Kyle Knoblaugh
Kyle Knoblaugh
Skater: Kyle Knoblaugh Photography: Andrew Garrett
Hey, Kyle. What's going on?
Not much. I'm just over here at my girlfriend's house 'cause she is
sick, so I'm going to take care of her.
Oh, how nice of you. So, let's start off with you telling me why the hell there are pictures of you in the Delaware River?
Well, basically there is the gap to rail at Penn's Landing that I have never seen anyone skate. I think a lot of people have wanted to skate it, but no one has, that I know of. Looking at it, I didn't even think of falling into the river as a problem. I mean, there is quite a bit of landing before the river, and there are those knee-high ledge-like seats that go along the whole thing. I really didn't even think about it at all as a problem. But anyway, when I was first trying to do it, I was just going too slow at the rail to make the gap out. So, I decided next try, I'd just run faster at it. Well, right after I landed it, I was going so fast that the only way to really stop was to jump off. So, when I jumped off and onto the top of
those ledges before the river, I just slid on my feet right across them and right in.
Was it cold?
Not as cold has it could have been.
Not much. I'm just over here at my girlfriend's house 'cause she is
sick, so I'm going to take care of her.
Oh, how nice of you. So, let's start off with you telling me why the hell there are pictures of you in the Delaware River?
Well, basically there is the gap to rail at Penn's Landing that I have never seen anyone skate. I think a lot of people have wanted to skate it, but no one has, that I know of. Looking at it, I didn't even think of falling into the river as a problem. I mean, there is quite a bit of landing before the river, and there are those knee-high ledge-like seats that go along the whole thing. I really didn't even think about it at all as a problem. But anyway, when I was first trying to do it, I was just going too slow at the rail to make the gap out. So, I decided next try, I'd just run faster at it. Well, right after I landed it, I was going so fast that the only way to really stop was to jump off. So, when I jumped off and onto the top of
those ledges before the river, I just slid on my feet right across them and right in.
Was it cold?
Not as cold has it could have been.
I can't imagine falling in that part of the river. It's disgusting.
Yeah, it really was. Especially right around there. You got all this trash
and really mucky green water. I think I swallowed a few gulps too, to
make things worse.
So, how long before you were rescued?
Well, all these people that were around saw it happen, and came over to help pretty much right away. But my clothes, being wet, really weighed me down a lot, and I knew once I fell in I had to get up for air real fast, and over to the pier to grab onto something, before the current pulled me away or under. I had to hold onto the side for a little bit until these guys came over and threw me a life preserver and roped me in.
Yeah, it really was. Especially right around there. You got all this trash
and really mucky green water. I think I swallowed a few gulps too, to
make things worse.
So, how long before you were rescued?
Well, all these people that were around saw it happen, and came over to help pretty much right away. But my clothes, being wet, really weighed me down a lot, and I knew once I fell in I had to get up for air real fast, and over to the pier to grab onto something, before the current pulled me away or under. I had to hold onto the side for a little bit until these guys came over and threw me a life preserver and roped me in.
Trick: Fs 50-50 Photography: Andrew Garrett
I know, from personal experience, that they really hate skaters at Penn's Landing. Did you get into trouble?
No, I got lucky. There was that one security guard there that is really cool. He rode over in his cart to make sure everything was okay and then just told me to get out of there as soon as possible, before his supervisors came by so he wouldn't have to lock me up.
That sucks, being in wet cloths when you don't plan on it.
Yeah, it really did, and on top of it I smelled bad too, 'cause of that disgusting water. I was also supposed to go to some party later on.
Oh, you should have gone soaking wet. It would have been so much funnier.
Nah, I wanted to get home as soon as possible to shower and rinse off all the filth of the dirty Delaware.
No, I got lucky. There was that one security guard there that is really cool. He rode over in his cart to make sure everything was okay and then just told me to get out of there as soon as possible, before his supervisors came by so he wouldn't have to lock me up.
That sucks, being in wet cloths when you don't plan on it.
Yeah, it really did, and on top of it I smelled bad too, 'cause of that disgusting water. I was also supposed to go to some party later on.
Oh, you should have gone soaking wet. It would have been so much funnier.
Nah, I wanted to get home as soon as possible to shower and rinse off all the filth of the dirty Delaware.
Trick: Kickflip Boardslide Photography: J Bo
What was the party for?
It was just one of my friend's 21st birthday, and a bunch of us were throwing him a surprise party.
How old are you?
Eighteen.
