KEEPING THE STOKE ALIVE WITH FRANK KNAB

97: Thanks for speaking with me today! Let’s kick this off with learning more about yourself! How did you get your start in skateboarding and how big of an impact has it had on you so far?

F: Thank you for the opportunity to tell our story and have a conversation about our local shred scene! I originally got into skateboarding through my dad, I was fortunate enough to have a rad dad growing up who pursued most board sports and wanted to share that passion with my brother and I. Skateboarding (and snowboarding) have impacted my life so much that it has created a living for me and continues to support me with a job that I love coming to everyday.

97: How did you first get involved with Phatman Boardshop and could you tell me a little more about what goes into running a store like that?

F: I first got involved with Phatman as a little grom coming into the shop for gear. Running a shop takes dedication and a true passion for “sport.” Being a part of the local scene is crucial and hosting/sponsoring events is important to keep the stoke alive. There’s a lot that goes into running a shred shop whether it’s the accounting department, social media, advertising, placing orders, building maintenance, day to day sales and service, lessons, scheduling, the list goes on and on. Which can be said for any local business in the community, whatever it is, takes a lot and I’m fortunate to have a family dedicated to the shop and the scene.

97: What is the skateboarding community here like from your perspective both as a skateboarder yourself, and also as a business owner?

F: The skateboard scene here locally, is alive and well. There are new parks popping up all over WNY giving kids more of an opportunity than ever to get into skating which is a big reason why I’ve seen growth in the industry as its more accepted now than it ever has been.

97: With the emergence of so many skate parks in the area, do you think that will lead to more opportunities for individuals who don’t really know how to get started in skating, to find a place for themselves within the community?

F: With so many new parks in the area it gives individuals tons of opportunity to get involved. Whether you’re 5 or 55 years old, there’s a section in a skatepark for everyone and with no set schedule of parks really being open it allows access no matter what someone’s schedule is. I’ve had people come into the shop for their first board at 55 years old who always wanted to get into skating but never had the opportunity and now live close to a skatepark and want to give it a try. The skatepark is not only for kids but can be considered a fountain of youth for adults. The inclusivity of skateboarding has also changed throughout the years and instead of getting vibed out at the park I think you’re more likely to be accepted and shown the ropes. People genuinely want to see growth in the scene and want to share their passion with others.

97: I know that a lot of skateboarders are often interested in snowboarding as well. As a professional snowboarder, do you think that snowboarding translates to skateboarding well or do you think that there’s a big difference between the two?

F: Snowboarding definitely translates to skateboarding on so many levels. When I’m snowboarding I usually try to emulate skateboarding. I would say snowboarding is a mix of skating and surfing. If you can skate, you can definitely snowboard. There’s a bit of a learning curve that comes with it but generally most skateboarders I see that pick up snowboarding have a faster transition than someone who has never stood sideways before. It’s also a good offseason activity that will increase your skateboarding skills come summer. Everything in snowboarding is usually faster and bigger so when you get used to the speed on a snowboard it can be easier to do tricks going faster and more comfortable on a skateboard. John Cardiel is a great example of a professional snowboarder who went on to become a legendary skateboarder and you can tell from his skating how much faster and aggressive he was able to skate because of his snowboarding background. 

97: Going forward, is there anything that this community can do to help grow skateboarding even more in this area?

F: I would say supporting the local shops and businesses is important in the growth of skateboarding because they are the ones giving back to the local community. Showing up for events, town board meetings and fundraising for new/existing skateparks is important and just getting involved. There are a bunch of local companies who support the events and are trying to emerge on the scene. Support your local DIY as well and be a good advocate for skateboarding. Leave it better then your found it and be a good human so we can continue to see growth!

97: Is there anything you’d like to say or include in this interview that we didn’t cover?

F: We can go on and on about the thriving scene in our area and there is so much to talk about and be thankful for. We are happy to be here as one of the local generational shops and are down to chat about skating/ snowboarding anytime! Come into the shop and say what up! Thanks for the opportunity to voice our opinion and show gratitude to this great community.