Windblown, geometrized and teasing us with Grover Man: Photo by Jero

1. I have noticed that in blading there is a heavy imbalance between the amount of males and females. A female on blades is the exception; men seem to rule the sport in every aspect—from shredding to company ownership to sheer numbers. I take this to be a supreme bum-rush. What are we doing wrong?
One time Frank Stoner and I had a conversation about this and I think he put it best. In sports like surfing, skiing, and snowboarding, there is a strong female following. Granted they are still male dominated sports, but the ratio of male to females in those sports out weighs rollerblading. Anyways, those activities are more family oriented and I think that’s one reason the females are plentiful there and not in rollerblading. Families with little girls will go on a ski trip every winter, exposing that little girl to the snow, balancing her ski’s, witnessing demo’s, etc. That type of exposure at a young age makes all the difference in the long run. But, the rollerblader girls get pretty spoiled for sure.
2. How do you think this issue relates to ‘community’ in blading? I have had friends who have left rollerblading for fix-gear biking because fix-gear has not only a ‘lifestyle’ but also a community (men AND women!), who gathers together and enjoys each others company on and off the bikes. Perhaps this is why people love attending comps in bum-fuck nowhere: to tap into the dwindling blade community. What do you think?

In my opinion, there is a vibe in rollerblading that we have to be “macho” or try to prove ourselves in some way, for lack of a better phrase. And, compared to fixie’s, there’s a misconception that you cannot be “older” and rollerblade. The majority of rollerbladers want to see little kids who 540 kindgrind a handrail vs. a “seasoned” rollerblader that can soul grind coping and can roll fakie. In the fix gear community all ages are pretty much welcome and encouraged to ride through town instead of being put down for having an outdated frame. That’s not the best answer, that’s a tough question to answer hahah.

Shannon looking fly at a red bull party

3. I know that you are a model/actor. What films have you been part of and how often do you get modeling gigs. Do you aspire to make a living from these pursuits or are you happy with your current desk-job?

I usually get a lot more modeling gigs than acting. A lot of print ads and runway stuff. I auditioned 4 times to be Smash’s sister on Friday Night Lights. It was funny because she was supposed to be a basketball player so I went in with dunks on, bball shorts, and a head band ahha. Just recently I talked to Beth Sepko the casting director and she said she actually chose me for the part but the director chose the girl who made it. I was also in both of the Grindhouse movies. In Planet Terror I was a zombie; it was sweet. The car blew up next to the rib shack. In Death Proof, I was Jungle Julia’s double in the scene where Kurt Russel crashes into the car full of girls. I didn’t have to be in the actual crash but Quentin Tarantino was filming from the back seat so that’s pretty sweet. The food on that set was so sick by the way! And they had a trailer that was like going to 7-eleven and getting anything for free! I’m not satisfied with my current desk job but it does allow me to live above and beyond my means so I can’t complain too much.

Shannon loves Guitar Hero, the Wolfman hates it. We still get along. Photo by Kay Luz

4. You live in one of the music capitals of the world–Austin, Texas. What is your take on the music culture there?

Going to live shows here is one of the best things about Austin. Everyone who goes on tour comes through Austin. We have a lot of venues that are large enough in capacity to hold big names, and are general admission so you can get up to the front, and the sound is so great. I go to at least 2-3 shows a month. I’m sure I’ve been to over 300 shows since I was 16. There’s always something sick. SXSW of course is always awesome. This past week I saw The Faint and Ladytron. The Faint is always great live. Ok, so on that same night, Spoon played a show and My Bloody Valentine played one of only 5 US stops; three great shows in one night. That’s how Austin is; just crazy for live music! A lot of talented musicians come out of here too.

5. In a recent Billy O’Neil interview in Be-Mag, he named you as the hottest girl in rollerblading, which is quite a feat. But nothing compared with your recent ‘relations’ with Kanye West. Can you give us the heads up on you and Kanye?

Hahah, he was special guest at the Perez Hilton party and I was in the front row. I’m like 5’11, and he’s standing right in front of me, so I reach hella hard for him to grab my hand and he did, then just walked away; only grabbed my hand. So… basically he proposed to me and we’re getting married on the Denial trip to the Caymans! Also, what Billy said was really sweet. We’ve known each other a long time and I think that’s really cool of him to say that.

4. I have been watching some of your edits. The Life + edit seems to be some of your best work. What can we expect from you in the future? Are we going to be seeing another Shannon Rodgers section?

Drew Bacharach helped me out a lot by putting out that Life + section. I love to film and edit. The desk job I was talking about earlier really helps me finance my camera, tapes, equipment, software, travel, etc. I would love to have a creative job doing something with motion pictures in the future, so I am practicing now on my own. I do have some online stuff I’ve put out, but it’s possible that you will see a new full length video part from me again.

5. I noticed that you have uploaded a few older blading videos onto the internet for our viewing. What motivates you to do this? How important is it for the younger skaters to know the history of rollerblading? I feel that it is very important, but on the other hand kids play sports like baseball without needing to know the history of baseball. Why do you think this difference exists?

Well, the mentality in baseball in completely different. Rolling is more of a lifestyle than baseball is to most of its participants. I’m sure kids at least know about Hank Aaron, or Ken Griffey Jr.; they have some concept of the history of baseball. Our sport is so different now than it was when we first started. I used to watch ASA’s on tv every Saturday morning, then go skate all day. It was such a different culture back then, I really appreciate the fact that I started when I did. Since our sport has grown exponentially in the past decade, it’s very important to know what went on ten years ago. Not in the way that it will help you land a new trick. But the fact that you share a passion with a large amount of people and understand how it came to be is just fascinating.

Everyone at Billy O’Neil’s house was blessed by Shannon’s fine Texan Hospitality and cooking skills. Photo by Jero.

6. We met when we were both 17 and now we are in our mid twenties and still involved with rollerblading. With the societal pressures of ‘growing up’ and the strain that rollerblading puts on an aging body, what keeps you actively involved with the blade-game.

I love it! Pretty much that’s it hahah. If I didn’t have skating I would be like every other lame girl that doesn’t rollerblade ahhaha. Just kidding. But it’s definitely added a lot to my life, has a lot of influence on my style, personality, music choice, etc. I skated when I was in college and got my degree and now I have a good job that gives me health benefits, money, and vacation time so I can continue to skate and travel. I’ve broken 10 bones in my life, chipped 5 teeth, had one really really bad accident where the emergency room doctor said “we don’t stitch women there”… yeah, I’ve definitely taken a beating. But you only live once so I might as well continue to do what I’m passionate about, and try to help it progress!

7. Finally, If you have any shout-outs, hate-outs, or shock-outs this is the time!

I just hope that people appreciate the things and people in their lives, involved in rolling or not. Life is too short to be caught up on petty stuff. Do what you’re passionate about and don’t let anyone’s judgments get to you. And buy a lady a drink when you see her in the streets!

Shannon Rodgers Shock Edit

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009 at 12:25 am and is filed under Blade Ripping. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.