My 2015: Coco Sanchez

Whether 2015 was an awesome or a terrible year is up for debate. If you are more of the “glass half empty” type, then it is undeniable that the state of blading truly is worrying. With social networks slowly killing legit media sources, Magma & [MAG] both quitting this year, iconic companies like SSM gone, more shops closing down, without any money to actually pay our best pros and print magazines becoming rarer and rarer, one has to admit things could be better.

On the other hand, 2015 has brought in the most fresh new faces to blading we have seen in a long time. The steadily rising level of skating is nothing short of incredible, and more diverse than ever before. Dedicated brands are still pushing and new, innovative products like the Aeon skate and CRS frame have hit the market this year. Finally, many contests, festivals & skate camps are putting in the work to raise blade awareness and get new kids on skates… Glass half full.

If she would rather stay away from the alcohol, Coco Sanchez made sure to stay hydrated while performing several times a day for All Wheels Sports summer shows. And to say 2015 was busy all year round would be an understatement: turning pro for Rollerblade was arguably her career’s highest point so far, and not only did she go on her first trip abroad in quite some time, but she also scored an interview in One magazine’s 5th digital issue and placed in just about any contest she entered. Here’s to 2015: cheers everyone!

Words: Freddy White
Photography: Greg Mirzoyan, Drew Humphrey, Thibaut Vankemmel, Mathieu Hennebert, Austen Seaholm & Kaspars Alksnis

My events in 2015:
Winterclash
Panhandle Pow-wow
Lux Armor Warehouse Bash
AIL championships
Blade Cup

My Tour Life in 2015:
Starting off on the Pro team for RB was a bit stressful after I missed my first covered flight with them to Winterclash. Dropped the ball so hard. I apparently redeemed myself after I bought a ticket to Amsterdam same day as the flight itself. So a bit shaky in the beginning there. From Holland the team flew to Italy to meet some of the other core athletes representing all types of rollerblading. Italy was stunning. Got home and 2 weeks later took off to Atlanta, GA with the team, skated, and made our way down to Jacksonville, Fl for the Pow-wow. Next I headed back to good ole Sandusky, Ohio for another summer of shows. Summer ends and the last couple of contests of the year happen right around my home town so that was that for 2015.

My edits/parts in 2015:
RB team spring/Pow-wow edit.
RB team fall/Blade Cup edit

My Cities in 2015:
Amsterdam
Eindhoven
Venice
Atlanta
Jacksonville
Sandusky
Tehachapi
San Francisco

My Countries in 2015:
Netherlands and Italy.

My injuries in 2015:
Neck problems were the only thing this year that kept me from skating.

Any specific moment or experience that stood out?
First and foremost, landing the 900. I’ve dreamed of that for many many years. 2015 being the first year out of my career to get paid for skating. That’s a rewarding feeling.

What was your worst day in 2015 and why?
I don’t know. I’m pretty sure I’m border line bipolar so there are good days and bad. I don’t have a specific day. Damn, that would have to be a BAD day!

Is there such thing as a best day in 2015?
PSH, yes. Again that 900 boieeeeee! You have no idea. I mean, a lot of you probably do lol. After that show I had trouble sleeping and if I did sleep, it was with a Ginormous smileeee.

Best in 2015:
Travel Buddy? Sean Keane (chiller con queso)
Event? Panhandle Pow-wow
Country? Italy
City? Venice
Meal? Sushi
Song? “ummmmmm” by Impossible
Boy? Austen Seaholm. Sorry ladies!
Website? gardenoflife.com (Stay awhile, take care of your bodehhh)
Company? Rollerblade, Goldsheep, Garden of Life (the hype is equal)
Movie? Interstellar
Beer? I fuckin hate beer
Party? Staying away from.
Tricks you’ve filmed? SO many dope skateboarding tricks. I don’t know the names though so there’s that.
Story? Creating a happy one.

Bestest in 2015:
Blader? Franky Morales
Up-and-comer? Joe Atkinson
Bladie? Stéphanie Richer
Videographer? Erick Rodriguez

What’s planned for 2016 so far?
Winterclash is a No Go this year. Pow-wow is on the calendar. Can’t say no to another summer of shows. Skate every damn day. YEAH!