INTERVIEW: Anthony Shetler

From sunny California to rural Massachusetts, from Zoo York am to World Industries pro, Anthony Shetler’s had a lot going on the past couple years. That’s including a crapload of photos, a bunch of skate trips, two video parts (Zoo York and World Industries), and even a Daily Habit appearance on the horizon. But Anthony seems to be a lot more grounded than most skaters. First pro check—in the bank. When he’s not skating? Hangs with his fiancée and his dog. His skating and his words are both a refreshing change of pace. You should get to know Shetler. He’s a helluva nice guy.—Adam Sullivan

So, where in Massachusetts are you living?

Right now I'm living in Taunton, Mass. I moved here when I decided to move back east because there’s a really good indoor skatepark here called Skater's Edge .

Where did you grow up?

I grew up all over the place. I moved a lot when I was little, but as far as growing up with skating it was in New Bedford, Mass. That’s where I met all my homies that shred.

Where do you usually end up skating? How do you survive the winters?

I usually skate Boston, Providence and NYC. I live an hour from Boston, 45 minutes from Providence and about four hours from New York, so I can drive to any of the cities, its rad. And I survive the winters by traveling to warmer weather, and skating the Skaters Edge indoor park.

2009 was a big year for you—major sponsor change, pro status. What has changed in your day-to-day life?

There were just a lot of skate trips, my day-to-day is still all about my fiancé Tara and my dog Elwood, and skating.

How did you spend your first paycheck as a pro?

It went straight into the savings account. I wish I could say I balled out and bought rims or jewelry or something less boring, but I think owning some property someday for my family was more important.

How much time do you spend out in California?

More then normal lately, I went out to California to meet everyone at World, then I’m coming out next month to film for The Daily Habit, then I will also plan another trip just because the weather here on the East is getting horrible.

Who else on World do you end up skating with when you’re in California, and who do you skate with when you’re back home?

When I’m in California I meet up with Charlie Thomas [World Industries Team Manager] and shred with whoever is around. When I’m at home I skate with my homies Nick Audlee, Brandon Westgate, Nick Dompierre, and Jake Dooley.

Are you working on getting a shoe with World?

Yeah, I just finished a colorway for a World shoe, I’m hyped on it. It goes with my first pro board, there are similar colors, and it has my first pro graphic on the insole. It’s so sick, I got to pick the material for the shoe as well, so its got some good suede and leather, it’s gonna be awesome.

What’s the significance of your debut pro graphic? Did you have something in mind before you knew you were turning pro?

Well, my first graphic is a rose growing through concrete, and anyone who listens to Tupac's music will understand it. The graphic was not really for me, but for my family and friends who understand that even though we have it hard, we still have enough and no matter what is put on top of us we will grow through it. Life is a beautiful struggle. It’s a graphic that I felt needed to come out, I’m very proud of it.

Okay, here’s a scenario: you’re playing a game of flatground SKATE with the whole World Industries team, Charlie Thomas included. Who wins? What’s the winning trick?

I don’t know, we haven’t done this yet, but we might have to set up a whole World team game of SKATE just to see the outcome. Maybe we will film it and put it on worldindustries.com, I’ll let you know if we do, ha ha.

What’s happening for you in 2010? Tampa Pro? Trips planned?

I’m so hyped for Tampa Pro , I’ve entered before, but never as an official pro, so this year is gonna feel legit. I’m also heading out to California while it’s cold, I’m just gonna keep filming and stack footage and try to put out my best part to date. Wish me luck!

Good luck, Anthony.