Growing up in Encinitas, California—surrounded by skateparks and local rippers—Braden Hoban was perfectly positioned to become the powerhouse skater he is today. In this Now/Then interview, he takes us from his first shop board at McGill’s to the two-year process behind his pro model shoe with Emerica. As a grom, Braden’s go-to spot was the Encinitas YMCA, where he honed his skills on rails and hubbas that laid the groundwork for his street style. Now, the same skaters he once watched in videos—like Leo Romero and Jeremy Leabres—are his crew for van tours. Braden has made a smooth progression from hometown sessions to riding with his heroes.