JERRY FOWLER: INTERVIEW
SEPTEMBER 2000
Name, age, blood type?
Jerry, 25, red.
Where are you living now?
Boston, Mission Hill.
How long have you been residing in the East?
Going on four months now.
How has living in the Northeast effected your skating?
Well, most of my friends are here so Im more motivated, when I was in California I spent a lot of time by myself and going skating by yourself is no fun ya know. Definitely more exercise here too, you don't really need a car, you can skate around Boston cause its not to big.
Whats the status with your sponsors?
I skateboard for dNA skateboards, Unit Phantom trucks, FKD bearings, and Converse shoes.
Are you happy with where you are and who you ride for?
Yeah Im definitely happy with all of my sponsors. I have some bad days here in Boston. I kinda miss California sometimes, the other day I was watching a video and someone did a trick at one of my favorite spots and I seriously considered booking a flight to go skate there, Im pretty retarded in that way.
What kind of music do you listen to?
Mostly hip hop except for when I go to sleep or when Im on road trips, then its more mellower type stuff. Lots of soundtracks.
Who's hot in Boston?
Joey Pepper, Pete Gardini, Ray Echevers, Doug Brown, Ryan Damian, Jahmal Williams, PJ Ladd, Ryan Gallant, Roger Bagley.
Where do you see skateboarding in 10 years?
2010.
Who would you say has influenced your skating the most?
Myself, and travel.
Can you skate transition?
Sorta, it was never really fun enough for me to attempt getting good at. I didnt grow up in skateparks, Ill skate one if its raining, thats about it.
What keeps you busy when youre not skating?
A lot of movie watching. I have a tv but no channels, just a vcr, so theres constantly a movie playing. Been going to the beach a lot lately too. Its summer too, so lately a lot of parties have been popping up, those are always good.
Favorite movies?
Office Space, Rushmore, Animal House, Raising Arizona, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Caddyshack, Dazed and Confused.
Have you ever been to prison?
Yeah, twice. Once way back when I was like 17 for some dumb shit, that was only juvenile hall though. Then again a couple years back, got stopped for skating in Huntington Beach and found out I had a warrant from some other skate related incident. Both times were only a night a piece, but it was enough for me to never wanna fuck up again.
Since Boston is considered to be one of America's most conservative cities, would you say that it's more difficult to get away with skateboarding?
Totally. Especially since the big dig started. Theyre basically redoing the whole city, which leads to more cops, and the cops here are ridiculous. Here theres pretty much only two or three spots that you can guarantee wont be a bust. Lately we've been going out like real late at night with maybe only a couple people, and doing that sometimes doesnt turn out to be productive. So when you do actually come up on something, like a photo or a trick on video youre like twice as psyched, for me at least.
Quick answer:
Apples or oranges? apples, no pealing required
Batman or Superman? care
Office Space or Dirty Work? Office Space
If you could skate with any person at any one spot, who and where would it be?
Mark Gonzales, because of his spontaneity. And the spot would have to be Boston City hospital with the security guards duct taped up.
Favorite tricks?
Fakie kickflips, 360 flips, backside tailslides, noseslides.
Name a trick that you cant do, but wish you could?
Frontside 180 nollie kickflips, Kenny Anderson makes me wanna do them, but its hopeless.
What do you see yourself doing after skating?
Who knows, living in Boston...
Three things that you absolutely hate:
When the trains are packed and you have to cuddle with a complete stranger, overhearing racist conversations, security guards.
Whats next for you?
Keep skating, go back to school, travel...?
Have you had your morning coffee?
Yes, Im currently sleepily sipping on my seventh cup, somehow.
Shout outs?
Thank you to every sponsor I have and have ever had, everyone I know, and everything that inspires or motivates me on a daily basis.