Following on from where Ben Grove left off, today we have a quick NASS 2017 based interview with the CEO of Carve Wicked and card carrying cowshed veteran Sam Pulley.
Read on to learn just what it is that keeps this Newport native returning to the Bath and West Showground year after year…

Now then Pulley – you’re a bit of a familiar face at the Bath and West Showground when NASS comes around. How many years have you entered NASS?
Guilty as charged; I have been a going a fair few years now. I’ve got a thing for skating where cows once were. I must have entered around six or seven times now…

Can you remember your first visit to the cowshed? What stands out from that first year for you? Any comedy incidents or standout skateboarding heroics to report?
I do remember losing my NASS virginity indeed. I remember being young and steamed, and Jess Young suggesting that we should “go back to the tents for a couple of cool ones, and just…chill.” Oh for f…

In your esteemed opinion, what separates NASS from other skateboarding events?
Probably having such a big course with loads of different shit, whilst being a music based event too. I’ve been to a few other ‘skateboarding/music’ events and there’s usually nothing more to skate than a mini ramp.

Out of all the skateboarding to go down in the cowshed over the years, what one trick stands out the most to you?
Obviously Stu Graham making a spice log in the middle of the course and enjoying the consequences.

What’s the highest point you’ve ever made it to on the NASS podium?
I once came second and lived like a king for months.

As far as the course goes, what’s been your favourite NASS obstacle from over the years? Does any one thing stand out as being more enjoyable to skate than everything else?
I like the big Elvis thing as it usually leads to lots of jumps where you don’t have to do anything if you don’t want. Or you could alternatively backflip them…every year. The Goliath ramp was sick nasty too, I was shit on it but it felt amazing.

Give us your most cherished comedy NASS memory please – what moment of NASS daftness stands out head and shoulders above the rest?
The funniest thing I ever saw at NASS was when we all caught Beanhead and this boy making out in a tent, wearing nothing but wellies and sunglasses.

Do you ever bother planning your contest runs or do you just see what happens when you drop in?
My usual routine consists of arriving at NASS, dropping in on the Elvis quarter, over-shooting the first jump box and hurting at least one ankle. Sometimes I land the second attempt and then see where the course leads me, hopefully not towards any stairs or Beanhead.

Similarly, do you have any ‘go-to’ tricks for contest? Fail-safes that you know will get the boll rolling in your run?
I usually go for something semi-tough for the first trick and then you’re hyped for the rest of the time if you don’t fall off. I particularly enjoy the frontside 90 degrees on quarter pipes.

What’s happened to those nollie bigspin late flip things (00:50 to witness) you used to fire out all over the place?
I’m not sure to be honest; it’s probably a good thing they left though.

Aside from the skating itself, what brings you back to NASS year after year?
The music depending who’s playing, camping is always a bonus, and you get to see people you only see a few times a year. You might as well go to as many skate events you can; it’s always a laugh.

NASS have brought some varied names into the skate mix over the years – Mike V, Tony Hawk, Austin Seaholm…if you could invite three people to come join you for a weekend at NASS, who would you choose?
Todd Falcon
Doug Brown
Beaver Flemming

It seems like the line-ups on the music side of things has been getting stepped up over recent years – who have you seen at NASS that impressed you?
Tuff Pints were the best and most impressive/sexy band I’ve ever seen at NASS, and to this day I still feel the same way. Their recent performances have been unreal; I cant believe they’re only millionaires and not billionaires!

What are you most looking forward to about NASS 2017 then?
Arriving, dropping in on the Elvis quarter, overshooting the first jump box and crying in the toilets.

And finally – sum up NASS in three words.
Wood. Lager. Tents.

Here’s a reminder as to how a young Samuel Pulley landed himself the NASS silver medal way back in 2012:

More info on riders in attendance at this year’s NASS can be found here.