YH Mates: Mechanical Engineer turned Pro Skateboarder Rob Pace
All images in this article by Yeah Rad
Like the craft beer fridge at your local, YH skate mate Rob Pace’s life packs a fair bit of variety. Not only is the Cenny Coast native a working Mechanical Engineer, but Rob has just returned from a whirlwind trip to the US where among other epic moments, he officially became a PROFESSIONAL Skateboarder!
Chances are you’ve seen Rob tearing it up at some of our skate events such as the Road to Marketta or Rip In Weekender, so we thought it was about time we throw ya’ll a proper intro. Scroll down to meet our mate Rob and hear a lil’ bit about his recent stateside escapades.
YH: G’day Rob, can you please intro yourself to the fine readers?
RP: G’day, I’m Rob Pace, I’m 27 and I’m a Mechanical Engineer.
YH: Where are you based?
RP: NSW Central Coast, Australia
YH: Most know you for your skating, but can you tell us about your 9-5? How did you end up doing it?
RP: I work with excavator attachments. It’s a family business named Boss Attachments. I’ve been working there since I was 17. After I left school, I started trade school and went straight into it.
YH: How the hell do you find the time to do that AND travel the world skating?
RP: It’s definitely hard to juggle them. Although, working for your old man’s business definitely has its perks. He is super supportive of me, so leaving on skate trips and coming home to a job is something I really appreciate.
YH: You recently became a Professional Skater. What does 'Professional' mean in skating? How does it change your day-to-day?
It just means your skateboard sponsor (shoutout to Santa Cruz) is now making boards with your name on it. It doesn’t affect the day-to-day too much, I just try stay as productive as I can and keep everyone happy.
YH: You've spent a good chunk of the past few months on tour in the states. We won't ask for a full trip rundown, but give us a couple of highlights below:
1. Favourite spot you skated?
RP: I skated this spot in San Francisco that was a super low circular chair. It was super fun to grind the top. Definitely a unique spot!
2. Coolest person you met?
RP: I met Brandon Westgate, who is one of my all time favourite skateboarders and someone I definitely look up to.
3. Best feed?
RP: Philly cheesesteak was all time!!
4. Best boozing spot?
RP: There is this super small pub in Fallbrook, California (the avocado capital of the US) called Harry’s. Definitely a favourite!
5. Most listened-to road trip song?
RP: Raining Blood by Slayer. It’s the van joke every-time we pull up to a big spot
YH: Back to the important stuff, what’s your favourite YH product?
RP: Always been a big fan of Ginger Beer so I was hyped when YH released one. Definitely my favourite!
YH: Finally, where are punters most likely to find you drinking a beer?
RP: Close proximity to any pool table.
YH: Cheers mate!
Follow Rob on Instagram to keep up with all his skate adventures.