Young and Alone.

Mike Vallely is my hero.

It just doesn’t get more real than him.
Not only is he one of the most inspiring athletes in modern history, but
he’s also a loving husband and father. 

Finally someone I can look up to.

We may operate in two completely different fields - it doesn’t matter.
I will always look up to the way he runs his career.
He’s always been in it for the good reasons - no fucking gimmicks.
Like me. In it for the long haul. 

In 2010, after parting ways with Powell Peralta for the third time, he started working on his own project. 
Something we now call Elephant Skateboards.

After riding for various corporate entities for so many years, he decided to bring it back to where it began.
To a time where he was riding for himself. Before companies came knocking at his door. Before friends turned to strangers and enemies. 

Finally something I can relate to.

Doing what you love because you just love it.
No agenda. Pure, raw passion.
No girls, no clothes.
Doing it because you have no other choice.

Something I can finally understand. 

And all the principles and morals I have learned through Mike Vallely.
All the tips and pointers he has unconsciously given me.
I can finally apply to my own career.

And for that, I thank him.

Long live Elephant Skateboards.