Interview.. Sean Hanley, an American lost in Spain

Sean is the guy you always want to skate with..

He’s the first and the last guy to hit a spot all day long, everyday single day of the year with his endless smile on the face.

In a few words the best buddy to have on earth!

Hey Sean how are you doing?

Hey, Sebastian ! Good man, just chillin. Making some coffee and getting ready to skate. It’s a nice day today . I might need to finish this later and go skate now !

AHAHA! ok Sean, talk to you later, Have fun!

..A few hours later..

Hola Dude! Are you back?

Ok, I’m back.

Can you  introduce yourself please?

My name is Sean. I’ve been living for 23 years and I grew up in Neenah, Wisconsin. I was living and going to school in Milwaukee for the past 5 years before coming here. When I finished school I came here, Barcelona, to learn Spanish. I guess I’ve been skating for like 13 years or something.

Can you speak quickly about your story here in Barcelona?

Quickly ? Ok. I wanted to live before I die.

Nollie backside flip, Barcelona

You told me, before to leave the U.S. You’ve learned a bit of spanish, did that helped you, once you were in spain?

No, not really. On the flight over here I was convinced that I knew it all. I remember studying and just shutting the book because I thought I had it. I think the first time I tried opening my mouth was the time that I realized I knew nothing. Since then, just little by little I started to understand what people were saying, and how to respond. That was, and still is, one of the hardest parts, just knowing what is happening in a conversation and how to contribute towards it.

What was your first reaction when you add you feet on the euro ground?

Mmmmm, that’s the smell !

You’ve decided to stay living in Spain, how it is difficult to living daily in Barcelona,when you are not a native?

People just automatically know I’m not from here. They call people who’s appearance indicates that they’re foreign, « guiri » I’m guiri. But I’m not the only one. There are people from all over the world here. That is one of the best aspects about the city for me. You can meet people from all over the world through common interests, like skateboarding, or music, or whatever else you like.

Ollie, Barcelona

how is your spanish since your gone?

Cada dia mejor!

Did you start to learn Catalan as well?

I live with two Catalanas and I guess I can just tell the differences and similarites from Spanish. They are similar, but different. It’s an interesting culture. Many of the kids that I teach tell me that Catalunya is a country of it’s own, seperate from Spain. They see themselves as Catalan, and not Spanish. I didn’t realize how distinct it was from Spain. I’ve never had a conversation in Catalan, but maybe someday. French is next on the list.

Barcelona is like a  dream for a lot of skaters in the world, did you have some dreams who turned down?

I thought it would be easier to get into the scene here. Filming and shooting photos doesn’t happen as often as I thought it would. I’m not really searching for it either. It just happens, and I like that better. Like how we met ! Through friends and skating.

That, and the language.. It’s frustrating not being able to express myself. It’s a constant progression – like skating. It’s like the first time landing a kickflip. You have to fail a lot. Once you land it, you feel good, and you can continue progressing from there. You have to manuever your words to have them make sense to someone. Kind of like manuevering yourelf to do a kickflip. The things that you do and the words that you say also impact others. This is important for me to understand.

Vertical Hurricane, Barcelona

Downtown Barcelona, there are probably 5 skateshops, but they all look small and low budget. How can you explain that?

I don’t know how to explain that. There are a lot of people with similar ideas in skateboarding, I guess. All I know is, Hey Ho Let’s Go !

Is it hard to get a sponsor in spain when you are not a native?

I don’t really know. If so, that is understandable. Because the team managers or distributers would probably prefer to give product to people from their own country. Not use it towards someone who’s not from there. I don’t know.

Tell me 5 good things about being in Europe?

-The opportunity to experience new cultures and meet new people

-The chillness

-The women

-The skateboarding

-Learning

And 5 bad things?

The loss of contact from friends and family back home. All five in one.

From the bank right, Wall ride Backside 180 out to the bank left, and droppin the both of them, Barcelona

Since i’ve met you, i’ve seen you skating hard everyday like it was your last day on earth, with a big smile on your face, what is your secret?

I don’t have a secret. I just like it. Whatever it is. It’s something that’s distinct from everybody. It.

What is your top 3 of spots in Barcelona?

Llucmajor

Montbau

The local spots where people skate and hang out

And in Wisconsin?

Cream City skatepark. For me, it’s more about the people who I am skating with because there are spots every where in the world. The most memorable spots are those I’ve shared with friends. Where it doesn’t even matter what spot you’re at, just that you’re there.

From the left, Nollie backside lipslide transfert to fakie on right, Barcelona

Any projects for 2011?

To get more into the skateboard industry. Travel to France and Germany and continue filming for Ludo’s video. Create and market a summer camp here for kids – teaching skateboarding in English. Continue growing as a person.

Something else to tell?

Do your thing. Get inspired. Live. Kronz.

Thanks?

Family, friends, and everyone else. Thanks !