Cain Lambert in Compulsive Behaviour

Interview by Colin Lambert

While preparing for this interview, it occurred to me that this is your first interview in a magazine isn't it? How is that you've been getting coverage for over ten years and no interview?

I've had some quotes and blurbs throughout some random articles, but I've learned over the years that if you want something from skateboarding you really have to be diligent about making it happen yourself. The old saying "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" really applies to skateboarding, and I guess this wheel has been coasting smooth for the last decade. Or you could chop it up to a poor work ethic, your choice.     

I don't think it's poor work ethic at all, you've consistently put out parts since you were 13, so it's not like you're not skating and filming. I was just surprised that you haven't had an interview. Speaking of parts, how are you feeling about your Compulsive Behaviour part?

I don't mind it. I really like that most of it is outside of Winnipeg, so at least on a local scale it'll bring some diversity to the video. I have had a lot of distractions outside out of skateboarding in the last couple of years, so I am aware that it's not to the best of my ability, but it's what I got and you'll either like it or you won’t.

Do your distractions have anything to do with rubbing elbows with astronauts, you fucking nerd?

Well I wouldn't so much put it in those terms, but yeah, school and research have kind of taken precedence. It's amazing though, the university pays for me to travel around the world to do research on planetary geology and believe me, my skateboard is always my travelling companion. It's the best of both worlds! 

Being my younger brother, I always find it strange that you have a huge bag of flip tricks and I can’t flip my board for the life of me. Who were your influences growing up?

In my earlier years I spent a lot time playing games of skate with our good friend John McGee. That's where a lot of the switch and nollie inspiration came from. Through my adolescent years I was obsessed with Jim Greco in Baker 2g. I dressed like him, learned his tricks and listened to Van Morrison's "Gloria" on repeat, so I am sure the switch flipping tricks were Greco inspired.

Going back to the SK8 Skates video, which part are you looking forward to most?

I was really stoked on Jared's skating this year. He's gnarly, and if you've seen his last part, you know he's gnarly, but I get to skate with him a lot and his last part wasn't a very good representation of how he truly skates. He's incredibly creative and I think this part represents that side of him better. I'm also really looking forward to Josh's part. I've known Josh since he was a sperm, so to watch him grow into the beer-crushing, dick-showing, banister-chopping bad ass he is now has been quite the treat. 

You've organized and been involved with numerous skateboard camps, and that seems to be your happy place. Is that something you would like to make a career out of?

Absolutely! I know it's cliché, but the old Confucius quote, "Choose a job you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life," could not be more true. I have been skateboarding for 23 years, and I still feel the same way about it as I did the first day I stood on one. Running camps is incredibly rewarding because you can develop meaningful relationships with an diverse demographic of people. Differences may exist, but the act of skateboarding remains the same. I hope that when I'm in my 50's, I will still be able to show a kid how to kick turn, because nothing inspires me more than seeing someone overcome their own personal challenges.  

Any last words?

I’d like to give a huge shout out to Kevin Britton, that dude has done more for me than I could ever repay. I’d also like to thank Kevin McCoubrey, Craig Williams, Ben Couves and yourself for the continued support! Trump’s a kook.