Growing up in Florida in the 1980s, young Elissa Steamer was known around her neighbourhood skateparks simply as “the girl who skated.” Today, womxn’s skateboarding has seen an explosive revolution of talent which is not only un-ignorable, but inimitable. GIZMO – Nike SB’s first full-length womxn’s video – is an ode to that revolution, to Steamer and to the next generation. The video features Leo Baker, Leticia Bufoni, Hayley Wilson, Sarah Meurle, Josie Millard, Nicole Hause, Aori Nishimura and Rayssa Leal. Hannah Bailey caught up with Leo Baker at the GIZMO premiere in London just before SLS, to find out a little bit about their experience on tour with the team.
Interview: Hannah Bailey
What’s up? How was W.O.F?
W.O.F. was the best. So fun. Jam-packed with action and love, and community. That’s it.
Is that the last thing you did before London?
Yeah, I was at Wheels of Fortune in Seattle, first weekend of May.
Where are we right now, what’s this all about?
It’s May 23rd. The Thursday before the first SLS, and we’re at the premiere of Nike’s GIZMO – a video with all, or at least most, of the womxn on the team. We’ve been filming for the past year in Spain, China, Australia, New Zealand, LA, New York, it’s really exciting to see everything come together.
This is your first project of this scale?
Yeah, this is the first time we’ve been all together with on different tours like this. Quit Your Day Job was solo filming, and before that I only filmed for my own parts.
How did it feel sharing it with others, sometimes it’s easier to go solo, no?
It’s a different experience for sure, usually I film a bunch of shit I want, but for this it’s a group effort, we’re figuring out who should skate which spots. Then you’ll rest, somebody else will skate a new spot, then you’re chilling out altogether. It’s a family vibe. Especially with Elissa, Sarah, Leticia, and my friend Tyler was there who I filmed my Thrasher part with. That was great.
What were people bringing to the table?
Everybody was sick. And obviously Elissa is the best. In the van, we had the gay-bench – which is where we sat. [Laughs]
Just the two of you?
Well, the first gay-bench was in Spain when Sam McGuire was with us. So that was me, Sam, Elissa. But the two of us carried it through the entire duration of the project. That was my favourite part.
Where did you travel which made you feel the most comfortable, outside of your hometown NYC?
Skating in China was the most productive for me. It’s all marble ledges everywhere, and also low security. You have a lot of time at marble spots, sometimes all day. As far as visiting the country, it wasn’t such an interesting experience because we stayed kinda’ far out. We were either in the hotel or at spots, not much exploring. For tourist-shit: Spain is beautiful.
Better than London? All skate-stopped, all security.
I like London. Honestly, I’m into flat-ground if I can’t get to a spot.
So, highlight memory filming GIZMO?
Gay-bench. [Laughs] It was the best bench. No, but there were some awesome days.
If you could substitute anyone into the gay-bench, who would it be?
Honestly, Lady Gaga. She’d happily sit on the bench with us. She’d be really into it. She and I are super close. Honorary member.
Where does the name GIZMO come from?
GIZMO is Elissa’s nickname from when she was younger.
Oh, that’s sick. It’s amazing seeing all the different generations of womxn together – what do you think of the full film?
I’ve not even seen it yet! I saw my part, but not the whole thing together. I’m so excited. It’s really cool to be a part of something like this, I’ve always wanted this experience – it’s so special. Hell yeah!
What’s next on your bucket-list of experiences, now you’ve completed GIZMO?
Let’s see. I dunno, I’d like to have a music career probably. I play guitar, bass, whatever – I like to try and sing and stuff.
Kristin from W.O.F. plays right?
Kristin rips. She’s honorary bench.
Well, you head it here first: Leo Baker and Kristin Ebeling are starting a band, GIZMO is now live, and Lady Gaga is joining the gay-bench. Back to you in the studio…
IG: leobaker
