2024 was an exceptional year for inline skating. With the community slowly adjusting to some level of normalcy in a post-Covid world, skaters from all over are making the most of their time and enjoying life and all that comes with it. That often means spending time with friends and loved ones, traveling to new locations, and of course, strapping on the skates for a fun session. We decided to speak with some of Blading’s best and brightest stars to see what 2024 brought them.
JIMMY CISZ
Where did you start 2024?
I started 2024 with a massive road-trip from Maryland to Las Vegas with the Faction team. We picked Brandon Anderson up in Atlanta and started clipping up for Tactics while enjoying open country. I have no idea how Clark (Kirkman) survived some of those long drives which were well over 10 hours, while dealing with us at the same time! We also had a team trip to Europe for Winterclash the next coming month! All focus was on finishing the Tactics video.
Where did you end in 2024?
I ended 2024 enduring some big hurricanes (Helene & Milton) at home in Florida. Aside from that it was a great year for me! I was able to hit all my short term goals in 2024. I’m going on a trip to Europe for 2025, staying for well over a month, exploring Italy and trying to make a trip to Barcelona happen.
What are some of your favorite memories from this year?
Spending time with the Faction team attending two video premieres for the Faction Tactics video. The trip to Vegas is always a huge highlight and a crazy adventure to see the Wild West. Skating with Faction’s newest team member Tri Tri-Rudolph at the Compound was a dream come true, I look forward to this summer to do it again !
What were some of your favorite musical artists or songs that you enjoyed this year?
Crystal Castles
Lil Peep
Snow Strippers
BLP Kosher
Suzy Sheer
Silversun Pickups
Ruckspin
Maxo Kream
Young Dolph
What were some spots you traveled to this year?
Las Vegas, New York City, North Carolina, New Mexico, Texas, Washington DC, Colorado, Schmidty’s Ramp and Camp Indiana, Woodward Pennsylvania, Key West Florida, Atlanta, Netherlands, Birmingham Alabama, Maryland, and New Jersey.
What are some photos that sum up your experiences in 2024?
What were some goals that you accomplished this year?
Watching my team, Brandon Anderson and Clark achieve the completion of the Faction Team video. Winning the Captain of Concrete in Atlanta was a huge milestone for me, thank you SK8TL! Also winning One Magazine‘s “Breakout Blader” award is a pretty crazy feeling! Plus, all the unconventional tricks I was able to land this year and see them standout from the thousands of talented rollerbladers in our community. Thank you everyone who’s supported me through my social media pages! You guys motivate me more than you know.
What did you wish you had done in the year but missed the opportunity?
I had plans to stay in Atlanta to skate some awesome street spots with my best bud Anthony. On the way back from the Compound in Maryland, Hurricane Milton decided to make a run directly toward my hometown so I hurried back home to hold down the fort while my family evacuated.
What is something that made you grow as a person this year?
Smashed my front teeth out doing a pocket air at the skatepark of Tampa. I was skating with my teammate Eric Michael and the session was going so well before that happened. This is the second time I’ve done that too, only this time I lost 3 front teeth. Completely gone. I got these new ones now that I happen to like very much though!
What is something that kept you going or motivated you this year?
My parents have been a huge support in my skating since I was nine years old, without them, not sure where I would be! Clark Kirkman from Faction has been a great mentor and influence in my direction and getting the things I want out of not just skating, but in life in general. My girlfriend for being an amazing supporter and my best friend and always keeping me positive and motivated, while skating with me as much as possible.
What are you looking forward to in 2025?
I am looking forward to my trip in Europe from February through March, heading back to the Compound for some much needed training and fun, and the contest season of 2025! Plus I have a new pro wheel from Sic Urethane dropping this year as well. Huge thanks to Kevin Little for always supporting my journey and ideas! Looking forward to putting out clips and content and having the most fun I can with rollerblading! I want to give a big shout-out to everyone who has read this and has supported me throughout these amazing years! Thank you, rollerblading!
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