Interview: Darryl Santana

[APX]

Darryl won this year's URBANX Battle for the Streets competition and won a trip to XGAMES 15 in LA. Here's what he had to say about it to Tamika Petty:

So first off, tell me your name and where you're from?
My name is Darryl Santana. I'm 21 years old and I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York but now I live in Queens. Queens all day.

Are you into action sports? Street or courses?
I love action sports. I ride BMX myself and I see myself doing it for the rest of my life. I'm from the city so all I ride is street being that there are few skate parks around, besides, street is so much more fun and more hardcore. You can really be creative at street spots and do things no one else would think of doing.

How did you get into the sport, or is it popular where you live?
I got into the sport seeing the local kids around me riding. I always watched the XGAMES and was always psyched so see new tricks people were doing. I got into the sport when i was sixteen years old, my first bike was straight out the garbage, i took the breaks off and painted it and rode the streets.


Was this your first time in LA?
LA was amazing, it was my first time ever on a trip like that by myself. I went with a good friend who also rides BMX and rides very well.

How many days of events were you able to attend?
All of them but I traveled with my bike so I rode a lot out there at well. I'm always psyched to find some new spots and challenge myself.


Now, I have to say that I think Moto X stole the show, what do you think is the standout genre (bmx, skate, moto) for the X Games?
Yes, I have to agree some sports are more popular than others, for example skateboards get all the TV time and all the publicity. BMX riders are underground, especially street riders. We're like outcasts to society but hey, it's better that way, we do our own thing and have a blast doing it.

Tell me about some of your favorite athletes in the X Games?
I would have to say some of my favorite athletes are Garrett Reynolds and Ty Morrow because they are both great bike riders. They inspire me to go bigger and better with the way i ride my bikes. I actually got to meet Garrett at the XGAMES, he won first place in the street contest. That kid is my idol.


Any highlights or injustices? Did the judges flake on any scoring?
I think it was judged fair and the BMX street contest was awesome. I've seen some of Garrett Reynolds' video parts before so i was sure he would win first place and he did. This trip has really opened my eyes to how big action sports are and they can become even bigger. Shout outs to Afro-punk and Bulldog Bikes.

Watch Darryl's idol XGAMES Street winner Garrett Reynolds in action!