Mike Vallely Quotes

I always try to individualize everything, every person. I see individuals and that's why I've never fallen for racism, or any type or classification of people.

We didn't call it a sport necessarily, and skaters definitely weren't thought of as athletes, we were thought of as misfits.

I desire to have a dialogue that's positive, and communicative and moves forward, and is about something real, not just consumption.

When I got sponsored, it symbolized a major change and a major shift in skateboarding.

I feel like the best thing, as far as what I do with kids, is I treat them like human beings.

Everything that I'm really about is being an individualist. I believe in individuality.

I grew up with heroes, people who made me aspire to raise my game, to dream bigger and I like to keep it that simple.

If someone told me I had to give back, or I'm supposed to give back, or I'm supposed to do these things, I would reject that. My actions are those of valuing and caring.

I'm not going to beat somebody up for talking smack to me, especially another skater.

If I signed a contract that meant someone else wouldn't be playing.

Where I'm coming from is that nothing I do is from a sense of obligation.

I strive to do my best every single time and I think that's something the skate community knows about me and appreciates.

I don't talk down to kids. Usually someone my age who's talking to a ten or twelve year old is yelling at them.