My Top Ten with Gary Smith
Professional skateboarder and Owner of Vú Skateboard Shop picks his favorite things.
By Lauren Bell | May 2018
My hat. I’ve always worn hats since I was a little kid, and while I’m not sure why, it’s a part of who I am.
My wedding ring. I would be completely lost without my wife, Tricia.
First pro-model skateboard deck. When I was 24 years old, I started skating professionally for Media Skateboards in southern California. At that time I didn’t keep this board, but funnily enough my friend saw someone riding it in Philadelphia and bought it off of them for me.
Father’s Day plates. I love my kids more than anything in this world. My sons, Silas and Jackson, made these plates for me for Father’s Day.
CD book full of ’90s hip-hop. What can I say? I love ’90s hip-hop. There is just something about the ’90s beats and the stories the artists had to rap about back then.
Visa and plane tickets to Cuba. I got the opportunity to go to Cuba seven years ago on a skate trip where we were able to give shoes, skateboards, and clothing to the locals. This trip made me really appreciate what I have and where I come from.
Honda symbol. I had a 1992 Honda Civic that I drove cross country at least 10 times, and on my last time driving home from the west coast with my nephew David, the engine seized up somewhere in Kansas. I had to leave the car, but not before David ripped the “H” off of my hood and handed it to me.
Seinfeld coffee mug. I am huge fan of Seinfeld and every day something happens to me that I can relate back to the show. I also love a good cup of coffee.
Adidas shoes. I’ve had this pair of Adidas shoes since high school, and I’ve worn them all over the world on all of my skateboard travels.
VU skate shop tee. We started the shop 10 years ago, and it’s still going strong. Thank you to anyone who has ever supported what we do.
You May Also Like
Curator Gage Branda discusses ‘Good Sports,' which focuses on the struggles, values, and plain fun that sports bring to the human experience.
Eighty years ago today, the then-minor league Orioles drew 52,833 fans to "The Game" at old Municipal Stadium—a known turning point in local baseball history.
A second straight early playoff exit at home leaves plenty to think about.
A skinny three-story brick rowhouse can only showcase so much—especially when the independent nonprofit that operates it has grown to include duties as the Orioles’ official museum, the Colts’ archives, and essentially a repository of all Maryland sports.
Our annual roundup of game-day discounts and flock festivities.
From 1968 to 1974, the blonde schoolgirl was a fixture along with Brooks and Boog, American League pennants, Earl Weaver’s tantrums, and PA announcer Rex Barney calling out, “Give that fan a contract.”