Who is TJ Rogers
I have never come across a skateboarder who doesn’t like TJ Rogers. Not only does he absolutely rip, he comes across as one of the most likeable dudes in skateboarding. TJ has built a name for himself through sheer determination, technical precision, and a style that feels both powerful and effortless.
Originally from Canada, he’s spent the past decade earning respect across the skateboarding world – not by chasing the spotlight, but by consistently delivering where it matters. No matter what he is doing, TJ’s approach stays the same: focused, fluid, and all in. We were lucky enough to ask him some questions about his recent(ish) move to SK8MAFIA, his upcoming pro-shoe with éS and much more.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Little bit of everything! Depends on the mood I’m in.
Where was the last place outside of the US/Canada you skated?
Was out in Barcelona for Red Bull spot check in April.
If you could only ever do one ledge trick, what would it be?
Nose slide or Krook.
Is it true you have specific measurements for your jeans?
Yes, I had specific measurements I had for my custom jeans from 2020- early 2025. Now I rock whatever feels good.
What board graphic has been your favourite over the years?
My first graphic for Sk8mafia (CN Tower board with me & my dog sitting on the top).
What would you say is your most slept on video part?
Not sure to be honest.. I try not to pay attention to all that. I just love skating & filming edits.
Do you think it is harder for someone from Canada to make it as a pro than someone from the US?
It definitely was when I was growing up. But nowadays, with social media, it’s a lot easier to get recognized.
Do all the Canadian skaters living in the US look out for each other?
I’d like to think so. I chat with most of them on a monthly basis, even if it’s on some small talk, saying hi & hope all is well. Also, whenever there are any up-and-coming Canadians in town, I hit them up & try to either host them, send them spots, or even film them if I have the time.
I noticed you seem to be skating Indys at the moment. I saw you were skating Ventures in your Welcome to Sk8Mafia part too. What makes the perfect truck for you?
I was rocking ventures after Tensor was done. They were too low for me, though, so I had to have 1/8th rider pads, but independent had the same geometry as tensors, so I felt like it was a better fit.
Getting on SK8Mafia
How did the move to SK8MAFIA come about?
Very organic. I went on the Thrasher vacation tour in June 2023 & I just had quit blind. I was kickin’ it with Wes Kremer & we clicked. He hit up the owners, Dan & Preebz, and within a few months, I went on a trip with them & the rest is history.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever seen done on the SK8MAFIA micro board?
Tyler Surrey – Bs flip 180’nosegrind on a hubba in the micro dos 2 vid.
Favourite clip you’ve ever filmed?
TBC… there’s a lot of tricks I’ve filmed over the years that I’m super proud/hyped on.
Which trick has been the biggest battle for you?
There’s been a bunch over the years… one that sticks out recently though is the backside noseblunt up the UCLA upledge. Tried it probably 4-5 years anytime I went to the spot & could never get to the top… didn’t get it the way I wanted personally, but still stoked I got it!
Were you ever tempted to go back to El Toro after you landed the switch 180?
Yeah, I tried sw Ollie on it in 2016.. got a crazy heel bruise & couldn’t skate for a few months. Went back & kicked out first try & destroyed my heel again.. Nick Merlino ended up doing it that year. Mad respect to him!
You seem to be a super positive guy. How do you maintain that?
Appreciate that. I try not to dwell on things I can’t control & surround myself with people who not only inspire but motivate me.
How long does a board/pair of shoes last you?
Depends on what I’m skating, honestly. Sometimes I’ll regrip my board & it could last a few weeks. & with shoes, depending on the model, they could last me 2-4 weeks? I skate every day, though, so it’s hours of being on the board.
Shoe design and TJ’s éS signature model
What’s your favourite feature about your upcoming pro-shoe with eS?
My favorite feature about my pro shoe for éS is the technology that’s inside of the shoe. It has a triple layer of protection to where you can jump like a madman & it doesn’t hurt.
How involved were you with the design of the shoe?
When I had my first initial meeting about my pro shoe, Don Brown, Charlie Munros, Michael Morey, & I sat down for 4 hours & I gave them multiple ideas/inspirations from shoes I liked from the archives of éS. They came back with a few different ideas of shoes & there was one that stood out the most to me & I instantly fell in love with it.
What inspirations did you bring to the design table?
I gave them multiple ideas that brought the shoe together. Starting with the Koston 2 toe cap, Koston 3 where it had the “waves”, Cradle shoe where it had the plastic lace guard + perforated holes & also the Silo where it had the exposed foam for an extra layer of protection for jumping.
Does the extra-thick insole impact board feel at all?
Not at all. I’ve been skating the shoes for over a year now & it’s honestly one of the best shoes I’ve ever skated. (Not being biased)
What does the E-BOUND midsole add to the shoe?
It adds an extra layer of protection when you’re jumping down a big gap, it absorbs over 6.5 times more than an average shoe on the market.
How does it feel to share the same tongue design as skaters such as Koston, Muska and Creager?
It’s truly an honor to be able to have my name alongside the és heritage & keep the consistency in the brand Alive. When Don, Charlie & Michael asked me how I wanted my name on the shoe, I said I wanted it exactly like the OG’s on the brand, like Koston, Muska, & creager in the past.
I know you got super lucky with your dog helping you figure out you had testicular cancer. Is there anything you would like to say to all the dudes out there who think checking for signs of cancer isn’t something they need to do?
I’d recommend going to the doctors & getting checked out. It’s always good to have that peace of mind at the end of the day & know what’s going on with your health at all times.
Thanks TJ!
