Local Shredhead: Wesley Massey

Wes flicking a double kickflip.

What is your name, age, and where are you from? Wesley Massey...aka Wessy Cakes. I'm 34 years old, and I'm from Pensacola, FL.

Why and when did you start skateboarding? Oh man...I loved skateboarding before I physically started doing it myself. My older brother got me into it really. He skated for the longest time, and eventually I started getting interested. I was never too good at team sports, and I don't work well with others...ha. I love the rebellious aspect of skateboarding. I always embrace the punk rock side of it.  I started doing it at the end of middle school and slowly got more into it as I got older.  Eventually, it become part of my soul. No coach or teammates. Just pick up your board and do your tricks. You are your own coach, and your playing field is a whole city. Culture, style, and the rebellious freedom is why I started skating.

What do you like most about skateboarding? I love the visual art of the tricks. Everyone has their own style. Two skaters can both do the same trick down or on the same obstacle, but the style makes the melody of the trick. It's what makes you stick out. I also love the sound of a skateboard. The bearings roaring, the board popping, the rails being grinded. Skateboarding is music to my ears.

How has skateboarding influenced your photography? It made me appreciate the grittiness of things.  Skateboarding has made me more aware of my surroundings. 

What do you like to take pictures of mostly? I love old things. They are very aesthetic to me. I like to take pictures of people doing ordinary things, trees, flowers, animals, and sunsets are my go to.

What is your favorite trick? Double flips

Who is your favorite pro skater? I have so many, but one of my favorite is Daewon Song. That dude rips so effortlessly. He is so technical, and he can skate street and ramps. He has been ripping for a long time and still does.

Who is your favorite local skater? Also, so many...ha. Pensacola has a lot of humble rippers. I'm going to randomly pick one and say Ryan Cooey. He has a good style and can rip on quarter pipes like it's nothing. He is a straight coping beast.

What is your favorite spot? Barcelona looks pretty sick. I love the architect there and concrete everywhere. 

What is your favorite local spot? One of my favorites is probably Wrecks. Isn't that what it's called? Across from the old Coca-Cola Factory. I love the atmosphere of it. A cage little basketball court turned into a DIY spot. It was chill and away from people. I just watched a video of us skating it earlier this evening. 

Does the world hate or love skateboarding? I don't know man. I want to say it's a love and hate thing. I honestly don't see too much other people loving skateboarding besides other skaters. But love it or hate it your going to respect my kickflip down a big 12 set. 

Do you have any skate related ideas you want to see fulfilled? What is the deal with Yeah Dude!? Oh man. Ya I have a bunch. I'm a big skate nerd. Outside of the physical aspect of it, I just love skateboarding and the culture of it. Yeah Dude is an idea I had for a while. I want a skate company that represents the feel good nature and humor of skateboarding. The friendship and party aspect of it. I want to make the art myself. It's pretty cool seeing other people wear your stuff and passing the love. Just fun graphics and positive vibes.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? I don't know man. Somewhere good though and a skateboard by my side.