Welcome back to Comacan Questions, this interview is #100! Hard to believe that it’s been a little over two years since we had our first interview in April of 2021 (with Ride Skateshop). When we started, we just wanted to learn more about businesses and help spread the word and stoke any way we could. Since then, we’ve been amazed that we’ve been able to talk to so many businesses, individuals, creators, artists and fellow skateboarders from all over the country and even beyond our own borders.
We’ve had the chance to talk to businesses/people we know and spread the word about them, we’ve had the chance to meet and interview people along the way while learning at the same time and we’ve had the chance to share information about brands/people that you, the readers have suggested. We will definitely take the recommendations and follow up on all that we can because we thoroughly enjoy getting to share a little bit more in the community. With that being said when we put out the latest call, we had the name of an individual pop up a few times, one that hits very close to home for Comacan.
Our guest today is the other half of what makes Comacan go round, a dedicated and talented skateboarder and friend who does not shy away from a challenge but embraces it with a smile and a bit of a different outlook from everyone else. Today’s guest does all this while still making time to inspire and support others in the skateboarding community in all levels, organize events, run our very own brand, run his own automotive business, spend time with his family and friends and pursue his other passions. In all reality the business is where it is at due to having such a collaborative, creative, and supportive partner. Without any further delay, please enjoy our hundredth interview with the Co-Owner of Comacan, Scot Cameron.
How did you get into skateboarding?
In reality, I think I got into skateboarding a couple different times in different ways.
The first time I really got into it was in around 1983, when I was 9 years old. At that time, it was a trend that all the kids got into. Here in Canada, everyone had one of a few sport store level boards, mine was a Dominion Lazer. It felt like the best day when we got it, the problem was that I didn’t have a clue what to do with it, neither did any of the other neighbourhood kids. At that time there truly were no rules. We started by bombing hills sitting down which progressed into daring each other to do things like bomb the steepest hill standing up, or rolling off a high curb. It was silly, dangerous, and most of all fun as hell. After a few years the trend died down. A few of us still messed around from time to time, but essentially there was no local skate scene.
That lasted a couple of years then this crazy thing happened in 1987, skateboarding took off again and it couldn’t have happened at a better time for me. Being a person that was often picked on for being small, not particularly interested in school, and worst of all not very athletic, I didn’t really have a place to fit in. Skateboarding gave me that. I was a dork and skateboarding not only allowed for that, it was embraced. As I got older and was figuring out who I was in high school, skateboarding was still there, giving me a place to belong without judgement. At least from the other skaters…
I took a long break from skateboarding after high school. Cars, college, adulthood, and eventually marriage and kids happened. But that’s ok, skateboarding was right there, waiting for my return.
What does skateboarding mean to you?
That is a tough question. I touched on the sense of belonging and community already, but there is a physical and mental side to it as well. For me, it’s an outlet for aggression but it also keeps me grounded and humble. In a strange way, struggling with a trick or getting slammed to the ground (within reason) feels good. I think it teaches you a lot about yourself and how to fail and overcome challenges, but also to understand your limits. Most of all, it is a way to clear your head.
Has skateboarding shaped your view on everyday life?
In Skateboarding you learn what is hard for someone else is easy for others and vice versa. We have all watched someone battle a trick and feel as thrilled as they do when they finally make it, but also know that some battles do get lost, and that’s ok. If you apply that same mentally and support outside of skateboarding, you create a more inclusive, supportive, and empathetic community.
What has been your favourite era of skateboarding?
Come on now, obviously the 80’s with the bright colours, dorky videos, and amazing tricks with silly names.
But right now, is pretty cool too, I think skateboarding got a little cliquey for a while but the girls and us old folks are bringing that old school mentality back where it’s less about the tricks and more about a place to belong. It’s also nice that cities are building skateparks rather than trying to charge us for trespassing, although that was part of the fun and still is…
What does owning Comacan mean to you?
This one is easy. It is a way to give back to skateboarding and share it with people. It’s a great feeling. To do it with one of my favourite people and skaters, Will, is a bonus.
What is your favourite skateboarding related memory?
Instead of a specific memory I will choose a general feeling. When I’m watching people learning something new, for example carving the bowl, I find myself going through the motions with them, often my entire body is moving, the energy when they make it just feels so positive.
What is your favourite skateboard trick?
At my age, it’s the ones I can do. But we all know that I love inverts!
What is your favourite skateboard video?
The Search for Animal Chin, I have old and new memories around this video.
Who or what inspired you to keep rolling on a skateboard?
I really got back on a board in a serious way because of my friend Ed Shaw who chose to start skateboarding at 40 and since then, we have had and will continue to have many adventures cantered around skateboarding.
Anyone you’d like to thank?
Can I thank Advil? Seriously, I would like to thank my wife, Heather, for allowing me to continue to not act my age despite breaking my ankle. The Waterdown morning crew, and extended Waterdown skate family, there are way too many to name but you know who you are. They are the best bunch of people that inspire and push me at the skatepark as well as in my everyday life. Paul G, my morning skate workout partner. Patrick H, co-organizer for the Ribfest Skate Jam. My physio and massage therapists over the years. Will Mackie for letting me hop in and be part of Comacan. Finally, all of the people that have continued to keep skateboarding fun and inclusive – it is a gift to be shared.
