Interview Mike Jarrell

 

hi whats your name where are you from and how old you skate?

Hi, I’m Mike Jarrell. I’m 48 years old and I’m originally from Atco, NJ. I currently live in Salisbury, MD. I’ve been skating on and off for almost 40 years. 

tell us something about your beginnings on skateboard when did you start and what was your best spot to skate these days

My mom bought me my first skateboard at a yard sale for $1. It was a thin Nash street cruiser-style board with small trucks and big wheels. My friends and I used to build little kicker ramps from salvaged wood and skate in the cul de sac at the end of our street. As I got older, I discovered LOVE Park in Philadelphia and throughout high school and college I skated LOVE Park as often as I could. I’m glad I was a part of that era because LOVE Park has been razed and turned into a public space.  These days I enjoy skating at our local skatepark here in Salisbury. My favorite skate spot is FDR Park in Philadelphia. Every time I travel to Philly I make sure to stop in for a session. 

tell us something about your local skate scene 

Our local skate scene here in Salisbury (and the broader local region known as the Eastern Shore) is very diverse, inclusive, and supportive of one another. Lurking Class Skate Shop in Downtown Salisbury is welcoming of skaters of all ages and skill levels and creates a safe and fun environment for everyone. The shop has become the center of our scene, and now doubles as a top-notch music venue, with local, national and international bands performing 2-3 nights a week. Our local skatepark is free and open to everyone, and we have never had any issues.

you had a car accidentt in 2001 and youre back on skateboard now how it feels, who inspire you to be still skater for life?

On March 15, 2001, I was in a serious car accident an suffered a non-displaced fracture of my lumbar spine, as well a traumatic brain injury. I was in physical therapy for over a year. I had to learn how to walk all over again. During that time I was severely depressed, overweight, and abusing alcohol. I refused the doctors’ drugs and surgery and decided to heal naturally. My body healed as best as it could but I was continually plagued by pain, and I continued with my bad habits. Then one day in 2013 I decided to get back on my skateboard and immediately broke my elbow. Since then I have been trying to get my skate legs back, always trying to regain the speed, balance and consistency of my younger days. During the pandemic of 2020, I gave up alcohol completely and started doing yoga regularly. I have lost over 40 pounds and I’m feeling the best I have in a very long time. It hasn’t been without injuries though; last year I broke my hand and scraped my knee down to the bone while hill bombing a mountain, and just this past spring I had a major slam on a curb that should have broken my ribs; both of those clips have gone viral.

whats your best spots to skate

My favorite place to skate is Philadelphia. There are so many iconic spots that no longer exist that I had the privilege of skating in the 90s and 2000s - LOVE Park, City Hall,  the Federal Building, Penn’s Landing, and Rad Curbs, to name a few. Nowadays I visit FDR Park, Payne’s Park and the DIY skatepark at 9th & Locust.

your best music to skate?

As a DJ, I have a broad palette of musical tastes. When I’m skating and listening to music, my playlist is all over the place- punk, metal, hip hop, drum and bass, dubstep, reggae.

.whats your opinion to the skateboarding olympics?

 I think skateboarding in the Olympics is great for the sport. To have our culture and scene showcased to the world should be seen as an honor. 

your top 5 skate videos which video did you inspired the most?

Some of my favorite videos and clips are Plan B “Questionable”, Girl “Yeah Right”, Rodney Mullen’s 411 “I Love Skateboarding”, anything by Daewon Song

your words on the end greetings etc feel free to write what you can.

At 48 years old, I’ve seen skateboarding go through a lot of changes, mostly for the better. I remember when somebody shouting “do a kickflip!” was seen as an insult, nowadays it’s a welcome challenge. I love seeing the innovation, creativity and evolution of the younger generation. I love that parents are supportive and letting their kids be who they are because skateboarding is not just a sport, it’s a way of life. Never compare yourself to anyone else because skateboarding is about the individual. Everyone learns and progresses at the own rate, and we are fortunate to be part of a scene that encourages one another. Maintain a positive mental attitude and remember that skateboarding is for everyone.