Dec 3. 2013 – Micky Papa

Check out our exclusive interview with skateboarder Micky Papa

Micky Papa - Skateboarder

Full name: Micky Mariano Papa

Sponsors: Almost Skateboards, Mtn Dew, RDS Apparel, Nixon Watches, Silver Trucks, Fkd Bearings, Bones Wheels, One Love Skateshop, Diamond Hardware, Markisa Wallets and Passport 2 Freedom charity.

How long have you been skating? 11 years

Tell us about your favorite travel: Probably getting the chance to see barcelona about 5 years ago. We rented an apartment with friends and toured the city on our skateboards for an entire month. Hopping the metro and exploring the city, skating and just enjoying the Spanish culture and people.Favorite Quote: "Watch your thoughts, they become your words, watch your words, they become your actions, watch your actions, they become your habits, watch your habits, they become your character, watch your character, it becomes your destiny." - Lao TsuFavorite Song and why: Too many favourite songs out there really. One of my all time favourites is Jimi Hendrix - All along the watchtower. His rendition of bob dylans classic is tasteful and his guitar playing innovation is inspiring. One of my favourite artists and human beings.

Other hobbies? Haha I believe the answer above is a good indication. I love to play guitar.

How long have you been repping P2F Stickers? for about a year now!

What do you know about the Favelas? I know there's a lot of underprivileged families living in them and we need to do everything we can to help out the less fortunate people out there.

Who in your life inspires you and why? I'm inspired by people who I deem to be greats. Bruce Lee, Jimi Hendrix, 2Pac. Anyone who I think lives their lives tastefully and with class. Living with integrity and setting your personal standards high is something you don't see too often in the younger generations. Anyone with great character is an inspiration to me.

Why do you believe in giving to those less fortunate? We don't get to choose where we are born or what we are born into. We should all be thankful that we have as much as we do and we have extra we shouldn't let it go to waste cue someone out there is in need.

Any ideas to encourage youth to get involved with charities? Giving to charities is double sided. You help someone out in need and you give into yourself. Your personal wealth increases ten fold while someones basic needs are met, why wouldn't you want to do it!

Favorite historic figure and why?
One of the 3 inspirations I mentioned earlier. I think it takes someone dedicated to their passion and breaking boundaries takes a life time of training and discipline. Anyone who can achieve that is an inspiration to me and always is remarkable at what they do. Bruce Lee, Hendrix, 2pac are my favourites not only for being great at what they did but for innovating and trying to communicate what they believed through each of their individual art forms. Trying to contribute something to this world. Something meaningful and impactful. Timeless music, disciplined perfection or to motivate the underprivledged and poverty line communities. All great things done by great people in my eyes.

Shout outs: All my sponsors! All my friends and family who've helped me out a long the way anyone who's been generous enough to pay me any attention in the skate industry and help me along pursuing my own dreams. Thanks to Passport 2 Freedom!