Meet Robert Neal, the skating wunderkind who never planned to be where he is today. Here’s his insight on what brought him here, how it’s changed him, and where he’s going.
StockX: Was skating always on your roadmap, or is it something that you came to over time?
Robert Neal: Skating wasn’t always my roadmap. When I was younger I used to want to be in the NBA or NFL. I found skating over time through my friends and it was around 7th grade where I really started to put time in. When I was 18, Nike sponsored me and that was when I knew I could do it full-time.
How has your skate style evolved over time? Have those evolutions happened naturally, or did you ever have to pursue changes to bring you to other levels?
My style definitely evolved over time. I feel like my everyday style evolves just cause I’m practicing and getting better every day. I say mine came naturally picking up tips from friends and watching others in the sport but we all have our influences that shape us on and off the board.
Skating is inherently risky and I know you’ve been injured before. Is that just a part of the deal and can be overlooked, or do you find yourself learning from those moments of pain or setback?
Getting injured is definitely part of the game. You gotta pay to play, but one thing is you do learn from those moments you get hurt. The love and passion for it is what makes it worth getting back up after falling.
When you can’t skate, how do you spend your time and find joy? Is there anything else in your life that offers similar joy?
Usually, when I’m not skating I like to hang with my friends / family. I also really enjoy traveling and seeing different places that are not like where I am from. Different cultures interest me and I want to see as much of the world as I can.
Has there ever been a time in your life that provided personal growth? What was that like and how did that growth change you? Did that end up appearing in your skating as well?
Every day provides personal growth, but I’d definitely say the time I found out my mom had leukemia. That news crushed me. So from that day, I told myself I’m grinding 10 times harder than what I was doing. She is still dealing with it every day, so I try my best to support her.
Bringing an animal into your life requires some adjustment. What adjustments have you made to provide for this little life you share your home with?
Facts! [Laughs] It’s a life-changing thing. I’m a Dog dad now, so waking up early enough to feed my dog and take him out is part of my daily schedule. Waking up early was a problem for me but I’m more comfortable doing that now.
What personal relationship has taught you most about your relationship with skating?
I’d say Paul Rodriguez. He definitely taught me patience. Watching his road to recovery and how positive he was through it made me appreciate skating more. Patience with skating takes you a long way.
How does what you bring to your board and to your ride illustrate or speak to how you live your life?
I think clean or neat would fit the best. Off the board, I like things clean and organized… so I feel that trait of myself was carried on to my skating and style.
StockX is thrilled to welcome Robert Neal.
