Four years ago when you won your first BCSD it seemed like the blade community at large was still waking up to your attention to detail during the comps and the focus you put on switch tricks. Does it seem to have changed in the last couple years, that bladers in general do more switch and that judges are paying more attention?
Yeah, totally. Once you have all of your regular tricks down… don’t you want to keep learning tricks? That’s where switch tricks come in and it’s a great feeling getting those down. But yes, I’ve noticed it a lot more, and I do think judges are paying more attention to it, and they should be. It shows someone is well rounded and helps you put together better lines. Back in the day switch tricks were a big part of contests.

Similarly, there’s been a lot of discussion recently about blading “going small.” Emphasis on style and difficulty over sheer danger. As one of the most respected stunt bladers of all time, what do you think about those opinions? Is it good or bad that blading has evolved the way it has?
I don’t see it as “going small.” I see it as people getting smarter and having more control over their blades. For me, I want to keep doing new things. You don’t want to film the same part over and over. Of course stunts are still sick, I just think there is more to blading than just stunts. There is a time and place for stunts, for sure, but I’d rather watch or film a well-rounded part. (John Bolino, Chris Farmer)

Let’s get back to talking about this year; how did you get it in your head to try the 540 ao top soul and the fake 540 sweatstance?
Well, for the Fakie 5 Sweaty, I had thought about it a few days before and SK asked me if I had anything I wanted to do. I told him about that and he told me I should do it, ha ha. So that’s how that one came about. The 5 AO Top soul I thought about while I was warming up. My first trick for the finals felt like the right time to try it, since no one would be expecting it. It was sloppy, but whatever, it’s a contest — ha ha. The best part of both was the crowd reaction after I did them; an unbelievable feeling.

Did you think that landing those would get you in first place?
Not at all. In the past when I’ve felt like I bladed well I haven’t won, so I don’t ever expect that. You set yourself up for disappointment that way. That’s why I focus on the fun aspect.

Anything else stand out at the comp? Who else did you think was shredding?
It’s hard to see what other people are doing during a contest, but Michael Garlinghouse ripped the Am Comp! Brian (Aragon) did a really sick full AO Top rewind on the sub box deal. Erik (Bailey) was killing the rainbow the harder way, and Montre is always entertaining. Oh, and Chris (Haffey) was doing “mega ramp tricks.”

Well, I think we’ve taken up enough of your time. Thanks for talking with us, Alex. Good luck filming for “V” and congratulations again on the win.
Thank you! And don’t forget about Strange Creatures’ “Voodoo Show”…