Ryan Clements, President of three integrated agencies – The Boardr (specializing in events and consulting), Excel Management (focused on management and representation), and Platform Group (dedicated to design and construction) – exemplifies a lifelong commitment to skateboarding and a fervent desire to enhance Tampa Bay with additional skateparks and opportunities.
ABOUT ME
I moved to Tampa Bay in 1982 from southern New Jersey. My parents were tired of the cold, and they wanted to see palm trees. In 1985, while living in Plantation, I saw a skateboarder wearing a trench coat with punk bands hand-written on it. He was riding a pink Powell Peralta skateboard and I instantly thought: “That’s what I want to be.”
I got an opportunity at Skatepark of Tampa back in the mid-’90s and never looked back. That position evolved and grew over the years, and I took it all in. Eventually, that led to starting my own agency with an amazing team of colleagues.
MY LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Starting the day with a quick paddleboard session at sunrise on the Hillsborough River is the best. I often see manatees, and if I’m lucky, a dolphin is out there with me too.
My go-to lunch place on the weekends when I’m not out of town is La Teresita. I love taking my kids, Sloane and Ford, there as they get to try some different dishes that we don’t generally have at home.
For casual dining, our go-to spot is Cuenelli’s, which is right by The Boardr HQ in Drew Park. Cuenelli’s has also catered many of our events over the years. It’s gotten to the point where our friends from around the world look forward to it and ask about it in anticipation.
When visitors are in town, I’m up for Ella’s. They have good food, and it feels like what it is—a neighborhood place. We’ve hosted several of our company holiday parties there too. My other go-to spot for visitors is Bo’s Ice Cream. You can’t go wrong with ice cream.
My favorite annual event in Tampa, of course, is Tampa Pro. This is the time of year when 100 or so professional skateboarders descend on SPoT for the most credible and authentic contest in the world. It also attracts industry players as well as thousands of fans. Tampa Pro generates a ton of excitement both locally and globally within the skateboarding world.
To experience art and culture, The Dali is always a hit. The first time you witness the actual size of the works in person is awe-inspiring. I recommend the guided tour for a proper education. I also enjoy visiting the Tampa Bay History Center.
For a workout, I’ll usually head to Carrollwood Skatepark. It’s easy to skate, so my girls, who aren’t totally into skating, can still roll around. Plus, the park itself is really nice, with a proper playground and other activities for the kids to enjoy.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
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