I just spent a week with McDermott in Milwaukee. It’s always a good time, riding, catching up and B.S.ing. I put together an interview this week to catch up with his life and times. School, surfing, riding, and soon, the professional world. Enjoy.

1.I know you’re close to a degree in Art education? How close?

-I will have my bachelors by Christmas.

2.With doing your internships, what's the response been from students to art in general? Do kids seem into it? Do they find value in the ideas of art?

-My first internship was with elementary students, so it was a challenge trying to present information in a way that the kids could grasp it. I think everyone enjoys art, but the younger kids are especially fascinated by it.

3.After graduation, what's next?

-Hopefully get a real job.

4.Surfing is something you've been into pretty heavily the past couple of years. How often do you head out?

-It depends on the seasons. Winter is more consistent with swell. I'll go once a week in the winter. Summer is generally flat unless a hurricane or depression rolls through. But they always produce the best waves. In the summer you will go a few weeks without surfing and then a cane will come through and you'll be out for three days straight.

5.What's the wildest thing you've seen out there?

-I think one of the best moments was when me and Mulville paddled out on a glassy day. The water was real clear and all of a sudden about 25 dolphins swam right under and around us real slow in about 6ft of water. It was amazing and I was scared.

6.Any situations with sharks?

-Look it up. New Smyrna beach is the shark attack capitol of the world. That is one of the best breaks in Florida and probably where I surf the most. My girlfriend was there yesterday and a shark nailed the bottom of her board when she was standing next to it in the water. It is more rare to go there and not see one. We were out at Cocoa one day and this huge shadow was cruising up the beach right at us. I think it was a bull shark because they are real fat. It was getting way too close and there weren't any waves coming for us to get in. We were so far out. I started to freak, and then finally one came.

7.Living out in Orlando the past three years, has it been better for riding as opposed to living in Bradenton for most of your life?

-It was a great change because the spots back home were getting really old. Orlando has a lot more to offer as far as street riding goes.

 

8.You planning on getting out of there soon?

-I'm not sure where I will end up once I graduate. I might have to move for a teaching position, but I’m definitely staying in Florida. I'm too tropical to move up north.

 

9.People think of you as this rail boss, but have no clue you're pretty well rounded as your able to ride park and trails as well...I know you started out riding this stuff as street came later. What veered you towards street?

-I think I rode street before anything. I would ride my bike all over town and jump shit and steal cigarettes. I never had any money to pay for skate parks and the closest one was an hour away so I didn't make it over there too often. We would have sets of trails here and there, but they would get plowed and the Florida sand prevented us from building new ones. I kind of think I just rode ramps and trails because I thought I was supposed to. I always loved street and I remember when Don't Quit Your Day Job came out and how I was psyched to see guys riding like that.

10.Did it have anything to do with limited spots and limited people to ride with in Bradenton?

-I don't think so. The spots are not all that bad. Me and Conall would drive around all day and find the good set ups.

11.Actually, what was it like growing up riding in Bradenton?

-It was good. Looking back now I think it had a lot to offer. I think there are worse places to grow up and ride. And Sarasota was 10 minutes away with more good spots so it wasn't all that bad.

12.Out of your recommendation, we added Bryce Toole to Madera this year. What's your favorite story about Bryce?

-When he was hitchhiking to NYC or somewhere and took a dump truck on a joy ride.

Best five:
1.Best three Movies:Dumb and Dumber, Pee Wee's Big Adventure, and Monster Squad.
2.Best three surf spots in Florida: Anna Maria, Spanish House, and New Smyrna.
3.Best three carbonated drinks: Postobon, Wild Cherry Pepsi, and Natty Ice
4.Best three spots to ride for hours: Albertson’s ledge, the ditch, and Tampa pyramids.
5.Best three spots of all time: That’s way too hard!