The first pro i encounted was jereme rodgers in my local skateshop in Belfast, northern ireland, circa 2003. Berra, getz and paul shier had already left for the demo and had accidentally left him behind. Local ripper asked him if he was partying after the demo and he said 'I'm not much of a drinker unless im at home.' He had the squeakiest voice ever, he seriously sounded like michael jackson back then. The demo wasnt great because not many people turned up, but JR killed it. Berra slammed on a flip back 50 on a square rail 15 minutes in and stopped skating. I remember being pissed daewon wasnt there. That skatepark was tiny, like the size of a double garage.
Saw flo marfiang in nantes, France. he rips hard. Was just me and him in this marble skatepark. i Had no idea he was skating switch.
Saw Nick jensen on the london underground at tottenham court road, he was covered in paint.
When my friend moved out to barcelona a few years ago he chilled with tom penny quite regularly. if anyone is famiiliar with the skate bar manolo and know how far it is from MACBA, they managed to stop FIVE times to roll joints on the way there (its a 10 minute walk, maybe less). Dude is crazy for the herb. Penny would crouch beside him (not even sit) and not say anything for a while and just sorta nod at his joint. Hes a little tripped out and weird, he doesnt scream 'legendary skater' with his demeanor.