Features

Interview by Mike Metcalf. Photos by Dan Zaslavsky.



Sponsors: City, Venture, Bones, DVS, Matix (flow), and Willy’s Workshop

I think Jimmy Cao is one of those names that must be stated in full at all times. Is my theory correct? Or do some jerks just call you Jimmy?
Your theory is partially correct… See, Jimmy Carlin is from San Diego as well. People just call me Jimmy, and they call Carlin "Jimmy The Best". He’s always been killing it (Laughs).

I'm yet to hear any hate on Jimmy Cao. How have you avoided the trash talking in this era of skate hate?
Love and hate goes hand in hand, and I’ve had my share of haters. I try not to worry too much about what people say. I’m just trying to keep it real… No fake shit here.

Do you ever google "Jimmy Cao" to see what the cyber streets are saying about you?
I just typed my name on Youtube and THIS VIDEO came up... Peep game.

That video was buttery. 2008 seems like it's extra crackin for you already... Have you been working extra hard or are things just falling into place?
I guess its a little of both. I’m just trying to skate as much as possible. I think timing has a lot to do with it as well. Certain team changes occurred, which opened doors for me.

What God awful life would you lead if you never started skateboarding?
If I never started skateboarding.... Man, I can’t even imagine what I would be doing. I’de probably do the typical Asian stereotype and get a rice rocket.

Are you ride or die with the brands that rep you?
I’m down for my sponsors but I don’t think I’d die for them. That’s a little extreme if you ask me.

Have you ever had to get a jobby job to pay the bills or have you beaten the system?
I think I got lucky because my parents have always hooked me up. I wasn’t spoiled or anything, but they took good care of me. They raised me thinking I don’t have to get a job as long as I do well in school. I did pretty well, but skating just worked out so much better than school did. I guess I worked my way around the system?

You seem like your pretty grounded, meaning, I don't think we'll be hearing that Jimmy Cao fell off his game with a huge coke problem or anything like that. Have you learned from example? Good parenting?
I’m sure good parenting had a lot to do with it. My mom always taught me to keep a good head on my shoulders. The environment I was raised in had nothing to do with coke or any drugs for that matter. I guess it’s just common sense too. You don’t need that shit.

What is your favorite Asian stereotype?
I’ve never eaten dog. Reda always asks me how the sticky rice and dog paw tastes.

What does Jimmy Cao say to Jimmy Cao when Jimmy Cao is looking at Jimmy Cao in the mirror?
Hey, is that a booger in my nose?

Do you make more money from your sponsors monthly paycheck or from selling their product out of the trunk?
I don’t sell too much product… Maybe to some random kids but I like giving product away to homies that need it.

What trick could you go the rest of your life without seeing?
Skateboarding wouldn’t be the same with a missing trick! I wonder how skateboarding would be if the ollie was never invented... Slappies all day I guess.

What are the best and worst things about skateboarding in San Diego?
Best things: Weather, homies and spots.
Worst things: Cops, security and more cops.

SD of SF?
I’ve never really lived in SF. The longest I’ve stayed there was probably three weeks. Even though living in SF would be closer to Street Corner, I would definitely rather live in san diego. Home is where the heart is.

What pros did/do you look up to?
Willy Santos, Marc Johnson, Kenny Anderson, Mike Carroll and Andrew Reynolds.

Do you still need that tape I have with your run at the bench school? Cause I lost it.
That was the only time I’ve filmed a switch flip crook in a run. It would have been nice, but its all good.

Shout outs?
SK858, Nicole, Jamie Palmore, Nick Lamm, Brandon Lefever, Mike Crady, Billy Antonio, Alex Caceres, Timmy and Terry Nguyen, Steve Treboux, Rogene, Brian Gille, Trung Ngo, Steve Mcneal, Tony Vitello, Cameron Bohannon, Moose, Dan Zaslavsky, City Skateboards, Venture Trucks, Marcell Turner, everyone at street corner, Willy, Shalihe, and Junior Santos, everyone at Willy’s Workshop, Gabe Clement, Reda, Steve Berra, Daewon Song, Tim Gavin, Tony Evjenth, everyone at Podium, Jared Lucas, Rob Washburn, Bones, all the San Diego skaters that are killing it, Walker Ryan, Tyler Surrey, Wes Kremer, Shuriken, Sk8mafia, Marius Syvanen, DC24, Larelle Gray, Kellen James, Mike Migawyi, Poway Park, Little Jake that needs a ride, Lao-Tzu and the Tao Te Ching… Man there are so many more people. I hate forgetting people. To everyone I forgot, your in there by heart.