Ever since he was involved in a life threatening car accident, things have been looking up for Vancouver's Chad Dickson. I guess when you really look at things, anything would be better than going through what he's had to endure to get to where he's. Filming full-length video parts, going on tours in different cities across Canada, being featured on the cover of multiple magazines, and most recently signing on with new sponsors...that's a lot to accomplish since waking up in the hospital just a few years ago. What you're about to read was originally intended to be a check up with Chad since his accident but after sitting with him to figure out what's going through his head, it turned into much more. Having a meaningful conversation isn't always easy to come by these days, especially with someone that's hopping around like Chad. I guess you could say this article is more of an inspirational piece for those people out there that need a little boost to get them to the next level. Have yourself a good read and learn a little about what it takes to keep on moving forward from my good pal Chad Dickson.

A while ago we did an interview after you got in that crazy car accident, do you remember that ?
Yes I do remember that. Wow, I haven't thought of that in a long time.

In that interview, you stated that the accident changed your whole perspective on life ("It made me think of how short life really is. It also made me look at things in a whole different way") Do you think that your new outlook on life has helped your skating?
It has for sure. Since I have got back on my board, I've gotten hurt pretty bad a few times now. But this time it's not in a life threatening matter like it was when I got hit by the SUV. I guess it kind of made me feel like there's no limit to what I can do on a skateboard!

Have you been back to the hospital to get checked out since your accident? Is everything back to 100% for you?
I have been to the hospital a few times now. The doctor said that I still need to get surgery on my arm, and possibly my shoulder. It will take about six months for me to recover, plus I have physio after that. I do have pains in my arm still, but I think that I can still hold off for a couple of years.

Damn, hold off right now man, you're in your prime! With all that on your mind, what keeps you skating so hard?
I didn't really think that I would make it too much in life and skateboarding was one of the only things that I was good at. I feel really good when kids come up to me and ask when my next video part is coming out and tell me that they can't wait to see it! Also for some reason I love jumping down stuff and the feeling of working for something for so long then getting it. It's like the feeling for crack heads when they get their fix, it's amazing, haha!

Nose grind to nollie flip. Dufresne sequence.

How do you deal with mental and physical injuries that get in your way?
I go through different stages. I will try and eat healthy and work out every day, or I will just stay at home and chill with close friends and try to keep my mind off of things.

What advice do you have for kids that may have been in a situation similar to yours?
Just stay positive and keep your head up. You'll make it through it, and then kill it more than ever!!

You recently had a sponsor change, care to discuss?
Yeah, I just switched up from being on Expedition to Red Star.

Opportunity wise, how does being on the Red Star team change skating for you?
I was only flow for Expedition, getting a few boards a month and that was it. It was Paul Machnau that came up to me and told me about this new team that they were starting. Once he told me who was going to be a part of it, right there, I was in! Being a part of the Red Star crew has opened the doors for me to travel all over the world.

Let's set the record straight: do you have anything to say to all the Red Star haters out there?
You can't hate on a new up-and-coming Canadian company. Sure, West49 started it at first, but now the main dude, Dan, took it over and he has our back 100%. Canadians should be supporting this shi*; we all come from the same country!

Nollie BS Flip. Caissie sequence.

What have you learned from your time as a sponsored skateboarder about how the industry works?
You have to be a good ‘people person,' that's for sure. You can be the best skater ever but how are you going to go far if you can't talk? How are they going to take it if you can't even say a word to the people that sponsor you?

Is there a way to avoid making any common mistakes with sponsors? Have you ever made any?
No, not really, I always try my best to keep them happy! If they treat me good then I will do the same.

In your opinion, what does it take for a skateboarder to "make it"? Is there a formula?
All you need is dedication, motivation and non-stop traveling.  Anyone can do it if they have their heart set on it!

Lastly, if you could do it all over again, what would you change?
I would have moved to California as soon as I got sponsored.

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Related:
Banner Year: Chad Dickson
Chad Dickson: Back For More
Quarter Century Club: Chad Dickson