Mike Vince Interview

The newest member of the livestock crew, Mike Vince, did an interview with skatenewspot.com. Check it out.

You grew up skating in Winnipeg. How did you get into skating and who did you skate with over the years there?
My older brother had a skateboard. I had to do everything he did so I got one too. I probably thought it would make me cool or something.
Back in Winnipeg I skated with Aaron Rosenblatt, Jeremy Gelfant , Jordan Bucholz and Sam Klassen. Basically the new Green Apple dudes.

When and why did you move to Vancouver?
Maybe 2003? Do you know? I moved to Vancouver because I was fed up with the long winters in Winnipeg and figured it was time to try something new. Aaron moved out around the same time, which only made it easier on me.

Yeah, it was 2003. When you got to Van you moved into the Chateau. How was that? What did you guys do on the daily then? Who did you live with at the time? Any good stories?
Moving into the Chateau was great! I met some of my best friends there. I lived with Aaron, Kris Richardson, McD, Ryan Mcguigan, Steve Lyons and Trav Stenger on the 1st Floor. Up top was Ian Twa, Jason Cooper and Joey Williams.
I’d wake up at the Chateau and play the waiting game. Ryan on the computer and Ian cooking steaks, I was lucky If made it out of that place by 2 or 3 in the afternoon. I was pretty eager at the time, which i’m pretty sure annoyed everyone in the house.
All my good story’s involve visits from you bud. Remember that time you power bombed Green’s into the coffee table? Hahaha!

That was an accident! Sorry Greenhorn! Anyway, you lived in the Chateau, The Chatwo and The Fuck Shop. Which was the best place to live and why? Which was the worst and why?
The Fuck Shop was the best and the worst. Best crew in a single household and the location was craze. It was the worst because of what McD called “Pop ups.” Place was like a youth hostel and everyone knew where the spare key was.

What’s it like living in Vancouver now? What do you do from day to day?
Even though I complain about it non-stop every single day of my life, Vancouver is still my home and I love it. It’s not the easiest city to skate, and that’s what makes it good. Most days are spent working or skating. I like to travel when the old account balance permits it.

You have gone on numerous, 3 month trips to Barcelona. What are some of the best things about the city?
Food, GP, Fragile, Mataro, and of course the late nights at Uni!

You just did a small East Coast trip this summer, ending in NYC. What was the trip like? Where did you go? How did you like New York City?
I went to Montreal, Toronto and ended up with you at the Opera House in Brooklyn, NYC. My trip began with Zoo York’s annual contest in Montreal, needless to say I blew that. I had some extra loot and figured I may as well stick around the east coast and roam around on Greyhounds. Caught up with the Adidas tour in Toronto and then on to visit you. New York may be my favorite city I have been to this far. I look forward to returning soon.

Favorite skaters?
Danny Renaud, Anthony Van Engelen, and Gino Iannucci.

Favorite videos?
Alien Workshop “Photosynthesis”, FTC “Penal Code”, 101 “Trilogy.”

Favorite flip tricks
Kickflip.

Favorite ledge tricks?
Switch Backside 50-50.

Who’s skating are you hyped on in Canada?
Kevin Lowry and Joey Williams because he leaves comments on here now. All the Fuckshop locs too.

You’re very picky and selective about the stuff you shoot and even more picky about the stuff of you that you allow to be seen. I know you’re not very happy that I’m making you do this interview. Where does this finicky Vince come from?
I wouldn’t say I’m picky? Whatever it is, I got it from my parents, they are both perfectionists. I’m passionate about the shralp. It’s sad to see skateboarding pumped out in such excess and with such little care.

You recent left Supra dist to ride for WE and Adidas. Was this a hard decision to make? Weren’t you on Adidas before?
It was a difficult decision because I had been apart of Supra for quite some time and still have many good friends there. It simply wasn’t working out though and I was unhappy. The opportunity to skate for Adidas and WeSC came about and my decision was made. In a sense it was quite an easy decision, I have always really liked these two brands. Many of my good friends are apart of them as well. Yes, I did skate for Adidas when they started in Canada. Leaving was my mistake. I’ll leave it at that.

Thank yous?
My family and friends! Ben Motz, Annie Lam, Micki Rivers and Jesse Bowden, McD and Ry at Green Apple, Trav for bringing home wings tonight, and you BEN!

Photos and text courtesy of www.skatenewspot.com