Greg Triff
Anton-
Hey man, what's the full name?
Greg-
Gregory Norbert Triff
Anton-
How many years have you been skateboarding for?
Greg-
I have been skating for about 5 or 6 years now.
Anton-
Who or what have been your major influences?
Greg-
Definitely my friends, skate videos and magazines used to get me hyped to try new tricks and whatnot.
Anton-
What is the key to your determination and dedication to skateboarding, in such a small place like Sudbury, with so few skate spots?
Greg-
I think what really keeps me going is the knowledge of things outside of Sudbury. The dream of me becoming what so many other skateboarders have become is what really keeps the determination alive. I know what I have to do and I am going to see to it that it gets done.
Anton-
What is that dream?
Greg-
The dream of getting noticed, going up through the ranks as a skateboarder. First starting off like everyone else, then branching off getting local sponsorships, moving onto flow teams, then there is a good chance you could make it pro from there. Anything can happen from there. Signature shoes and boards, coverage in the big magazines.
Anton-
That's awesome man...speaking of sponsorships, etc...are you currently sponsored by any one, or any teams?
Greg-
Yeah. My first sponsor was getting on the Skadurz Pro team. That's pretty much where it all started. then I met Mike Chernawsky and he hooked me up with Wise Wear and Sikure Skateboards. Then not too long ago Robin Roy asked me to be on the D&r Rails team. So things are going pretty good right now.
Anton-
Nice...does that means lots of free stuff?
Greg-
Well to some it might seem like that but that's not what its all about. Joel from Skadurz and Mike from Wise Wear & Sikure give me very reasonable pricing when I buy products from them. But its not all for me. I have to represent them when I am skateboarding, whether its trying to place in competitions or putting out quality video parts, I do my fair share of work.
Anton-
Your part in 'Misinformed' sounds like it is going to be incredible, pushing the limits of what skaters in Sudbury have ever done. Are you hyped for it?
Greg-
Oh man, you wouldn't believe. Everyday I talk to Robin Roy on msn and his name is Misinformed with the number of days until its released attached to it. And it currently is at 40, I have been waiting for it since it was at 81. I have some cool stuff in there that I hope people will enjoy, but I can't give away anything just yet.
Anton-
(laughs) Yeah, its top secret. I'm psyched for the video too...it's going to be amazing. Are you in any other videos?
Greg-
The only other video that showcases me is the Landozine video that was put out last year.
Anton-
Whenever you skate, it's as if you are pushing the limits of going faster, bigger, and landing it cleaner. What's the deal with that, have you always been into going really big?
Greg-
Well kind of, since I started skateboarding I have always envied people in the magazines that were busting handrails. that seemed like my only goal in skateboarding to boardslide a handrail. And now that I can I am expanding into different areas of it. Like you mentioned the landings and speed factor. I know as well as anyone that I can't stand to watch a skate video when the people land all sloppy and sketchy, so I don't want to be the guy putting so many people in pain. I try to make my tricks as enjoyable as they can be. Sometimes I'll try a trick fro 20 minutes after I land it just to get it perfect on tape.
Anton-
What do you have to say about the skate scene in Sudbury?
Greg-
I think that it is most enjoyable. I think alot of people have a bad view about the skate scene, but its not all bad. Alot of adults and other people could care less about it but it doesn't really bother me. They could kick me out all they want and I will leave, as long as they meet certain conditions. 1. They aren't rude about it. 2. They are in a controlled state of mind. 3. They don't swear or threaten me. If they meet those then I'll leave politely, the minute they start yelling and crappin' their pants about us skateboarders then I'll say what needs to be said.
Anton-
Who is your favorite skateboarder?
Greg-
I think my favorite pro is Brian Wenning, and my favorite up and coming skateboarder is definitely Grant Patterson. His skating blows me away every time I see him.
Anton-
Favorite trick?
Greg-
To perform: f/s 180 nosegrind or switch f/s flip
To watch: kickflip crooked grind or back smith
Anton-
Are there any tricks you have been trying to get lately?
Greg-
There is so many tricks I have a hard time with, like switch heels, back smiths, feebles, and I can almost get kickflip back nosegrinds. Those are the main ones I have been focusing on.
Anton-
Do you prefer skating at night, or day?
Greg-
The day time is a lot better for filming purposes, so I like that better. But night sessions are also fun.
Anton-
Is there anything else that you'd like to put in?
Greg-
Yeah, I would just like to give thanks to Joel from Skadurz, Mike Chernawsky, Robin Roy, Corey and Kevin Teskey, Ryan and Kyle Proulx, Cory Mercer, Rabb, everyone on Misinformed, my girlfriend, and anyone else who has contributed to my skateboarding.
Anton-
Alright, I think that's it then. Thanks for your time, Greg.
Greg-
Yeah dawg, no problem.