Rider Spotlight: Owen Fox

USA DSA: First off, huge congrats on qualifying for the World Skateboarding Championships! How does it feel to be part of the team representing the USA at the World Skate Games?

OF: Thank you! It feels absolutely incredible. The United States is home to so many absolutely incredible skaters, and it is such an honor and a privilege to be one of the few that get to represent our vibrant communities on the world stage.

USA DSA: Let’s kick it back to the beginning. What sparked your passion for downhill skateboarding, and how did you get started in the sport?

OF: I was first introduced to downhill skateboarding when I was about 13 years old thanks to Youtube. I remember being completely mesmerized the first time I saw it and I really just haven’t been able to shake that feeling, even a decade later. I got my first longboard maybe a week later and I spent the first few years hiking the little hills in my neighborhood and honestly really struggling to do even the most basic slides. It was a long long time before I was at the point where I was capable of skating real roads.

USA DSA: Every skateboarder has a unique journey. What’s been the key to your success and progression in downhill skateboarding?

OF: I think my success can be boiled down to three things, variation and mentorship. As I came up I had the great privilege of being able to live/ spend lots of time in some of the largest hotbeds of downhill in the US such as Colorado, Utah, North Carolina, and California. Each one of these regions have unique attributes that can teach a skater skills that are difficult to learn elsewhere which can then be taken elsewhere and applied in new ways. I think being able to practice and learn in all of these different environments really helped me become a much more well rounded skater and helped me be able to adapt to new environments. On top of that, not only was I fortunate enough to be able to skate in these amazing places, I was also incredibly fortunate to have been able to skate and learn from some of the best skateboarders in the world. Skating with people who are better than you is, in my opinion, the most important thing you can do to improve both your technical skills and your understanding of line choice, risk assessment, and decision making.

USA DSA: Your setup is crucial in downhill racing. Can you walk us through your current board setup and why it’s your go-to choice?

OF: I’m riding my pro model board, the Fox Pro from Prism Skate Co, paired with Rogue ZM1’s, Eenox Bearings and Venom Skate Magnum 2s.

USA DSA: How has being a part of the downhill skateboarding community impacted you both as an athlete and an individual?

OF: The downhill skateboarding community has really given me a second family. I’ve made so many amazing friends from all around the world that I probably never would have had the opportunity to meet if it wasn’t for this community.

USA DSA: What advice would you give to young skaters who aspire to reach the levels you’ve achieved?

OF: I would tell them to be smart, be safe, be kind, and to not give up. I’d also say to focus on the fundamentals. Developing strong, solid form will allow you to go much further than just blindly charging forward.

USA DSA: Any shoutouts or thanks you want to give to those who’ve supported you along the way?

OF: I mean, first off, I’d like to thank my family. They’ve been so supportive since the beginning and I wouldn’t be here without them. I’d like to thank all of my sponsors for the continued support, Prism Skate Co, Venom Skate Products, and Rogue Trucks. Liam Morgan, Justin Rolo, and Zak Maytum; thank you all for believing in me. And finally I’d like to thank all of my friends who have supported me along the way, you all know who you are.