Happy Tuesday everyone!!
Today we have Sean Collins from GWay throws!!!
What got you into throwing, how did you find the hobby?
I was really fascinated at the time with “retro” items and had picked up a cheap yo-yo. Naturally I took to YouTube, learned enough about bearings to tear up my local toys r us for a Yomega exodus 2 and I’ve been going at it since then. Roughly a year in I found a small local group and we had our only state contest that year (2012). I had a small falling out with this hobby that started sometime in college until I got back into it during Covid. Scales streams helped give me a sense of community during that time and I’ve been hooked again.
What is your goal in 2025 for yourself? Yo-yo or not!
I want to meet more of my own team members! We have a very diverse group from all over and I think it would be awesome to get to know them personally.
If you could only have one yo-yo for the rest of your life what would it be?
I always hate to come off with bias, but I think the Gway Re:Devil. Ever since I played with the original daredevil I’ve always loved the size and power. Re:Devil is just slightly more modern.
What trick are you working on currently?
I haven’t been throwing consistently. So whatever just comes to mind I usually will grind out for however long I have.
What’s the trick that gives you the hardest time?
I’ve been working on some tower whips that are pretty hard to get down.
What’s your favorite trick?
Matthew Wallsten’s 3D isolation slack that breaks down to a tower, then GT. Or any Tsukasa Namba trick.
What’s your favorite yo-yo of all time?
The yo-yos battling for my attention the most are (in no order): Southside, Sibyl, Anceps, Refractory
What’s the most meaningful throw you have?
My 2013 Worlds Duncan Strix! I remember getting it at the Duncan booth right before meeting Janos Karancz in person. He was probably my favorite player at the time.
What’s your worst habit with yo-yos?
Bearing maintenance. Despite spending a good amount on tools to make it easier for me I just hate taking the time to deshield bearings and lube.
What’s kind of things are you into outside of yo-yos?
I play a lot of ping pong, go-kart, disc golf, and video games!
What song best fits your personality?
I actually don’t know how to answer this one!
Favorite restaurant and order?
I think my favorite dish I’ve ever gotten was a teriyaki glazed, pan seared salmon on coconut jasmine rice.
Favorite movie and or Book?
Synecdoche, New York
What does yo-yo’ing mean to you?
It’s a way to express yourself and connect with others. But first and foremost it’s a toy for fun!
What’s your favorite memory from your time in the hobby ?
I remember my entire Chesapeake Classic trip from 2022. It was the first time in a long time I traveled for a contest. I fondly remember my car ride with my buddy Ben, staying out late, meeting a lot of new friends in a super scenic, fun little beach contest.
What’s your practice routine like?
I don’t have a routine, probably to my detriment! I practice when I can. If a contest is coming up I’ll usually try to make it a goal to get a few hours of grind time prior.
How has the community changed since you started? Where do you want it to go?
It just seems like it reaches further. The internet and forums were a prevalent force back when I started; but the micro-sharing through Instagram, TikTok, and Discord really feels like it shrinks our global maps. I do think the DNA has had a profound boom on how many new people picked up a yo-yo. In the future, I’d like to see a non-competition focused event, that was substantial enough to warrant the travel & lodging that regular contests do.
If you never picked up a yo-yo - what would things look like now?
Well, when I took my yo-yo break, I learned to work on cars and played a lot of video games. I think I’d have gotten into a different hobby. Maybe cubing? A bunch of kids in my school were into that during that time.
Advice/ words of wisdom to new players?
Have fun! At the end of the day your enjoyment comes out of how you play with a toy. I can’t tell you how to have fun. But I will remind you to check and make sure you are. It’s easy to get lost in grinding for a competition or get caught up in how the modern judging system works.
Also don’t tell yourself no! I wouldn’t have been able to learn half the tricks I have if I ever put the mental block in place of some trick being “too-hard”.
Whats you want to tell the world?
I think we’re doing a better job day after day, but just being kinder and more accepting of people. This is a global community with nearly every possible background of people that all share different ideas and beliefs. I think it’s important to protect not only your own peace, but making sure others feel safe too. If you go to a contest say hi to someone new. You never know who just needs to at extra nudge to break that ever-present yo-yo awkwardness. And they may go on to be a great friend of yours.