“I remember watching Baco 9 for the first time over a decade ago – A film which was packed with technical ramp and street riding from riders such as Dave Friemuth, Chad Degroot and Brian Vowell. Amongst these well grounded names, there was a new rider on the block. His name was Brian Kachinsky and he was instantly recognisable. It was not his style, nor his creativity that made him stand out… It was the fact he was so brave! Meet Brian Kachinsky!” – Chris@VS.
Stats: –
- Name: Brian Kachinsky.
- Age: 30.
- Weight: 165.
- Location: Chicago, IL.
- Sponsors: DK, Etnies & Arnette
Questions: –
1) Morning Brian – Let’s start with a little bit of your history as a rider – ‘When’, ‘where’ and ‘how’ did your career in BMX ‘blow-up’?
I started getting clips in videos and photos in magazines around 2001, when I was 18. It was also that year that I won the CFB series in the AM class. It was also that year and the year after that I started to get hooked up from people like Animal, Standard, Primo and some others – It was awesome getting flowed free stuff! As the years progressed, I was added to the Standard Bikes Pro Team – I also rode for Axion Shoes. During 2004 I started riding for Etnies and DK, after parting ways with Axion and SBC. The rest is history!
2) What was it like growing up in Neenah, Wisconsin?
Neenah was a great place to grow up, but not ideal for riding outdoors! Luckily the neighbouring city, Appleton (also home to Dave Freimuth and the Baco crew) had an indoor park called Area 51, which I rode frequently. Neenah is a smaller town, but we got a skatepark built as well, so the riding scene was small but good!
3) What inspired the move to ‘Chicago’ and how is life treating you right now?
I originally moved here for a change of place. I had lots of friends living here and my girlfriend at the time also lived here. I was constantly in Chicago for riding and traveling purposes (major airport hub) so it slowly started to feel like I belonged here.
4) Briefly describe the circumstances surrounding your knee injury – And how is your current situation?
I have a new knee! Got my ACL fixed this winter after riding with it torn for almost four years. It feels great and I am glad to be back on it again.
5) How have riders like ‘Dave Freimuth’ and ‘Van Homan’ influenced your riding?
They are amazing riders. Both burly and technical. I love that style.
6) You’re well credited for busting out some wild nollie combos in recent times – Talk us through your personal evolution with the ‘nollie’?
I remember seeing guys like Butcher and Luc-e do nollie stuff back in the day – I was also into doing nose-wheelie to grinds for a long time as well – Personally, It just made sense to take the nollie to new situations and new set ups, which were original! Nollie to rails are still scary, even though I’ve done a lot of them, but they are super fun – All commitment! Nollie gap to rails are even scarier, but those are fun as well.
7) How do you feel about the police?
There are good cops and bad cops. I’ve dealt with plenty of both. Overall I try to avoid them, but when I do I try to be respectful despite being disrespected by them in the past.
8} What did you study at University? Has it altered the approach you take to riding? Or the way you approach new brands, etc…
Yes, I studied Business and Consumer Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It certainly gave me a new outlook on everything around me. I might not have a “job” related to my degree, but business and marketing is around us all day, every day, whether we like it or not. It’s interesting to see what works and what doesn’t. It’s also good to know when you are the target of the marketing – You can make better decisions and see things differently. It hasn’t changed how I ride obviously. Riding is my escape and my outlet, that’s never changed.
9) How old were you when you slid your first handrail? Describe the set-up…
I think I was 14 or 15 when I did my first rail – It was a 6 or 7 stair polished aluminium rail. I found on my first try that aluminium and steel don’t go well together! I pulled it second try though… I have been hooked ever since!
10) What’s the biggest drop you’ve done? And could you do it now?
I’m not sure, but I actually think have improved at doing drops, as time has gone on. I have never really been into huge drops though, unless there is a rail to help me on the way down it!
11) Out of all the amazing online video sections you have produced, which is your favourite and why?
I think my props interview is one of my favourites because it shows a good portion of my life, family, friends, etc. I was also stoked on the riding in it! I wasn’t stoked on how much the editor focused on crashing and failure, but that’s what people like to see, right? I was also proud of Etnies “Grounded” and also Ride BMX “Living in Exile” – Living in Exile was actually the first and only video part I have finished filming, without being forced to because of injury.
