team, Emerica Skate

Posted: June 21, 2008

Wild Ride Focus, Part 3: Kevin Not For Long

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This is part three of the Wild Ride Focus series, where I focus on certain aspects or characters of the 2008 Wild Ride through my photos and the occasional interview.

Kevin Not For Long

There's a reason Kevin "Spanky" Long is on Emerica. Just like everyone else on the team, he has something unique to offer and stands his ground amidst the wealth of talent. In Kevin's case, it's his originality and sense of style that makes him stand out.

On the Wild Ride I was lucky enough to experience some of it first hand, and in just a couple of days with the release of his new shoe, you should be able to too. On a stormy summer night, I sat down for a short bit with Kevin Long...

Let the randomness commence. How do you feel about Sean Eaton?
He's overrated. And a bit dull [laughs]. If he'd be food it would probably be grits, but without the texture.
Sean: Just salty.

Are you tired of the Wild Ride yet?
No. I'm tired. I'm glad to be here, but I'm tired.

Are you tired of people calling you "Spanky" yet?
No, but it's not something that makes me stoked. I just never really think about it.

I remember the first time I met you, about a year ago, I called out to you like "Hey, Spanky!," and you just gave me the dirtiest look.
That was just cause you looked weird. [laughs] Nah, I probably didn't even notice what you called me.

I think it's mostly kids that call you "Spanky".
Yeah. It honestly doesn't bug me. Absolutely not. I mean, I go by Kevin and I think of myself as Kevin, I guess. It's been so long I hardly notice anymore.

It's become part of your marketing gimmick too.
Yeah. It's a big part of my gimmick. [laughs]

You need a gimmick to have a pro career in skateboarding.
Yeah. And I've got plenty.

How do you feel about Braydon tattooing your drawing onto his arm? (see image below)
I don't know how I feel about that. I think it's pretty bro that he did that. It's a pretty funny drawing to get on there, but I think it's rad. He just doesn't give a fuck. When I first saw it, I was like, "Are you sure you wanna do that, dude?" But hmm, it's cool.

Is that the first time somebody tattooed one of your drawings onto their body?
I believe so, yeah. I hope.

Wouldn't you want more people to do that?
Yeah, sure. It's an honor, for sure.

You know how at tattoo shops, they have those books filled with stencils of skulls and shit that unoriginal people can pick from? You could make those.
Most of the things I make aren't very pleasing to the eyes, so I wouldn't really wanna look at anything that I created [laughs]

Oh, but you're fine with hanging it in an art show?
It's different. Who's to say something's good enough to be put in an art show? Somebody just compiles shit. If I want to get something tattooed, I'd want it to be really important to me instead of just picking something.

You don't have any tattoos?
I just have one. "To All My Friends" on my arm.

Do you think Jerry's art is good enough for an art show?
Oh yeah. I'm a big fan of Jerry's photos.

I think he's a good photographer.
Yeah, his photos evoke emotion. [laughs]

Really? Name an example.
Like, his Russia series. [laughs] I'm just joking. I was exercising sarcasm.

I suck at picking up on it, apparently.
I'm not very good at it either.

After what happened last year, are you more careful riding your bike now?
Yeah! Well, I don't if it's really more careful, but I definitely hesitate more. I don't know if that's safer. Let's just say I'm less comfortable.

That's it, the interview's over.
What? I don't even get any shout-outs?

Alright, go ahead.
Shout outs to Herman, G-CODE and Dirty Business - even though I'm not claiming it. I'm just a fan of those crews. Call me a supporter.

Catch more of Kevin in the upcoming 24 hour commercial with Donny Miller, and the Transworld Skate & Create event issue (featuring Emerica!), which will be out soon.

Roll on over to part four!