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INTERVIEW WITH VAN NGUYEN
This weekend I went to Olympia, Washington for the Skate Like a Girl event. It was at the Capital City Skatepark, which is an indoor park. The first day I went to clinics and practiced my run for the competition on Sunday. At one of the clinics I learned about making my own skate video. It was taught by Van Nguyen. Van showed us a trailer of her video, which will be out in November. After the clinic I got a chance to interview Van.
How long have you been skating?
I have been skating since my junior year in high school.
Why did you start skating?
I have always had a board so it just happened. My friends started skating and I started meeting other skaters. It was a good outlet from school and everything. Then I realized that you could learn tricks and it was really rewarding.
What do you like to skate?
I like to skate street because if you learn street you can apply everything to vert. Vert is all about getting over the fear of dropping in. You should always skate street to be a well rounded skater. You need to learn street!
What is your favorite trick?
Nollie flips
What is the name of the movie you’re making?
It is a Villavilla cola video called "Getting Nowhere Faster"
Who is in the movie?
Me, Faye Jaime, Vanessa Torres, Amy Caron, Elizabeth Nitu, Cara Beth Burnside, Alex White, and many more. Pretty much every girl worldwide who is traveling and competing has at least a small part.
As far as behind the scenes, the twins Tiffany and Nicole Morgan, Lauri D is the animator, Lisa Witaker is the videographer/editor. 411 video magazine is producing and distributing and Element skateboards is presenting it.
Who is you’re favorite skater?
As far as the girls, Amy Caron. She is fun to watch. But I have lots of favorites. As for dudes, there are so many but if I had to narrow it down to one for street it would be Donny Barley even though you don’t see him much.
Who is the most fun to skate with?
Amy, Vanessa, and Elizabeth. They sometimes are lazy but its fun to get them off their butts. It is easier for them so they don’t have to try as hard.
How did you get started making movies?
Lisa Whitaker of the Side Project was always interested in film and videos and stuff. She is on it! I went to school for film and met other girls who were into it. We started filming each other skate and using video as a tool to see how you skated and your progression.
What advise do you have for young girls starting to skate?
HAVE FUN! Fall, progress, get better, go through the slumps, travel, get to know people, and stay away from boys for now. Hang out with girls and boys who encourage you. If you get hurt start videoing and taking photos. Stay in the world of skating. Start zines, make clothes, websites, videos, and movies. You don’t have to be the best skater, just stay with it!