Talkin' With The Team #6 - Austin Thomas

How old are you and who are you sponsored by?
I'm 22, I'm sponsored by Sk8 Skates and I get boards from Enjoi through Dwindle Canada. 

How long have you been on Sk8 Skates?
I've been on since I was 17, so five years. 

How did you get on the Sk8 Skates team?
It was after a contest at the plaza, I can't remember which one. I guess getting on the team was a result of me trying to prove to them that I could take what I learned in the parks to something in the street. I had also skated with many guys on the team at the Edge and the Plaza while growing up. It blows my mind that the dudes I used to look up to as a kid are such close friends to me that I consider them family. I've been through a lot of crap in the past few years. Despite their thoughts towards my lifestyle they never gave up on me and it's helped me get to where I am today.

What made you want to ride for Sk8 Skates?
The babes.

What’s the gnarliest trick to go down in Winnipeg? 
Nick-serduletz flip front 5050 woods worth. 

Who would you want to put on the team next? 
Chuck Dee, because he's Chuck Dee. Or Devon and Logan. They truly want it and are willing to go the distance to prove it.

Favorite Winnipeg skateboarder?
Jason Crolly.

Best Sk8 Skates memory?
The Thunder Bay trip years ago. After skating a demo at the new park we skated Adam Hopkins' vert ramp. Then back at the hotel Doyle got pancaked between two large women while he was sleeping. I can't remember who kicked them out of our hotel room but I remember it got ugly quick. Everytime the boys get loose something funny happens!

Austin Thomas @austinized

Photos by Colin Lambert @colinlambert and Tyler Geurts @tyler_geurts