Girls Skate Network

Vanessa Torres Interview (May 2004)

How long have you been skating and what got you started?

I’ve been skating for about 5 years now. I’ve had a lot of inspirations in my life that got me skating. My friends who I grew up and hung out with until I was 13 years old were always active so of course I started skating. Funny thing is my childhood friends quit skating and now here I am still skating my little ass away.

What was your first skateboard?

Oh my...Oh! World Industries with Water Boy (Wet Willy) on it. That was my first serious board. That is what I learned frontside flips on. I learned them the in between your legs way...I don’t do them that way anymore. Then I rode a Blind Mushroom with the Explosion. Slick Bottom! Powell style.

Who do you like to skate with?

Amy is really fun to skate with, I’m really fun to skate with. Anyone who likes me and who wants to skate...I want to skate so if you read this interview please call me because I am lazy and I need some motivation.

When is your birthday?

July 17, 1986.

Where are you living these days?

I wonder about that myself sometimes. I don' t know where I' m living. Everywhere pretty much. Anyone who 's looking to let me live on their couch I 'm stoked. I 'm looking to get a little one roomer on the beach. When that's finally a sure thing I'm set.

Did you get kicked out of Amy's house?

Nah, I just left. Amy and I can only handle so much of each other. I know when it s my time to leave.

Where has been your favorite place to skate?

I lived in Southern California most of my life and when I got the opportunity to go to Australia I knew great skating would be going down. Australia is one of the best places to skate. Picture this, it is everything skateboarders dream put into 3 words: It's Skate Heaven. Every time you go out there for a contest you don’t come back for a several months. Yes, several months it is.

Where are you going next?

I’m getting to go to Germany, I haven’t been there before. I’m excited about that. Then Brazil, that is going to be awesome because I have met a lot of Brazilians and they are very rad.

Who are your sponsors?

Element Wood & Thread and Globe Shoes.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

I’m 100% Mexican & viva por frijoles (live for beans).

Last words?

I 'd like to thank my Mom, who I haven't shown the greatest appreciation to, for everything she has ever done for me. Supporting my skating through thick & thin and letting me know that where ever I am in my life and this shitty world of corruption that I'm going to succeed and make it...no matter what. Thanks for giving birth to me Mom, if I wasn't here right now I wouldn't be living this beautiful life of unconditional love from everyone who means something to me and for those I'm still yet to meet. I love you MOM! Thanks to my sponsors. Much love to these beautiful people in my life, you, Lisa Whitaker for being such a rad, true friend and great filmer, getting all of my action on tape. To Van for just taking me for who I was. Thanks to Amy for showing me that there are no limitations in skating. You skate how you skate and you are who you are. Peace.