Welcome back to another week of Comacan Questions, were taking this week to focus on another individual in the skateboard community. He may look like a beard model but our friend here is so much more. Quite a few skaters around southern Ontario may know him either from skating with him at parks around the area or through his popular instagram page but we’d like to share a little more about him. A welder by trade, this family man has dedicated almost three decades to skateboarding, constantly sharing his love for his board and sharing what it means to him with the world. We’re beyond stoked to share this weeks interview with Dave Ingraham AKA DaveTheBeard.
First and foremost, what is the inspiration for growing such a long beard?
Haha, it really started with Chris Haslam back in the early 2000’s when Almost Round 2 came out and I was, this bro skates and has a gnarly beard, I can do that too!
How long have you been skateboarding?
I’ve been skating since 1996, 25 years and counting.
How did you get into skateboarding?
My biggest influence to skate was my next door neighbour Peter. Saw him pop some ollies, kickflips and grinding a curb on our street that he waxed up, after seeing that I was hooked to skate.
What does skateboarding mean to you?
Skateboarding taught me discipline and wanting to learn how to make a board with 4 wheels do what I want it to do.
What is your favorite trick?
Gunna have to say Frontside smith grinds, I’ve yet to do one on a ledge or a rail but ramps and bowls always locks.
How did you get involved with the skateboarding community?
It really started with me going to Kitchener’s first park at the Auditorium back in the mid 90’s, meeting local kids and growing friends from watching and learning from each other. When I reached my 20’s and got a car, I was then able to drive to other skateparks in the Hamilton, Toronto and London areas.
What is your favorite memory on a skateboard?
When you have a fresh complete under your feet. Nothing better.
Any advice to skateboarders just starting out?
The best thing I could say is, have fun right from the start. It’ll be hard to learn but you won’t regret it.
What else do you enjoy doing beyond skateboarding?
I also enjoy snowboarding, snowmobiling, knee boarding, wakeboarding, jamming on my guitar, drumming, does drinking count? Haha.
Anyone you’d like to thank?
I would actually like to thank Comacan Skateboards for giving me the opportunity for doing this interview and bros that I’ve been skating with for over 10-15 years.