Darren Navarrette | The Nine Club - Episode 305

Darren Navarrette discusses why he’s known as the Vertical Vampire, meeting Jamie Thomas and getting on Etnies in 1994, the journey getting from Minnesota to California with tow trucks, turning pro for Creature Skateboards, the vert button, getting on 151 after Creature folded, bootlegging Creature product then getting back on Creature, tax troubles and EA Skate his brand Skeleton Key and much more!
#TheNineClub #CreatureSkateboards #DarrenNaverrette
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Links we talked about in this episode
Switchflip Switch Manny: • Chris Roberts | Switch...
I'm Glad I'm Not Me: / @chrisroberts
Darren Navarrette's Instagram: / navs5000
The Creature Video: • The CREATURE Video
20 Years of the Vertcial vampire: • 20 Years of the Vertic...
Creature CSFU Part: • Creature Feature: Nava...
Creature Part: • Creature Feature: Nava...
Timestamps
00:00:00 Darren Navarrette
00:00:50 Origins of the Vertical Vampire
00:07:14 Meeting Jamie Thomas and getting on Etnies in 1994
00:12:27 Our Supporter: AG1
00:14:03 Starting skating in 1984
00:16:10 P.I.S.S. (private indoor skate spot)
00:26:19 Handrail skating
00:33:32 The journey getting from Minnesota to California
00:37:28 When vert died
00:46:30 Sticking with vert through the lean years
00:53:42 Ditching his friends to go on a skate trip with Creature
01:07:02 Skateboarding is professional wrestling
01:14:17 A pound of greens got Darren to California
01:15:59 Turning pro for Creature
01:18:52 Creature going out of business
01:27:52 The vert button
01:30:17 Getting on 151 after Creature folded
01:34:20 Getting back on creature
01:38:28 Darren's small problem with Emerica
01:39:16 Tax troubles and EA Skate
01:49:42 Bootlegging Creature product
02:09:08 Who does Darren look to for inspiration
02:15:00 The older you get...
02:20:09 Darren's brand Skeleton Key
02:33:15 Music in skate videos
02:41:19 Coming up with Skeleton Key
02:58:06 Longboards - yes or no
Edited By: Tim Olson & Roger Bagley

[@gizmosfere]

Great episode. Bring Darren back for sure. 100% skateboarder.

[@theramplocal]

Navs is too sick. Dude is still ripping at 49

[@gizmogibson2987]

We need him on nine club live! Would love to see his reaction to new video parts

[@armin38822]

Almost 50 years old and in insane shape. Respect to Darren !

[@AustinD1993]

53:37 Best Message ! "Skateboarding can get you INTO trouble or it can Get You OUT of trouble - IF You Love it Enough!!!!" - Darren

[@hellomynameismikey]

This comment. Story of my life. It needs to be pinned.

[@ryckgarcia9297]

Please have Darren back again and again and again...and again! Awesome man! Great episode guys!

[@memorysometimers3067]

He hit the JRE three hour requirement!! 👍🔥

[@pigandrunt]

He's a douche

[@Yanoshr30]

I love Nav so much, what a precious and just all around level dude. I could listen to him talk all day.

[@ellwoodguy6436]

You need to get Peter Hewitt on the show for sure!

[@smokinBRO]

hear that? come back navs but bring pete with you

[@ellwoodguy6436]

And sam and al. That would be sick!

[@gorelordzskate-racing-videos]

That or him and Frank together, or navs and Pete.

[@willmuxworthy1956]

Hewiittttt!!!!

[@GarrettCuneo-tr6wy]

I lived across the street from Darren in mission beach, above LF. Darren is one of the radest dudes you’ll ever meet. I was the surf guy and asked him for a skateboard he went right in his house and gave me 10 decks and a pair of trucks. He got me to skate again on 4 of July ramp. Dudes just rad human being!!!!!

[@vincentkral8386]

I rode with Darren to that Houston contest and remember that crappy motel, I don’t remember the mice and chicken wings but remember the chained down TV’s that started play porn after dark and there may have been bullet holes in some of the doors. Great podcast, I’m thankful Darren survived the dark times in Vert history! Never stop shredding!🎸

[@yelnickmcwawa5858]

That sounds like Houston for sure though both of your accounts

[@richardstanley1169]

I Love Navarette, one of the best personalities in Skateboarding, Long Live the Vertical Vampire!!

