JEFF GROSSO

JEFF GROSSO IS THE DUDE. HE WAS THE DUDE BEFORE PEOPLE EVEN KEPT TRACK OF WHO THE DUDE WAS.

It only makes sense that he was added to the Anti-Hero roster in 2011 because skateboarding has never had more of an anti-hero than Jeff. He’s flipped the bird in the face of convention since the early ‘80s and his no-bullshit skating and style of speak have made him every skater’s favorite skater for generations. Since his early start and brief stint with the Bones Brigade, Grosso has been an underdog and his self-deprecating sense of humor makes you love him all the more. Jeff is one of the last straight-shooting, tell-it-like-it-is guys in an age where people speak in sound bites and press releases. His Offthewall.tv web series, Love Letters To Skateboarding is a smash hit for skaters of all ages. They say, “Sometimes there's a man. Well, he's the man for his time and place; he fits right in and that's the Dude.” That’s Jeffrey Blain Grosso.

INTERVIEW

WHAT’S THE BEST TRIP YOU’VE EVER BEEN ON?

An acid trip back in ‘86. I thought I’d figured something out but then, no, it was gone.

FAVORITE VANS RIDER?

Alex Perelson for a $1000.

WHAT TRICK CAN’T YOU DO THAT YOU WISH YOU COULD?

I wish I could trick myself into believing that anyone cares what I think. Turn off your computer and go, man. Go.

WHAT ARE SOME INTERESTS/ HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF SKATING?

I enjoy smoking, the poetry of my dog, Gus, pontificating on life and love. Recently I put paint to canvas for the first time. Visceral! I'm writing a memoir with a ghost writer; it's a cautionary tale. I shoot photos, blog, do Pilates, yoga, run ten miles a day. I'm currently renovating a ‘64 Chevelle and my ‘49 Panhead FL is cherry. I ride on weekends, weather permitting. I also work with a local youth outreach program – you gotta keep those young minds fertile. My band is working on some "new" material that I think our fans will find off the chain. What else? I'm toying with the idea of starting a new vintage headwear company. I don't know, just something different.

LAST GOOD BOOK YOU READ?

Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love is fueled by a mix of intelligence, wit and colloquial exuberance that is close to irresistible.