Passing the Torch: Sara Paulshock Interview.

Bustin Boards rider and Broadway Bomb 2010 ladies winner Sara Paulshock has exploded onto the push scene in fantastic style, by blasting female participation in distance and endurance skateboarding events to new heights. Taking an awesome 8 mins off the existing ladies World Record time set by Skate Further’s Laura Hatwell back at Goodwood in 2009, she owned Adrenalina, and now she’s gonna own the Skate Further Ladies Trophy too! Lady Push is headed to the East Coast of the USA! Sara kindly gave us a few moments of her time  answer some questions for Skate Further:

LH: How did you get into longboarding?

SP: I’ve been on and off a skateboard since I was about ten, but didn’t get my first longboard till senior year of high school. Unfortunately, that board was short-lived and was stolen shortly after I purchased it. My friend got me a short Sector 9 for a high school graduation present. In college I started using it for transportation and man, did it save me time. It wasn’t until junior year (thanks to my friend Ben Arcia who steeped my game up, pushed me down hills and taught me how to slide) that longboarding became a passion.

LH: What made you realize you could push really fast?

SP: The Broadway Bomb 2009 was my first longboarding event. I’d never seen so many skaters and was blown away. The bomb was the first time I ever skated in the streets of NYC so I went into the race casually. It wasn’t until a bystander informed me I was the second girl he’d seen that I decided to start racing and push hard. Winning the Bomb opened my eyes to the world of push culture.

LH: What kind of training do you do, if any?

SP: I ran cross-country freshman year and was running anywhere from 6-9 miles a day. I still run, but not nearly as much as I used to. I recently came to the conclusion that the best training is to remain active and skate as much as possible.

LH: I hear you broke your wrist recently, did the cast give you the competitive edge?

SP: I broke my wrist on my last run (go figure) at a local Connecticut skate park learning how to skate vert because I really want to learn how to skate bowls. My first two weeks were miserable; I was in a ton of pain and unable to skate or do any type of exercise at all.

In grade school I always envied the kids who broke something, got a cast, and were suddenly super-cool because everyone wanted to sign it. But, in reality, the novelty gets old quick and having a cast sucks. I’m not so sure I would go so far as to say my cast gave me a competitive edge, but it certainly added to my steeze, though with all the hard work I soaked it with sweat. Now it is a little smelly ☺

LH: What were your observations on the Adrenalina event, any insights you can give us?

SP: Adrenalina was the first time I’d ever skated a marathon distance so I wasn’t exactly sure how to pace myself. I was nervous that my legs were going to give out so I was super conscious about not over exerting too early. I think with a little more long-distance experience I might have paced better. I learned how to skate switch mongo this past summer, which was huge since I was able to give my strong leg a break. I also recommend a camel pack: staying hydrated at all times is key.

LH: How do you think more girls could get into pushing skateboards long distances? What would it take?

SP: I think it’s just a matter of time before longboarding becomes a mainstream activity for girls. Plenty of girls enjoy surfing and snowboarding now, so there’s no reason why longboarding shouldn’t grow in popularity. Skating is also a super convenient mode of transportation.

But, if we want them to take it seriously, I believe that it will be important to provide incentives and recognize women more equally in competition.

LH: Any heroes in all of this for you? You have a lot of support from the NYC crew – epic stuff!

SP: I envy anyone who spreads the stoke and opts to skate rather than drive, taxi, or take the train. NYC is a special place with a passionate skate scene unlike anything else I’ve seen before and talent that’s out of this world. Interning at Bustin this past summer provided me a chance to meet and get to know a wide array of NYC skaters, many of whom have become like family.

LH: What’s next for the fastest female pusher?

SP: Even through its becoming winter (I hate the cold), I’m going to try my best to stay in shape and keep skating. I’m hoping to shave off twelve minutes and break two hours in the next marathon. See you in San Diego!

Thanks Sara!