Baltimore's Best

This is Carl Schmidt....

Carl lives in Baltimore, MD. It's an old rust-belt city; a lot like Philadelphia. Baltimore is an over looked city on the East, but if your into skating nugs it's a hidden gem. There's abandoned buildings with stoop ledges all over the place, some dope hill bombs, cool stuff downtown and a rich skateboarding history. Baltimore has produced some rad skaters over the years including Rodney jones, Gary Smith, and Scott Johnston. Carl Rides for Gary's skate shop called Vu, which has two locations in the city. If you go to Baltimore make sure you stop by Vu and say what's up to Gary, Carl, and the rest of their crew; they all rip. You can catch Carl skating The-Ridge DIY spot on the regs as well as the famous Lyric building. The-Ridge has played a key roll in Baltimore's last 10 years of skating and it definitely shows in the local talent. Vu recently dropped a full length video project called "Down to The Wire". Carl has a full part in it. Find it, watch it, and enjoy. I spoke with Carl not too long ago about his city, his scene and the recent video; here is the conversation.

-Pusher Rob

R- Carl, let’s give people a little back-story on who you are and who you ride for...

C- I was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. I've lived in the Baltimore area my whole life and I am currently living about 20 min outside of the city. I've been riding for Vu Skate Shop since the jump about 6 years ago, and I've been getting flow shoes from Cons for a few years now.

How was filming for the Down to The Wire video?

It was solid. This past Winter really slowed down the filming process, but overall I think the video has come together really well.  

How long have you guys at Vu been working on the video?

Two years now.

Have you taken any trips for the video or is it all Baltimore footy?

Other than a couple clips in Philly, it's pretty much all Baltimore footy man. I'm stoked on that.

I heard Vu opened up another store location, that’s pretty sick. Baltimore seems to have a solid loyal scene that’s growing each year.

Yea the new shop is in Hampden, which is located in Northern Baltimore. Hampden is a great location for the 2nd store because it sits right off of Interstate 83 and a block away from the local skate park. I definitely agree though, our city is small so most skaters living in the region know each other or have a general idea of who they are. Gary has done a great job bringing our city together and shining some light. There are some serious rippers here who all deserve recognition.

What’s up with The Ridge right now, is it still alive and kicking?

It's sort of a matter of opinion. I grew up skating there and learned almost everything I know there so it will always have a place in my heart. Most winters at The Ridge are pretty dead now but spring and summer are always poppin’ any day after like 2 oclock. Also, I can skate to The Ridge from my apartment, which is perfect for week days after work.

Why are you so fond of Old Bay?

Hahaha because you can put it on fucking anything and everything. A lot of times when I eat pasta I'd rather just do butter and old bay...screw the sauce. And of course crabs or other seafoods; and with a 6 pack of natty boh’ you’re good to go.

A lot of people may not know how good Baltimore is for skating. What should people know about the spots down there and the scene that may make them want to visit and experience the city?

Baltimore is great for anybody that loves the East coast. Our city is very old and very weathered but has tons of potential in my eyes. If you come here, expect to have your quick feet on. A lot of our spots require you to setup really fast for your trick. The night-life is good too, want to go to a bar? Pick your poison, we have plenty.

When are you coming up to Philly to kick it?

I'm making my way up there soon. My good friend Damon Shields has lived there for years. He rides for the shop too but also does all the art/design work for Vu. Damon is the fucking man!

You skate 54mm, which may surprise some people. Why the bigger wheels?

Cause you gotta be able to mash through shit!

Where do you want to travel to the most for a skate trip?

San Francisco for sure; I like going fast.

What’s an average Baltimore skate day like for you?

Either meet up with a crew at The Ridge or the shop and take it downtown. Sometimes I'll go solo and see what happens. Just go with the flow and try to skate and film as much as I can.

Any last words for those reading this?

Shout out to you Rob! Thanks to Pusher Wheels, Gary Smith at Vu, Bobby Sperro for editing Down to the Wire, Jon at CONS, Joe Broccolo for photography, and all of the filmers; Zach Stith, Jeff Sheridan, and John Hudacheck. Peace!

Carl's June 2014 PUSHER AD

An interview with professional skateboarder and renaissance-man Jimmy McDonald

Jimmy and I lived together for 4 years during college, and during that time I can honestly say that every single time I skated with him he did something thoroughly impressive. He seriously is one of the most talented people I’ve ever seen on a skateboard. He can also eat more than even the fattest of food fighters. I guess if skating doesn’t work out he can just enter the Nathan’s NYC Hotdog Eating Contest and give Kobayashi a run for his money. No but for real, Jim is a great dude. He’s funny as hell, doesn’t sugarcoat anything, skates with dope style, and to me represents what a lot of skaters should strive to be. Since Jim's new wheel just came out it seemed appropriate to do an interview with the man to give you all a little insight into what he has been up to. Enjoy the read folks.

