SteelSmash BMX Crew

Darryl Tocco has been producing the latest success movies such as the “Insight”, “Safety First” and “Range of Motion” (among others). Not only he’s a great producer but he’s also one of the best riders. He has an distinguished style and manages to do some of the best Fakie Barspins and Tobogans. He was kind enough to let us conduct an interview with him, so we came up with a few questions.

Name: Darryl Tocco
Age: 26
Hometown: Lindenwold, NJ
Sponsors: Kink Bikes, Osiris Shoes, Eclat Parts, and Two by Four Store
Likes: Traveling, music, cruising new cities, drinks, women
Dislikes: Radio music, hangovers, flying, cocky people
Years Riding: 16

SteelSmash: How and when did you start Riding?
Darryl Tocco: I saw kids around the neighborhood doing tricks around town
and started getting into it, and then I saw a show at a city fair and I was
hooked. It was a sprocket jockies show in like 94 or 95. Sick shit.

SS: Do you still remember of your first BMX Bike? What about your first BMX Sponsor?
DT: My first real bike was a Redline 340 complete. It was all chrome and it
was pretty rad. Didn’t hold up very long but I loved it. My first sponsor
was actually Kink like 4 years ago, which has changed everything for me.

SS: Some of the best Fakie Barpsins and Tobogans in the Sports, impressive grind combos with such a clean and smooth style, you got it all. Who were (are) your biggest influences in BMX?
DT: Thanks man, I really appreciate that. When I was younger I looked up
to guys like Brian Foster, Joey Garcia, Van, Wiz. They were all heros to me
at one point, and now, besides Joey, they are all good buddies of mine. Its
pretty crazy to think about. Lately I’m influenced by a ton of people. Edwin
has always been someone I was amazed by because of the way he makes
his shit look. Other guys like George D, Dehart, Kurtis Elwell, Sexton are
all guys that influence me now. I could go on forever.

SS: What was the very first trick you’ve learned? What about the last trick?
DT: The first trick I learned is probably curb endos or something, and then
X-ups once I started jumping.

SS: How was the fell getting to build up your own signature frame? How do you fell about the final product?
DT: It’s a serious honor man, I kind of freak out when I see kids riding my
frame. Kink has had my back big time since I got on and they are always
doing their best to take care of us. I’m super happy with the way the
frame came out and I’m excited to see the new version which I’ll be riding
soon.

SS: How was the experience of being in the Kink House? What’s your best memory from your stay in kink House?
DT: The Kink house was flat out amazing. I think that’s one of the big
times of my life that I’ll look back on and not even believe that it
happened. I can’t single out one specific memory, but just being
surrounded by all of my best friends and enjoying riding and partying for
5 months was something special.

SS: What’s the story behind your exit of the Kink House? Why have you been Evicted?
DT: We got evicted because of noise, but mainly the noise was due to the
sheer amount of people that were staying at points. It was a pretty wild
scene when there were 14 people staying there, and really, getting the
boot was unavoidable. We pissed off the landlord a couple times and he
got what he wanted, which was to get us the hell out of there. We made
the most of it though, I’ll say that with 100% confidence.

SS: We know that one of your favorite Video Camera is the Sony VX2100. In your opinion, what are the major Differences between the VX2100 and all the brand new cameras in the Market with Full HD, in the final project of a BMX Video?
DT: I think the Sony VX cameras definitely offer something raw to a video,
especially if we are talking about a dvd. I’m not some die hard VX dude,
but I definitely think they still hold a place in the video game. HD is
amazing, the colors are dope, and you can really get some amazing
images out of bmx with those cameras. Right now, I’m psyched on mixing
the two, I think when it’s done properly it looks amazing. I’m still working
on mixing them up nicely, it’s challenging.

SS: Do you have any video projects going on right now?
DT: Right now I’m working on a DVD for Bad Timing, Jay Roe and I’s little
t-shirt-video gig. It’s a lot of my friends that I grew up with and some
dudes from Kink that are obviously some of my closest friends now. I’m
taking it slow, no deadlines or anything. Just want to kick it with my
friends and film like always.

SS: What is the rider that you like the most to film? (As a person and as a Rider)
DT: Filming with Sexton is always a treat, he always surprises me with his
progression, and is one of my favorite dudes on the planet to boot. We
have a blast out there. All the Kink guys really, they all get shit done and
we have a good ass time when we are out.

SS: What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
DT: I just want to keep riding, filming, and loving bmx. Traveling is huge
for me, so if I can see some new shit with my friends, and stay positive,
I’m happy.

SS: BMX has brought you halfway across the world, but is there still any other country or spot, that you’re never been, you would like to visit/ride?
DT: Yeah, always. I don’t think I’ll ever run out of new places. Hawaii is
high on the list, I haven’t been to Spain yet. Japan, Croatia, Costa Rica. I’ll
go all day.

SS: You’ve been touring a lot these past years… What was the most
memorable/ the best trip so far? Why?
DT: I think it’s a toss up between Kink in eastern Europe or Kink in
Australia. The riding was a bit more eventful in Europe, but we did so
much cool shit in Australia. Both trips were completely surreal in their
own rights.

SS: In what point of your life did you know that you could make a living out of something you love doing, like riding. Did you have any other plans for life if this never worked out?
DT: I guess over the past 2 years it kind of became apparent that this
could work out for a little while. I’m able to function and pay rent
somehow riding, and I’m so grateful for it. I’m really fortunate and I do my
best to represent for the people that have my back. It means a lot to me. I
went to college for a year or two and I hated it. I wasn’t putting 100% into
it so it just didn’t make sense. My parents encouraged me to do whatever I
thought was best, and it worked out for me. I’m not hating on school in
the slightest, but at the time it just wasn’t right for me. If you’re going to
be doing something, do it 100%

SS: What is one trend that has phased out that you wish would come back or which trend do you wish would fade out?
DT: I really don’t care enough to want to see anything disappear. Dudes
can do whatever they want.

SS: Everyone has that trick that they just can’t figure out or land. Is there a trick that is nearly impossible for you to land?
DT: Whips. I landed one in New Zealand, it was the best feeling ever. I
really struggle with that one, it sucks.

SS: Other things besides BMX and Filming? Tell us something people might not know about you.
DT: I’m a big Philadelphia Phillies fan. I played baseball up until High
School, but I was so tiny in freshman year that I was scared to play
against all the dudes that were twice my size. It was a huge part of my life
for a long time and I kind of mellowed out on it once riding took over. I
still like watching the Phillies play though, and Tony Hamlin hates me for
it.

SS: What plans do you have for 2011? Where should we be expecting to see you pop up?
DT: I’m heading to France in a week with the Kink dudes, which is going to
be amazing. Other than that, some trips with Eclat, and running around
filming whatever. It’s gonna be a good one.

SS: Thank you so much for this opportunity, anything you wished to add before we wrap this?
DT: Just to say thank you to all my sponsors, Ryan Vancho and all the
guys that have been down for Bad Timing, of course my parents and
family, and to Andre for the interview. Thanks.