Session Magazine - Issue 49

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S O U T H AF R I CA: R3 4 .9 5 O T H E R CO U N T R I E S : R3 0 .0 4

ssue Birdsnakes, Skinny Jeans & Rocking Chairs 20 questions with

justus kotze

extra special

50th edition

sa’s favourite

child star

next issue!! we’re celebrating ten years of south african skateboarding next issue so be on the look out for the 50th installment of the timeless skateboarding saga that is session magazine.

returns Ketchup with

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Let’s make skate history.

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l ,5 things you want to know about es s a n d sames w,Harris J d

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Mr Bones Junior

Adam Woolf

e u r o p e

galleria Photographs from

Sam Clark

ISSU E 4 9 | A ugust/SEP TEMBER 2 0 1 2

sokkokok. bambiel. mageu. skogging. jims skates.

skate

All you need for Maloof Kimberley 2012. Element Future Nature DVD giveaway.

Plankie Tattoos. City of Rats. Old skateboards. Switch Tricks, Pit Party. The Burnouts.

W W W.SESSIONMA G.C O.Z A

SIGNATURE MODEL

Element Proudly Presents

Madars Apse (‘mat rs aps) e

This secretive, shaggy-haired omnivore is often found in the foothills of urban centers. While known for its long hibernations and calm disposition, it can display sudden bursts of energy when challenged.

The Element Am Video

Nick Garcia Julian Davidson

Evan Smith Boo Johnson

With Madars Apse, Trent McClung, Nassim Guammaz

Available now worldwide on iTunes and DVD elementskateboards.com

short

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founder: Brendan Body THE BOSS Clint van der Schyf THE EDITOR AD Henderson ad@sessionmag.co.za THE SALES GUY Kyle Porter info@amplespace.co.za team photographers Pablo Ponzone, Gavin Scott, Ben Bergh, Sam Clark, Tim Moolman, Miguel Howell, Wayne Reiche, Tyrone Bradley, Clint van der Schyf. photographers Andre Visser, Jonathan Pinkhard, Clinton Theron, Alan Marola, JP Du Preez, Jansen van Staden, Leon Bester, Dewald Bruwer, Darren Jacoby, Rudi Jeggle, Marcel Yslie, Werner Lamprecht, . writers Adrian Day, Luke Jackson, Brett Shaw, AD Henderson, Harry Sach, Suzy Snakes.

sessionssubs@rnad.co.za Why waste time. Subscribe!

Send us your name, postal address, email and contact number. For attention: RNA Subscriptions Department.

R150 for 6 issues.

RNA Subs Banking Details: First National Bank Acc: RNA Subs Brn: FNB Trade Services 657 Brn Code: 254 655 Acc. No.: 6210 4927 259

sam clark makes somewhat of a comeback this issue with the av advert, justus photos, his own galleria and this fine looking wallie on some fine looking european architecture. photo Paul Labadie

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oints are killing me. Not those joints, the ones connecting my limbs. An icy cold has pitched it’s hideously thick tent over the Cape and that bastard looks to be here a while.

Grandpas whine about bone and muscle pain in bad weather, yet skaters are years ahead of middle age when we first start feeling it’s effects. All those minor/ major slams come biting back, like an aggravated swarm of scorpions hell-bent on dissecting you with those pointy, poison tail things.

I can hate. We can all hate together.

To most, the weather is small talk. A safety net for those lulls in conversation between you and some new acquaintance forced into interaction through some cruel joke of destiny, but for skateboarders it’s a pretty central topic.

Our livelihood depends on whether DJ Nature wants to spin some heat or remix some gale force winds. Over the years, I’ve developed a preference for rain over wind. Rain means you’re skating indoors or not at all. When it’s just windy you say, “Fuck you thunder...” - meaning wind - and you head out. Only to bail on some dumb trick you already landed 06 Issue 49 #SessionSkateMag

and wrap your foot around your new friggin’ Plankie in your new friggin’ Vans and now your friggin’ ankle is

If thunder is God’s farts, then wind is Satan’s endless garlic and cigarette flavoured belch. the size of a balloon and you have to go to your sisters 21st that night and what’s more ironic is sister told you not to hurt yourself and now it’s crutches for 3 weeks and ice buckets and horse tranquilisers and.... I’m sure you get the picture. If thunder is “God’s farts”, then wind is Satan’s endless garlic and cigarette flavoured belch.

