Skating is about personal expression. A dozen people can do the exact same thing and it’ll look different every time. Part of that is their personal style, and the execution of that style is achieved through their equipment. We spoke to a couple of people about what they’re riding, starting with Red Bull team rider Jean Marc and Manny Mania judge Adrian Day. We'll be uploading more rider setups through the week. If you haven't signed up for Manny Mania yet, follow this link to get yourself a chance to go to New York.
ADRIAN DAY
Adrian has been skating for ages and has a smooth, clean style that shows he's paid his dues. When Adrian talks people listen, not that he cares too much about that. He's one of the Manny Mania judges and calls it like he sees it.
Sponsors: Familia, Billabong, VZ, Nixon, Nike SB.
BOARD
Right now it's a Familia 'Herbalist', 8.25 x 32. I ride the exact same shape for as long as I can.
WHEELS
Familia Recession Rollers, 53mm.
TRUCKS
Independent 149's. Raw, I hate paint and graphics on trucks. Indy's are the only trucks.
BEARINGS
Bones Swiss - all other bearings are a joke in comparison.
SHOES
Nike SB Harbor.
DESCRIBE YOUR SETUP
My board set up is pretty all rounded. Pretty large, but it's good for street and transition. If you jump to that size you will have a harder time with flip tricks etc, but you get used to it soon enough.
WHAT MAKES IT WORK FOR YOU?
I'm a part owner of Familia so ultimately I get the factory to make what I want. I never really care about graphics but really care about shape and size. The shoes for me are always first about light canvas uppers. I like vulcanised soles for the most part. The other shoe I wear a lot is the Stefan Janoski. Low profile and vulc... plus it looks sick. I have been riding Independent trucks and Swiss for so long now - I will never switch. Indy's turn better, are burlier. You feel like a man when you ride Independent, ha ha! Wheels so long as they are 53/54mm, hardish, and not too fat they'll do fine. And lately they definitely need some good slide.
WHAT WOULD YOUR SIGNATURE SHOE LOOK LIKE?
It would be low and clean. The look of a vulc, but maybe cup-sole sturdy. Soft sole. Canvas or synthetic upper. I'd make a mature-looking shoe, a bit smoother than a typical skate shoe and I'd make sure it had some good durability features.
JEAN-MARC JOHANNES
Jean-Marc has built himself a solid reputation as a highly technical skater, liable to pull out something you've never seen before. He'll be missioning to all of the qualifiers and the finals, checking things out and hanging with the competitors.
Sponsors: Red Bull, Volcom, Almost skateboards, DVS footwear and Tune Bug.
BOARD
ALMOST "Tuff times" size 7.75.
WHEELS
KFD wheels, 51mm.
TRUCKS
Killer Trucks.
BEARINGS
Killer bearings, Abec 5.
SHOES
DVS Daewon Song pro model - The "Daewon 9".
DESCRIBE YOUR SETUP
My setup is light,strong and works on all terrain. I always skate my trucks very tight just for a more accurate approach to obstacles and a more solid landing with less chance of wheel bites. The weight of the Tuff Times deck together with the weight of the Killer trucks makes every flip trick feel fast. The wheel size I prefer gives a more tech feel to the board, it's well suited for street skating and manuals.
WHAT MAKES IT WORK FOR YOU?
This specific setup is very similar to the ones I would ride when I was much younger. I would always tighten my trucks,ride small wheels and decks and skate DVS shoes. This setup has worked for me over the years. Out of my sponsors' ranges I just re-constructed the exact board setup that has always worked for me from the beginning.
WHAT WOULD YOUR SIGNATURE SHOE LOOK LIKE?
It would always be somewhat basic but still have a very good look to it. The sole of the shoe is very important, I stick to basic white soles and always choose a suede style shoe with two colourways. A well fitting tech style is what I would go for.
And finally, have a look at what US pro and Red Bull team rider Ryan Sheckler has under his feet:
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