Jeron Wilson!
Jeron Wilson
By Rob Brink
Sprouse Bros. Code July 2006
The Sprouse Brothers are kinda like the male version of Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Like millionaire 14-year-old heart throbs that own an empire. Kinda funny when people less than half you age pay your salary. Anyway, their new mag is in stores now and called Code. They asked me to interview Jeron Wilson for it, and me, always down to try something new and bring skateboarding to a new audience via my writing, happily obliged.
Jeron Wilson first picked up a skateboard at the ripe old age of 10 after watching his cousin and friends crusin' around the neighborhood. Fast forward about 18 years and “J-Dubs” is still cruisin' with his friends—the only difference is that for the past nine years, Jeron has made his living as a pro skateboarder—with more Girl skateboard decks (his board sponsor of 12 years) with his name on them than you can count and three pro model shoes with DVS, a company he has been with since the day they began. Not too shabby huh? We recently caught up with Jeron for a few hours of chillin' in his hometown of Van Nuys, California. He's a great guy who is down to skate with anyone at anytime…might even be you one day if you see him at your local skate spot or park…
How did you get started skateboarding?
Watching my cousin and his friends skate the neighborhood.
How old were you?
10.
For all the kids out there getting started skateboarding, how do you go about learning tricks and what's the starting point?
First I try to think of a trick that is original...or at least an old trick that I can revive.
How do you deal with fear of slamming or getting hurt?
I try not to think about it...I think about landing the trick.
At what point do you give up when something seems impossible or you have gotten hurt? Or decide to go back to it another time?
Usually my heart will outlast my body...but sometimes you can just tell that it won't happen today.
What was your worst injury?
Breaking my wrist. And popping my shoulder.
Did you ever think skateboarding would turn into your life? Or support you?
No, not how it's been...but with skating how it is now...you have a lot more opportunities.
How long have you been pro?
9 years
What did your mom think when you started?
She thought it was cool.
What do you like most about skateboarding now, after all these years?
I like that the minute I step on my board, I am still a kid.
What do you do when you aren't skating? Other interests?
I am really into music, basketball, and lately I have been working on my house.
How long have you been with Girl? 12 years now?
Yup.
And DVS for eight or so?
Since the beginning.
You have been loyal to your sponsors, and that's pretty rare in skateboarding these days. Is this something important to you and them?
Yes, because this is a small industry and as far a I am concerned I already skate for the best.
Why not leave for any of the offers from other companies over the years?
Yeah. Because I am loyal to those who are loyal me.
Where do you like to skate and with who?
Anywhere new...with anybody.
What do you look for or strive for when designing your own shoe?
Comfort, durability and style.
You don't typically enter a lot of contests…any reason?
I get really nervous and I think too much nowadays.
What is your greatest accomplishment in skateboarding?
Getting my first pro board and then my first pro shoe.
What's thing you will remember most about skateboarding for the rest of your life?
It could be yet to come.
Any words of advice for some young guys out there who might read this and want to start skating?
Hold on to your board tight in the arcade...cuz people will jack you. Really though...if it feels good keep doing it.
(1) response to: Jeron Wilson!
tim O'Connor said:
Yo Rob...I hung out with those Sprouse kids at some Bruce Willis fundraiser thing. I was on their team vs. Bruce Willis' daughters. Oh yeah...that Tony Hawk guy was on our team too. Random that you did some stuff for their magazine.
Leave your comment