But despite the devil’s belching, or celestial passing of gas or urine, or snow in Johannesburg - we still get our sessions on. We hit the indoor park (if we’re lucky); find underground parking lots; have garage sessions; take our mates to dad’s warehouse; scour the schools

for large enough afdaks to skate under.

There’s always a plan to be made if you’re looking.

And so winter sessions can be amoung the best. Some of the most enjoyable games of skate I can remember were in a 2x3m garage in a desperate attempt to do some skating that day, while all manner of animals were pissing down outside. Days and days of unskatable weather builds up a ton of motivation, so when the session is called, the hype and energy are boundless.

Yet, these days it seems the seasons are getting later. Winter only really sets in mid-July, and it’s lingers straight through ‘til November. Christmas isn’t nearly as hot as it used to be.

It’s occurred to me over the many cold months I’ve endured over the years, that our modern way of time keeping may be drastically faulted...

Or maybe Session is just getting to me.

Enjoy.

Session Skateboarding Magazine

Published independantly through Schyf Media cc.

info@sessionmag.co.za Mail us news, photos, letters and suggestions.

Postal Address PO Box 2591, Somerset West, 7129.

Printers Typo Colour Printing Specialists +27 (0) 11 402 3468/9 Web presence www.sessionmag.co.za www.facebook.com/ SessionMag www.twitter.com/ SessionSkatemag Session Skateboarding Magazine is published independantly 6 times a year by Schyf Media cc. Session will welcome all letters, e-mails and photos. We will review the contribution and assess whether or not it can be used as print or online content. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the magazine, it’s owners or it’s management. Session Skateboarding Magazine is the copyright of Session Magazine cc. Any duplication of this magazine, for any media or sale activity, will result in legal action and a severe gwara gwara beat-down from Macauley... Uh... I mean... from adam.

10. Bizness 12. Shindigs 14. LRG’s Local Produce 16. Walking The Cow 20. Ketchup with Adam Woolf 24. James Harris runs The Gauntlet 36. 20 Questions with Justus Kotze 44. Sam Clark Galleria 54. Closet Envy 55. Tatt Analogy 56. Reader’s Photos 58. Element Stick Tips 59. Decadence 60. Rainy Days 62. Have an Adrian day

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theBIZNESS

news, updates and rumours

passing

the torch Pretoria From year to year the Quiksilver Backyard Burnout torch is kept alive by by beer, homies and rock ‘n Roll. This year the event is confirmed for the 7th of September and will be hosted at Puddy Zwennis’ brand spanking new backyard ramp. The ramp was built by last issue’s cover star Dave De Witt and looks to be the perfect setting for an all-out firefight.

a secret weapon?

The adidas team will be heading to Durban end of August on their second “Welcome to the team trip”.

Exactly WHO is being welcomed remains to be seen. The only clue we got was this photo (right), and the instruction to look out for AV16 which will feature the trip that officially announces the new rider.

If you’ve seen the first adidas SA trip to Maputo (vimeo.com/33618838 ) you’ll know why we’re excited.

?

ramp skating?

In related news, Jono’s Skate Shop in East London is now stocking some adidas shoes, so drop by if you’re in the area.

A new company, The Legion Skateboard Company, has started out of Cape Town. The team includes Feleciano Alves, Jacques Erasmus (right), Frank Prinsloo, Shane Burnell and Dyllan Wright, and is proudly supported by Circa Footwear. Asa rule, every graphic will be available in every size. deck (7.8, 8, 8.1, 8.25).

Check out www.thelegionskateco.com for availability.

international

Reel judges

The DC REELedit Mystery Judges have all been officially revealed. DC Pro Mikey Taylor (US) and DC Europe Pro/ Team Manager Ruben Garcia (ESP) have never been exposed to the SA scene so will have a completely objective and unbiased opinion, and AV Skateboarding founder and SA legend Clint van der Schyf will join them from a local perspective. The DCshoesAfrica Facebook fanpage has the judges intro videos where they give some insight as to what they are looking for in the best video part. You the viewers will act as the 4th judge in this battle for R30000 so do your job and keep an eye on the fanpage for the latest releases and updates.

10 Issue 49 #SessionSkateMag

synchronised

The Pit, Cape Town Vans are holding a mini-ramp comp with a twist. The format is a 2-man-a-side affair at The Pit (ramp behind Clarke’s) on the 7th of September. There is R6000 cash money up for the winners, as well as Tricks 4 Cash spot prizes from Red Bull for landed bangers or skater-pleasing lines. Video partners GoPro and AV will be covering the event with the edit being released in AV16 and Session #50.

