Supra boy skates his way to Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The skateboarding brand that’s been spreading the stoke has arrived. Last Nov. 9, LA-based brand Supra brought their skate team to the Manila leg of their Asian 2012 tour. So far, the eight skateboarders have been to Osaka, Tokyo and Taipei before landing on our shores. Their tour of Asia will end with Hong Kong on Nov. 13.

Team Supra is a mix of eight amateur and professional skaters from different parts of the United States and Canada. Among them is amateur skater Boo Johnson, the youngest skateboarder from Team Supra. He’s been with the team for three years now, but he’s been skating for a good seven years. Boo’s claim to fame was impressing everyone in Powell Boards’ “Fun” skate video. The technical skater who loves doing daring and dangerous tricks, like landing the difficult “Frontside 360 Pop Shuvit,” has been enjoying the daily grind.

Young Star briefly caught up with 19-year-old kid from California during Supra’s launch in Manila.

YOUNG STAR: So how has the Asian tour been for you so far?

BOO JOHNSON: It’s been awesome, actually. We’ve been to three different places and every place has been amazing. So many people show up (for the demos) and that just gives me more passion and more energy to participate, you know?

What do you think of the skating scene in Asia?

It’s a lot different than the States, that’s for sure, but the kids are, like, two times as hyped as the (kids in the) States and they have more passion and more love for us. It’s cool.

How do you like the skating scene in Manila? Have you seen it?

Actually, I only met five skaters from out here. I haven’t seen them skate yet but they seem like they’re super hyped.

What’s it like being part of Team Supra?

It’s awesome. I’m with a bunch of legends, then I’m with newcomers like Keelan Daad (age 23), Spencer Hamilton (22), Kevin Romar (23), and it’s awesome. We’re, like, all developing to become people like Stevie Williams (31) and Erik Ellington (34). I wouldn’t have ever pictured myself on the Supra Team and look at me now! (Laughs) I’m in Asia traveling with the team!

So you’re 19 years old and you’re still an amateur skater, right? So what do you want to do in the future?

Yeah. What I want to do is to become a professional skateboarder, do what I do and keep doing it as long as I can, and just stay healthy. See how long I can do this for. It’s what I grew up doing and it’s what I love.

What can you say to people who want to start skateboarding or those who want to continue skateboarding here in Manila?

Pretty much just pick up a skateboard, if it drives you to become a better person. Skateboarding is a passion. You have to love it because it takes a lot of effort to learn how to skateboard and you just have to master it. And mastering it takes a lot of practice, so skate, skate, skate.