By Berto for FRANK151
Few skateboarders embody genuine good vibes like Dane Vaughn. I met this cat through the infamous Grandeur Crew, and from day one, he’s been all positive energy—always shredding, always hyped. He’s a pro’s pro who’ll session anything and everything—with style and pop. An Oceanside local por vida, and always down for the sesh. My people! Let’s get to know him.
Yo Dane! What’s good?
Man! You know… stayin’ busy. Tryin’ to do my best out here—skating, doing art, teaching kids how to skate occasionally with my friend Cooley. Just got engaged to my fiancée. Yeah man… life’s good! Doin’ a lot of exercise, focusing on health and wellness, running. Stayin’ busy!
Congrats on your engagement! How you feelin’ about your next chapter?
I’m excited. Everything has just been like a blessing, you know? Every day forward is a blessing. I honestly couldn’t be happier. I’m excited about life—always trying to stay on a positive note.
Serious question—we all need to know, ‘cause I know you’re originally from Louisiana: Ragin’ Cajun or Bayou Bengal Tiger?
(Laughter) Uhhh… man! I don’t know. I would say I’m more of a Bayou Kid for sure. Yeah… a Bayou Kid. I was in the backwoods of Baton Rouge in this small town called Brusly. It’s right over the Mississippi from Baton Rouge. Yeah… (laughter) Bayou Kid for sure.
You’ve lived in Oceanside, but now you’re living in LA for a bit. What are the differences between San Diego and Los Angeles?
Honestly, the differences—for me—are that San Diego and North County are just beautiful. It’s honestly like a dream area to be in. LA is a fast-paced city. It’s got a heavy grind—you can really get a lot done out here. It kinda keeps you on your toes. Yeah man, it’s more of a hustler’s pace—people out there tryin’ to get it. Stayin’ busy in the scene. That’s the difference for me. San Diego is just beautiful, laid back, and easy to live in. LA is fast-paced and about the grind.
You’ve been on DGK for a hot minute. How did that come about for you?
Man! It came about after a long road, honestly. Skating different shop sponsors, moving to different states over the years, different board sponsors—just different chapters of my skate life. I grew up skating, and eventually moved to California at 18. DGK was kinda the company in the area. I lived in the Carlsbad/Encinitas area, and DGK was right there at the Kayo Corp.
A lot of the people I was around either worked for them or skated for them. I think Nick Lockman was the TM at the time, maybe the Brand Manager. I was really hyped on that brand—I liked it a lot. It didn’t come right off the bat though; I had to kinda push for it. They weren’t really interested at first, I’d say. I’d ask for boards and they were like, “I don’t know.”
Then one day I was skating at the pier, filming a line, and Nick Lockman happened to be going by. He saw me and was like, “Hey! You want some DGK boards?” I was like, “Hell yeah!” I was already riding a DGK board! It was such a blessing—that moment in time. That’s how it started that day.
I got the opportunity, and I made sure I didn’t lose it. I tried my hardest to push in every area—to keep that going and to keep excelling in the DGK family. So, shoutout to Nick Lockman for giving me that opportunity.
Nick is definitely the Bull!
Yeah, he’s definitely a ‘G’ for sure.
One thing I noticed about you—you don’t enter contests very often, but you do well when you do. You killed it at the Curb Show! You’re always stackin’ clips on the streets. Preference?
Honestly, DGK was never a big contest brand. None of my sponsors were contest pushers. Growing up, I always thought contests were cool—it just wasn’t in my circle. In the beginning of my career, I was more involved, but once I joined DGK, it became more about the streets. Film parts. Stack clips.
If I wanted to go to a contest, I’d make it happen myself. Now that I’ve been with DGK for over 10 years, I want to open my horizons and be a part of the contest world more. I’ve been pushing hard again—it’s another opportunity, and I enjoy it. It’s challenging and definitely different than street skating. It’s a consistent level on a whole different type of course. I really like it.
It’s been said (and I agree) that it’s good to have an outlet outside of skating. Mine is art. What’s yours?
I’d say mine is art too, you know? I love doing anything creative—whether it’s painting, fashion, or photography. Whatever comes to mind really. Anything creative is my outlet. Anything that lets me be different and express myself in my own realm.
The year is almost out. How are you closing it, and what are your plans for 2026?
So we’re closing out 2025 strong. I’ve been working on this part for a couple years—it’s basically done. I’m excited! Just trying to get this last trick.
For 2026, I want to come out with a couple more parts, get involved in more contests, and curate an art show. I’ve been working on paintings—I’ve got a whole backdrop of pieces I haven’t even shown yet. I want to curate my own show and bring that to life.
Also, I’m staying focused on health and wellness. Me and my fiancée are getting heavily into running—we just ran a 10K (about 6 miles) two days ago! Yeah… all that. Just staying busy. Feeling powerful in my own skin. Keepin’ it movin’, you know? That’s really it.
Shoutouts? Anybody you wanna send love to?
Shoutout to Jason, bro! He’s held me down at Grandeur since day one when I moved out to California. He’s always had my back. I live in LA now and he’s in SD, but we meet up when we can.
Shoutout to DGK and everyone over there—they’ve always held me down: Stevie Williams, Matt Daughters, and Troy Morgan. Shoutout to my homie Michael, who’s filming my part right now. My fiancée, my mom, my brother, all my family and friends—big love!
I appreciate you, Berto, for reaching out and doing this interview. Frank151. To God… and everybody, you already know.
Big thank you to @bruleeorange for the fresh flick of @danevaughn, The Cajun Gypsy. You made my dude look good. Props.