The first time I saw Phil Zwijsen riding was in Varazze during the second edition of the Off the Wall Spring Classic skate contest. What I remember the most about him are his stylish red socks.

And he was a damn fine skater, too! After some time I popped in my dvd player “Get Busy Living” by Element. And once again I found myself watching Phil skateboarding with the same red socks. I felt amazed, it was like a circle. Far from joking, he not only got mad skills, he’s a real innovator. I’ve rarely seen so much inspiration and curiosity in a single skater! Drop in boy!

Hi Phil, quick intro, where are you from, how old are you and how long have you been skating?
I’m From Edegem Belgium. I’m 25 years old and ive been skating for the last 12 years.

Sponsors and hook-ups:
Ashes Griptape, Carhartt, Vans, Monster Energy, Element, Rockers Wheels, Lockwood Skateshop, Area 51 skatepark

You’re with no doubt one of the most recognized upcoming skaters at the moment in Europe, and I’ve heard you’re doing great even in the US in the DEW Tour. What brought you there? Did you really plan skateboarding as a career or things came just along the way?
I’ve been going the last 3 years to dew tour. Three years ago I had invitation and I went. I never tought it could be a career. But now I’m super stoked the way its going.

I’m really surprised by your bag of tricks and by the innovative way you ride the city. What’s your primary source of inspiration?
Skating with my friends and skating every day. I get alot of inspiration out of busenits grant taylor, Omar salazar

Your fav tricks – on ramp, street and rails?
Ramp : Fs smithgrinds
Street: Ollie
Rails: Boardslide

Can you still remember your first board? And how did skateboarding change your way of living? Any regrets?
My first board was a blind board. Skateboarding helped me alot in travelling, learning new things, meeting a lot of new people all the time. Regrets: I wish I started skating vert earlier.

You’re travelling worldwide… Is there any particular location, park or spot that’s always in your heart?
There are too many good places. Theres so many different countries and they all have something different. That’s why it’s hard to choose one. I like to visit new places.

What do you think about Varazze? Did you enjoy the Vans OTW? The event is getting huge, are you planning another visit?
I went 2 years ago and I really liked it. I couldn’t go last year because we did a vans trip to China to film for the Four Courners. But this year I’m coming for sure !!!! I don’t want to miss out this year

I was stoked – well, also shocked – by Get Busy Living. Amazing video and your part was killer. Are you currently working in other projects?
Thanks a lot. I’m filming for a few different projects.

What are your plans for the next summer? Where could we meet you skating?
I’m currently living in barcelona. But not about the summer. I really like berlin or new york. But nothing is sure yet.

Silly question, do you really have a stock of red socks? Lol
Not really I had a few. But I lost them.

Keep it up man! Thanks for the interview! Feel free to add whatever you want in the last line:
See you in Varazze !!! Can’t wait to go !!!! Thanks for the intervieuw. Greets Phil

Keep following Phil and dig for his sick video part! Go skateboarding!

New York City to Detroit is an awesome clip with high end photography and skateboarding. The project was born from the experiences of a tour between two crews, two cities and two brands with a passion in exploring and skating everything along the way. The 5BORO NYC and Carhartt WIP crew skated and documented their way from the founding city of 5boro, “The Big Apple” to the founding city of Carhartt, “Motor City”.