Welcome to another week of Comacan questions, this week we had a conversation with the man behind the pads so to speak. Pads for skateboarding become an inherent part of skateboarding, whether it be padding up for your first time out, padding up to try something new or padding up for a gnarly vert ramp at some point most skateboarders have worn pads for protection and to feel a little more comfortable pushing their personal limits. Whatever it may be, pads are a part of skateboarding! Which brings us to the guest of honour this week. This week we picked the brain of the man behind the recaps that have literally been seen around the world, please enjoy this week’s interview with Burly Caps.
Where does the name Burly Caps come from?
Toronto 1987 ish, Cow Ramp locals had a steel surfaced vert ramp in a remote cow pasture. DIY before cordless tools, the elders (20+ was old then!) kept a tight scene. Eugene tinkered with knee pad recaps around this time, and made the first BURLY CAPS, he called them burly. When I started making my own versions the name was his doing, Eugene is amazing.
Where is Burly Caps based out of?
Halifax NS since 1988.
How long have you been running Burly caps?
BURLY CAPS runs itself, it’s not a business or a brand so much as it’s a service, an exchange of skate energy.
What is your favorite skateboarding video?
Blender had that Destroy Everything Now part that still holds attention if you were to cue it up. Way too much good clips to try and stack them in order!
How can people contact you for product?
Hand delivery is funnest way to connect, at a session somewhere! We mail out to people globally.
Do you have a website?
burlycaps.com
Are you involved with any other projects?
I am part of Smartr Device and have a board with them. I am part of Safeword and we have some music on bandcamp and namebrand streaming platforms.
What does skateboarding mean to you?
Skateboarding is a puzzle that has no correct solution, it’s a problem that can’t be solved, it’s interpretive and undefinable, malleable, adaptable, and even in this sentence, it’s already doing something else. Lifelong addiction, same toy, make fun funner.
What is your fondest memory on a skateboard?
Still making memories, fond is a great word.
Anyone you’d like to thank?
Thankful for friends and family who support me and inspire me. Life moves quickly, roll smoothly and enjoy the ride.