Each week, Benicia Patch will feature individual kids, teens or youth groups that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about your amazing Whiz Kids.
This week's Benicia Whiz Kid: Bradley Tobey
Age: 16
Find out what's happening in Beniciafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Grade: Junior
School: Benicia High
Find out what's happening in Beniciafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Accomplishment: Bradley has been skateboarding since the age of 4. His mom gave him a skateboard for his fourth birthday. At the age of 8, he was inspired by Tony Hawk video games the movie The Lords of Dogtown. “I didn't get to be really good until a couple of years ago,” says Bradley.
He has been competing for a year at events in Sacramento, Santa Cruz and Marina, but is taking a hiatus from competitions. “It's kind of fun,” says Bradley. “I might do it it again so I am thinking about it.”
Bradley's mom is still supportive although she prefers to not watch him skate, because does not want to see him get hurt. "I've never broken anything- knock on wood," says Bradley, "but I fell on my head once and took all the skin off my arm.”
Bradley also works at summer skate camp teaching younger kids to skate. The camp is sponsored by Benicia Parks and Community Services and can be found on page 17 of the summer activities guide.
Aside from skating, Bradley is a photographer and hopes to make a career out of pro skate photography. “I think it will be easier than trying to be a skate pro.” For now, Bradley works at Kinder's on First Street.
Key to Bradley's awesomeness: "I've got friends that are older and they always tell me that I'm cool for my age, that I'm a nice kid," says Bradley. "I take the time to talk to other guys and younger kids. There are guys in their twenties, high school guys and middle school kids all skating together at the X-Park so there are all generations."
