Exclusive Edit – :10 With Brian Weis and Mikey Blair from Be-Mag on Vimeo.
SO, YOU GUYS ARE OUT IN GRAND RAPIDS SHOOTING RIGHT NOW? WHO’S WITH YOU AND WHAT’S GOING DOWN?
BW: Yeah, just shooting some photos with Sean MacGowan and Mikey Blair for this, hanging out with all the GR dudes. Chris Couture and Matt Ozz were throwing down too, and filming a few clips with Alex Beaupre. Weather has been crazy here, sunny then snowy then cold but we managed to sneak in a few sessions, cannot wait for summer!
MB: We got Brian Weis, Matt Ozz, Chris C., and my man Alex B. workin’ the cam. So far we have shot a drop rail some gap action and a little ledge work.
SIXWONSIX HAS A LOT OF HISTORY IN ROLLERBLADING, PARTICULARLY THE MIDWEST SCENE. WHAT’S NEW WITH SIXWONSIX THESE DAYS?
BW: There will definitely be some big changes in store for SWS. Along with a lot of new products and more focus on accessories there will be a completely fresh and new “team” idea that should be pretty cool so be on the look out.
MB: Sixwonsix these days is still representing the midwest as strong as ever while providing some of the best skating and quality apparel that the midwest has to offer.
SINCE THE NEW YEAR THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN CHANGES AT THE CONFERENCE; WHAT’S NEW AND IMPROVED WITH USD?
BW: USD is working towards improving and building the brand back to the stature it was in the past. They are focusing more on the teams involvement and their part in the future of USD along with broadening their skate options to account for every type of blader.
MB: With the addition of the carbon skate USD has improved both the variety and quality of their skates. I feel along side this that USD is taking big steps forward in improving the look of the brand and the strength of the team.
WHAT’S YOUR ROLE WITH SIXWONSIX AND USD? AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE IT WITH SKATING, SCHOOL, ETC.?
BW: Being AM for Sixwonsix and a future prospect for USD, I am here on the part of both companies to represent and promote them, myself, my scene and rollerblading to the fullest. Balancing skating and going to school full time can sometimes be difficult because I am near graduation, but most events/contest/sessions go down on the weekends which are free for me. Skating and school are my first priorities so I will ALWAYS find time to get in a little blading.
MB: For both Sixwonsix and USD I would describe my role as a representative to each company. Skating AM for both teams and continuing to make and produce good skating for both. Balancing school into the equation is something that tends to be quite easy for me. I have plenty of time for both school and skating to be my top priorities.
WHAT’S THE SCENE LIKE IN MICHIGAN THESE DAYS? WHO’S STILL INVOLVED? WHO ARE SOME OF THE UP-AND-COMERS?
BW: Well we have a winter park comp and a summer street comp every year in Kalamazoo, MI called ‘A Day In The Zoo’ that was founded by Chris Couture, so this is something to get all the bladers out too. Other than that we have a strong scene all over the state. Cody Boulay and Andy Kouts are some up-and-coming bladers to watch out for in the future, they have done really well in Michigan comps and this year at BCSD X. Mark Vanderboegh is a given and Al Dolega supports and holds down the scene in Detroit.
MB: The scene in Michigan right now is still pretty solid we have alot of skaters all over from different parts of the state that come together to form a good group of skaters. Of course Mark from Sixwonsix has always and continues to be involved with midwest skating as a whole. For the most part there are a lot of kids coming up in Michigan that are showing lots of promise. There’s at least a hand full of kids that are shredding HARD!
