a less-told story is the rising trend of young skaters choosing sobriety early in their careers. This shift is exemplified by skaters like Shack, 24, founder of Mohkie videos, and Amin Sharif, 20, a key member of the crew. Both have navigated significant experiences with substances, leading them to embrace a sober lifestyle while pursuing their passion for skateboarding. Their story, showcased in the Slept On PsyxXxo +MIXTAPE+ video, is a testament to their talent and resilience.
We caught up with Shack and Amin to delve deeper into their experiences beyond sobriety, exploring their creative process and perspectives on skateboarding culture.
Q&A with Amin and Shack
Congratulations on the video and Amin’s part. The diverse music choices really stood out. Where did that inspiration come from?
Shack: The video is a melting pot of different music genres, reflecting our eclectic tastes. Amin is actually the one who introduced me to the Colbie Caillat song.
Amin: My music choices are heavily influenced by my relationship with my mom. I grew up listening to artists like Fergie, Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, and Katy Perry. Their music evokes a strong sense of nostalgia for me, and their popularity shows they’re undeniably great artists.
Do you blast these tracks with the windows down, or is it a private listening experience?
Amin: I usually bump it loud with the windows up, keeping it a personal jam session. But, when I arrive at school or the skatepark, I definitely turn it down.
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The video opens with you punching your board. Is that a common reaction for you when frustrated?
Amin: (laughs) Honestly, that used to be my reaction when I was using. But sobriety has taught me to handle things more maturely. Now, I only occasionally let out frustration by myself. I’m not the type to angrily break my board. I usually just get sad. That particular night, with the harsh fisheye light and constantly missing the ledge, punching my grip tape was a way to calm myself. It’s a strange coping mechanism I’ve developed, and it’s not pretty, just a small punch.
Shack: Amin was clearly frustrated, saying, “This isn’t fun. Skating should be fun.” I explained that this is work, a mission, and a kind of battle. The fun will come later.
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You both are sober, is that how your paths first crossed?
Amin: I actually met Isaac [Shack] in recovery. We were introduced by mutual acquaintances, and at first, I didn’t know who he was. However, he gave me his old vape, which instantly made me like him.
Shack: (laughs) That was my last vape ever. After that, I had COVID. Once I recovered, I felt compelled to film Amin. He’s incredibly skilled but hadn’t fully realized his potential yet. I asked him to film, and his immediate response was, “When?” That’s when I knew, it’s always.
You don’t often see people your age embrace sobriety.
Amin: My sobriety came after an ultimatum from my parents, forcing me to choose between treatment or homelessness. My addiction had led me down a path where death, prison, or sobriety were the only options. I initially saw treatment as a short break. I got sober on November 8th, 2019, at the age of 18. Before that, I had frequented a skaters meeting at Stoner, where I grew up skating and met many older skaters. Some of them even feature in Shack’s video.
Shack: Yes, we both got sober at 18. It was a major reason why I was drawn to Amin. I saw this young Middle Eastern kid who was sober at 18, and I thought, “He doesn’t even know what he’s capable of yet.” It’s funny how life works, Amin has actually saved my life.
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Skateboarding often seems to glorify substance use. Do you think it’s problematic when videos portray that?
Shack: The skateboarding landscape has definitely changed. The Olympics have made it more mainstream and less associated with trouble. My mom used to hide my skateboard, fearing it would lead to drugs and gangs. Ironically, my worst experiences weren’t with skaters. While I have captured drinking and smoking in my videos, I just want people to be aware of what drugs can do. Don’t be afraid to face the negative aspects of the world. With skate videos, it’s documentation, a raw look at our reality.
Shack, I understand you have some health issues. Could you share more about that?
Shack: Yes, I have several genetic conditions, including a soft tissue disease that requires me to spend about six hours a day in the bathtub. The video took a long time to finish because I physically can’t sit at my computer for extended periods. I also have chronic tendonitis, a past hip fracture, and celiac disease, and I’ve had melanoma removed from my arm. My neurologist suggested that I give up on life, saying I’ve damaged my brain and body. I am a 23 year old recovering addict, with five years of sobriety, and with some serious OCD.
Additionally, when I’m filming, I often experience flashbacks due to a past hostage situation when I was 17. I was held at gunpoint by a friend for an hour, which left me with PTSD. The last few months have been challenging, with me reliving the most traumatic experiences. So, the fact that I’m here talking to you is somewhat of a miracle.
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Amin, your ledge combos are impressive, like the front noseslide to front crook. Are there any ledge tricks you consider “illegal”?
Amin: (laughs) There are definitely some ugly combos. A lot of 50-50 combinations can look bad, like 50-50 to lipslide or front board. A 5-0 to switch crook needs to be done right. I usually adapt my trick to the spot. Sometimes I try combos and think, “Why did I even do that?”
Beyond Mohkie gear, you’re often seen wearing Stunt, Melodi, and Red Rum. What do you think these brands offer to skateboarding?
Amin: I think they’re breaking free from the traditional norms of skateboarding. Unlike the Skate 2 video game, where you could only have one clothing sponsor, I get to showcase my friends’ clothing in one video. It’s not about sponsorships, but a platform for them to make cool clothes that aren’t just focused on skateboarding.
Shack: Brands like Mohkie or Stunt are similar to the “Dirty South” in music, where there was something special and unique, separate from the East Coast vs. West Coast. These brands are a response to the skate industry saying, “You’re lucky to be here,” even with the low pay and demanding work. It’s about doing your own thing, even when you’re doing the work of multiple people on a low budget. It’s not about being ungrateful, but about being aware of the value you’re bringing.
Video by: Shack
Additional filming by: Sean Grohs
Photos by: Taylor Ballard
Q&A by: Larry Lanza
This interview with Shack and Amin offers a refreshing look into the evolving landscape of skateboarding. Their journey towards sobriety, combined with their artistic talent, is a testament to the changing tide within the skate community, showcasing that it’s possible to pursue a passion for skating while maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Their story inspires a new generation of skaters to prioritize well-being without sacrificing the creativity and individuality that defines skateboarding culture.
