INTERVIEW | KEVIN LITTLE @KEVINMLITTLE
Gene Galang is a San Diego OG that has been rolling with some of So Cal’s best for years and years; and by the looks of G.G’s skating you can tell he can definitely hold his own. That may be in part due to the countless hours spent sharpening his skills on his home park that he skates on a regular basis. We had a quick chat with Gene about how his home park came to be and how it has helped keep him close to his family.
WHEN DID YOU START BUILDING YOUR OWN PARK AT YOUR HOUSE?
Gene Galang: So my Backyard skatepark (AKA The Dojo) started when my friend Mike Tseng gave me all his rails & boxes he made, I don’t think I built any of the stuff in my back yard from scratch, people who quit or just didn’t have room for their obstacles anymore & just donated to me. Then I started lurking Craigslist & offer up for cheap/free skate obstacles to add to the park.
OFF SUBJECT, DOES MIKE STILL SKATE? IT HAS BEEN YEARS SINCE WE HAVE SEEN ANYTHING FROM HIM.
Yeah I haven’t heard from him in awhile, he’s a family man now too. That’s when the Dojo came in handy when my first son was born, I was still able to train and learn new tricks at home. The transition to being a Blader-Dad was awesome! Even though I wasn’t at the sessions as often, I was still getting it in.
ABOUT HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE INVESTED INTO YOUR PARK SO FAR?
Oh man, probably like 300 bucks. I’m such a cheap’o, I never spent more than $50 rail/ramp/box. A lot was donation also. When the pandemic hit is when the Dojo came in really clutch, I thought about it though and I realized I’ve been used to skating by myself in my backyard for awhile lol That was such a great time with G.G.O.S and the online Skate battles! Our community is so dope!
WOW, THAT ISN’T MUCH AT ALL! WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OBSTACLE YOU SKATE THE MOST?
I don’t have a particular favorite obstacle to skate, I just love the freedom to move around stuff to create interesting tricks, like recreating street spots.
DO YOU EVER CATCH CRAP FROM YOUR NEIGHBORS OR THE CITY ABOUT YOUR SETUP?
As for my neighbors, they haven’t had any complaints. But knowing them for decades helps but I really don’t try to make too much noise or skate at late hours. They have loud parties too soo it’s cool! Lol
IF YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADD ANYTHING TO YOUR SETUP, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
If I had the opportunity to add something else to my setup it would have to be more room. It can get really crowded back there when there is only like 4 of us skating so more room would definitely be a plus!
THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO SPEAK WITH US, GENE! WE REALLY APPRECIATE IT!
Thanks, Kevin!
FOLLOW GENE GALANG @TILMYLEGSFALLOFF & VISIT HIS SHOP AT TMLFO.BIGCARTEL.COM
