The Conference catches up with USD and Kizer’s Albert Hooi.

After seeing Albert Hooi’s Carbon setup causing raised eyebrows, we decided it was the perfect time for a little interview to see how he was getting on. Albert has been at the top of the European and international skate scene for many, many years now, and shows no signs of slowing down. We would like to thank him for his commitment and loyalty to USD, and for being a beacon for European rolling.

Action pics by Donal Glackin, setups by Albert Hooi.

1. Albert How old are you now, and how long have you been skating USD’s?

I just turned 26 today man, (21st Jan). I’ve been skating USD’s for such a long time now man, it’s hard to remember, maybe 7 years? All I can remember is that the first pair I bought were the original Julio Classic Thrones, black boot with 50/50′s Juice system, and grey 50/50 frames, basically the best skate ever. I ordered them from Skatepile because the ones in Europe didn’t come with the Juice blocks, speaking of which, I really can’t understand why they stopped making the Juice System, it was so fuckin’ good!

2. We recently saw a Carbon setup of yours, do you want to clarify your experience? How do you find them, are you using them in conjunction with your pro-skate, or instead of them?

I love them, especially the new ones because they fit much better and are much more comfortable. I had bad experiences with the first Deshi ones, when I tried Dom’s for the first time in America I fell and hit my head and got a mini hemorrhage from it. Then I ordered some for myself but there was only size 9′s left so they were a size too big and didn’t feel right.

The reason I got the new ones was because I have been skating UFS Thrones for feckin years now and just wanted a change. New skates give you new options with tricks and stuff and when you’ve been blading on the same boot for so long it gets a bit stale.

Don’t get me wrong though, I think the UFS Thrones are one of the most solid skate’s on the market, especially now that they come with the new faster and slimmer dual souls. I love my new pro skate and feel like it’s perfect to skate straight from the box which is something I didn’t have with previous ones. I have also wanted a green pro skate for ages now so it is very satisfying to finally have it.

I’m gonna skate my pro skate for the moment though because I’m super juiced about it, I was just very interested to see how the new improved Carbon’s skated.

Albert’s Carbon setup

Albert’s Pro Throne setup

3. How do you feel when seing people use your skate, especially people you don’t know?

It’s a very satisfying feeling seeing people skate a skate that you put lots of effort and time into designing. It’s a little bit surreal at times but I think it’s even more of a compliment to see your friends or people you know and have met skating them.

4. What are you working on for 2010?

My main focus for the start of this year is college, I’m in my third and final year doing photography and I really want to do well. Then when I finish in may there is talk about doing a massive tour with BHC. I will also be working on my new company FIX bearings as I haven’t really had any time to push it yet and really get involved in promoting and designing products for it, it will be an exciting venture and you can expect some crazy shit from this company.

In between I am gonna take photo’s and make edit’s in Ireland and try to help our scene here. There is gonna be a big skate comp/jam/event in the new skatepark that just opened here and it’s on St. Patrick’s day so anyone who ever wanted to come to Dublin for the super party time and fun skate scene, start booking cause this event is going to be amazing. Paddy’s day is fucking mental here so prepare yourself for a culture shock, haha.

5. Anything else you would like to mention?

WMC for life.