Athlete of the Week: Alex Walters

Alex Walters, 17, got into skateboarding when he was 9 years old and has been addicted ever since. Never one for traditional sports, Walters finds skateboarding to be a great way to get outside, have fun and “escape” from everyday life. Walters will be a senior at Booker High School VPA this fall. Walters skates every day at Payne Park during the summer and as often as possible during the school year.

How did you get into skateboarding?
I played soccer for four years and never scored a goal. I started playing Tony Hawk Pro Skater on my PS2. I thought, “You know what? Skateboarding is totally rad.”

What is your favorite style of skateboarding?
I like to skate vert. Skating on pipes and ramps and what not.

What kind of board do you use?
I use a Payne Park skateboard.

Do you have a favorite trick?
I like blunt to fakie.

Whom do you admire in the skateboarding world?
Tony Hawk. He is the best. He really pioneered modern day vert skating.

Is there a certain brand of shoes you like to wear while skating?
Adidas. They have great arch support and are very breathable and they look cool.

How often do you skateboard?
In the summer, I skate every day for about eight hours.

Do you have a favorite skate park?
This one (Payne Park)! They did a really good job building it, and the people who run it are just great people.

Do you ever compete in skateboarding competitions?
I don’t like to skate for sport. It’s more of a hobby for me. When people skate for sport, it can ruin it. Skateboarding is my escape.

What is the best advice you have been given when it comes to skateboarding?
I was never given any advice. But, if I were to give advice, I would say just keep on doing it and don’t be a baby. If you skateboard, you are going to fall.

Sports Saying
Vert — Vert skateboarding refers to riding a skateboard on a vertical ramp that is larger than a half-pipe. The vert ramp (from the word vertical) allows the skateboarder to fly in the air and perform tricks before landing back on the ramp.