Name: Joey Hall

Nickname: "jHo"

Birthday: 04.14.1978

Home: Columbia SC

Favorite Shred Ready helmet and color: Shensu, black or white

Describe the time you were most glad that you were wearing your helmet.
I often hit my head on my boat when I surf kayak....been chundered pretty bad, would have a heck of a bump on my head if I wasn't wearing my helm.

What person do you respect the most? Who is your hero?
My hero is my best friend Ben. He lost the use of his legs after a bad car accident a few years ago...seeing what he's been through, and how strong he is helps me stay grounded and realize that often when we complain, things could always be much worse. He's the bravest guy I know.

Who on the Shred Ready team do you most admire and why?
Spe because he is good at so many different types of kayaking. Gragt because he has incredible talent. Yellowboy because he's so handsome. Mike and Clarissa because they are doing what they love. And Tom Sherburne for being the brains behind the brand.

What movies/books/comics/TV shows, etc are you into right now?
I am a big OC fan, and I am not ashamed to say so. Also digging the Office (UK), the Sopranos, ER, Miami Ink, and the Twilight Zone.
Reading: Octopussy, Chronicles of Narnia, Rod Serling's Devils and Demons, The Punisher, Kabuki, and Ultimate X-men

What are you listening to these days?
The Arcade Fire has been on repeat on my ipod for months now. Also listening to lots of Jurassic 5, Tears for Fears, and 2 Many DJs. Oh, and the Ricky Gervais podcast is great too.

What was the best concert you attended?
U2 on the Popmart tour at Death Valley Stadium with Ben and Perry. Rage and DJ Shadow opened.

What are some things that motivate you?
My bitter feud with Drew Haynes, having fun, good waves.

What sports do you enjoy watching or participating in besides your main sport?
I like watching and playing soccer, even though I am no good at it.
I skate a little and ride my BMX a bit. Lots of people wouldn't guess it, but I am a big NFL football fan, I love watching the games with my Dad.

What's the most fun you've ever had while participating in your sport?
Kayaking with Jordan and the rest of my camp peeps back in 1995, and surfing "the peak" at Bundoran, Ireland with a few close friends and no boardies in 2003!

What's the best trip you've ever been on?
Probably the 2 month tour of the east coast that Spencer and I took in fall of 2002. We hit all the surf kayak events, and finished up at the surf kayak nationals in Wrightsville Beach.

What goals are you working towards right now?
I'm coaching a Junior Freestyle Kayak team in Columbia, SC, I really want to see those kids succeed.

When people look at your life, how would you like to be remembered?
As someone who never took anything too seriously, but was loyal to his friends and family.

What do you view as your biggest accomplishment?
Teaching kids how to kayak.

What advice do you have for other people coming up in your sport?
Have fun, do it because you enjoy it, and savor your progression, don't rush it.

One sentence that describes your life:
Running to stand still.

Duran Duran, Tear for Fears, Hall and Oates, or Cindy Lauper? Why?
Totally digging Tears for Fears right now, but how can I not pick the group that has my namesake in it? Gotta go with Hall and Oates.

Why are athlete bios always so lame?
Because I'm lame, and I wrote the questions.

I want to thank Nameth, Althaus, Wyland, and Irby for teaching me how to kayak, I'm forever indebted.