Paul Machnau: Canadian as puck

Thrasher Magazine, March, 2005 by Nick Scurich

You should get the Dragons on the hunt.

I tried to find them the next few days, but I didn't have any luck.

What would you do for work if you didn't skate?

Maybe something in real estate. I'm kind of getting into that. Nothing like a nine-to-five job,

Maybe something in the industry where I could work for myself.

Have you ever had a "normal" job?

Yeah, I worked as a bus boy before I opened my shop. I had a French Canadian for a boss and it fucking killed me! I also worked at Arby's. Man, you don't even know what that shit is made of. Before it goes in the oven it's mud. We used to throw that roast beef shit across the room and it would stick to the wall. Nasty shit. Don't eat Arby's!

What was your first priority when designing a shoe?

Comfort. I hate skate shoes that hurt my feet, give me blisters or heel bruises. Board feel was also very important. Being able to feel the board under my feet is super important. I basically kept those two in mind. I also wanted it to be light and inexpensive.

What makes a good video part?

All around skating, I guess. It's got to have flow, feeling, and a good selection of tricks.

Do you feel people have some type of obligation to skate everything in a video part; that is to say, for a good video part?

No. I just think generally people should skate everything; it really shows them as a skater. It's really just personal choice. That's what skating is all about, doing what you want to do.