After interviewing last year's Street title holder Jake Ilardi in our last article, it's time to sit down with our men's Vert champion to get some answers to the questions we all have. With an incredible record of 4 JACKALOPE titles already under his belt, JD just kept his streak alive by taking home first place at our very first event in Ventura less than a month ago... With a cast!! The man is simply unstoppable right now. Here is our deep dive with the 2025 overall Vert champ.
Q&A WITH JD SANCHEZ
How do you feel about your incredible 99-point run in Ventura a few weeks ago, and how do you plan to top that performance in Virginia Beach?
I’m so stoked on my 99-point run in Ventura and I can’t wait to try to top it in VA! I think doing a lot of my tricks over the channel could give me a good boost!!
Has there been a particular moment that has marked your career?
Honestly, a score of 99 at the Jackalope block party in Ventura was one of my greatest accomplishments considering I almost wasn’t going to compete due to my broken wrist that happened a few days prior.
What is your biggest disappointment in your history with skateboarding?
My biggest disappointment in my skate history is when I fall trying to just push haha.
Which skateboarder’s career inspires you the most?
Bucky Lasek is definitely one of my favorite skaters. His career has been a huge inspiration for me and has shaped the skater I am today.
Tell us about your broken arm in Ventura. Does the cast affect your skating?
Fortunately, the cast hasn’t affected me too much! There was a bit of pain, but overall, I got lucky; it hasn’t been that bad.
After winning four 1st places at JACKALOPE Fest, who do you consider your biggest rival or competition?
I’d say my biggest competition is Egoitz or Luke. Every time I see them, they bring a fresh set of tricks! It’s inspiring and definitely pushes me to step up my game.
What’s the skateboarding community like in your hometown?
Well, the Vert skateboarding community here isn’t the biggest but we do have a good little group of little homies that have been skating vert for a bit. It’s small but mighty for sure.
Who introduced you to skateboarding?
My dad got me into skateboarding at a basketball court. He hopped on my skateboard, and I was instantly curious to try it myself. I’ve been hooked ever since!
Is there a particular music style you like to listen to when you're about to drop in for your run?
I literally listen to anything before I skate. Sometimes I listen to some slow RnB, other times I listen to hardcore music, and then another time I’ll listen to hip hop/rap. Really depends on my mood and vibes!!
Do you have other talents outside of skateboarding you'd like to share?
I have a SE bike that I like to ride around and do wheelies on! I can stand up and wheelie, one handed wheelie and no feet wheelie. Lots of fun to ride around when I’m not skating.
