davenelson

AGE: 26
SPONSORS: UNTITLED Skateboards, BBB Skateshop, Nike SB, Nixon Watches, KKSM, Ninja Bearings, Alycium Clothing

Here is a short interview with davenelson...
1- When did you start skating?
I got my first real board in second grade (a Hosoi Hammerhead).I got it because my brother Bill and my cousin JJ skated. after I got it, skateboarding died out again, and I had nobody to skate with. So I just used it for transportation cause I thought it was more fun than riding a bike.

And then the summer before 9th grade, some older kids down the street skated. And they started taking me out skating and I'd just watch them do tricks. and I'd come home afterwards and just skate all night in my driveway, trying to learn everything.
So, from the time I really started to get into it, was 12 years ago.

2- Who locally influenced you?
The guys that originally took me out, Mark Magruder was one of my biggest influences at the time. Also my good friend, Ryan Sorensen. We'd always skate together.

And then all the guys from BBB Skateshop. I started going there all the time, it's been around since 93. It was the best shop then, and still the best shop now.

I love what they've done for the skate scene here in Omaha. A lot of things wouldn't be here right now without them. Besides bringing in demos and having contests, they built all the ramps at SeptemberFest, donated and built all the ramps at Salvation Army, it was all the BBB guys at the final design meetings for Robert's Skatepark, and so much more. Chase did most of the building for all of the parks and ramps around town.

So yeah, I definitely looked up to Jeff Chase. And Donald Thayer, Joe Schmall, Kirk Marcus, Todd Beachle, Clark Beachle, Joel Peterson. I know there's more guys, but these are the guys that I really looked up to.
I remember going downtown, and just watching all these guys skate. I was amazed.

And now, my friends that I skate with daily influence and amaze me too. Rex Sakamoto, Tyler Paulson, Nic Couillard, Steve Andel, and all the guys from BBB still, and all the people I skate with at the park.
And of course all the guys on UNTITLED (i know, they're not local, but they are a huge inspiration to me as well).

3- Who were the pros that got your attention?
Everyone on Plan B. and then Jeremy Wray, I loved how high he popped all his tricks. and Kenny Reed and Nate Jones, they've got the sickest styles.

Anyone with good style. I'd rather see someone cruise around or ollie with good style than some crazy technical trick that's sloppy.

4- Where in Omaha are some of your favorite skate spots?
GRINDS indoor park. Mike and his family are so cool.
Wesco will always be one of my favorite places. Roberts park is fun too.

Really, anywhere with my friends, I can have fun.

5- What is the most exciting thing ever to happen to you skating?
The most exciting thing is being able to go outside anytime and have fun with my friends.
And meeting new people. Something about having that common bond of skateboarding is awesome.

I never knew you could make a living out of it, so that's been exciting too.
Between doing board graphics and design work for different teams and pros, and being able to travel and skate around the world. It's like a dream come true for me.

The most exciting thing this year for skating, would probably be Jud the farmboy (Heald) and I going to Panama for 8 days to skate and hang out on tour for UNTITLED Skateboards.

As far as design work, I had the honor to make Christian Hosoi's business cards and do some other work for him as well.

Oh, I also got a signature model for UNTITLED Skateboards that just came out. That's exciting! haha

6- What is the most exciting thing ever to happen to you in your life?
The most exciting thing to happen in my life is realizing and finding out that Jesus is Lord. I've always kinda knew there was something out there, but not really sure. I never really took the time to look into it or ask people questions about it, or even read the Bible and find out for myself.
But something kept drawing me to it.

And man, the bible amazes me. Skeptics always try to prove it wrong, but it can't be. Everything matches up with science and history. (check out "The Case for Faith" by Lee Strobel to read more about all that). The Bible is an amazing book.

Everyone has heard John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but will have eternal life."

But not a lot of people have heard the next verse, John 3:17, "God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it."

I know the stereotype of Christians- judgmental, close-minded people. And ya know, some are. And unfortunately, those are the ones that get the attention.

But people shouldn't always look to Christians or look to churches and base their thoughts on God.
Cause people aren't perfect. People aren't going to represent the Lord for exactly who He is.

In Romans 12:11, it says "Anyone who believes in Him will not be disapointed."
People will always let you down. But God will never fail you.

Now, I have no doubt in my mind that God is real. I have seen and experienced too much of the Spirit to doubt the presence of the Lord.

I hope that before anyone makes a decision on what to believe, they honestly ask God to reveal himself to them. and they check the facts.

If anyone wants to ask any questions or just talk, feel free to come up to me or email me anytime...
dave@untitledskateboards.com

7- I understand congrats are in order. You were just married, correct?
Yes sir! To Sara Jean. (sara-jean.com) she's awesome. We've been friends for about 7 years. and we became best friends, and now we get to spend the rest of our lives together! I love it.

8- Music and skating seem to have a strong tie what do you listen to?
If someone wanted to hear those groups where could they hear them?
I listen to almost everything. From hip-hop that Rex gives me, to the southern country rock that my friends make.
My absolute favorites are The Faint, Tilly and the Wall, The Wake, and Coast of Nebraska.
They're all local bands. Omaha has a great music scene, you can check 1% Production's website for shows.

9- What else is going on in Dave's life now?
Just trying to make the most out of everything. Life is definitely a gift, and I want to enjoy it as much as I can.

Skating a lot. Hopefully I can get my ankle insured soon (my new insurance won't cover my ankle- I hurt it over 25 times throughout the last 12 years), once I get it insured, then I can get surgery on both. Right now it hurts to jump off even 3 stairs. It's ridiculous.

And also continue to tour and skate as much as I can with all my friends and everyone I meet.

Also, staying busy with all the marketing and things with UNTITLED Skateboards.

And keep doing graphic work (SecretPenguin).

and of course, spend time with my wife.

davenelson, shredding

skating at a schoolyard in Panama

UNTITLED demo in Panama

el nino flip in Panama