Michael Capaldi, popularly known as Mike Mo Capaldi, is a professional regular-footed skateboarder who gained popularity following his video part in Forecast, a video produced by professional skateboarder Paul Rodriguez. In an October 2013 video feature for the Berrics website, Capaldi revealed his transition with the 360 flip, a very difficult skateboard trick, whereby he only performs the trick in "switch" stance; that is, opposite to his natural stance.
Early life
Originating from Simi Valley, California, United States and attended Royal High School. Capaldi explained in early 2013 that the "Mo" in his name is a nickname that was given to him by his father while he was a young boy. After breaking his wrist skating a handrail, Capaldi proceeded to avoid handrail skateboarding and explained in a 2013 interview that "I don't like rails."
Professional skateboarding
Capaldi stated in a 2013 interview that the best thing about his membership with the team is: "Because Girl to me, that's my childhood dream sponsor, so the fact that I'm on my dream sponsor is probably the coolest thing you can have; and Girl is tight as fuck, so." Capaldi also revealed later in the interview that he does not engage in any preparation or rituals prior to skateboarding, but that he has observed other skateboarders, that he considers some of the best, undertake routines prior to the act of skateboarding. Capaldi was sponsored by Matix for several years and released signature clothing products with the brand; the brand also produced custom-made singlets for Capaldi's basketball team "The Simi Valley Bierdos". Capaldi's first pro model shoe was with Lakai. Capaldi resigned from Lakai after the shoe brand emerged victorious from the 2011 "King of the Road" competition run by Thrasher magazine. In 2011, Capaldi was recruited to the Spitfire skateboard wheels team after a lengthy period of time with a company entitled Fillmore that is no longer in existence as of March 2013. As part of his introduction to the team, Capaldi created and published a spoof "sponsor-me" video that is typically reserved for unsponsored skateboarders. Following his time with Lakai, Capaldi joined the DC team, alongside other new team riders such as Nyjah Huston and Mikey Taylor. At the 2012 Agenda trade show, Capaldi's first signature shoe for DC was previewed in three different "colorways". On January 14, 2013, the first MikeMo Capaldi signature DC shoe model was released to the public, accompanied by two online video segments—promotion for the shoe is accompanied by the tagline: "Designed from the Inside Out". On November 1, 2016, it was announced that DC Shoes chose not to renew Mike's contract on October 31. Mike eventually parted ways with the company.
Capaldi and his brother, Vince, are co-owners and founders of Glassy Sunglasses; however, the trademark for the name "Glassy Sunglasses" is registered under the name "Capaldi, Vince". The Glassy sunglasses brand launched its internet store in September 2012, including signature products from Stefan Janoski, Sean Malto, and Mike Mo himself. A signature model for team rider Daewon Song, entitled the "Daeviator", was launched in late 2012. In May 2013, following a bet between Capaldi and professional skateboarder Chris Cole, the latter became a team rider for the Glassy brand—Capaldi and Cole, who are teammates on the DC Shoes team, agreed that Cole would join the Glassy team if he lost to Capaldi in any contest. The pair competed in the Battle at the Berrics 6 contest on May 18, 2013 and Cole was defeated by Capaldi.
Recognition
The SkateLab indoor skatepark partnered with the DC company for the "1st Annual Mike Mo Day", held on February 9, 2013. Participants at the event were provided with an opportunity to meet and skate with Capaldi, and free Capaldi DC product was also distributed.
Contest results
Capaldi won the first Battle at the Berrics after beating Benny Fairfax in a flatground game of "S.K.A.T.E.". Capaldi was selected as a competitor for the Street League competition, founded by professional skateboarder, Rob Dyrdek. Capaldi competed alongside professional skateboarders such as Sean Malto, Paul Rodriguez, Chris Cole, and Luan Oliviera for three seasons prior to the cessation of his involvement. ESPN Game Of Skate - 2014 X-Games Gold medalist for "Real Street" - 2015
Media appearances
Capaldi has been featured on Fuel TV's "New Pollution" segment and also appeared on the NBC television network talking about the "Battle at the Berrics" competition.
Personal life
Capaldi resides in Simi Valley, California, United States . However, in 2013, Capaldi revealed that even though Simi Valley is his home town, it is "time to move". Capaldi's brother, Vince, was diagnosed with "bone cancer", and was scheduled for an operation in 2009 in which a titanium bone substitute would be inserted into his body. Capaldi explained in a 2013 interview that if he wasn't a professional skateboarder, he would most likely be working in a skate shop, or a Foot Locker store after failing at basketball.
