Chris Dobstaff: "spending other people's money" - Heads - Interview

Thrasher Magazine, Nov, 2002 by Michael Burnett

What's going on in your life?

Not much. Just trying to get around the world to skate. Stay out of trouble. I've been touring a lot. Spending other people's money. Just skating a lot. Sweatin'.

What's your present sponsor situation?

Tracker trucks, Avalanche skate shop, Osiris shoes, Elenex clothing, Darkstar wheels and I'm looking around for boards. I've been getting boards from practically everyone at Dwindle. I'm trying to get that situated.

What's been the hold-up on getting a board sponsor?

I don't know. I just have to meet the team and get to know everyone--or that's what people keep telling me. Like going on tours and repping their stuff. You know, I'm just skating. I don't really worry too much about it. A board sponsor is important, but it's most important to know that people are behind me.

Do you think living in San Diego has made it more difficult to hook up with a board sponsor?

Possibly. Depends how you look at it. You can get coverage wherever you go. Everyone films for something or shoots for something. They all got phone numbers.

Do you have Osiris pride? Would you rather fight than switch?

Rather fight than switch? I have Osiris pride. Yeah. They've been down for me since day one. Kanten hooked me up and they've always been good to me and real. That's what I look for, you know.

Who's the wildest person you've ever seen in a pair of D3s?

I don't know. I've seen lots of crazy people in the D3s. Little chunky kids. I saw an old guy wearing an Osiris jacket and the D3s on the 4th of July. Maybe they're just good looking shoes.

Who do you think is the best skater on the team?

On Osiris? It's all of us that brings it together. Kanten's always been blowing my mind. He's always capable of doing what he wants to do.

Who's your best friend on the team?

I'm not sure. Probably Tony, the owner, Tony Magnusson. I get to talk about different things with him and he gives me advice on life. I just take what he says in consideration and go from there.

If you could change anything about Osiris, what would it be?

There's really nothing I would change besides put a few new riders on and make some of the ams go pro--make it new again.

You do some pretty tech stuff. Do you think someone's skateboarding can ever be overly technical?

Of course. You can overdo it, easy. There's a wide range of tricks that can be done and I see people spending so much time on tech tricks. Sometimes it can be a waste of time. It can get tiring, you know. Because you can take those tricks and move them onto other things like rails and stuff. You shouldn't just limit yourself to one kind of thing.

Are you bored of the Santee park yet?

Yeah. I'm bored of it.

Did you skate there today?

Yeah. I warmed up there before I tried to get some tricks.

Does the next generation of skaters make you nervous?

Nah. I just get super-psyched on 'em. I know that the younger generation is gonna always be the best. I've always been waiting for a young kid to come up and blow minds, and I'm happy to see Paul Rodriguez and others doing that.

What pro skater would you definitely like to see more of?

Definitely Guy Mariano. He's probably bored with skating 'cause he just killed it. I think Koston's capable of doing insane stuff too. I think he's holding back. He's waiting for the new generation to come up so he can test them and then he's gonna get his shit on, you know?

What's stupider, putting extra tongues in your shoes or trying to skate in extra-tight women's pants?

Extra-tongues makes no sense. I wear baggy pants, I prefer them, but I'm always pulling up the slack, so I can see why kids might want them tight. At the same time, I look at them and I just don't think like they do. Maybe they like tight pants 'cause their parents wear' em.

Who's your favorite Pissdrunk?

Probably Andrew Reynolds. He's a nice guy, too. I'd never met him before and he was cool and said hello. I like that--to see pro skaters who are stoked to meet other skaters.

When you're on the road, do you prefer to taste the local delicacies or do you try and find a McDonald's?

Depends on how I feel. Most of the time I get McDonald's, though.

Have you ever felt embarrassed to be an American?

Of course. Always. 'Cause I can't speak their language and I feel so out of place. But it's the same thing when they come here.

Why do you think other countries hate Americans so much?

All the stuff in the past. It has to do with our history. They probably think we're all pigs, like little brats.

Who's the most underground pro skater in San Diego?

Definitely Smolik. He's so talented, but you never see him. But when he comes out, you're blown away.

Do you ever skate with Sheffey?

I've skated with him at the Santee park, actually, when it first opened. He skated the whole time switch. He said hi and was nice. I really respect that. He's on my good list.

Would you rather date a goth or a hippie?

Oh man! I don't know! Neither. I'd be too scared.

Have you ever made out with a girl with hairy armpits?

I'm glad to say I haven't.

Why'd you stop riding for Enjoi?