BLADE CHECK | STEPHEN BABCOCK

INTRODUCTION: KEVIN LITTLE, @kevinmlittle

SKATING PHOTOS: ERICK GARCIA, @esgvisuals , @juicedsuckafoos | LIFESTYLE PHOTOS: MIKE JIMENEZ, @sh0tbymike

Brentwood California’s Stephen Babcock or The White Wolf as he is otherwise known has made quite a name for himself over the years with his upbeat and entertaining content that he regularly posts via his social media and his slew of impressive video profiles he has dropped. And it seems that his hard work and dedication is paying dividends as he was recently picked up by the Blank Rolling Products team and awarded his very own signature wheel from the Moonshine company.

Stephen has become one of the central figures in carrying the torch for the famed NorCal skate scene, as he possesses a high level of tech skating which is reminiscent of other Bay Area legends such as Victor Arias and Brandon Smith. We had the opportunity to speak with Ole Wolfy about his current Blank boots and how he likes to setup his skates to keep him rolling at such a high level and which parts he tends to put the most abuse on.

• Boots | Blank team boot

• Liners | Stock liners (they’re great!)

• Wheels | Moonshine Stephen Babcock Signature wheel

• Bearings | Twincam ILQ-9S Plus

• Frames | Create Originals Graphic frames

• What parts do you wear through the quickest?

I think i go through frames pretty quick, and soul plates depending what kinda spots we go to.

• What part do you break most often?

I go through laces like crazy.

• Which parts are you paranoid about breaking?

I am scared of some kinda freak accident breaking a cuff and something bad happening to my ankle(s). I have fractured both ankles and tore shit in them too so i have pretty bad luck with ankles.

• What spares/tools do you keep in your backpack?

I usually keep a bag of weed. I lose my allen keys and wax every session Never lose the weed though

• Where do your parts go once you are done with them?

If parts are still usable i will keep them to either use again in the future or whenever a homie asks and i have some extra it goes out to the crew.

• Anything you plan to change on your current setup?

I need to get new laces and going to wax my cuffs cause I’m the squeakiest person at the park/spot.

• Do you skate different setups for different terrains?

I have a pair of 80mm frames with a flat setup on my Sean Keane’s for the occasional trail blade or FNS in SF.

• Wheel setup: Anti-rocker, flat or freestyle?

I skate anti, skating flat is cheating.

• Tell us about the design of your new pro wheel, from the graphic and packaging down to your specific size and hardness preference.

The wheel design idea was given to me by the homie Noah Neuber. I always had a pack of Backwoods on me, and my last name being Babcock, it went perfect together. As for the design, I told Juan Martinez the idea about it and sent him the colors i wanted and he sent me a sketch that I love. Juan also went so far and beyond with the packaging, single-handedly put ever sticker/logo on each individual package. Also, he put together little boxes similar to what Backwoods are sold in to display them at Blading Cup. They are a 60mm/90a, based on my preference, and hoping others would enjoy too. (Pick up a set from Moonshine here)

• Is there anyone that you would like to thank for their help or support over the years?

Just a big shoutout to my JSF family!