Brian Wainwright: “At times I’ve lived in my truck”

Brian Wainwright (@briannealwainwright) is an iconic legend in the world of vertical roller skating. His… Der Beitrag Brian Wainwright: “At times I’ve lived in my truck” erschien zuerst auf Dogdays Magazine.

Jul 18, 2024 - 13:00

Brian Wainwright: “At times I’ve lived in my truck”

Brian Wainwright (@briannealwainwright) is an iconic legend in the world of vertical roller skating. His style, defined by massive airs, dizzying spins, and smooth grinds pays homage to his love for skateboarding, of which he got his start. Still rolling 42 years later, I was honored to be able to chat with Brian to learn about his career on quads and what he hopes for the future.

Brian, how did you get your start?

Brian Wainwright: From the time I first started skateboarding, I would see pictures in Skateboarder Magazine of Kenny Means, Fred Blood, Duke Rennie and others ripping it on skates. Three years into learning how to skateboard, around 1980, I went to a dual roller-rink and skatepark facility that had rental skates with narrow trucks that you could use to ride their ramps. A few weeks later, I bought some roller skates from a friend at the skatepark. A little later I put some Independent plates and 88mm hangers on them and I took off! In 1981, I went on a trip to California and got to watch Jack Kent from Las Vegas skate at Marina Del Ray. He was doing big method airs and channels airs over a 7’ channel. I hadn’t really understood what was going on until I saw people side-stance roller skating in person. It made total sense and I began learning how to skate in side-stance after that. In addition to Fred and Duke, skateboarders inspired me – folks like Christian Hosoi, Tony Hawk, Jeff Phillips and the guys that I skated and traveled with up and down the East Coast.

Most memorable career moments?

Winning four world championship titles (1987, 1988, 1989, 1991); traveling full-time with the Van’s Warped Tour around the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia from 1998-2001, being a visiting Pro at Camp Woodward in Pennsylvania, and touring with Chris Edwards on the D-Tour for several years. Roller skating wasn’t financially sustaining, so at times I’ve lived in my truck, under the Farm Ramp, and stayed with friends to keep roller skating.

Which skaters inspire you today?

All of the energy everybody’s putting into this is amazing. There’s a huge list but I’m a big fan of Max Mead, JaQuan Owen, Lorenzo Chapman, Michelle Steilen, and Lily Lohrman to name a few. This year I got to attend the Ranch Camp that Kathleen Macias put on. There were about a hundred skaters there and being part of that was very inspiring

What do you hope for the future of roller skating?

I would really like to see more people side-skate. Being a skateboarder and growing up as a side-skater, that’s what connects with me and makes it work. Personally, I’ve found more power in side-stance and it works better for carving in pools. I’d also like to see more folks on vert and keep pushing those boundaries of what’s possible. Also more skater-owned and operated companies making functional products. It’s great when the companies that are profiting from the efforts of skaters are supporting them properly. I’d like to see more skaters able to support themselves by skating and sharing what they love.

What are you working on today?

I would love to see skates that are built specifically for vertical roller skating. I’m currently working on a skate plate to integrate wider trucks, wider pivots, and be more sturdy. I want to help with making the equipment better.