Interview: Greg Nowik
- 13 September 2021
I’m super stoked to be able to say that interview 23 is with legendary UK pro skateboarder, Greg Nowik. I remember first seeing Greg skate St Albans mini way back in the 90s and I had honestly never seen anyone with such a wide and insane bag of tricks on transition. It just blew me away. Fast forward 15 or so years and Greg came out to Australia which is the first time I met him properly. He stayed with me for a few days in Sydney and I witnessed him destroy the bowl at Manly Vale on a daily basis. Greg has, and has always had skateboarding running through his veins.
At the ripe old age of 47 Greg is still pro for Wight Trash Skateboards , is a Skateboard GB-qualified skateboard coach and has recently started Boom Skate School where you can learn to skate on probably the best backyard ramps in the UK. (find out about lessons HERE)
Thanks to Greg for taking the time to do this, great to see him still ripping!
Whats your current situation?
Still Skateboarding and loving it. I’d love to say that I didn’t stop, but I think 1994/5 I stopped for 18 months or so to feed my Booze and Drug desires. Born, bred, and residing in Southampton.
Current Sponsor is Wight Trash Skateboards. My man John Cattle has had my back for 16 or so Years. Trash for Life!!
What are you currently working on?
Different threads in my life……
Skateboarding wise, I’m trying to skate as much as I can. Recently, at the ripe old age of 47, I’ve felt fitter and stronger and more comfortable skating that for a long time. I’m still trying to learn new tricks, and cling on to old ones, but gotta take what I am served!
I’ve also started Boom Skate School – I have been coaching on my ramps privately and hosting Beginners and Improvers Sessions at my local Skatepark. It’s really rewarding to see people get ‘The Stoke’ – There’s no faking it, and we have all had it from our skateboards – It’s endless and we keep coming back for more!!
My wife and I are cooking a Baby – It’s due December – Gonna be a real life changer!!!!!
Favourite skate related possession
My ramps. Sounds cliché, but when I walk down my garden and look at the ramps, I’m still in a state of disbelief, and try and work out how it happened. I guess it was meant to be, as without a specific plan, just a series of events and I ended up with the sickest set up.
Something about you that is not related to skateboarding that people might not know?
I’ve been learning to Sail a Dinghy. I have Chickens.
What did you do yesterday?
Sat around a lot. Cleaned and Serviced my car. Painted another coat of Sikkens preserver on the Vert Ramp on the sheets that I have turned.
Favourite period in skate history that isn’t right now?
Lucky enough to have been doing it a while, so have seen a few.
They are many amazing periods for different reasons. Some of the things that were ‘On Trend’ and you can look back and laugh.
I always loved the first watch of a new video (VHS). You only got one a year, and Shit really was ground breaking, and after watching it, you would be so hyped for a skate and storm out with new stuff to try and work out.
Loved the mainstream periods, and the underground ones.
Favourite skate spot of all time past or present
A bit dull, but I always loved Farnborough Mini Ramp. It was fast and wide. Everything about it was ideal for me.
What’s next in skateboarding?
Follow Greg on insta at www.instagram.com/streetnowik