[@ChefJ_reece]

Rogers skate knowledge is undefeated

[@tracianderson3378]

A Mission Beach homie. I'm STOKED to see Darren on The Nine Club...Skeleton Key all the way!! See ya at Skatercon!

[@jalen8r]

Never heard an interview with nav, dude is so humble it’s insane. Creature has always been my fav board company right up with zero, always looked up to nav as the coolest skater of the 2000s (definitely helped that he was a mainstay in the Skate games I always play as him). It’s definitely crazy seeing him as just one of the dudes. 🤘

[@jonasdominho4781]

Check the Talkin' Schmit Podcast number 45!!! He told way more stories but it's from 2019, still good though! I've heard it the second time last week, such a nice coincidence!

[@jonasdominho4781]

It's on apple podcasts (maybe Spotify) but not on youtube, it's audio only but it's a really good interview

[@socalsupermoto]

Here’s my navs story: I learned a judo air in the bowl and he’s the only one there so I ask him to film. I land one on film grateful that I’ll never have to do it again cuz it scared the shit out of me. He just keeps holding the phone and says “one more, bigger kick” 😅, and I knew no wasn’t an option .

[@backsmithfakie]

We most definitely need multiple Navarrette episodes

[@dansours7157]

Great episode! Navs is a genuine skater. A skaters skater. His love for skateboarding is real. He was in town this past summer & was coming out to skate our new vert ramp. A lot of us are new to skating vert... I thought "rad i'll get to see Navs skate vert" & while it was going to be rad to see him skate, I wanted to skate too. Right when I got there he came up to me & introduced himself. He instantly made me feel welcome to be part of the session. He had nice things to say about what everybody was doing regardless of skill level. I was a fan of his skating & now I am a fan of the person. He absolutely killed it while he was here.

[@tikotiko5328]

I relate to him in so many ways. Awesome dude!

[@termikes174]

Damn, his story of getting into skateboarding is so close to mine. I’m 46 and got my first “real” board in 1986 but played around on that same plastic board when I was young. Awesome!

[@tactical_narcotic2690]

Learned to dye my wheels thanks to him! So stoked he's on the NineClub

[@sliderx1897]

Rit dye?

[@georgefrank5711]

Loving this podcast. Hats off to the nineclub for doing this. 52 is my age, unable to skate due to a work injury I am trying to heal from. 4-6 weeks off the board so far. I am also a BMXer and feel the hate when I go to the skatepark with my bike, but being at the skatepark on my bike is what inspired me to skate more. It was 11/26 or 27/ 2022 that when I found my truck had been stolen that had me go to the skatepark with my board that restarted my skateboarding. Before that day it was 5-10 times a year I would go skate. Not super good, but I have so much fun skateboarding that it has become something I can't stay away from. Recently got a new deck, waiting to be released from the doctor that I will be able to go skate. Darren is someone I saw in , I think, a Thrasher video that allowed me to know who he is. Glad old guys still skate. You don't quit skateboarding because you got old, you got old because you stop skateboarding. Also I thought Salba had been on Santa Cruz since back in the day. P.S. a pool I found in 1988 and spray painted my name in turned up in a TWS as a 2 page spread 2008 with Salba doing a grind, it's a framed pic in my house. Thanks guys!

[@megaflux7144]

this dude.. his energy is amazing! like its one thing to see him skate, but everything about watching him talk is so perfectly timed and concise.

[@maartenderyck1]

The story about the coach breaking hin down in teamsports , but then being accepted by the older skaters really hits home for me! I still feel like an outcast , being looked at weird everywhere i go and try to be myself . Skateboarding gave me peace of mind , a family and a goal in life !

[@simonbaker95]

Godspeed man

[@maartenderyck1]

😢🙏thx

[@johnnynoche1387]

This was absolutely great, as I listened while working as a slave making windows. Love Darren’s perspective. We have to MANifest it

[@johnhuston3576]

This is one of the best episodes from a skater I didn’t know before listening he was great please have him back

[@EVAASIVEOne]

Already listened twice. Darren is pure knowledge and pure stoke.

[@ittwsasvi]

PLEASE BRING THE VERTICAL VAMPIRE BACK TO THE SHOW!!! BEST EPISODE OF 2023!!! MUCH LOVE FROM BRAZIL

[@josiahamaze]

Muska did coin his own nickname. "You can't fade the Muska!" We've all heard that story.

[@j-mac7401]

I was just about to text the same ......

[@cedricheyenga]

I was thinking that

[@simonbaker95]

I’d never heard that before.

