Bill Robertson Casper Industries Interview
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| Interview | |
| Skater | Bill Robertson |
| Interviewer | Casper Industries |
| Date | January 10, 2003 |
When did you start skating / freestlying?
I began skateboarding in the spring of 1976, in Richmond, Virginia, purchasing my first plastic skateboard from a local toy store for $20.00. I rode barefoot and learned how to carve and do 180 kick turns. Today, at the age of 40, I continue to skate flatland, street, ramps and bowls. I use the same board for all of these (32" x 7.75"), only varying the tightness of the trucks depending on the terrain. I feel that I have returned to my roots, having become a "skateboarder" all over again, not defined by a label or category.
What appealed to you then and now about freestyle versus street and vert skating?
There is such grace, power and precision in freestyle, where a single rider performs all his best tricks on the flat ground in a choreographed routine. It is the essence of skateboarding, the roots from the boardwalk, and until someone refuses to get stoked when they see me spinning 20 1 footed 360s or throwing a handstand fingerflip, I will continue to embrace and promote freestyle.
What are your favorite tricks or type of tricks?
I enjoy rolling tricks and catching them in manual, such as the 540 shove it or 180 kickflip. I also have a favorite trick I call the B-Ro (bee row) Bounce, although the technical name is a 360 Nollie Shove It. I also enjoy spinning 360s, either on 1 foot or 2 feet. You can see a number of my tricks on my Web site at this URL: http://www.drskateboard.com/instruction/trick_tips.htm
How do you feel about the freestyle "revival" that seems to be happening?
I think it is great that people want to see this style of skateboarding, and also have an appreciation for its difficulty and complexity of freestyle. I am constantly amazed that young people want to see the “old school” tricks and have such a positive take on flatland. It is quite refreshing to still be able to do it, as well as communicate a love of a great sport to a whole new group of people.
Any word of encouragement for the freestylers that are still out there today or anyone thinking about starting?
My advice is simple, skate to have fun and try and be a well-rounded rider, by riding the flat, street, bowls, banks, downhill and parks. Wear safety equipment and have a long career. I am happy to communicate with aspiring riders needing advice or encouragement via email too (drbill@drskateboard.com)
Is there anything you would like to add?
I would like to thank my current sponsors, which include Casper Industries, Eastern Skateboard Supply, Tracker Trucks, PTS Shoes, Pro Impact Stunt Team, Kaos Agency and Pro Designed Pads. I would also like to thank my wife Sarah for all her love and support.
Finally, I think flatland should have a defined place in skateboarding, and I continue to mix it into every session I am a part of, whether in a demo or just hanging with friends