Demarcus Paul Interview

All photos by Ben Clemens

Over the past year or so, we have seen a bunch of really good stuff from Demarcus. It almost seems like he came out of no where then he started frequently popping up in videos from all around southern California. Since then, things have definitely picked up for him with a few new sponsors like Freed and a few full edits out of him really showing us what he is capable of. We have had the chance to talk to him a few times, but never really got to know too much about him. We figured we better change that, so we hit him up with a bunch of questions to find out just who Demarcus is! Let’s check out what he had to say along with a bunch of fresh photos of him!

Name: DeMarcus Paul

Location: San Diego, Ca.

Sponsors: Freed Bikes, Huligan Clothing, C4 Belts, Cool Story BMX, Hazed Brand and All Day BMX Shop

Years riding: 11

What was it that first got you into BMX? Any early memories come to mind?
I have an older cousin that was into BMX at one point. I had to be around the age of twelve when I noticed him hopping on and off curbs. A couple years later, I saw the X-games on ESPN. From that point I was hooked!

So you joined the Freed Bikes team a few months back now. How has everything been going so far? Do you have any trips, signature parts or anything cooking with them that you’re getting stoked for?
Yes, I joined Freed Bikes a few months back and I’m so pumped on how things are going. We just did a Freed Bikes in Miami trip. No words can describe the fun and vibe of the whole trip. I’m looking forward to going to Arizona in a few weeks to meet up with the Freed Bikes family. Maybe in the near future we can get some signature parts out to the BMX community from Freed Bikes.

How are things going with Hazed, Huligan and Cool Story these days? Do you have anything cooking with those guys these days?
Everything is going good with Hazed. I’m Actually working on a signature shirt and design with Huligan, Hopefully we can get that out by spring of next year. Cool Story is looking pretty good and I’ll be making a trip to Lyon, France next year to ride with the rest of the crew.

So your name started popping up a little over a year ago in a handful of edits from southern California. Did you try and put yourself out there a little more, or did you just kind of bump into guys like Miles Rogoish and ended up filming more because of it?
When I moved to San Diego I knew that I really wanted to put out a few web videos. I hit up Miles randomly and asked him if he could film some stuff for me. He eventually got back to me and we made it happen.

You’re pretty consistently putting out edits or popping up in different edits these days. Have you been filming much lately? When can we expect a fresh edit from you?
I always try to stay busy. I’m working on two video parts. “SMTN” video (something) and “Likewise” video. In between those I’m working on a park edit and street mix edit with some friends.

How do you feel about filming? Is it something you put pressure on yourself to do or are you always pretty stoked when the camera comes out?
I feel that filming is whatever you make it. I try not to think about it as much to the point that it turns into pressure. I try to “keep calm” when the camera is out, haha!

Obviously, living in Southern California has some huge perks like great spots to ride and a ton of people to ride with. Do you feel like you would be in the position you are today if it wasn’t for all that?
I agree, Socal has so many spots and amazing weather year round. I know I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in if I didn’t move to Southern California.

What keeps you motivated to ride these days? Do you ever find yourself getting burned out at all? How do you keep it fresh for yourself?
Personal goals and knowing where I came from definitely keeps me motivated. When I was younger I would always get burned out a lot on BMX. Riding with so many different people helps me keep a fresh mindset and new ideas flowing.

I know you have put on a few miles this past year travel wise. What do you have planned for the future?
I would love to visit South America, Europe and Australia. Hopefully I can make that happen.

Where’s one place in the world you really hope you can ride at some point?
Barcelona!!!

Let’s say you get a crazy budget to take any 5 riders, one filmer and one photographer anywhere in the world to film and shoot photos. Who do you bring, where do you go and why?
Riders: Mike Aitken, Jesse Garcia, Matt Barton, Justin Hodges and Jay Thomas.
Filmer: Tony Ennis
Photographer: Brandon Means… All these guys are amazing people, on and off the bike.

I’ve definitely seen you tear up a ton of spots in your different edits. Do you have a certain type of setup you love to ride or a dream spot you hope to come across at some point?
I actually don’t have a preference when it comes to spots or setups. I enjoy riding everything.

Who were some of your biggest influences as far as BMX goes growing up?
Mike Aitken, Dave Mirra, Butcher, Jared Washington, Edwin Delarosa and all of my friends.

Who or what inspires you these days?
Just knowing that I have friends and family supporting me gives me the motivation to keep riding and and pushing myself.

What are you getting into these days when you aren’t riding? Are you working, going to school or anything like that?
When I’m not riding I’m usually working on extending my mind to understand communication between humans, insects etc.

Outside of riding, are you really into anything else?
Outside of riding I’m usually studying the behavior of living things.

What’s something about yourself that might surprise people?
I want to be a motivational speaker, counselor and Life Coach.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself riding and enjoying this gift that we call Life.

What’s the last song you heard, movie you watched and website you visited?
23 by Miley Cyrus, “Friday” is the last movie I watched and the last website I visited was The Union.

How can people keep up with you these days? You’re on Twitter, Instagram and all that social media stuff, right?
If you wanna hit me up or keep up with what I’m doing just follow me on twitter and instagram!
Twitter: @demarcuspaul
Instagram: @demarcuspaul

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Kurt at The Union for this Opportunity, I wanna thank Freed Bikes and all of my sponsors for keeping me fresh and rolling but more importantly helping me stay motivated to ride. I also would like to thank my family, friends and girl friend for being so supportive and helping me. Shout out to everybody who’s out there trying everyday and not giving up on their dreams and goals.

Anything else you want to say?
“Don’t hesitate to take a step in the direction that you wanna go in, be yourself.”