-Pusher Rob

R- How did the winter treat you up there in NYC? I ask, because it was god-awful here in Philly. Never ending snow.

J- This winter has definitely been harsher than usual. Snowing constantly. There are a few indoor spots in NYC and I hit them up whenever I could. Homage has a mini-ramp in Brooklyn, KCDC has a temporary ramp in the LES, and there's also House of Vans in Greenpoint.

You got hurt last year, let the folks of internet-land know what happened and how are you feeling today?

I hyper-extended my left knee around this time last year. I tore my ACL in the same knee when I was 15 and had surgery. I was really relieved to find out that it was just a bad sprain and I wouldn't need surgery again. I couldn't skate for about 5 months though, and had to do a bunch of physical therapy. I also didn't have health insurance when I got hurt so that made things complicated. I'm feeling great now though. My knee isn't perfect but it hasn't really been 100% since I was 15. I can skate without pain now though so I can't complain.

Do you have any trips planned for this year? 5B or other? I know you guys just went to Paris for a bit, how was that?

Paris was amazing. I hadn't been there since 2008, and there are so many new spots now. We had a great crew, and skated with the Blobys every day. I love Paris; it's definitely one of my favorite cities. As for other trips, nothing is set in stone yet but I'm sure we'll go somewhere this summer.

Speaking of trips, you’ve been on a lot of sick ones. Which trip was your favorite or most influential to your life as a skateboarder?

It's hard to pick out just one favorite trip. My first trip to Europe in 2004 was really memorable. That was my first international skate trip, so everything was brand new. Also, all of the trips we did while filming for Mulhern's videos were amazing. We always had a really good crew, and we definitely covered a lot of ground. Also, the "Meet the Stans" trip I went on with Patrick Wallner and Co. in 2012 was incredible. We traveled all the way from eastern to western China, and took a 34-hour train ride to Kazakhstan. It was an experience for sure.

Why do you think Europe has become so ideal for skateboarding and when the heck are we going on a Pusher trip over there? I say Berlin…never been there, but I heard it’s rad.

A lot of the big old cities in Europe happen to have amazing skate spots with generous amounts of granite and marble. Also, they are generally more lenient towards skateboarding in public space over there. There are plenty of other factors that make Europe great for skateboarding, but those two things are pretty huge. 

When are we doing a Pusher trip to Europe? That's up to you boss-man. Fire up the company jet and save me a seat in the cockpit. 

Since working at Saatchi and Saatchi in NYC has the opportunity come up to take those skills and apply them to 5B? Like ad layouts, copy, etc.

Everyone at 5boro is always down to collaborate on ideas and stuff, but I'm not really involved with any of their marketing or advertising. Nardelli, Tombo and a bunch of contributing designers and artists handle all of that.

You have filmed a lot with Mulhern over the years. It obviously takes a good skater/filmer relationship to make great video parts. Why is Mully so damn good at what he does (filming and nose manuals)? Who else do you really enjoy filming with?

Mulhern just has an incredible work ethic. He's obviously very talented, but I haven't met too many people that work as hard as he does. So that's got to be the secret to his filming and nose manual capabilities. I also really enjoy filming with Tombo Colabraro. He's the 5boro filmer and TM. We've been through a lot together as well. He's a hell of a guy.

Filming VS shooting photos…same amount of stress?

Both can be fun or stressful in their own right. It all depends on the day, spot, trick, weather, and a million other things.

Can you pinpoint the moment your kits drastically improved?

My kits have and always will be shit.

Speaking of kits, Es Footwear is back? Thoughts?

Yep, heard about it. Should be interesting to see where it goes.

Favorite skate shoes ever, top 5…

eS Accels, eS SLB 23's, eS Square 2's, Lakai Manchesters, HUF Choice.

Can we expect a F.O.B style pro model from you soon? Maybe a 5B board with just a photo of you eating a huge box of donuts?

Only time will tell.

You’ve been pretty heavy in the NYC, Philly, and DC scenes over the years so I have to ask, what is your favorite NYC spot? Favorite Philly spot? Favorite DC spot? Why?

NYC — Manhattan as a whole, because there's something to skate on every block and pushing through the streets there is the best thing ever.

PHILLY — Cecil, because it's where I met almost all of my closest friends in Philly and it's one of the only bust free spots in the city.

