While growing up, I always looked up to this guy for many reasons. 1.) he was (and maybe still is) the most talented blader I’d ever skated with. 2.) he was a handful of years older than me, and would always tell me amazing stories and adventures that I could only imagine in my head. Then there’s 3.) which I believe to be the most significant. He acted as the older brother I never had, while taking me under his wing to show me the Eisler way, year after year. What is the Eisler way? Well, it’s what appears to be a genetically passed down lifestyle of continual growth in success and pleasure. The whole Eisler family carries this trait, rubbing it off on anyone who has spent as much time with them as I have.
In conclusion, I really do have to give thanks for Richie’s endless contributions to my life, which have all helped to get me where I am today. If it wasn’t for him, I have no idea where I’d be or if I’d even still be blading. Thank you so very much Mr. Richie Eisler, you deserve it all.
-Dustin Werbeski
CJ and Richie : Undercover Wheels from Dom West on Vimeo.
FIRST OF ALL, WHO EXACTLY IS RICHIE EISLER? HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
I’m the happiest boy in the world! I would describe myself as an extremely positive person, friendly, easy-going and fun. I have always been pretty sharp and I must admit that I don’t always use this power for “good”! I can be a bit of a prankster/troublemaker but I think this comes down to my passion for learning and pushing limits. This passion has served me well in rollerblading and in life.
As the years have gone by, I have become fully aware of my ability to create whatever reality I want. I have high standards and tend to set almost unrealistic goals for myself. But so far so good. I have achieved them all one by one. Pretty much all of my motivation comes from the idea that I only live once and will not settle for anything but the best.
Speaking of the best, I have the best family and friends in the world and they have shaped me for the better, in every way. I also have the best room-mates in the world! I feel like I have lived a full life already and can only imagine the wild ride that lies ahead. For the most part I am still trying to figure myself out so I wouldn’t be surprised if people who know me well are a bit confused about me, too.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT REALITY FOR US?
Right now I am living in a beach town called “Manly” in Australia. It’s about 30 minutes from downtown Sydney. I recently landed the best job in the world after a seven month break from the working world. Those months were amazing and refreshing. I traveled home to Canada to see family and friends, got my ankle fixed-up via surgery, completed a certificate that doubled my pay and spent the rest of my time “playing” in the ocean and on my rollerblades. We are currently filming for the Vine St. Video and it’s going to be a keeper. The scene here is really strong right now and everyone has been throwing down. That’s about it…. Just enjoying the moments. In general, I feel healthier, happier, smarter and more alive than ever before.
WHAT ARE YOUR INSPIRATIONS? FAVORITE SONGS? FAVORITE BOOKS? MOVIES, ETC.?
I’m inspired by anything that captures my attention. I have a particular interest in people who choose a different path and the stories they have to share. I am also really inspired by travel. I have a severe case of wanderlust. I love movies and music but have to admit that I don’t read actual books very often. I think I might just be a bit burnt out on reading from 7+ years of University study… or maybe it’s an issue of a short attention span because I definitely do a ton of reading online. I tend to spend hours reading about things that interest me. One book that’s always stood out in my head is 1984. I am also really into biographies of interesting people.
I’m pretty happy to be living in an age where I can read or learn about anything I want, at any time. It’s an exciting time to be alive. The entire world is getting smarter and waking up to so many shared ideas at once and I’m loving it. It will be interesting to see just how much the world changes over the next decade or so.
As for favorite movie or song? I am almost constantly listening to music… My favorite song is probably still Ceremony by New Order/Joy Division. I bet I’ve listened to it 10,000 times and it gets better every time. Stairway to Heaven is another obvious favorite. Favorite movie isn’t so easy but I really love Run Lola Run. And King of Kong! I also love most of Wes Anderson’s movies. Favorite 20 songs and movies would probably be more appropriate…
IT’S BEEN SOME TIME SINCE YOUR FIRST EDITS ON BE-MAG.COM IN 1999! CAN YOU TELL US WHAT’S CHANGED SINCE THEN? HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED? HOW HAS ROLLERBLADING CHANGED? WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THOSE CHANGES?
Everything has changed! I’ve changed in a million ways. Blading has changed in a million ways. The world has changed. But at the same time, nothing has changed…
I feel like I’ve really grown up and blading has grown up too. The world has changed vastly from the internet, cell phones, bank cards, etc. etc.
My thoughts? Change is constant. Embrace it!
