Action Now: The Future Faces of Downhill

Downhill skateboarding is forever evolving and the tastemakers of the scene are constantly revolving over time. Of course, some of the very best skaters & creators will stay-the-course and continue to influence and help shape the community for years to come. That being said, there are many faces in the scene who come in, make their mark, and then simply move on. I make no judgments as to the implications of this evolution other than I’m stoked that it allows for an ever-changing pool of new skaters bringing the heat and pushing it forward.

After chatting with Pete Eubank on the phone earlier this week and him proposing the idea of creating this very same discussion, a conversation via Action Now, suggesting ideas on what the future faces of the downhill skateboarding scene might look like (thanks, Pete), I decided to jot down some notes, contact some friends (Max Capps, Morgan Owens, Khaleeq Alfred, and a couple others), then, based on that quick dialogue and my notes, I collected a short list of skaters who’s talents, charisma, and style might place their faces even further in the forefront of the scene in the days and years to come.

Below are a few riders I think are pushing things forward in the DH community in some way or another. Again though, there are many more who are not listed here for brevity’s sake, and this list is meant only as a conversation starter, and ultimately I’m looking to hear what all of y’all think out there in the community. So check out the list I made and let me know what ya think and you you might add and why.

Alex Charleson: Someone said to me that he’s “the new Kevin Reimer/ P-Swiss combo” Those is some big shoes to fill, but an aptly posited generalization nonetheless. The dude rips major!

Ryka Mohammadian: Ryka is a natural born killer, of hills, and I love watching him skate any chance I get. I also heard he’s “different”, but I don’t know what that actually means and I’m pretty sure if I did I’d like that about him too. Anyway, I don’t really have much else to say except that I want to see more skating from this Ryka guy in the future.

Oscar Gutierrez: This dude is fast, poised, and knows how to race hills like the best of ‘em. I met him in Mexico a few years ago and watching his natural confidence and skill on-board left a lasting impression on me. Btw, if you did not know already, this kid is on Sector 9. Expect to see him ripping at an event near you soon.

Jasper Ohlson: Not necessarily a new face, but this dude rips everything with style, he’s a young-buck, a budding photographer & artist, and he has a head on his shoulders.

Michal Cihlar: I met this dude through Yeehaw Pete and the Santa Cruz posse while shooting and article a while back for Wheelbase Issue Three. Needless to say, Michal got a shot in that issue and I’ve been seeing this stylish, fast, and passionate skater at every event and session since then. Didn’t he just get on Aera too?

Décio Lourenço: I don’t know this dude personally, but I do know that he’s one hell of a world-class racer from South Africa. Look him up. Btw, this is the dude that set off a speed camera going 70MPH.

Dandoy Tongco: This cat is creative, classy, and an innovator. I’ve never seen anyone do the tricks that he does on the hills.

Kai Monroe: Fast. Raw. Style. If he stays in one piece, his head on straight, and keeps the flame lit then we’re all in for some epic downhill action in the coming years. He’s also got a mean backside boneless too! So there’s that.

Emily Pross: Another on the list who needs no introduction. Emily is a baller (is that weird to say?). Basically, she is one of the best racers in the world regardless of gender. But being that she is a lady, she and her skateboarding are a true inspiration to many ladies. Plus, she’s just a rad person and has a powerful sense of humor.

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Well, that’s it—that’s my list of possible future faces of downhill—people I’d like to see more of and that I believe are pushing things forward.

Anyway, this list is just a springboard for discussion; so let me know what you think. Be nice with your critique because I’m delicate like a budding flower. Ha ha! But seriously, I want to know who you think should be on this list as well. Leave your comments in the comment section below and stay tuned for the live discussion of this Action now column tonight on the Wheelbase Periscope. See details below on how to join that conversation:

@wheelbasemag

Join the live-streaming discussion of this week’s Action Now column later today Thursday at 5PM PST via the WheelbaseMag Periscope. THAT’S TONIGHT.

Also, please make sure to spread the word about this and add any comments ya have below in the comment section so that we can discuss them on-air tonight once we go live. Shredlove and thanks for checking out Wheelbase Magazine and my column!

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I just want to reiterate that the comments and ideas presented above are published with the sole purpose to create dialogue, not as instruction. If any of these ideas get your panties in a bunch please first relax, and then pluck and place said undergarments in a more comfortable position and let’s have a heathy skater-to-skater chat. The live streaming Periscope discussion for this week’s Action Now column begins at 5PM PST tonight (1/21/2016).