If you’ve never seen the boarders on campus, personally I’d assume that you’ve been living under a rock. If you’ve never seen Darin Alcolea, well i’d come to my next conclusion that you’re missing out. The first-year at the University of Vermont is setting his own scene with skateboarding and a carefree style, representing UVM with his great endowment.
Reigning from Middletown, New Jersey, Alcolea began developing a passion for skateboarding in the 3rd grade as a new hobby to test out. It wasn’t until the 6th grade that he began to devote more time towards boarding after growing tired of the typical school sports. “I was sick of coaches trying to tell me what to do. It’s not as much fun when there are all these rules that you have to follow whereas in skateboarding you can do whatever you want,” explains Alcolea. From that moment on, it’s been nothing but success, fueling his ever-growing talent. “The best aspect of skateboarding is that no one tells you what or how to skate. There no coaches up your a** telling you to give them push-ups for every kick flip you don’t land.”
However, its more than everyday boarding along the streets of town. Alcolea has participated and rose to the top of a couple competitions and contests. About two years ago, his boarding company from home, Instinct Skateboards, entered a competition called Battle of the Shops. Instinct Skateboards came out with 2nd place out of ten competing companies. His company also contributed to the community by promoting helmet safety at a local school, topping it off with an exciting skate demo. However, Alcolea explains that the competitive aspect of boarding isn’t exactly his scene. “I would much rather just skate freely with my friends filming for our video and taking photos.”
It’s really the constant thrill and motivation to skate from friends keeps this boarder shining and his moves fresh. He explains that one of his proudest moment was “when I landed a triple kick flip down a 5 block at Woodward East [a skateboarding camp] a couple years back and won the best trick contest…I have not done that trick since.” Alcolea has extended his love for boarding from places like Kona State Park in Florida (featured in the Tony Hawk video game) all the way to Montreal. Though boarding remains a hobby for the young talent, although he explains the lifestyle would be nice. For now is plan is to head off to medical school after his years at UVM.
Get to know Darin Alcolea a little more!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Flipmode’s the greatest.
Do you long board? Which is more preferred?
Long boards are cool and all but I’d rather ride a normal skateboard.
How would your friends describe your personality?
My friends would most likely describe me as a kid that does stupid things and makes horrible decisions, oh well don’t we all.