DC — Pulaski Park, because it's one of the best spots in the world.

If you could only skate one thing for the rest of your life what would it be and why?

I'd skate a granite plaza that has lots of trees that provide shade, because the perfect spot needs a nice atmosphere as well as stuff to skate.

53mm for life?

I'm pretty content with 53's. They're not too big and not too small. A nice middle-ground for skating smooth flatground as well as rugged spots. I used to ride smaller wheels, but I'll probably be riding 53's for a while. I couldn't see myself riding anything bigger, that's for sure.

The Mark Del Negro Interview

I've known Mark for a long time. I remember seeing him kill it at Woodward as a little kid back in about 98'. We didn't know each other back then, but I knew he ripped and since then over the years he's always been super cool and super good at skating. From the Boarderline Skatepark days back in West Chester to 7th Street now, Mark has always been a great homie to skate and talk shit with. All along the way Mark has made style #1 priority in his skating. The footage over the years speaks for itself. The following is an interview we did last month to give you all a little insight into what Mark has been up to. Enjoy.
-PUSHER ROB

Mark, what have you been up to as of recent? How's winter been for you?

Coolin' man, just counting down the days till' spring arrives. Been working as much as possible and trying to skate when there isn't a foot of snow on the ground.  I don't mind winter too much; it's all apart of the game living here so I just let Mother-Nature do her work and go with it.

Any trips planned for Spring or Summer? NYC? DC? Or somewhere totally off the skate grid?

Nothing crazy but yeah hopefully once the weather is good I'll adventure out.   New York,  Baltimore, and maybe Boston at least once this summer.  It’s tight because Delaware is between everything which makes it a little easier to do little trips. 

I know you and Tommy Zhoa have been working on the Legion of Sorts video, right?

Yeah it is called Something Sinister, which is actually dropping this month.Tommy and the crew been putting in serious work.

How was your 6 month stay in China/Vietnam in 2012?  

Spent 5 months non-stop skating, traveling to different cities, and meeting new people.  It was amazing.  Then I did a month long bike trip in Vietnam which was an adventure of a life time.  Didn't know if I was going to make out alive some days during that, but it was super rad. It was sick to get away from the norm and adventure out to some new shit. A good eye opener for sure.

Was that the best skate trip you have been on or are there others that stand out above that one?

The China trip was for sure heavy, but I can't consider it the best because any skate trip to me is awesome.  One that stands out to me still to this day is when me and my friend Zach drove across the country and literally listened to Peedi Crakk from Delaware to Cali. That shit was sick. 

You're also working on the Kinetic Skate Shop video too, right?

Yes, it’s in the works as we speak. Just going out and watching the younger dudes put in work is making it worthwhile to work on.  Making me feel like a old man! 

Who is filming and editing it?

Jake "Toad" Todd. Its his baby. 

So we can usually find you at 7th Street park; what do you like about that place? What's up with Rodney Square these days?

You get it all there.  From skating the best stuff, to seeing some nutty Wilma people creeping; and best yet its the meet up spot where all the homies shred.  I like it because you’re basically in the middle of no-where.  You drive down some weird ass road to a parking lot surrounded by water and trees, its awesome.  Rodney is still the jump if you skate down town.  I grew up skating that place and still love it to this day.  Sometimes you can skate all day, and sometimes you get the boot in a matter of minutes, but it's nothing serious.  Roll back in 10 minutes and your good.

When your not skating what do you do besides search for the most ignorant music you can possibly find on planet earth?

I like to doodle.  That’s therapy to me.  Put on some crazy rap music and zone out.  Exploring with the homies is always fun.  Walk around in the woods, or a creek, or find some abandon shit to crawl around is always tight.  Sounds weird but yeah I do that when I'm not skating. 

Heard your moving to Philly? Truth or total myth?

Myth

Where has travelin' man Willy Akers been?

Last I saw he was in SD.  He's a traveler so its hard to keep up with that dude, but I always see little clips of him killing pools which is awesome.  Love that dude.

You guys in a red beard battle?

Not anymore I had to give up.  He had me beat but it was worth a try.  I grew it out wanting to be Action Bronson for Halloween, but it didn't end up happening; salty.

You've been skating for a long time. When did you start and how has skating changed since you started? How has the scene in our area changed?

