By Berto for FRANK151
Some skaters just have that spark — the kind that makes everyone at the park stop and watch. AJ Nelson is one of those dudes. I first spotted him flying around Linda Vista Skatepark — effortless style, total commitment, and a love for skating that’s contagious. Born and raised in Kokomo, Indiana, AJ’s an all-terrain vehicle of a skateboarder — equally at home on vert, street, or backyard ramps. With his recent jump to pro status and a signature board on Demonseed, the kid from Kokomo is just getting started. We caught up with AJ at Ocean Beach Skatepark during Shockus Day to talk about going pro, staying humble, and what’s next.
FRANK151: Yo AJ! What’s good?
AJ: Man, not much! Just cruisin’ out here at Shockus Day at OB Skatepark. Hangin’ out, soaking up the sun — it’s a beautiful day.
FRANK151: Congrats on going pro! What went through your mind when you got your first pro model?
AJ: Super surreal, man. One of those moments where you kinda need someone to smack you across the face like, “Yo, this is real!” I’m still speechless when I talk about it. It was exactly how I wanted it — all my homies there, my family, just good vibes all around. Perfect day.
FRANK151: Demonseed’s based outta Florida. Tell us about the brand — and what’s this about the site crashing when your board dropped?
AJ: (laughs) Yeah, man, that was wild. Demonseed’s a core vert company out of Florida. They’ve been around for a while, but they’re rebuilding right now. A lot of the older guys passed the torch to the next generation. It’s raw skateboarding — vert ramps, backyard pools, that pure energy. That’s what it’s all about.
FRANK151: Who else is on the Demonseed squad?
AJ: My buddy Christian Frazier runs it. Then there’s Rich Payne, Cole Liller, and this kid Cadel Williams — he’s insane! Most of the crew’s Florida or East Coast-based. Just heavy hitters, man.
FRANK151: Who else is taking care of AJ Nelson these days?
AJ: My girlfriend holds it down, my mom helps me a lot — just doing mom things, you know? (laughs)
Sponsor-wise, big shout to Carney and the whole Slappy’s Garage crew. They’re the best. Also S1, SpeedLab Wheels, Mirko at Opus, Brandon at Remind for the insoles, and Rob Mertz at BlackSheep. I’ve got a lot of good people backing me. I’m super grateful.
FRANK151: You were known as a vert skater, but we’ve seen you hitting the streets too. You consider yourself an ATV?
AJ: For sure. I like skating everything. Vert’s probably my favorite, but if my homies are skating street, I’m in. If it’s got a good session and good people, I’m down. I don’t overthink it — I just skate whatever’s in front of me.
FRANK151: You just got back from a trip, right? How was that?
AJ: Yeah, I went out to Tennessee for Rage at the Rose 4, a vert contest. Skaters from all over — the UK, East Coast, South, everywhere. Total melting pot. I didn’t place too well, but I did snag some cash in best trick, so that was tight. I’m not really a contest guy, but that one was fun.
FRANK151: You’ve been traveling a lot — what’s on your bucket list?
AJ: I’d love to go back to Europe. I’ve been to Sweden and Copenhagen and those places are unreal. I’ve got a trip to Mexico coming up soon too, so that’s next on the list.
FRANK151: Where in Mexico are you heading?
AJ: I can’t remember the exact name, but it’s a Slappy’s trip. Heading down there in February with the crew. Should be a good time.
FRANK151: What’s your plan for 2026 — more trips, maybe a video part?
AJ: Definitely wanna film more. I’ve never really done that — I just skate. But it’d be sick to have a full part to look back on in a few years. Like a time capsule. That’s the goal.
FRANK151: Any shoutouts you wanna drop?
AJ: For sure! My mom, brother, stepdad, my girlfriend, all my homies back in Kokomo. Pizzeria Lugi’s — that’s my spot, I work there! (laughs) Big love to Slappy’s Garage, Mirko at Opus — we haven’t met in person yet, but he’s been holding me down for a year now. SpeedLab, everyone who’s helped me out. Mirko rules, man.
FRANK151: Anything else you wanna say?
AJ: Just thank you, FRANK, for the love and opportunity. That’s it, man. Thank you!
From Indiana to California, backyard ramps to vert contests — AJ Nelson’s carving his own path with style, gratitude, and a smile. The kind of skater who reminds you why we all fell in love with this thing in the first place.