Boo Johnson is a 32-year-old California native and the middle child of six. Growing up, Boo thrived on being active, always playing sports and exploring the outdoors. He discovered skateboarding at 12, finding a sense of freedom that has shaped his life.

In 2017, Boo embraced cycling, inspired by the amazing community and his late brother KC, who taught him the ropes. For Boo, cycling is both a meditative escape and a challenge that fuels his personal growth. He continues to ride passionately, celebrating the joy of freedom on wheels. 

His mantra?

"Just have fun & stay humble & stay positive”

Boo, what initially drew you to cycling after years of skateboarding?

I had a knee injury in early 2018, which led me to get a fixed-gear bike and start logging miles to get stronger and stay active. Little did I know, I would eventually get hooked and continue to cycle on my days off. I ended up meeting some really cool people in the cycling industry and locals around Long Beach. Before I knew it, I was riding with some amazing people and really tapping into the cycling community.

Was there a specific moment when you realised you wanted to take up cycling?

So, I met my friend KC, a local Long Beach cyclist. Rest in peace. I eventually got to know him, and he introduced me to cycling gear and how to achieve a proper fit. He showed me the difference between a fixed-gear bike and a road bike, which really elevated my skills. After a few months of riding with him, I realized that I would be doing this for a very long time.

Do you see any parallels/similarities between the two sports?

Cycling and skateboarding have many similarities. First, they are both independent activities; it’s all on you to make progress and move forward in the sport. You have to push yourself to get something out of it, and understanding self-discipline is essential to go the distance. Both sports are always pushing the boundaries to unlock new levels.

How has your background in skateboarding influenced your approach to cycling?

Coming from a skateboarding background has really allowed me not to overthink things and to freestyle while having fun, which is most important. Knowing the challenges of becoming a professional athlete, I can sit back, drop my shoulders a little, and just ride my best without taking it too seriously but always pushing & doing my best.

How did your body adapt to the different physical demands of cycling versus skateboarding?

Honestly, with cycling, I think a lot of it comes down to breathing and endurance. Skateboarding is very similar, so I carried those traits over to cycling. Obviously the butt, lower back and arms get super sore however, riding feels a lot smoother than having to jump down stairs or flying down a ramp on a skateboard repeatedly.

Skateboarding has a strong culture tied to creativity and self-expression - do you find the same with cycling? 

Yes, skateboarding is the definition of self-expression and creativity, 100%. I’ve been doing some research in the cycling industry, and I personally feel that people aren’t expressing themselves enough on and off the bike, except when they cross the finish line and make the podium or if they’re tied into the LA bike scene. There are a lot of amazing individuals in the sport these days, and I feel like there has been a change in the last couple of years as people are starting to loosen up.

How has the cycling community embraced you compared to the skateboarding community?

Both industries are indeed small, and it’s great to see the overlap. The cycling community has been super welcoming, much like the skateboarding community. People are supportive and passionate, and there’s a shared understanding of the dedication it takes to pursue our passions. In both communities, we’re all just individuals putting in the time and miles, doing what we love. I appreciate the opportunity to connect with others who share similar values and experiences.

Have you inspired other skateboarders to take up cycling or vice versa?

I believe I’ve inspired a handful of skateboarders and others to pick up a bike and log some miles, for sure. When I first started cycling, I had a lot of friends tagging me in their Strava mileage and it’s just grown. It’s great to see people getting inspired. The message is definitely getting out there, and it feels awesome to know that I’m influencing others to explore cycling!

Skateboarding culture is often resistant to helmets, while cycling strongly encourages them - how has your perspective on helmets changed?

Helmets just aren’t a big thing among street skateboarders and that’s where I come from. But honestly, when I'm on the bike, it just feels like part of the whole look, and it makes sense for safety. I’ve definitely had people comment on my helmet, saying it’s funny that I’ll jump down 20 stairs without one but need to wear it to ride 20 miles. It’s interesting how our perspectives shift between the two sports.

Has cycling made you more conscious of safety?

Absolutely, cycling has made me more conscious of safety. It’s allowed me to realize that it doesn’t take as much of a toll on my body as skateboarding does. That said, I still catch myself doing some sketchy and dangerous stuff on my bike, like riding on the side of freeways, tackling abandoned dirt trails, or going on gravel rides along cliffs. Both sports are pretty gnarly in their own ways!

What’s your go-to KASK helmet, and how did you choose it?

My go-to helmet is the Protone Icon, all day! I love the shape and look of it, it has a classic vibe that really stands out. It just seems like a helmet that’s designed to push performance to its limits, which is exactly what I’m after.

Do you have any cycling goals?

My cycling goals are pretty simple: I want to have fun with good friends, travel the world, clock in miles and see amazing viewpoints. Remember to always push myself & go farther than I ever imagined, but my number one goal is to never take it too seriously. It’s all about enjoying the ride!