Wrex Cook is a amazing skateboarder living in Colorado. He also gives so much of his time to his local skateboard scene and helps build skate parks for everyone to ride. His current board sponsor is ATM Click. Enjoy it and build a park in your city!
What are some of the biggest changes you have seen in the skateboard industry in the last 5 years?
Honestly, I would have to say acceptance. I find it incredible that skateboarding has been accepted in such a large way. I mean people can actually make a living off of it now, and we’re seeing it in the olympics. I never thought it would come this far, especially because I’ve done time for it.
Who personally is your biggest influence in skateboarding?
My biggest influences have been the Alba Brothers, Brian Brannon of JFA, and I’ve always been a fan of Shogo Kubo and his ability on a skateboard was phenomenal.
Being in Colorado – how is the local scene? Is it a supportive one?
There’s so many scenes and cliques in our local skateboarding scene that it’s hard to pinpoint. We have those that support, and those that tend to pick at the scene, but I feel that is everywhere.
What do you think is more important – growing up with skate parks or with a bunch of street spots to skate?
I think a well-balanced mixed of both of those is necessary. To be an ATV in the skateboard world seems like it would take you to more places and allow more areas for expression.
How did you get into sponsored skateboarding? Did you send a video in or did someone seek you out?
I have never made a sponsor me tape, but was always at any event and I was absorbing anything skateboard related.
I just skated, and fed off it. Eventually Brian Brannon asked me to ride for JFA skateboards. That was the beginning of everything. We traveled and skated demos and contests. Eventually I got on Alva in the 80s. Dave Duncan talked to Brian, and Brian said that Alva wants me, and they can take care of me better than he could, so I should go with TA and Duncan. The rest is history.
How important do you think skateboarding is to punk and punk is to skateboarding? Do you think they rely on each other at all?
I feel punk rock and skateboarding go hand in hand completely. Both are an explosion of artistic expression and high energy fuel aggression. For me, one fuels the other.
Who are your current sponsors and do you have any long term plans or goals for your skateboarding career?
My currents sponsors are ATM Click, Independent Trucks, Acid Wheels, The Blacksheep Underground, 90 clothing, Bluecar Skateshop, Legion Productions, Give Praise Records, Rhip Clip hip pads, pro Design Pads, and Flyaway Helmets. I love them and am so thankful for their support.
Thanks for the time! Any last words?
I plan on skating as long as my body will let me, and promoting the awesomeness that is skateboarding and the community that surrounds it. I’m actually working on getting some skate camps going here and in Trinidad Colorado as well as an organization to head up the skatepark.
Paul runs Give Praise Records and is the Editor at Shackle Magazine. Paul hangs out on Cape Cod in Massachusetts with his wife and son, Christopher. He also has been working at a offset print shop since 2003, and still tries to get out and skateboard on very small curbs.
