JEFF THRUSH
interview by Murf
photos by Josh Tomkins
Age: 27
From: Michigan
Living Now: Encinitas, CA
Sponsors: Vans, Hurley, Arnette, Indy, Wounded Knee
Where did you start skating?
I skated the Turf and local parks through 1989. After a short stay in Phoenix, I moved to Florida and hooked up with Rob Mertz and Tom Groholski.
What was it like skating with Tom?
Tom is a true skateboarder; he just rips. He was my inspiration to skate. He taught me to just skate for fun and not worry about sponsors.
When did you decide to move out West?
In 1998, I moved to Encinitas to build the YMCA park with Tim Payne. So, I sold everything I had, drove my truck to Encinitas and lived out of my truck in the YMCA parking lot for 4 months.
What are you doing for work now?
I work at the YMCA for no pay, but I skate for free. I’m still down with building skateparks when the opportunity arises.
East Coast vs. West Coast?
There’s no real rivalry anymore. Everybody is just stoked to skate with each other, it doesn’t matter where you’re from. Half the guys I skate with out here are from the East Coast, anyway.
Shout outs?
Thanks to Andy, Murf, Tom Groholski and Mark Foster who runs the YMCA. Ride everything.
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