I started skating around 96'.  Coming up watching skating it was all about speed, style, and good looking tricks. You didn't see the flip in flip out shit.  It was style when I was coming up and that was fresh to me.  I enjoy that kind of skating to this day and still only 90's parts usually.  Not saying I don't like what’s going on but that’s just what I'm into.  Skating today is so easy for kids its crazy, but its awesome to see how its developed since then.  Not saying I'm some OG or something, but I've seen a lot coming up and how shit has gone in cycles; its cool and interesting.  I’m hyped to have been able to see so much.  As far as any changes in our area I wouldn't say anything has changed but the players.  A new generation of skaters are keeping it alive.

  

Who's been hooking you up and keeping you rollin' as of recent?

Hopps (flow), Pusher Wheels, Helas Caps, Bones bearings, Nike sb, Kinetic Skate Shop.

Cam' Ron or Juelz?

Cam' with the cape on.  

Black Sabbath or Metallica ?

Black Sabbath.  Fairies Wear Boots makes me feel some way. 

Blazers or Dunks?

Blazers stay crispy.

Accels or Sal23's?

I have to roll with my Pops on this one.  Accels. 

Half Cabs or Old-Skools?

Half Cabs are the best looking shoes ever.  Keenan Milton made that shoe look fresh as shit. 

Wiz or American?

It all depends on what kind of mood your in.  I rock The Wiz on my chicken and American on my steak.  Is that weird?

Polo or Nautica?

POLO… Nautica's, not for all of us.  

Any last words Chip?

Do what you want no matter what people think or say.  

Shred until the wheels fall off!  Thank you Mom, Dad, and Erin for being there for me no matter what I love you.  Shout out to my HEADS, the Akers family, and all the homies. Thank you to everyone that’s helped and supported me throughout the years I couldn't thank you enough. STAY UP Gzzz!

Mike Maldonado Interview 2014

Style, power, and a unique perspective are how I’d pretty much sum up the way Mike skates. He’s a secrete mini-ramp murderer and he doesn’t care about the industry hype; never has and never will. Mike has been skating since before most of you reading this were born, so he’s seen skateboarding change a lot over the years. He’s a true down to earth dude that anyone can kick it with and by far one of the most interesting professional skateboarders you’ll ever talk to, trust me. If you ever meet him you’ll understand why he is the way he is. Go skate with him and ask him about plants, or shoes, or tricks, or the government and you may just find yourself not only having a fun day of skating, but actually having an intelligent conversation about the real world outside of our box of kickflips and crooked grinds. Mike’s just a rad dude all around that’s all I can say.

-Pusher Rob

Mike, to start things off let’s let the world know where you are from and what you’ve been up to in the last year…heard you've been growing your own food?

M- Born and raised in Chester County, Pa. I don't do much; my life is interestingly boring. I take care of the dogs, then I do my morning thing, shower, bust a grub, relax, read a bit, start working on the house or working outside in the yard. Sometimes I'll get stuff together and hit the scrap yard or get my culinary arts up (bread, cheese, dough, clams or what have you). Speaking of all that, yeah I've been trying to grow a bit of food. Health is wealth ya’ know? Most people don’t think like that…especially skateboarders! A lot of folks will eat what's convenient, not what's best. Yet somehow they demand the best...kinda crazy to me.

What’s the best part about living in the West Chester/Philly area?

M- The best thing about living in this area is that there are so many places really close like New York, D.C., Philly and The Burg.

What’s the worst part about living in ht West Chester/ Philly area?

M- The worst thing about living in this area is the winter weather and I'd have to say the hype… if I have to explain that then you wouldn’t get it.

I heard you might build a ramp at your house soon, any truth to this?

M- One of my close homies is getting rid of his outdoor ramp. I just have to get some dough together so I can get it, transport, and rebuild it. The few sponsors I got could send me a triple sized extra FAT box that could speed up the process ya heard! Just kidding, but I’m looking forward to getting that ramp for sure.

What exactly happened with the re-launch and re-demise of AXION?

M- I couldn't tell ya anything about it as far as coming back and then ending. Someone told me a long time ago "talk minus action equals zero.” (That it no way means zero bought Axion kids)

With all the skate media coming out daily or sometimes hourly actually, how do you think skateboarding has been affected by it?

M- All of these technology and media outlets are ridiculous. Don't get me wrong it's a huge help for loads of things, but it's just become a faster race to see who can get more hits and shit. I’d like to think we are cooler and more interesting then just looking at all “my followers.” Fuck that fact in real life...most of that shit don’t matter. The Internet seems to have become like a dog and pony show.

How do you think humans are affected by it in general?

