‘The surfy and sort of silly approach to skating and fashion, the bright colors and seemingly free expression of the time period in street skating gets my psyched!’
Abe Dubin
Orange Man
January 2023
What is your favourite colour?
Actually, blue is my favorite!
Can you tell us something about Boston no one knows?
Portland Oregon was almost called Boston. You board and trick creations are very unique.
Where do you take the inspiration from?
My biggest inspirations have been, and still are, the experimental approaches to board making and skate video making in “A Golden Egg”, by Jesse James and Chris Atherton.
Who are some of the other skaters that you follow and why?
Richie Jackson, Gnardo, Gou Miyagi, Takahiro Morita, Tim and Eric (of Roger skateboards), Colin Fiske, and of course, The Gonz, are just a few who have invented and reinvented modern street skating and have deeply influenced how see skateboarding and its infinite potential! These skaters use skateboarding as storytelling, keeping the audience guessing and pushing the boundaries of what skateboarding is and can be, with imagination, humor, and raw physical ability.
‘I think skaters in Boston are most proud of our ability to adapt to spots that are otherwise not ideal or “unskateble”.’
When I saw what you are doing, it reminded me of Simon Woodstock. Are there any old school skaters that have influenced your skating to what it is today?
I’m a big fan of Simon Woodstock! His heyday was in the 90s like so many other greats, but I like to go even further back! I’m so inspired by skating of the 80s, like Natas Kaupas and the Bones Brigade. The surfy and sort of silly approach to skating and fashion, the bright colors and seemingly free expression of the time period in street skating gets my psyched!
How would you describe the Boston skateboard scene and its community?
The Boston skateboard scene, (which includes people in the surrounding Great Boston area) is surprising huge for such a small city! Not only are there so many people skating in and around Boston, but with the new parks popping up, there’s so many people returning to skating or starting to skate for the first time. The biggest thing I can say for the Boston scene is its determination! To endure the harsh winters of below freezing temperatures and blizzards takes a lot of undying love. Whether Boston skaters are weathering the frigid conditions with 2 layers of socks and 4 sweatshirts, or patiently waiting inside for months until the thaw of spring, the stoke never diminishes!
What are the skaters in Boston most proud of?
I think skaters in Boston are most proud of our ability to adapt to spots that are otherwise not ideal or “unskateble”. Fixing a crack in the spot with bondo, or simply crushing through it, smashing through rough and razor-sharp asphalt banks, uneven bricks on the brink of rubble, rub-bricking and waxing the ungrindable stone and cement!
What are your preferred skate spots and why?
My preferred skate spots have always been anytime with banks or naturally occurring transition. I grew up watching the Static videos and fell in love with the idea of finding architecture and sculptures that resemble skateparks but are a phenomenon of coincidence! My friends also always tease me about “Abe spots”, which are spots such as the ones I mentioned, resembling ramps and quarterpipes, but they are tiny, or too rough or in some way unskateble. I think I am known for choosing spots that others would overlook or outright avoid. Something that I’ve never skated, is a unique shape or simply looks fun and challenging to roll on will always peak my interest. Especially if the spot has a punchline! All things are skateble and I hope to experience as many as possible!
Who are some of the talented skaters in Boston that are making a name for themselves?
Matt Tomasello!
What are some of your underground heroes?
Colin Fiske!
Why Colin?
As yes, Colin Fiske! I’ve been a huge fan of him since this part in The Boston Chainsaw Massacre, the sequel to PJ Ladd’s Wonderful Horrible LIfe. In this part he reimaged what a skate part could be! From outrageous and innovative fashion (including a spray-painted striped shirt) to his fresh, and dare I say, revolutionizing interpretations on spots and lines. This part, in its bizarre, mind-bending and contrarian nature, was as provocative as it was entertaining. And inspiring! Since that part, Fiske’s skating has only evolved into stranger spots, more brilliant video editing techniques, and of course, his refined yet raw, powerful yet delicate style! He’s a philosopher, a poet, an auteur and an athlete! He’s hilarious and perplexing. He is a living legend and a good friend and a good man.
‘I’m really proud of the mutual respect and love I receive whenever and wherever I roll through in my city!’
How accepting is the Boston skate scene of the Orange Man?
At first maybe initially confused by what I was doing, I feel so welcome and at home in Boston with everyone! At every shop, park, spot and cruising down the street skaters say “whats up!”! I’m really proud of the mutual respect and love I receive whenever and wherever I roll through in my city!
What are some of your plans?
Right now my plan is actually to do less. Film less, self promote less. Simply skate with friends, or completely alone. To bask in the moment and fully experience skateboarding and the world around me without any expectations or demands of myself. That being said, I’m excited and poised for the spark of inspiration to strike and ignite my next project!
Last question. If you could interview a person, who would it be and why?
Living person? I’ll keep it to living to make this easier. Probably Jason Dill.
