Lanna Thornhill is an absolute force and a radical skater who puts her hardware to the test time and time again. After a two-year development and testing phase, her pro boot by skater-owned brand Chuffed is now finally available for pre-order (until Nov 20th.). Lanna promises it to be the toughest and firmest boot Chuffed has ever released. We sent her a few questions to find out what went into developing the boot and what the Vancouver skater does outside of skating.
Lanna, congrats on your pro-model! How long has this been in the making?
Thank you, Marta! I am very happy it’s finally out. It took us around two years and a lot of trial and error. I’m excited to see what people think of it.
Which parameters were important to you in a shoe?
Having a heeled boot was important to me. I believe the heel helps with riding transition. I also was adamant about having no eyelets and making the exterior as durable as possible. A cozy cushion lining and no heel lift were also important to me.
What’s different about your model compared to other boots?
We designed it with the idea of shredding in mind. It’s designed and tested for parks and streets. The exterior of the boot holds up and it’s the toughest, firmest boot Chuffed has ever released. I’m excited for people to ride it and see what they think.
You skate pretty hard, high stuff and challenging DIYs. Do you ever get mental blocks and if yes, how do you overcome them?
Of course, I’m human. Just don’t quit. Baby steps, find what works for you. The secret is to keep trying.
You live in Vancouver. How does your skate season look like? How’s fall and winter over there?
Yes, I’m moving to a new place in Vancouver this December. Late spring, summer and fall are wonderful in BC. Winter is a lot of cold rain, and few options for covered spaces. You make do with what you have, bring a squeegee, a torch and some patience. I try to travel in the winter when I can.
You had a great cover in the Quadzilla zine and now a pro boot. Was there an “I made it” moment or do you have other roller skate dreams?
I had a great year as far as accomplishments. I am proud of how hard I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I’m grateful and lucky to have met supportive people who allowed me to showcase my skating and a pro product. But there was no moment or thought like that though. Roller skate dreams-wise, the pro-boot was like my Grand Slam goal. I’d love to travel and film and meet more pool-coping, and vert roller skaters. Travel, skate and explore.
If not roller skating, what else would you do?
Not sure, where I’d be without eight wheels on my feet. But I’ve gotten more and more curious about learning how to build transition. Playing with concrete and wood is fun. My long-term goal is to find land and build and pour my own stuff. I don’t want to have to rely on other people’s ramps so I want to build my own. Hopefully with a wonderful garden and lots of bird feeders.
What do you do when you’re not skating?
I work at a library and I love it. I read lots and am enjoying gardening, camping and hiking with my dog.
Talking ethics, why did you decide to work with Chuffed?
Chuffed supports skaters from all over the globe with products, but they’re also a business that pushes forward issues that they care about. They help skaters create pro products but also give back to the community and charities they are in line with. They have always been reliable in providing me with skates and gear when I need it. That’s been extremely important to me and I’m forever grateful to them for helping me create this boot.
If you want to pre-order the Lanna Thornhill pro-boot and support her, here’s where to get it. Also make sure to follow Lanna on Instagram.
Interview by Marta Popowska
Photos by Taylor Ritchie