The inspiring Story of Doug Brown

I first started skating around 1986. I saw Back to the Future in the movie theater. I saw Marty McFly roll down Doc's driveway and a light bulb in my head went off. I was attracted to the creative elements of skateboarding, no teams, no rules, just fun pure expression.

I love the freedom, the fun, the energy, the memories. I've met so many people and have traveled the globe because of my skateboard. It's become a microphone for me to reach and inspire other people. Skating has kept me young. I'm not so far removed from that kid in 1986 that fell in love with skateboarding, I'm still him. I still ride for a lot of the reasons I started way back then. I love that skating has never grown stale to me. If anything, I've re-fallen in love with the simple aspect of skating. Tricks and maneuvers are great but I get just as much satisfaction rolling around the pavement as I did when I began.

To teach the new generation of skaters the soul side of skating. I don't like to see too many clone skaters. Being yourself on a board is essential. Being creative is essential. I got into skateboarding to be creative. It's important this new generation knows that you don't have to do certain tricks to fit into a mold. In the 80's there was a strong sense of brotherhood among skaters. Today, I see too much competition between skaters.

I like to do as many original tricks as I can. I love trick variations. I do a lot of hand plants and boneless variations. No matter what tricks I chose to do on my board, nothing really compares to just riding my skateboard, the wheels gripping the pavement. Again, the more years you put into your skating, the more you realize it's the basic things like simply skating that feel the best.

To learn your roots. To be educated on the history of skateboarding. Respect and learn about the legends. Embrace diversity and all styles of skating. And most of all, to be yourself. Make your mark, don't be afraid to be original and different.

I've rode a lot of Yocaher decks through the years. My favorite by far of all my pro models would have to be the Bunny board. It was first released about a decade ago when I first started riding for Yocaher. And now, the Bunny board is being released again and I'm thrilled to be back on it again!