Tell us a little bit about Tiki Room’s history in Regina? (Tiki Room is two words by the way)
What originally began as a few boards in the corner of our sister store World of Trout, the Tiki Room filled the void needed in Regina's skateboard scene and hasn't looked back since. May of 1996 is when the doors flew open to hundreds of thousands of kids clamoring for free stickers. We've since hosted demos, said hello to new friends, said good-bye to old ones, volunteered countless hours towards Regina's skateparks, held contests and video premieres and sponsored all of the local guys who deserve it- all of the things a good skateboard shop does.
What is the story behind your sister store’s name World of Trout?
Though I've never heard the official story (still even after sixteen years of working here), the story may have something to do with acid slurpees and random words in a hat. But don't quote me on that.
Why is Regina so radical/bogus?
Regina is rad because every type of skater pretty much gets along. There are no factions - just one brotherhood of skaters. I'm pretty sure that has to do with our indoor skateboard park and the fact that you're pretty much stuck in there for six months, so you might as well get along with everyone. We have our share of kooks like anywhere, but all in all things are dope. It's pretty cheap to live here and there are so many good people. Bunk things include the winter.
How loose should one ride their wheel nuts? I like to twist mine on by hand…
Some people are from the hotdog-down-the-hallway camp, and some are from the tight-like-a-nun camp. It's my belief that if you USE SPACERS and tighten your wheels to the perfect point where they are snug, yet spin freely your bearings will last a fuck-ton longer. But to each his own. I try to make my gear last, but in reality I should tell everyone to do things the shitty way, that way I could retire a multimillionaire from bearing sales. We're all just in it for the money, right?
Why doesn’t Tiki carry wakeboards and snowboards?
For the same reasons I'm not a member of NAMBLA. It just wouldn't feel right. We actually had snowboards for a season or two back in the 90's, but realized that selling snowboards in the prairies is wack. I also revoked my NAMBLA membership that same year. It was a solid year for clarity.
What is the worst/best prank that your customers have played on you?
The best pranks that have come from our shop were more internal. Dillon Olafson is the king of the prank phone call. Be it Mike Tyson, a mobster, or a West 49 blitz, Dill has you covered. If you're ever run into him, be sure to get him to tell you about some of his classics. Pure gold. What up Dill!
If you were a wild animal which one would you be and why?
A goat. They're ba-a-a-a-a-d ass.
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