In the modern skate community, you're more likely to get noticed in the American skate scene if you live in Paris or London than you are if you hail from the US heartland. Notoriously off the skate industry's radar, the midwest suffers from harsh winters and the icy cold shoulder of California-based skate brands. But thanks to the hard work of local Indiana video maker Aaron Christopher, and the release of the "Mirror" video, The TOA boys caught wind of Nyle's talents and now he's the most recent addition to the Theories squad. So we caught up with Nyle to find out a little more about this mysterious ledge wizard and introduce him to you the TOA readers.....
Interview by Josh Stewart
Photo by Andrew HiltWas your first skate video on VHS, DVD or Youtube?
It was Yeah Right! on DVD. My mom let me open it on Christmas Eve as an early gift. Pretty much changed my life right there!
Wow that's crazy...what was the first video that you became obsessed with, watching it over and over?
This one means a lot to me! My best bud Derek owned the white VHS of Mosaic and that was another turning point for me. We would watch Danny Renaud, Anthony Pappalaro, and Stefan’s parts religiously. We'd get hyped and go jump off of his porch instantly!
Indiana pride?
Oh absolutely! I feel like everyone who skateboards in Indiana has a sense of pride for it. There’s never been too much of a spotlight here so that’s a huge driving force for everyone. The scene right now is amazing! There’s so many skateboarders producing various forms of media whether it be photos, videos or music. It’s really blossoming right now and I’m excited for people to see what Indiana has to offer. Hoosiers baby
Switch Varial Heelflip-Photo: Alex Gonzales
Did you have any skaters in your area to look up to or that had a big influence on you?
This question makes me happy. I’m from a town of 8,000 people called Brazil, IN and it was just a factory for producing talent for some reason. There were two guys named Pat Binkley and Ryan Weddle that to this day were so unbelievably talented. Feel so lucky to have those guys to watch skate. I know that gets thrown around a lot but if you have time then look them up!
Is it much more difficult for skaters to get noticed when living in the middle of the country?
Yes and no. I feel like with the dawn of instagram and YouTube anyone can get seen these days. But, at the same time we’re not really around anyone in the industry so there is that disconnect. I feel like that’s kind of nice. I can’t imagine going to a skatepark and seeing a pro having a mellow session. Haha
Would you say that midwestern skaters feel a sense of camraderie with each other?
I think so! I think there’s a Midwest pride too! There’s that bond of similar spots and motivation. Every Midwest state has so much to offer, Quasi obviously killing it so hard in Ohio, Chicago being one of the best cities to skate in and Detroit being a new hotspot. There’s just so much to be proud of!
You're pretty stoked to have a solid local filmer in Aaron Christopher.....how did you guys start filming together and many video parts have you guys done together so far?
Yeah, working with my best bud is the best! We’ve been skating together for a long time. He went through an ACL surgery and I was super into Craigslisting cameras at the time so that was a perfect thing to still be involved with skating and fill his time. He’s been killing it and growing as a filmmaker ever since! I think we’ve worked on 5 video parts ranging from way back but 3 videos he’s released on his own!
Favorite city you've skated/filmed in so far?
Oh man that’s hard. I’d have to say Detroit or Cincinnati. They both just have such a unique look and so many legendary spots. They’re cities that kept their historic patina that makes them so special.
Backside 180 to fakie 5-0: Photo-Alex Gonzales
In NYC, most of the skaters here are either movers, delivery guys or work in set building. But outside of the city skaters' jobs are always a lot more varied. What do you and Aaron do to make a living when you're not skating?
We both work at a print shop called Fineline. We both work with paper all day making books, magazines and signs. Aaron is more in the sign department but it’s pretty interesting. There’s like 6 skateboarders working there so that’s fun!
With how much filming you guys have done all over the state, are you still stoked to stay there or are there any plans to move? And if so, where would you wanna go next?
I think there’s infinite untapped potential here. There’s so many small towns that people never give a chance that could offer some cool clips. But, as far as moving my girl and I are possibly looking into Chicago just for career stuff. But, skating here is awesome and would never leave because of that!
How did you end up getting in the mix with the Theories squad?
That’s all because of you! Theories always looks out and supports the underground skate videos, so you guys have carried most of our videos. You guys stocked our last video called Mirror and you hit me up from there. Can’t thank you enough Josh!
Your ledge skills seem to be especially sharp.....Was it just circumstantial that you had a lot of ledge spots around as you were growing up or was it something you specifically chose to pursue?
Skating ledges was definitely circumstantial because we didn’t have a skatepark in my town until a few years ago. So with that we would build wooden boxes and take them to church parking lots in town! There’s endless things to try with ledges so it never gets old. Plus jumping hurts and makes me nervous haha
Do you guys have anything new in the works we can look out for?
Yeah baby! We’re working on a new video called Colt. It has a heavy Indiana theme and Aaron is putting a lot into it! Our hopes are to have it done late this year or early next so we’ll see! Always nice to have something to work towards.
Thanks josh!!!!!
1 comment
Laugh out loud! Ask Nyle what he had me do for him to give me my first board!