Jeremy Reeves: "any skate mission anytime, anywhere, any country".

If you were to ever get a job, what would it be?

I would most likely go back into cooking. I was doing that full time for like five years straight and I always enjoyed it for the most part, but I'm much happier as a skater.

What kind of music would you rather listen to, hip-hop or rock?

I like a good mix of both. But lately I've been listening to a lot of classic rock to get me charged up to skate--stuff like The Beatles, The Doors, David Bowie. As for hip-hop, it's all about the East Bay raps.

What do you think you would be doing right now if you had never started skating?

Who knows. Maybe I'd be rich, own a home, have a wife and kids and an important job. But I wouldn't be having as much fun as I'm having now as a broke amateur irresponsible couch surfer.

What's your favorite US state to skate?

I love skating back in Minnesota. There's nothing like knowing exactly where you are at all times. I get lost out here all the time, every time I drive anywhere. Back home I know every street, short cut or skate spot. But I love travelling. Over the last two years skating has taken me so many places around the USA. I'm just thankful to all my sponsors for making it happen.

How do you get the day started?

Usually start everyday with a large cup of coffee--no espresso, no mocha, just plain coffee with cream and sugar followed by Camel Lights for breakfast. I'm not a very healthy person by any means.

What's the best thing about being away from home?

Skipping out on the harsh Minnesota winters. Favorite TV show?

It's all about the cartoon comedies like Family Guy, Simpsons, Aquateen, South Park--nothing serious, just laughs. I don't watch much TV at all though.

How do you survive in SF?

By the skin of my teeth pretty much. But don't get me wrong; I'm not complaining and I always have enough money to live on.

Do you go out and party?

Sometimes, but I don't like to go to bars or nightclubs--usually just chill out with my friends or girlfriend.

Do you get excited when a spot is lit-up?

It's all about skating during the day for me. But when you're on tour you do a lot of night skating, and that's cool--but I prefer the sun.

Do you like it when photographers or filmers tell you how to skate?

No! But I understand that they know what the mags want to see; sometimes the trick you're trying may not be so great and they need to suggest a different trick. It all depends how they go about it--if they just keep suggesting tricks while you're trying something you really want to do, it's extremely frustrating.

Ever give money out to bums?

Hell no. I barely have any money to begin with and I work myself hard for my money.

Was being in school a good experience?

At the time I hated every minute of it, but now that it's over I appreciate that I learned lots of cool stuff and I'm proud to say I graduated. Everyone should finish school.

Who's the skate crew in San Francisco?

I skate with the same people everyday for the most part. I try to skate with people who are as motivated as I am, because you can feed off of each other and learn new things. The daily skate crew in SF is usually me, Forrest Haggerman, Greg Millions, Daryl Angel, Danny Fuenzalida-anyone who wants in.

I hear you got a scooter.

Yeah man, I'm stoked. I got a Honda scooter as a gift from City. I'm kinda scared to take it anywhere because I'm a pretty clumsy person when it comes to that sort of thing. I laid it down the first day I got it. I don't trust myself with it too much--I'm way more into cars.

Are you easily pissed off?

I've definitely been known to lose my cool and freak out over a trick. But I only get mad at myself, I don't take it out on other people. I just verbally abuse myself. I need to just shut my mouth and skate.

Plane or bus?

Plane. Busses are the worst. I took a Greyhound from Minneapolis to SF; three days of pure torture. Uncomfortable seat, can't shower, can't sleep ... Take my advice and fly.

Which country would you like to visit next?

I'm down for any skate mission anytime, anywhere, any country.

Tell everyone about City skateboards.

City skateboards has been in the works for a while--it really got off the ground a few months ago. I'm really psyched to be a part of a team of guys who I've looked up to for a while, like Mike Maldonado and Pete Eldridge. It's crazy that I get to skate with those guys. And our am team is so sick. We all do our own thing. Is it harder for a European skater to go pro?

No. Going pro for anyone is hard to pull off, because you need to make skating your life. If you work at it hard enough and know what you need to do, you can make it happen, whether you live here or anywhere else.

Any siblings?

I have a younger brother and sister back home--neither are skaters, but they like to follow my skating and they support what I do. I miss my whole family a lot. Drink of choice?

Coffee, Kearns pear juice, V8, Red Bulls, milk.

Who are some ams on the come up?

Forrest Haggerman, Jason Wakuzawa, Peter Raffin.

Craziest tour you've ever been on?

The last City tour--East Coast, Midwest. It was one month long-first tour with the whole team. Tours really wear you down. All the driving in a cramped, stinky van. It's a lot of fun though, going from city to city to skate.

Who's your favorite person to go skating with?

Brian Heck. We used to skate in Minneapolis together everyday. I miss skating with that guy the most when I'm out here, but keep an eye out for him.

Favorite recent video part?

Some favorite parts recently have been Ryan Gallant in First Love, Tony Cervantes in the Zero vid, Dan Drehobl in Beer Helmet, I can't wait to see his Krooked part.

How do you cope with injuries?

Stretch. Exercise to strengthen the muscles. Ride a bike to stay active and play video games.

Last vacation you had?

I swear I've been on vacation for the last two years of my life.

Favorite ledge skater?

Russ Milligan.

Favorite vert skater?

Jake Brown.

Feelings on contests?

I usually suck at contests. It's not my thing, but I'm always down to give them a shot. It's a goal of mine to come through with a respectable placing in the next one I enter. But I'd rather be watching.

What about demos?

I love doing demos. The kids get so stoked, it feels like there's actually a purpose in what I do.

Who's inspired you the most to skate in San Francisco?

Danny Fuenzalida is probably the best skater out here if you ask me. He has the most board control I've ever seen. You'll see.

Biggest fear?

Crowded places. Bars. Nightclubs. I have a bit of social anxiety.

Favorite free product?

Favorite free product has gotta be the shoes. Free Nikes are like the best thing in the world.

What motivates you?

Some of my friends in middle school skated and I felt left out. I haven't put it down since.

New tricks?

Full-Cab heelflips, nollie bigflips, switch three flips. But I got the worst one ever.

Thanks?

First off I want to thank Justin and Garrett Williams for letting me sleep at their place and for all the help. Tony Vitello, Fausto, Kyle CamCam, Fobia, Steve Nesser, Anthony Boone, my family, Hunter at Nike for the fresh kicks, friends back home, all the photographers who put up with me--Dan, Luke, Sean, and Joe. My girlfriend Marie. All the filmers. Thanks to all the people who read Thrasher--otherwise I couldn't be doing this.

--Dan Zaslavsky, Abdias Rivera