Questions with Chris Charlebois

Questions by Brian Hockenstein

Answers by Chris Charlebois

So, what’s the story of Chris Charlebois? Name, age, hometown, how you got to Whistler?

It all started in a small town . That is where I came into this world; I spent time in T.O. but grew up on Georgian Bay. I traveled to Whistler over 5 years ago now with some friends on vacation and here I am.

How long have you been skating? What was your first deck?

I have been skating all my life since i was a toddler, It began with Dads original hobby. I really started dropping in and flipin my board around the age 11. The first good board I can remember was an old school Powell with blue tracker trucks and cross-bones wheels it had the sickest grip job, I bought it for 20 bucks from a guy who skated it like 3 times.

What about skateboarding is it that appeals to you?

Everything about skateboarding appeals to me, it’s my art, my lifestyle and you can be so creative with no help with so little, the possibilities are endless and the perfection is such an addiction. If you can visualize something chances are its possible eventually.

Describe a perfect day of skating for you? Where would you go? Who would you bring?

A perfect day skating is summer right before fall when the colors are changing, the sun is still out but there is a warm breeze, I would be rolling the streets of the city hitting a few parks to start then surfing the streets hitting spots that excite me and any of my good boys way to many to list. A good day is usually when you have nothing to do and nowhere to go, you would be surprised how much shi*t gets done. Relaxation...

Why do you live in Whistler? How’s the skating in this area?

I like Whistler because it’s got mountains, lakes, skateboarding, good people and not that many crackers. The skateboarding in Whistler is way better than anything I had growing up but until the second part of the skate park is built we cannot compete with anything Vancouver has.

British Columbia, especially the Vancouver area, has tons of outdoor, concrete parks. What is your favorite style of terrain to skate? 

I love to skate. It doesn’t matter what, I like to think I can skate most of what’s out there. I prefer to skate street, curbsurfin's the bomb. I’m so stoked is just down the road.

You work at Westbeach, a local skate/snowboard shop here in Whistler, how do you like that? Exactly what percentage cooler are you than me because you work there?

I like the shop gig it’s pretty good, it helps the addiction that’s a fact. I’m no better than the next guy, well maybe a bit better than the average bear but 0% cooler than you or anyone else, It just gets me some special treatment once in a while.

You recently bought a digital video camera and some pimpin’ new glass for it. What about filming appeals to you and what do you hope to get out of it?

I have always had cameras but now I finally have a good one and I plan to just shoot as much as I can and keep the memories for later in life. I enjoy the filming aspect you can be very creative with it also. I would love to have a video part in a real movie some day.

What are some of your goals with skateboarding? Are you hoping to get sponsored or just happy pumping those trannies?

My goals are to keep having fun and progressing. I just want to skate as long as I can and if somewhere along the way people want to help me out I am super appreciative.

What motivates you to keep pushing yourself in skateboarding?

I like progressing and learning new things so I have yet to get bored and the feeling you get from dropping a hammer or landing perfect and rolling away is unlike anything else, It keeps me motivated and wanting more.

Who are some skateboarders you look up to?

If I had to say I look up to someone in skateboarding it would have to be Rick McCrank. He is so progressive and fun to watch, such good style and attitude. He has done so well for himself up here in Canada.

You’ve got all kinds of tattoos up and down your body, what’s that all about and what do you think it says about your personality?

My tattoos are artwork and all have meaning to me if somebody writes me off because of my ink or won’t give me a shot, that’s pretty sad. I think it shows that my personality is stronger because I am wearing it everyday and making a statement about my beliefs.

Outside of skateboarding, what stokes you out?

The few moments Im not obsessing about rollysticking I like good food snowgliding down the mountains, love the lake, good art, family and friends...

Mandatory cheesy question, one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

People would be surprised to know I dream the future...

Last words?

Thanks for the exposure and hope everyone enjoys this checkout/interview I would also like to thank Dave@Westbeach, Garret@Voxshoes/Sessions for the help, Hayley, Grams, Mom and Dad.  MFS4LIFE

For Pictures of Chris check out article in SkateboardVillage.com online magazine.