Hammers have an important role in skateboarding. Whether it's Andrew Reynolds throwing them down Hollywood High or you're in the garage using one to bang down the last rusty nail in a janky launch ramp, a hammer is involved. Allen Russell aka Big Al aka King of Ybor is no stranger to hammers.
A little more than a decade ago, Big Al was gracing the small screen with appearances in popular skate videos. In those days, he sported a studded belt instead of his now signature lumberjack beard, but he still snagged last part in Rob Hoovis' Florida cult classic, FM 2. These days, you probably won't find him tailsliding many chest high dumpsters, but don't be fooled, his hammer game isn't gone, it's merely adapted.
Now a career ramp builder, Russell makes everything from backyard half pipes to obstacles at the X-Games. Most recently, he constructed the sweet 6 foot mini ramp masterpiece at The Boardr's HQ. All of that is great, but it's futile when compared to his latest acquisition…a bitchin' van. As you may have guessed, when you carry the weight of the "King of Ybor" crown, you can't afford to be outdone. So, when it was time for Russell to invest in a "midlife crisis," he swung for the fences and landed a Heavy Roller's wet dream.
His ride is an early 80s conversion van that glimmers with a wild paint job, wall-to-wall orange shag carpet, mirrors on the ceiling, and a cheetah bed cover to camouflage any love stains. Stare at any part of the van for too long and your eyes begin to hurt, but in a good way. Open up the Dodge's "barn doors" and the first thing you notice is a tie-dye refrigerator and a Lazy Boy-style recliner wrapped around hundreds of feet of bright orange shag. Obviously, there is nothing inconspicuous about this ride, which could make for some difficult road trips if the boys in blue start searching through all that shag for a seed or stem.
Regardless, over the holiday weekend I got a chance to check out Allen's van in a bar parking lot, 125 miles south of Tampa, during the video premiers of Coastal and Night Light, the latest talent showcases of Fort Myers locals.
Here is a chat with Allen Russell about his skateboard job building ramps and, his newest "life hammer"… a boogie van.
First off where ya from?
I grew up and started skating in Fort Myers, Florida.
How long have you been growing a beard?
Three years.
Do you remember the first ramp you built?
I do. I built it with my friend when we were 13. We hammered in PVC pipe for coping, it was actually pretty sweet.
For you, what's the hardest part about building a ramp?
For me, there's no "hardest part" about building it, but there is always doubts. The worst part about building a ramp or anything is that you have a fear that it could end up being unskateable when you finish.
What is a common mistake you see by someone who doesn't know what they're doing building a ramp?
Transitions. When someone doesn't fully understand the concept of drawing transitions it won't work. Then, there's leveling and securing studs…
Do you have any formal training as a ramp builder?
I had a few odd jobs, construction type stuff… My step dad taught me how to use a saw, and the rest I learned from badass dudes and Team Pain.
Do you have any advice for future ramp builders?
This is bustass work. It's not easy. You have to be willing to learn, and put in hard work. When you get started, you have to do the jobs that no one wants to do.
Alright, now let's hear about your van.
It's a 1983 Dodge Tradesman Model with a conversion done by Zimmer Motor Co. It's got less than 100k original miles.
Customizations?
Custom paint, custom exhaust, Crager wheels. Plus there's a bed and shag carpet. It's got a 225 slant-six engine that I've done a little work to. For the most part, I bought it like this.
Where'd you find it?
Ebay. I got it for $5,300. Drove up to Henderson, North Carolina and got it.
Best and Worst part about owning your van?
It makes me smile every time I look at it. That's the best. The worst part is knowing that I'll have to sell it one day.
I heard the Smithsonian Museum was interested in it?
Yeah. A curator for the museum was in Lakeland for Go-Skateboarding to interview Elissa Steamer. He saw the van and basically said if I ever wanted to donate it they would take it off my hands because it's a really good exhibit for the vanning culture at that time. It's crazy because it would be there forever.
Have you owned a van before this?
This is my first van. I was turning 40. It's my midlife crisis. I've always wanted one.
