brothers

Interview: Michael Nevin
Camera: Seth Butler

These twin brothers shook the ramps at the Northeast SnowSports Expo Ramp Jam. The Twins skyed 12 feet to ceiling height with the smoothest of style. They were rocking the lights out of the sockets in the attempt to put the competition in the dark. It was clear that these guys fed off each other with them yelling and smacking their decks on the platform during everyone's runs. These two upped the ante at the Ramp Jam with a crazy energy and were all smiles, laughs & fun. They were both powerhouses; Rich taking second place with back to back mctwists alternated with huge one foot airs and Sanford fifth place with lofty methods mixed with an assault of technical tricks. The twins were so damned fun I might have to pay a visit to Skaters Island come the Summer. It is sure that they are pushing east coast skateboarding along at break-neck pace. -Seth Butler

(L): Sanford Lopez (R): Rich Lopez- Two methods for putting your lights out.

Can you guys state your names for the record?
Rich Lopez, Sanford Lopez
Are you twins?
R: Yeah I'm five minutes older then Sanford
Where were you guys born?
R: Born in Cuba, came to New Jersey in 1970
So where do you guys live right now?
R: Right now I'm living in Newport Rhode Island, right near Skaters Island.
Who's Sid?
R: Sid is the package, he's this guy who basically started surfing on the East Coast, places in Rhode Island. Then he started his own skate park and skate shop. He's insane; he's a sick guy. One of the coolest guys you'll ever meet. Come down; check out Skaters Island it's the package.
Do you guys skate anywhere other then Skaters Island?
R: I travel a lot to contests and stuff but as far as practicing I pretty much stay at Skaters Island.
Who do you guys skate for; do you have different sponsors?
R: We started our own board company called Venom Boards, we skate for Independent Trucks, Spitfire Wheels, Harbinger Pads, B & D clothes and uhhh no shoe sponsor.
And you're the same Sanford?
S: Yeah pretty much
Who are your influences?
R: Influences, I'd say Christian Hasoi, Tony Hawk, Lance Mountain
S: Yeah pretty much the same
Who do you skate with?
R: Tom Boyle, Donny Barley, Bucky (Lasek) sometimes
What about Merk and Big Tim?
R: Merk and the boys, yeah there always up at the Island

Rich Lopez catches a Kickflip Indy.

Do you guys pay attention to the scene going on in California?
R: Yeah, yeah
What about you Sanford?
S: I just fly around I guess
What kind of music do you listen to?
R: Rap, heavy metal
Same with you Sanford?
S: Yeah, King Diamond
Who's pushing the limits in skateboarding right now?
R: Bob Burnquist, Bucky Lasek, Rick McCrank, Hawk
Are the big corporations getting involved with the skateboard industry good or bad?
R: On the good side they are bringing a lot of money into the industry, but at the same time it could be bad I guess.
What's in the future for you guys?
R: well maybe a wheel chair (laughs)
More contests?
R: Uh yeah sure
Thanks a lot guys
R: Allright man

Sanford Lopez gets a little action Japanese style.