Oscar, let’s start out with the basics — where you’re from, how long you’ve been blading, and what’s your current skate setup.
Well, I’m from Los Angeles — in between Staples Center and MacArthur Park is where I reside. I’ve been skating for about five years, and my current setup is some old beat up Bambrick Carbon 3’s with some Adapt soul plates that Russell Day gave me, and for wheels I’m rocking the Russell Day Circolo wheels.

Safety 180 / Los Angeles

You’ve garnered quite a reputation among the Southern California scene for being a young blood blader on the come up. Who and what influences your brand of blading?
I’ve got a buncha random favorites such as Nils Jansons, Montre Livingston, Franky Morales, Iain McLeod, and John Bolino. But the one who influences me the most is the one I’ve got to skate with numerous times, and that would have to be Jeremy Soderburg from USD!

The last couple years, you’ve been given the chance to meet the pros you looked up to. What’s it been like to hear compliments from them when running into them at random sessions?
Basically it’s been a blessing to meet and skate with these people that I had admired for years on YouTube. I know it might be strange to say it, but I looked up to these people like kids look up to superheroes.

540 / Chinatown

What are some of the more memorable moments you’ve had during one of these encounters?
That would have to be when I met Ben Schwab. He was my all-time hero. I would watch his section from Accidental Machines over and over and when I moved to LA. I was so starstruck when we met, but the dude even signed the first magazine I ever had of him! He even complimented me and said I had amazing style. Coming from him that meant the world. And every time I see that dude he gives me a big hug and asks how I’m doing. That’s why I just love the sport.

I really never had anything in life to look forward to. You can say I had a lot of personal problems, and watching blade videos and skating was the only way to run from it. So you can imagine how much these compliments meant to me.

Every session you appear to be learning something new, improving your consistency, or throwing together fresh switch ups. What keeps you motivated to constantly evolve your blading skills?
What keeps me motivated and wanting to improve my skills? Easy — life. Life passes you by fast. I feel like this is the only family I have and I was never really good at anything, but when I put on the blades I feel normal. I feel no pressure. I feel at home. Skating is my escape from all the bullshit in the world, so that basically keeps me motivated. And wanting to improve my skills, I guess.

Hill bomb 180 / Hollywood

It’s great to hear that Circolo Wheels is your first sponsor. We all need someone to help us live the dream. So let me ask you, which companies would be your dream sponsors?
Yeah, I owe a big thanks to Circolo for the wheels. My dreams sponsor would have to be the Conference — USD!

I don’t know why, I just love the skates. I think they’re gorgeous. And come on, the basically have the best team. Can’t go wrong there.

When you’re not on blades, what do you find yourself doing?
I guess I spend my time with my girl or watching videos on Rollernews or, of course, working. Nothing too exciting.

Let’s wrap things up Oscar. Who do you want to give a shout out to?
I would like to give a shout out to whoever is in charge of the Conference — I would love some skates. lol. Either way I’m just gonna keep skating and trying to push my body as much as I can. I’m not even close to where I wanna be. I don’t even consider myself to be good.

And before I leave I want to thank everybody for believing in me or for any of the support you guys gave. Trust me, it helps a lot. Thanks!

Interview by Jonathan Labez
Photos by Jeff Linett