Biologoy Anthology with Alex Hondas

Biology Anthology: with Alex Hondas

Sean: When did you start skating?

Alex: Oh man, so long ago! Haha. I first started skating when I moved to Alberta back in 2001. My older brother was super into it and he told me I should give it a try. So for my 7th birthday I got a skateboard and I have been in love since.

Sean: You’re really into photography on top of Skating, what’s the story there?  What are you shooting with now?

Alex: I have always been super stoked on shooting photos. I’d always ask my mom to buy me those little disposable cameras so I could take photos of me and my friends skating or biking. I just loved it. I still do love it. Then after grade 9 I purchased my first camera and have been shooting tons since. Plus I love to do it on the days where I may have an injury, or just to get people hyped. That’s the one thing I love about shooting photos, just seeing your homies get stoked on a photo you took is one of the best feelings ever. And like even skate photos aside, shooting photos has made me see the true beauty that lies in everyday life. Definitely has made me appreciate it a little more too.

I’m currently in possession of way too much gear. Nikon D200, an old Nikon F3 that I just picked up and used to shoot almost my whole trip to Mexico recently, an array of lenses for almost every situation, flashes, slaves, stands, cables….too much to list, haha.

Sean: What are you’re favorite Parks/ spots to Skate?

Alex: Anything that has good tranny…hahaha. I’m too fat to be jumpin’ down sets and stuff. Red Deer and Sylvan Lake have tons of hidden gems. I love it. iNCLINE is super rad for those days where it’s too hot, or rainy, or even that day in the middle of July where we get surprised with snow.
The Red Deer park is still hands down one of my favorite parks. Millz (Millennium) is alright, tons of tranny, but horribly designed. The new Airdrie park is absolutely amazing. Go skate it if you can!
Oh and how could I forget, the Hibernation mini ramp that my good friends with Salvation own. I love that mini so much.
As for spots, I love going anywhere and everywhere. Except manny spots… Not down. Both for shooting or for skating, haha. I love going anywhere where the homies are going. Spots where I don’t have to worry about dealing with security or police are a bonus. There is nothing worse than explaining why you’re skating on private property, or if I’m shooting a photo, there’s nothing worse than explaining to a security guard or cop why the spot looks like a studio with all the flashes, haha.

Sean: What kind of music do you like to listen to when you Skate?

Alex: Depends on what kind of session it is. If it’s just a mellow cruise by myself downtown or something, I really enjoy indie music. Stuff like Crystal Castles, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Explosions in the Sky, M83 Saxon Shore…stuff like that. If I’m skating a contest or am just trying to get buck, I enjoy some gangst stuff. Three Six Mafia especially. Andre Nickatina too. Ace and I tend to throw hammers when Dangerous Posse comes on, hahaha. If the music is being played from speakers so everyone can hear, I’m always down for a little “Hey Ya” by Outkast or Boom Boom Boom by Venga Boys. Keep it Hyphy!

Sean: You’ve been hooked up with a few different teams in the past. Why do you like being with iNCLINE? Who else are you with these days?

Alex: (INCLINE has) always just been like a family, ya know? And I really dig that. Even now that I live in Calgary, nothing’s different. Everyone is still homies and everyone is just so down for each other. I love it. The grom posse is dope too. I know we give them a hard time some days, but they’re the up and comers.
As for other people I’m with, I’m currently in the process of riding for Anchor (Boards Bikes and Apparel). A few of my other homies are probably getting on as well which is awesome. Seeing one of my best friends get a skate shop to run is awesome. Joel (Smith) is such a rad guy and deserves it 150%. I also do a lot of stuff with the dudes who run Salvation. Can’t say I ride for them, but it too is more of like a family thing. I love all the dudes involved with it and appreciate it so much. All in all, the people I’m with are some of the best people I know. And I am forever thankful for what all of them have done for me. You too Sean! (*aw shucks)

Sean: Any advice for new up and coming skaters?

Alex: Just have fun! Skate with your friends and have the time of your life. Don’t stress about getting sponsored or little things like that. Be yourself. See the true beauty in skateboarding, because it truly is a beautiful thing!