So, I'm guessing you got a fake ID or something?
No. I'm not really into the whole drinking scene, like partying and stuff cool, and I sort of did it for a second. But I'd much rather be out getting shit done than hanging out doing nothing and drinking beer.
It was just one of my friend's 21st birthday, and a bunch of us were throwing him a surprise party.
How old are you?
Eighteen.
So, I'm guessing you got a fake ID or something?
No. I'm not really into the whole drinking scene, like partying and stuff cool, and I sort of did it for a second. But I'd much rather be out getting shit done than hanging out doing nothing and drinking beer.
Trick: Bs 50-50 Photography: Andrew Garrett
Good. Don't let that stuff get in your way. You seem to be killing it pretty good right now, without it. Do you smoke at all?
No.
Do you have any kind of drug abuse?
Not at all, man.
So, you really have no vices then, huh?
No, I just like to go out and skateboard all the time.
You must have other hobbies.
Well, I like to do a lot of design work. I'm more of an artist that is into skateboarding than a skateboarder that is into art. When I was in high
school, I won a few awards for some graphics projects and such.
No.
Do you have any kind of drug abuse?
Not at all, man.
So, you really have no vices then, huh?
No, I just like to go out and skateboard all the time.
You must have other hobbies.
Well, I like to do a lot of design work. I'm more of an artist that is into skateboarding than a skateboarder that is into art. When I was in high
school, I won a few awards for some graphics projects and such.
Trick: Bs 180 Photography: Andrew Garrett
But, you don't play golf or anything like that?
No. I mean I played tee-ball when I was a young kid, but that was it. My dad said I was really good at it.
How do your parents feel about you skateboarding?
Oh, they are really supportive of it. They thought it was cool that I was going out and skating and meeting all these really cool people. They would drive me around to spots when I asked.
,b>Have you ever had any real jobs?
Just working at Sub Zero. That is the only job I've ever had. And it is good too, 'cause I get to be around skateboarding all day.
So, you don't think working at a skate shop and then skating all day after will burn you out?
No, not at all. I really enjoy skateboarding. Also, working at the shop is a great experience for me. Since it is my first job, I obviously make mistakes, but Schane is really cool and doesn't really hassle me too much about it. He helps me out a lot. Plus, I ride for Sub Zero too, so I feel even more a part of the shop, since I work and ride for them. I don't need much money really, just enough for car insurance and
some food.
No. I mean I played tee-ball when I was a young kid, but that was it. My dad said I was really good at it.
How do your parents feel about you skateboarding?
Oh, they are really supportive of it. They thought it was cool that I was going out and skating and meeting all these really cool people. They would drive me around to spots when I asked.
,b>Have you ever had any real jobs?
Just working at Sub Zero. That is the only job I've ever had. And it is good too, 'cause I get to be around skateboarding all day.
So, you don't think working at a skate shop and then skating all day after will burn you out?
No, not at all. I really enjoy skateboarding. Also, working at the shop is a great experience for me. Since it is my first job, I obviously make mistakes, but Schane is really cool and doesn't really hassle me too much about it. He helps me out a lot. Plus, I ride for Sub Zero too, so I feel even more a part of the shop, since I work and ride for them. I don't need much money really, just enough for car insurance and
some food.
Trick: Gap out to Fs LipslidePhotography: Andrew Garrett
You should start hustling some Nike's in the shop. What about rent?
I still live at my parents' house.
Slacker! You need to move out of there. Don't you live far away from Sub Zero? How long is the drive to work?
Yeah, I actually live out by Gspot and it is like a twenty to thirty minute drive for me to work. But, I really don't mind it at all.
Gspot, huh? Didn't you ride for them before?
Yeah, I did. When I was younger I rode for them. I used to go out skating sometimes with Ian and the Hot Wax crew. It was really cool and definitely pushed me in my skating. I basically got kicked, but it
wasn't that much of a shock. I was like fourteen at the time, still a little guy. They helped me out enough. I appreciated it. Ian Berry helped me
out a lot in getting the sponsors I have today.
I still live at my parents' house.
Slacker! You need to move out of there. Don't you live far away from Sub Zero? How long is the drive to work?
Yeah, I actually live out by Gspot and it is like a twenty to thirty minute drive for me to work. But, I really don't mind it at all.
Gspot, huh? Didn't you ride for them before?