[@josiahamaze]

@simonbaker95 it's in his epicly latered part

[@genesung5589]

What a great episode. Love the OGs. Long live Creature.

[@Nu_Chowe]

I havnt been this excited for a nine club in a long time. 😊

[@watsupwitdatpodcast]

Please get Mike Crum on the pod to talk about his park 4DWN and all the great things they do for Dallas

[@davidweinstein3865]

Great interview. Darren's love for the culture and his contribution to it are so cool.

[@jhf1019]

This is so sick! I love his attitude and his personality.

[@rowley66]

when he said sakteboarding had a smell, i totaly relate to that. when i would go skate a school it always had a certain smell to it that i never noticed while actually there for class. Now and days (over 20 years later) when i pick up my nieces from school i get some of that smell and it instanly takes me back to my youth when i would go to schools after hours to skate.

[@AustinD1993]

Please Bring Darren Back On!!!!

[@phillsilver88]

One of my favourite episodes to date! Bring back Darren again

[@AdventuresInSkateboarding]

Part of this conversation made me think of something Someone said recently, "Skateboarding used to be about about the movement of the body now it seems to be about the movement of the board."

[@ty-rannosaurus1870]

SO STOKED!! Much love to Darren and all the nine club! I asked and received!

[@Treflips]

This might be one of the best episodes I’ve ever heard 😂❤ NAVSSSSS

[@joeschmoe5009]

Bring darren back for more. Even tho i felt like i needed to be on acid like his eagle story, to keep up 😂

[@user-sk7ew8sy4x]

Absolutely bring Darren back!!

[@coraje13]

Always thought this dude was gonna be a kool dude…. Not disappointed at all!

[@ian_davidson]

Darren is the man, absolutely best dude and an all time favorite!!

[@antonyvourdachas7721]

Such a good episode!!!! Bring Darren back!!!

[@HAKKY2112]

I agree 10 Million percent

[@matthewtodd9287]

Darren is so cool, man! I’m not at all the typical Creature style skater, but I will always rock their gear because of him. Great episode. Thanks ✌️

[@jordannijjar5414]

Mondays are lit with the 9 club

[@jmanborg]

Always loved this dude. Stoked on this.

[@adamdunnaway543]

Bring Darren back for more skate talk

[@josephrouton7457]

Awesome interview. Totally engaged from beginning to end.

[@joshmccrow7109]

Can’t wait to see Darren come back!

[@gritbrothersguitars]

Excellent episode - the discussion at 29 mins about being desensitized to new stuff is real. Back when Natas did that wallride we weren't overloaded with info, media, clips, etc... and also pro street skateboarding has been mind-blowing for so long (35 years or so) that we're all used to it by now, and how much is possible.

[@TRAVIESO_NA]

Shout out to NHS. Gavin from Independent Trucks. Thanks for supporting me man, 35 year old skater, and I appreciated the Trucks you sent me. SKATERS SUPPORTING SKATERS

[@Streetsaganetwork]

I miss Santa Cruz I love everyone there. Dogballz!

[@the_only_chris]

bring darren back, this was a super interesting episode. loved his mindset and his thought processes

[@chriswould]

I feel like Darren could be a comedian. He's such a crack up. Bring him back!

[@marissac870]

It taught me a lesson.... I cant be Stoopppped. Thank the comsos for Navs 💚

[@SimonTB-uy3qv]

I'm big on Creature skateboards and knew Darren mostly by name and from hearing a few stories. What a great dude, funny as hell too. Can't wait til he's back on the show!

[@cameronsk838]

I met Darren (and Hewit) on the boardwalk in mission beach. He was super nice to me! Thanks for talking with me. Darren you rule!

[@gromitmitten7803]

Y'all got the Vertical Vampire! Fuck yeah 😁🤙🏾

[@paulfield6815]

Got a chance to skate with him on Crum's vert ramp in Dallas. Super chill dude!

[@leopoldstotch3524]

Top 3 interview for sure , laughed the whole way through

[@preusbs]

What a great group of conversations, y’all made so many awesome points 😎 rad episode!

[@Old_man_Rob]

Yes PLEASE bring back Darren! 💯🙌❤️👏👏

[@HAKKY2112]

Yes. OG delivers sage and humility. Loved this one. Probably going to watch this again

[@scottieskatan4219]

Yup farking brilliant loved every second top shelf lads.

[@paulmallett8590]

One of my favourite episodes so far. Thank you.