12) Who do you ‘look up to’, or indeed ‘look across to’, as the best street rider(s) in the World?
There are too many! But I’ll name a few: Corey Martinez, Garrett Reynolds, Nathan Williams, Van Homan, Alex Kennedy, Josh Harrington – The list goes on and on…
13) Out of all the things that make ‘Brian Kachinsky’, well, ‘Brian Kachinsky’, what is the most important element?
I’m not really sure what makes me… Me! But I will say that the most important and valuable thing in my life, has been escaping my comfort zone on a daily basis! No matter what I am doing, or where I am, I try to escape my normalcy and do something I haven’t done, or learn something new! It’s amazing how fulfilling that can be, but it also sets you up for failure! I’m also definitely not afraid to fail, that’s obvious in my riding… Ha ha!
14) What won’t my readership know about you? Tell us something new, which has not been documented online, through videos or in the magazines…
I’ve actually mentioned this before briefly, but I think it’s worth saying again: I was horrible at BMX when I first started riding – I was scared of everything and nothing came naturally! I think that’s what intrigued me the most – I would watch videos and almost all of the tricks I would see people do seemed impossible. After a lot of work and a lot of crashes I slowly began to progress and it has lead me to where I am today.
15) It goes without saying that you are strong, healthy athlete – But in your heart, how long can you see you career spanning for?
A long time to come I think – I take care of myself and despite my riding style and injuries, the urge to ride and progress just keeps building. I know what motivates me and I have a lot I’d still like to get done on my bike before I think about calling it quits. It’s those new ideas, new spots and progression, that keeps me going.
16) We’ve seen you pushing the nollie, amongst countless other rail manoeuvres – If I may, what does the future hold for Brian Kachinskys riding?
Thanks! I have always tried my best to bring something new to the table. That’s always been my goal, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like to learn the tricks everyone else is doing as well – Some of them are just fun and that’s why everyone does them. I think the future will hold whatever pops into my head at the moment and whatever looks fun. There are a few moves I would like to get done, once I find the right set up – But until then I will keep those to myself! Most of them involve rails though! Ha Ha!
17) Tell me about your favourite location?
Right now my favourite location is Chicago, where I currently reside. I love this city and all it has to offer. The BMX scene here isn’t the size of some other major cities, but it’s a great vibe with tons to ride! I’ve also built my personal paradise here, The Bakery (insidethebakery.com) and made many great friends inside and outside of BMX. There is so much going on here it’s impossible to get bored. However, it’s no secret that I love to travel. Wherever my bike and suitcase happen to be, at any given time is my favourite location – I can have fun anywhere.
18) What is the best thing about being Brian Kachinsky right now?
I think the best thing about being me right now is having my friends, family and sponsors. I have gone through some pretty rough times this past year or so (some public and some private) and through those my relationships have only gotten stronger. I am surrounded by some of the best people in the world (and they are literally all over the world) and they make each day worthwhile. I’m fortunate to say the least.
19) Do you have any plans you would like to talk about? Or perhaps products, skateparks, or events, that you would like to promote?
Yes! Always tons going on over here! I have pretty much a full summer of traveling, events, filming, etc! Some trips overseas are already planned as well! We also have some new stuff coming up soon with The Bakery Project, this includes new guests, the Chad Kerley Invitational event and some other fun stuff. I am also working on some other things which will benefit the local Chicago scene, but that’s a work in progress. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for the latest… And some cheesy humor! Ha ha!
20) Final words? Thank yous? Shout-outs?
My final words would be to make the most out of every day. Live outside your comfort zone and good things will happen. When those good things happen, strive for more, but don’t forget to stop and smell the roses once in a while! Thanks to DK, Etnies, Arnette, everyone who’s supported, visited and watched stuff from The Bakery and thanks to my friends, family, teammates, filmers, photographers and followers. You’re the best.
It’s been good to hear a little more about you – Thank you for your time! And good luck with the next phase of your career – VS