Yeah, I did. When I was younger I rode for them. I used to go out skating sometimes with Ian and the Hot Wax crew. It was really cool and definitely pushed me in my skating. I basically got kicked, but it
wasn't that much of a shock. I was like fourteen at the time, still a little guy. They helped me out enough. I appreciated it. Ian Berry helped me
out a lot in getting the sponsors I have today.
Trick: Kickflip Photography: J Bo
Who are you riding for, anyway?
Adio, Planet Earth, Powell, Bones, Sk8nuts Hardware, and Sub Zero.
I hear you are more of a banger when it comes to skating a spot. Like, you don't really warm up at all or anything, and just go for what you want to do.
Yeah. Well, when I get an idea in my head of a trick I want to do and know I can do it, I'd rather just go for it. I don't want to get hurt somehow warming up on simpler tricks, and then being pissed off if I don't even get to try what I wanted to do. Even if I do get hurt trying a harder trick first, I'd rather just do it that way. Like the other day, I thought I could kickflip front board the big spectrum rail out front.
I just went up, looked at it for a second, and tried to get a 50-50 to warm up. I completely missed the rail and did my first face plant slam and messed up my lip.
Yeah, I saw that photo of your bloodiness. How'd that feel?
Actually, it wasn't really that bad. I was more pissed off than anything else that I completely missed it, than worrying about my face or anything.It only took like three days to heal. I mean, right after that, I decided to go down the street to that big double set and get that kickflip.
Adio, Planet Earth, Powell, Bones, Sk8nuts Hardware, and Sub Zero.
I hear you are more of a banger when it comes to skating a spot. Like, you don't really warm up at all or anything, and just go for what you want to do.
Yeah. Well, when I get an idea in my head of a trick I want to do and know I can do it, I'd rather just go for it. I don't want to get hurt somehow warming up on simpler tricks, and then being pissed off if I don't even get to try what I wanted to do. Even if I do get hurt trying a harder trick first, I'd rather just do it that way. Like the other day, I thought I could kickflip front board the big spectrum rail out front.
I just went up, looked at it for a second, and tried to get a 50-50 to warm up. I completely missed the rail and did my first face plant slam and messed up my lip.
Yeah, I saw that photo of your bloodiness. How'd that feel?
Actually, it wasn't really that bad. I was more pissed off than anything else that I completely missed it, than worrying about my face or anything.It only took like three days to heal. I mean, right after that, I decided to go down the street to that big double set and get that kickflip.
Trick: Fs Noseblunt Photography: J Bo
From what I've seen of you, you really seem to try and do things nobody has on particular spots. Is it 'cause you want to show them up and be a prick or what?
Well, I mean, if I know certain things have been done already or someone is trying something, then I won't even bother trying those tricks. I'd rather do something no one else has done just because it's the progression of skateboarding, not 'cause I want to personally show someone up.
But, aren't there any tricks that you've seen someone do on something, and just thought that it would be fun to do it?
No, not really. I mean if I'm just messing around or something and warming up, then I don't care. But, if I'm going to film or shoot something I'd rather just try to step it up. I don't want to be a copycat.
When you were coming up, were there any pros you really looked up to?
Yeah. When I was on Gspot and had the chance to skate with Chris Cole, I looked up to him a lot. I mean, he was always pushing the limits and doing things no one else was doing. He definitely inspired me into doing a lot of tricks I didn't even think I really had in me. I just remember watching him and seeing him do tricks, and then seeing the reactions on people's faces. They were amazed, and I really wanted to be able to do that. I wanted to do tricks that were fun for me to do, but also gave people that same amazed reaction.
You seem like a really nice, easy-going kid, but in skateboarding now it seems like being happy is hated on. You ever have any problems?
No, not at all really. I mean, I'm always going to be a nice guy to someone unless there is an obvious reason not to. If someone is being a dummy then I'm going to tell them, "Hey you are a dummy, I don't wanna be involved with you."
Well, I mean, if I know certain things have been done already or someone is trying something, then I won't even bother trying those tricks. I'd rather do something no one else has done just because it's the progression of skateboarding, not 'cause I want to personally show someone up.
But, aren't there any tricks that you've seen someone do on something, and just thought that it would be fun to do it?
No, not really. I mean if I'm just messing around or something and warming up, then I don't care. But, if I'm going to film or shoot something I'd rather just try to step it up. I don't want to be a copycat.
When you were coming up, were there any pros you really looked up to?
