| Jenson Yoyoing | |||
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FF. Tell us a bit about Yoyoing and how it started etc. The history of the yo-yo is steeped in mystery. It's second only to the Doll as the oldest toy. Legend has it Philippino natives originally tied rocks to ropes and dropped them on foes and prey from treetops; eventually the toy evolved out of the same idea. Pedro Flores coined the name yo-yo, which roughly translates to "come back" in Philippino. Since he started the first yo-yo company in the 1920s, the toy has evolved from a single piece of wood, to plastic, to high grade aluminum with ball bearings. Yo-yoing today is more of an art-form than a pastime. Technology has allowed many players have hundreds of tricks in their repertoire; with new movements, combinations and concepts being introduced daily. FF. So what got you into yoyoing My Grandma gave me my first yo-yo for Christmas. Being the Canadian I am, I used it as a hockey puck. Years later I found one on the playground. My uncle taught me the basics and later I was mentored by yo-yo performer John Higby. FF. Why did you love it and what makes you pick up the Yoyo everyday It's my passion. To me, yo-yoing is like visual music; every time I pick one up, I jam. It's also the best time killer ever. You can carry one with you all the time. If you get bored, just bust out some tricks. FF. How long did it take you to get amazing, did you have a natural talent with the Yoyo to start with or did you have to work hard to learn the basics It's taken me the better part of the last twelve years to get to where I am today. I quit for the duration of high school; I've only recently been playing in the modern unresponsive style. I wouldn't exactly say I was naturally talented in the beginning. I've smacked my face plenty of times learning the basics. It takes a lot of practice and tenacity. FF. You seem to have taken Yoyoing to another level with moves that are not normally seen, tell us your favorite move and the crowed pleaser. I don't think I have one favorite move. I enjoy moving through a number of elements smoothly more than the actual trick itself. If I had to pick one, I'd say 'Shoot for the moon.' The crowd loves anything big and flashy. I get good response to moves that go behind my back or around my neck, but if you time it right, simple tricks can have the same effect. FF. You have won many tittles to make you one of the best Yoyoer's in the world, tell us about all the competitions and the best moments. I was Canadian National Champion at twelve. I hold international titles in three continents. I won every contest I attended this year except The World Yo-Yo Contest, where I placed fourth. The best moment was winning in Tokyo after the loss at Worlds. Usually the Japanese come to North America and decimate, so it was cool to flip the script. FF. At what stage did you get sponsored and realize that you could make a full time living out of this. A couple years ago I was contacted by Chris Mikulin, the owner of a local upstart yo-yo company: Caribou Lodge Yo-Yo Works. At the time, I wasn't interested in yo-yoing, but it seemed a little too good to be true that a high-end yo-yo company would randomly pop up in my home town. I started yo-yoing again and after a few weeks I was put on the team. At the moment, it's super hard to make a full time job out of just performing. To make a decent living you have to be a manufacturer or retailer, which is what I'm transitioning into at the moment. FF. Do you have any products out, or a website where we can learn more about this art form. I have my own signature high-end yo-yo called "The Wooly Marmot", which can be purchased at clywstore.com. Also, this month I'm launching modernyoyoing.com where you can purchase various yo-yos and yo-yo related products. yoyonation.com and yoyoexpert are also great resources for anyone interested in getting into yo-yoing. FF. How far do you want to take Yoyoing and what are your future plans I want to take it as far as I can. Most people have no idea what is possible right now; the perception is still at a very basic level. I want to change that perception and show people that yo-yoing is more than 'walk the dog' and 'rock the baby.' It's a relevant and innovative culture with countless creative geniuses. FF. Are there any last words you want to give us from your Yoyoing world and anyone you want to mention thats helped along the way. It's all about fun. No matter what you're doing, you should have that goal in mind. I'd like to give a shout out to my girlfriend Lana, Mark Salaki, Chris Mikulin, John Higby and most of all my Grandpa for always believing in me.      
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Issue 6. Cover - Photographer - Moritz Stragholz