 M-Technology is making humans DUMB! People can't spell for shit, they text each other when they are in the same room. For example, ten friends could be sitting at a table together and not say a word to each other for up to fifteen minutes, because they are all logged into their phones. People in relationships hardly call each other. It's texts or snap chat or all kinds of other bullshit. Folks are beginning to become more and more complacent, because everything is at their fingertips. Don't get it twisted I use plenty of it myself, but I limit myself or at least I try. People might say that makes me dumb, but hey I know I'm not perfect. A lot can be said about human contact and interaction. I value that. Hahahaha, shit… listen to me rant when I pretty much live like a hermit...hahaha!

You’ve been skateboarding a long time, and you have seen plenty of trends come and go. From someone who started skating in the 80’s, I want to know what you think about skate shoe evolution.  What are your top 5 all time best shoes for skating?

M-Skate shoes have gone thru some serious changes since I started. Back in the 80's shoes had lace protectors. Them things went across the whole top not just slightly on the side. Yeah they were mostly for vert, but your ass would get laughed at for wearing some shit like that nowadays. It's a cold world out there. There was rubber on the side (Ollie pad) and all kinds of things. No real support anywhere, but your ankles. High tops were where it was at. In the 90's protection was everywhere but your ankles. Those shits were so bulky and stiff. Then, let's fast forward to now...damn, you might as well be skating in ankle socks period. Shoes are so low; it's all sole. That vulc shit is good for one company, so let them do it, and get your own shit. Try to be original. If I had to pick five favorites of all time they would be #1 The OG Vision Street Wear with the rubber toe and ollie pad, #2 Air Walk Enigmas #3 The Es SLB 2’s #4 The Emerica Templeton 1 with the rubber toe and gel heel and lastly #5 The Axion Apollo.

Favorite era in skateboarding?

M-The late 80's early 90's were such a fun time in skating. It's was so raw...spray paint everything, mix and match everything with your friends, plus at that time so many tricks were being invented. Not just add–ons to existing tricks, so it was just plain amazing. Really though I love skateboarding in any era! I just love skateboarding plain and simple.

Heard Jimmy Chung is back I town, you ever run into him?

M- I think it was the Philly Am jawn and heads were hitting me up saying Jimmy Chung was in town, I haven't seen him since like 95’ or something like that. We got in contact with each other, but I wasn't able to meet up with him that day. He was one of the illest cats on a board and a good friend. We lost contact for awhile but no love lost...that's my homie for life!

So you recently did a guest pro-model with Hoodlum skateboards. How did that come about?

M- The homie Ki Realer hit me up one day and was saying that he was getting KT Da God a guest board and thought it would be dope if we both had one in the same series. He worked it out with the dude John at Hoodlum and that was that. It got me really hyped to be honest, because its like here's a bul’ that I don’t know too too well, but we are cool and he went out of his way to do something like that to help me out. Plus the Hoodlum dudes were down so it worked out well. They did more for me than a lot of folks to be honest. My name hadn't been on a board in awhile so I appreciate that to the heart. Big ups to HOODLUM SKATEBOARDS! Thanks Ki, thanks John.

What boards have you been skating lately? What's the usual set-up?

 M- Besides some Hoodlum jawns I guess whatever boards I can get from the homies. Preferably 8 in. with a 14.25in wheel base. I’m a bit particular on that. Right now I’ve been swapping in between Indy's and Theeve trucks. Got some Junt bearings, Junt bolts, Junt grip and some 52 slim Pusher wheels.

Wawa Park… in West Chester... what is awesome about it and what needs improvement?

M- Wawa park is really dope because of how you can move stuff around like Lego-Land or some shit. Smooth ground, metal ramps, mini ramp, manny pads and ledges. The minuses would have to be the recycled plastic...shits like ice and then it sticks randomly. I would also have to say it needs some concrete stuff.

Should we petition the city to let us pour concrete there, yes or no? Should we not get permission and just fucking do it anyway? Just kidding, but you know my take on that, I like that concrete shit.

M- If we could get the township to let us do some concrete obstacles that would be what's up! But hey make do with what you have and take what you can get ya know? There was nothing like that around when I was coming up and I did alright. All you young-ins got a leg up on the old heads.

State Property, Nas, The Roc, or Wu?

M- I would have to go with WU...The WU, The WU got something everybody wanna hear.

Any last words before we sign off and go skate?

M- If you're not willing to walk a mile someone’s shoes then get the fuck out of em’. I'll leave y'all with this...Nobody’s perfect; sometimes it's the little imperfections that make all the difference. There is so much going on around us; people need to wake up. We are all human beings before anything else. Labels belong on food or poison, but not people. Most importantly believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see. Much love to my family and friends; they're one and the same. Nolan I miss you and your mom. Much love to my sponsors and anyone that read through my jibber-jabber. Now go outside and skate.