CAN YOU SHARE ANY OF YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES FROM THE PAST 10+ YEARS?
I went to the Winterclash in Germany a couple years ago and was completely blown away by the positive comments and compliments people came to me with. It was non-stop and left me with the most amazing feeling inside. I was pretty much buzzing the whole weekend. At the time, I was starting to feel like I’m getting older and maybe couldn’t really hang at that level anymore. Priorities had shifted a bit, I almost died blading and was trying to chill it out a bit, etc. The key moment that stood out to me the most was Chris Majette and Adam Killgore were really complimenting me on my skating and talking about how I had been underrated for so long. I was kinda trying to be modest and deny/downplay their comments when Shima joined the discussion and took their side. He told me I was the most underrated skater ever. Even though we’re all homies, there’s some extra credibility and magic that comes with a comment like that when your friend happens to be one of your heroes/ the most legendary blader of all time. Not that Killgore and Majette’s comments didn’t mean a lot to me either – but it’s just that Brian Shima is Brian Shima! Thanks guys, I’m not going to forget that one!
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF 10 YEARS FROM NOW?
Hopefully continuing this magic carpet ride with full momentum. I’d like to finish a phD and become a University Film Professor, complete with corduroy jacket, leather elbow pads, a fancy pipe and some spectacles! I’ll be that crazy prof that everyone thinks is nuts, Haha! Overall, I guess I see myself continuing to blast through a checklist of dreams and aspirations. I would also love to inspire and bring out the best in everyone I meet. I have continually looked back on each year as the “best year of my life” for the past 10 years or so. If that trend can continue for another 10, I can’t even imagine how sweet life will be!
THANKS, RICHIE! ANY LAST WORDS?
Thanks Be-mag! It pretty much all started with you guys and I thank you so very much for all you’ve done for me!
THEN AND NOW:
1999 2010
Most people call me Richie Most people call me Rich
18 years old Almost 29
5’4” 5’10”
Never been outside of North America Travelled most of the world
Dropping hammers Still dropping hammers
Underrated skater Overrated skater
Love blading Love blading
Filming for “Let’s Roll” Filming for “Vine St.”
Wonder if I’ll be blading past 25 No longer have an expiration date!
Smart ass Smart ass
Huge clothes Tight clothes
Live in Canada Miss Canada
Few girls chasing me Too many
Just finished high school Completed Bachelors, MBA and some Certificates
Immature Immature… well, depends on the situation!
Work at a gas station Have worked at a hotel, bank, the local police, Hollywood movies and a crazy
internet company. Now I teach business to adults.
Drive a beat up Topaz Ride a scooter and drive a free company car
Flow for Salomon Pro for USD
Look up to pro skaters Have trouble looking up to any of them
Brian Shima is my hero Brian Shima is my friend (and hero!)
Want to live somewhere warm Haven’t seen a winter in years!
Hate coffee Love coffee
Still have a baby tooth in my mouth STILL have a baby tooth in my mouth!
Can’t cook Can’t cook
Injury list: broken ankle and some sprains. Injury list: broken ankle, countless sprains, broken fingers, several broken ribs,
broken nose, fractured skull, etc. etc.
Short hair, no beard Shaggy hair, rockin’ beard
Drink too much coke Water
Drink too much beer Drink too much beer
World controls me/my life I control my world and life
Not entirely happy Happiest boy alive
Look, feel and act 14 Look, feel and act 21
Live in my parents’ basement Live on the 7th floor of a penthouse suite, one block from the ocean
Just beginning to realize my potential Can’t stop, won’t stop
Images:
– Side shot by Amber Buchholz
– Fishbrain shot by Darren Potts
– Self
– AO Fish shot by Leo Barrera
– Torque shot by Leo Barrera
– 360 Sweaty shot by Leo Barrera
– Portrait shot by Leo Barrera
– Backside Royale shot by Amber Buchhols
– Backside Backslide shot by Leo Barrera
– Medspin Switch Fakie 360 shot by Rian Arnold
– Torque screen shot from Vine St. Video
– 360 Sweaty screen shot from Vine St. Video
– SW True Top Soyale shot by Dom West
– Portrait in front of Sydney by Leo Barrera
– Fishbrain over the water shot by Amber Buchholz
– Side shot in the grass by Amber Buchholz
– Side shot at skatepark Amber Buchholz
– Portrait by Amber Buchholz