Yeah. When I was on Gspot and had the chance to skate with Chris Cole, I looked up to him a lot. I mean, he was always pushing the limits and doing things no one else was doing. He definitely inspired me into doing a lot of tricks I didn't even think I really had in me. I just remember watching him and seeing him do tricks, and then seeing the reactions on people's faces. They were amazed, and I really wanted to be able to do that. I wanted to do tricks that were fun for me to do, but also gave people that same amazed reaction.
You seem like a really nice, easy-going kid, but in skateboarding now it seems like being happy is hated on. You ever have any problems?
No, not at all really. I mean, I'm always going to be a nice guy to someone unless there is an obvious reason not to. If someone is being a dummy then I'm going to tell them, "Hey you are a dummy, I don't wanna be involved with you."
Trick: Kickflip Photography: Andrew Garrett
I was told that you and your brother are starting some company called "WAY." What's that about?
Well, it stands for "Why Are You Skateboarding," that sarcastic question you'll end up getting from a parent or someone. I mean, skateboarding is such a great outlet for everything. I think skateboarding can turn the world upside down. People should just realize that they should be psyched that they are a part of skateboarding.
So, like you are trying to help the haters in skateboarding realize that they should be more psyched on skating?
Yeah, basically. But, they're older and you can't really change their history, just open your eyes to what we've got. All these young kids involved in it should see that skateboarding is one of the best things you can do today. You know, we wake up psyched to do something new tomorrow that was different from yesterday. It's a perfect example of an easy life. You can't overlook something as simple and genius as skateboarding.
So, random question. Tell me, do you have any random arrest stories?
Well, there was this one time when a bunch of us were skating at City Hall. This bike cop came in and chased us all out, and out of all twelve or thirteen of us he picked me to run all the way down. I was jumping fences and rushing through traffic. I ran down this alley and hide behind a dumpster. I could hear the cop's bike pedals coming close by, so I was trying so hard to not breath loud from catching my breath and stay quite. He started to come around the dumpster and I had to move around it like you would if you were hiding behind a tree. Stupid me, though. I knocked my board into the dumpster and he knew I was there. So, I ran, and then slipped through this really tight fence, but I dropped my board and I had hands on one truck and he had hands on the other. I ripped it out of his hands, and totally could have gotten away then, until this random civilian tackled me down until the cop got around. It really sucked 'cause I totally could have gotten away, minus that dude.
Well, I think I got enough stuff to make this interview work. Any thanks?
My family, J-bo for filming everything and shooting photos, Ian Berry for all his help getting me sponsors, Deville at Powell, Skip at Adio and Planet
Earth, Schane, my friends, and basically all the people that are psyched on me and help me out.
Last words?
I'm easy to judge, but so are you, too.
Well, it stands for "Why Are You Skateboarding," that sarcastic question you'll end up getting from a parent or someone. I mean, skateboarding is such a great outlet for everything. I think skateboarding can turn the world upside down. People should just realize that they should be psyched that they are a part of skateboarding.
So, like you are trying to help the haters in skateboarding realize that they should be more psyched on skating?
Yeah, basically. But, they're older and you can't really change their history, just open your eyes to what we've got. All these young kids involved in it should see that skateboarding is one of the best things you can do today. You know, we wake up psyched to do something new tomorrow that was different from yesterday. It's a perfect example of an easy life. You can't overlook something as simple and genius as skateboarding.
So, random question. Tell me, do you have any random arrest stories?
Well, there was this one time when a bunch of us were skating at City Hall. This bike cop came in and chased us all out, and out of all twelve or thirteen of us he picked me to run all the way down. I was jumping fences and rushing through traffic. I ran down this alley and hide behind a dumpster. I could hear the cop's bike pedals coming close by, so I was trying so hard to not breath loud from catching my breath and stay quite. He started to come around the dumpster and I had to move around it like you would if you were hiding behind a tree. Stupid me, though. I knocked my board into the dumpster and he knew I was there. So, I ran, and then slipped through this really tight fence, but I dropped my board and I had hands on one truck and he had hands on the other. I ripped it out of his hands, and totally could have gotten away then, until this random civilian tackled me down until the cop got around. It really sucked 'cause I totally could have gotten away, minus that dude.
Well, I think I got enough stuff to make this interview work. Any thanks?
My family, J-bo for filming everything and shooting photos, Ian Berry for all his help getting me sponsors, Deville at Powell, Skip at Adio and Planet
Earth, Schane, my friends, and basically all the people that are psyched on me and help me out.
Last words?
I'm easy to judge, but so are you, too.
Trick: Kickflip Fs Lipslide Photography: J Bo
1 Comment
Latteh says:
KYLE RIPS DUDE!!!
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