[@tomotomo2004]

Great episode! Could have easily listened for another 3 hours.

[@HAKKY2112]

I agree I could watch a conversation with him for another three hours. I would love to spend like two weeks with him skating some of our local Vancouver parks…?

[@HAKKY2112]

Just seeing everyone… I am watching this for a second time the full 3 1/2 hours I’ve got to capture everything from this

[@jeromeschooley4870]

Get Greg Witt on here. Love hearing the late 80s early 90s vert guys who are still killing it! ❤❤❤

[@johnschmit6461]

Yes! And Steve Nesser!

[@TK-42Juan]

Darren is so rad! Can't wait for another episode with him. This was SO GREAT!

[@1mill2]

Didn't think I would watch but couldn't stop watching, bring Darren back for sure, dope episode.

[@dylanmack4938]

Such a banger. Darren is the best! Really bring em back!! I love how stoked Chris was having him. Two different sides of skateboarding converged to celebrate and talk shop of the entirety of our inexplicable lifestyle of skateboarding… from a true skateboarder’s perspective. All y’all bros rip! Keep rolling

[@ogchuck42]

One of the coolest guest. I got to see this guy shred in Tampa so sick.

[@daniel_skates]

Best episode ever! Please bring Darren back for more! 🤙🛹

[@jonathanmendezperaza2603]

Bring him back, coolest dude ever... The smell, the taste of skateboarding, just brilliant. I'm 44 by the way ❤

[@krilleandersson]

I love Navarrettes energy. Great episode. ❤

[@shaunmoss5893]

Absolutely great interview, gotta have Darren back again for sure.....and soon!!!

[@PaulTyoutube]

this was great. love the show. please have him back. thanks guys!

[@TheIronstomp1]

In my eyes...this was one of the best episodes. Thank you.

[@techn1que_]

Never knew a thing about Darren and always judged him just seeing his face pop up over the years but wow… he is so rad and I’m a huge fan now

[@johnblough78]

So much love when he speaks about the toy. It means so much to us older guys. It was all we had. It was everything.

[@AustinD1993]

Darren Navarette is such an Inspiration! Best interview guest ive seen on the show!❤

[@DARTHKNOWS76]

Darren's passion is awesome!

[@ryanspence1214]

Thank you ❤ please come back and talk more. One of the best

[@erikb5710]

I love listening to Darren- his stories and love of skateboarding are contagious and inspiring. Having skated with him a few times, he's exactly the same in person too. Definitely bring him back again!

[@klg9239]

Darren is an incredibly intelligent and down to earth inspirational refreshing dude.

[@guscamacho4638]

Bring Darren back!!!

[@TheBaller67]

Bring him back always! Solid episode

[@sethmoyer130]

One of the best episodes definitely gotta have him back on

[@jdstubbs9971]

Hey guys. First time commenting. Been watching awhile and love the show. This episode was so good! Navs is in contention for best guest. Keep the older guys and vert guys coming please! ❤😀🤙🏼

[@Dav2112]

Darren is an awesome guy.

[@NatGreenOnline]

What a great interview. He's got a great mindset. Surround yourself with people who push you to do and be better

[@NatGreenOnline]

and bring Darren back!

[@MrInhumantv]

This is a great video good laughs tbh ive only heard of this dude from the game skate following him to the creature park .. its cool to realize ive been sleepin GREAT EPISODE

[@sleepymayne4053]

Navarrette is so OG. Remember meeting him at my local skatepark. Chillest dude ever

[@jackgundling9334]

Bring Darren back for sure!

[@ktownstyle]

New hero, this was best convo imo ive seen on the club, bring him back for sure, classic!

[@Absorbvids]

This a great listen, lots of good insight here. You guys are killing it!

[@vZynxy]

thank you for documenting this.

[@jeromeschooley4870]

This was one of the best stories ever! History is so important to keep skateboarding not becoming football.

[@davidmanuel1984]

For me one of the best interviews ever…love it

[@zachpfeffer5574]

Best episode! Darren gets it. Can’t wait for his next one.

[@NoizenNitram]

The grandmaster Vertical Vampire at it's best!.. almost 50 and in better shape as most guys around there 20's.. A living legend, 100% skateboarder and 200% artist

[@darrenmcclellan9869]

First one I’ve watched all the way through. This guys story has always intrigued me.

[@davecipres6612]

Wow man! What a great and positive episode. Definitely an inspiration 😊