Phil McDonald
Phil McDonald is doing it big with Skateboarding. At ease, private.
Where you were born?
I really can’t claim it but I was born in Kentucky then I moved to Cali so I claim the Bay Area, ‘Frisco.
Where do you live these days?
Ft. Knox, Kentucky.
What’s it like being in a military family?
It’s like living a nomadic life. I have friends from all over. It’s like a family that sits for 3 years then leaves to a different location throughout the the world. The pluses about it are that you can travel.
Name all the places you’ve lived throughout your life.
Germany, California, North Carolina and Kentucky.
Was it hard for you to make new friends each time?
[It was hard] trying to figure them out. I gotta be able to trust them, you know?
Have you ever considered joining the military?
Actually yes, I have 4 years of JROTC from High School that would make me a e3 if I went in but I don’t want to go now. I’m focused on life right now.
What do you have to do in the JROTC?
Basically learn how to become a leader and learn about the military.
What are you studying in school?
My major is Architectural Drawing and my minor is Photography.
What do you like about architecture and photography?
I am a drawing maniac. I love to draw, so sketching out my projects is the best part and I love taking pictures for [my] portfolios, so yeah, it’s really fun.
Describe the first time you saw someone on a skateboard?
I was like “that’s lame” because I was into BMX at the time.
How long after that were you skating?
Man, I lived in Cali and my bike got stolen and the next year I was given a board and now since 8th grade I’ve been skating.
How long have you been skating?
Roughly around 4 and a half years.
What’s your stance?
Goof Troop.
What do you love about skating?
The drive. I do it for the love of it and landing a trick is the best part.
Who sponsors you?
Affiliate Skateboards, Az Skateshop, Fire Crescent Apparel, BBC(flow), Ill Grip Tape.
How did you get sponsored?
I skated a contest and won then I gave my number to Fire Crescent and it all went up hill from there.
What do your parents think of your skateboarding?
At first they were like “What the…” then as they saw me improve and they watched me skate contests they supported me like I was playing basketball.
What do you like about contests?
Practice runs are the best part. I love being able to show my skills to people who have never seen me before.
Would you ever compete in the Tampa Am?
I really want to. I’d do what ever it takes to get there. I was thinking about it this year.
Who is your favorite skateboarder right now?
Well there’s a lot out there right now but i like my teammate Terry Kennedy.
What do you like about Terry Kennedy?
He is my idol in Skateboarding. He’s a funny guy and knows how to be real as well. Big ups to Terry.
What’s your favorite type of obstacle to skate?
I can skate anything but the vert.
What’s your favorite trick?
360 kickflip.
How does one beat you in a game of SKATE?
They have to get me on simple tricks cause once I land my first trick it’s over for them.
What’s your favorite Skate Video right now?
Lakai’s “Fully Flared.” Big ups to Koston and Marc Johnson.
What’s so good about Lakai’s “Fully Flared?”
Everything. The movie was the S-word. Big ups to Mike Moe, Beibs, Mj, Froston, and everyone else on the squad.
What do you think of the show “Rob & Big?”
It’s tight man. I met Rob and Big in Ohio at the skate plaza. They are really nice people and the show makes me laugh. They need to make a new [season] because the reruns are killer.
What are you looking forward to in 2008?
I’m looking forward to traveling with my sponsors and having fun, skating a lot of contests and meeting new people.
Anything else you would like to say to the youth?
Just skate for the love and never give up on what you believe in.