I think that there's a sense of self-reliance that exists in skateboarding that kids can take to their daily lives. I think there's also a sense of creativity and community-based goals - in skating, even though it is an individual pursuit, a lot of things that you learn are things that you borrow and expand from other people's ideas. I call skating a combined evolution - it's individual, it's artistic, but at the time, there is a communal push to keep doing your thing. And a sense of camaraderie in that.

Snowboarding is a spawn of skating, and skating is my passion.

I played team sports, but I never felt like I fitted in that well, so this allowed me to be part of a community but to do it in my own way.

I consider skateboarding an art form, a lifestyle and a sport. 'Action sport' would be the least offensive categorization.

I think skateboarding is hugely challenging - it teaches you self-confidence, it teaches you self-motivation, and it can be something that helps you throughout your life.

Most of my friends are skaters or were skaters at one time, so they obviously relate.

My definition of success is doing what you love. I feel many people do things because they feel they have to, and are hesitant to risk following their passion.