Interview Arjun Shah
Hi what's your name? How long have you been skating? How old are you and where are you from?
Im Arjun Shah, Ive been skating for 25 years. Im 35 and I'm from Millstone Twp, New Jersey but I currently live in Hannibal, Missouri.
Tell us something about you starting to skateboard.
I grew up in a small town in New Jersey and I didnt have too many friends growing up. When I saw a skateboard for the first time all I could think about was how fun it looked and how I wanted to learn how to ride one. From the second I picked up a board, I couldn't put it down. I was lucky enough to have supportive parents who would drive me to places and skateparks to skate. I started competing at age 12 because my parents fell in love with skateboarding too. Driving to demos and contests became like a family vacation sorta thing after a while. Skateboarding went from being something of interest, to a hobby, to a passion, to a life-long love for me at a really young age. I can't imagine who I'd be without it.
Tell us something about your local scene then and now?
The scene in NJ is so good. Soo many homies that rip, so many styles of skating, so many spots, so much diversity in the New Jersey skate scene. Its probably the least boring scene out there. NYC is a quick trip away, Philly is right there too. And inside state lines, we have Trenton, Princeton, the Brunswicks, Jersey City, Parssipany, Paterson, Newark, Atlantic City, Sandy Hook, man the list just goes on and on. And there's a ton of untapped spots there too. New Jersey is a skateboard playground. Where I live now is a bit different. I moved in with my girlfriend and her two kids who are basically my two kids now too. We dated for years long distance, and that's pretty much why I moved. The skate scene in Missouri is definitely a bit smaller. I'm a 4 hour drive from KC and a 2 hour drive from St Louis, so I'm not in the best area of the state for skating, but the scene seems tight-knit for sure. Everyone knows everyone type thing. I've been enjoying having to make all my spots to skate. Everything in my town is untouched, so I've been buying a ton of brick rubs, lacquer, & steel sticks. Might have to get a DIY started soon.
Did you have sponsors? Which brands are supporting you?
I still have a few sponsors. I'm currently riding for Madrid Skateboards, Autobahn Wheels, Brunswick Grip, AIKIG, Pro Skateboard Shop, SmokeProper & I'm flow for Emerica.
Whats your fav tricks which you must to do on every sesh?
It really depends what Im skating. In my opinion, certain tricks feel better on different kinds of obstacles. One trick I'll for sure do EVERY time I step on a board is a kickflip. I love kickflips. They might be basic, but they feel so damn good. My good friend Proko and I used to go out and drink and he would test my sobriety based on how good my kickflip was at the end of the night. *laughs* He's sober now though, and I've cooled off with that. Mid-30s life choices, you know?
Your best spots to skate?
Trenton & Princeton NJ. Those were the two closest cities to me growing up. I love the spots and have a million memories with friends there. Besides that, New York City for sure. Best fuckin city in the world.
Your best music to skate?
If you mean in my headphones, or what I'm listening to? It's heavy metal. But somehow I end up skating to anything but metal in my video parts. *laughs*
Your top 5 skate artist and graphics
1. Anything from Sean Bernhardt AKA SpaceBatKiller
2. Consolidated Skateboards (RIP)
3. World Industries (Rocco Era)
4. Seed Skateboards (RIP) Artist: Jay Alders
5. All I Know Is Goon (NJ: Clothing brand)
What do you think about skateboarding in The Olympics?
Aw shit. Rough question. I mean, I don't really care for it. I think it's a cool opportunity for the industry and the skaters competing in the contest. But I don't think it saved skateboarding. And it sure as shit hasn't contributed to the culture or community of skateboarding. And if it has, I haven't seen it. I guess I haven't been kicked out of as many street spots since it went Olympic. *laughs*. That's cool, you know, maybe skateboarding is evolving. Now that I'm really thinking about it, I don't know what I think about it. Maybe it's good? Maybe it's not? Who cares? I'm just gunna skate regardless.
What's your inspiration in skateboarding and life?
My family. Katie and the kids, Nash & Nile. My parents and my sister. Family keeps me going. My own happiness too I guess. I've always enjoyed skateboarding and I'm passionate about it. Everyone should have a hobby they truly love and enjoy, I'm glad I found mine. Oh, and whenever I see an older skater, you know like 40s or 60s or older, and they're out skating or I see a clip on social media. That shit hypes me up! Big Inspiration.
Your last words , geetings etc...thanks for your time
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