Imagine going to the skate park and getting shown up by a 50 pound kid whose day job is learning cursive and multiplication tables. Meet third-grader Rene Serrano. He may look small, but this 8-year old shredder from Venice, CA skates with the big boys. He absolutely kills it at the skate park and recently used his skills to take home the runner-up prize in the YouthNoise/Nike-sponsored Beat Gasoline competition!
How'd he get so good at such a young age? Well, you have to understand that Rene, or Lil' Rene, as he's known at the skate park has already been skating for five years. When he was three years old, his parents took him to Toys R Us. Rene spotted a Spiderman skateboard, fell in love with it, and the rest...well the rest is history. Now, eight-years-old, Rene skates for Mainline Skate Shop, Push Grip Tape and Flow (Bones). He has already won a handful of contests in SoCal including the Red Bull 7 City Hustle where he beat out skaters from seven different hoods in LA and was the youngest winner in the contest. One thing is clear: this super-grom is bound for big things in his future.
I had a chance to interview Rene about his skating and what it means to beat gasoline. Check it out...
(1) Congrats on winning second place in the Beat Gasoline competition. How did you feel when you heard the news?
I was very happy that I beat gasoline!!!
(2) Do you think kids and adults should try to cut down on their use of gasoline?
Yes, because it's too expensive, and it's better if you skate, or ride a bike, or walk. It'sbetter for the world, healthier and safer.
(3) So you came in second in the Beat Gasoline competition because you rip at skating. What is your favorite part about the sport?
Meeting new people and competing in contests. But most important, you have to have fun, be humble and always help others.
(4) Being so good at such a young age, do you surprise older skaters when they see you bust out crazy tricks even though you're half their size?
Yes, all the time. They just give me props and tell me to keep on skating.
(5) What are the tricks that people are most surprised about when you bust them out?
Pressure hard-flip,and front side 360.
(6) What about your favorite skaters? Are there any pros you look up to?
Austin Seaholme and P-rod
(7) Any shoutouts to your family friends or people who have helped you along the way?
First, I have to thank God, my parents and all my sponsors for supporting me and believing in me...and a special shoutout to all my friends that I skate with from different skate parks.
Cool. Thanks for the interview and keep it up!