Aside from the required team names, and the possibilities of skating doubles, rumour has it, colour-coded uniforms may score bonus points. Either way, be in Cape Town on the 7th and hit The Pit. It’s sure to be a Off The Wall affair.

generally

speaking

The guys from Bones Wheels were very impressed by Pieter Retief ’s AV14 Close Up and sent him a promo pack. Anthony De Mendonca joins Justus Kotze and Thalente Biyela on the LRG Team. Khule Ngubane joins JeanMarc Johannes on the Nixon SA team. Braxton Haines has returned to his home on Element (who are giving away DVD’s on page 60). Volcom SA have a big announcement next issue. Vans have a tour planned up to Maloof. Cover boy Skippy and Plankie homie JP du Preez are filming - get hyped for AV16. Juan Smit is op Enjoi.

Brendan Dyamond is on NikeSB flow. Marcel Maassen is back on Verb (Leon Bester left the team a while ago). And Moses has hit NYC!

wonderlanD Is Mark Donaldson making a comeback? Is Loucas Polydorou changing sponsors? What are the SSS Crew going to burn at this years Maloof ? Has Pieter Retief lost a leg? Will Jean-Marc Johannes break a Guiness World Record for the most flip tricks in the Session Video?

Is Toothless trying to get into Pollsmoor? Is Will Twala still alive?

And where the hell is Dlamini?

skate

SHINDIGS

events and happenings

buck tour

2012

George, Westen Cape The Buck Tour has little to do with actual skateboarding. It may involve skateboarders, a skate contest, skate product and standing around talking about skateboarding, but the time actually spent on your board is pretty minimal.

Well at least if you’re part of the Getting Older crew. The campsite across the road from SkateLab had a new bowling alley that housed our loud, obnoxious celebrations on the Friday night. One scoreboard read “Jou. Ma. Se. Quap” as the names, and our riotous laughter and commotion were a 5 hour constant.

The main highlights of the weekend were Alan Marola joining the Plankie Team and winning the contest; the Best Trick jam - Christi 270 backlip; The Mexican Viking falling on a pole with his back; 20sk8’s Papsak; the Little Kids heat with 3 kids all hardly over a meter tall, and Damd vs Plankie Wrestlemania. (Just wait for Maloof.)

The traditional double set session didn’t happen due to bust and rain, put we rolled the streest on Sunday nonetheless with at least 40 skaters lurking around.

Mostly hungover. I can’t wait to not remember next year.

Clockwise from top right: The Captain: The Winner: The Braai Master: The Entertainment: The Mexican Viking: The Unit:

Patrick Avenant.

Alan Marola.

Leon Bester.

Marcel Maassen.

Wian Jacobs.

Craig Leak.

The largest gathering of skateboarders in south africa this year

klickklack

28 - 30 Sept. 2012 Bree Street, Westen Cape The Pit is becoming a guarenteed good vibe. KlickKlack was a photographic exhibition featuring Gavin Scott, Sam Clark, Leon Bester, Dewald Bruwer, Tyler Murphy, Jansen van Staden and many more. Black Lung made it’s debut and Future Primitive unleashed the noise to wrap the night up. Check the revolution-daily for more photo’s and details.

Clockwise from above: Darren looks way too excited pushing another man. Steel loading door for an entrance.

Black Lung debut. Pretty pictures on the walls.

r

Webicide

Facebook extracts for your dark comedic relief.

Toti Hate Colin Provost. Bluntslide

Cobain

The Maloof competition in Kimberley is undoubtably a South African skate festival.

It’s the highest concentration of local skateboarders in any one place, any any given time throughout the year.

baking tray gateway getting it wrong

But you’ll have to keep your wits about you.

sausage for supper friend decrease

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Bring supplies and keep them stashed.

That includes wood, blitz, utensils, a cup, sleeping gear, water bottle, lighter etc.

Sharing is caring, but if you don’t bring anything it’s just loafing.

When it comes to the contest, scope it out first. There’s always too much going to take in so take your time and let it soak in. And don’t be a hassler. Wait for the opportunity to talk to Reynolds and take it. Don’t go bugging dudes. It’s irritating.

Firstly, you need to figure out the transport. The train is looking like a good option this year. Kimberley is pretty small so easy to get around. Else the bus is also the more affordable route if you don’t access to wheels. The small airport is slightly out of town so be prepared for a taxi ride.

Regularly go around the market area.

The homies sitting behind the stands need company. Plus that’s where a lot of the free stuff goes out.

There’s a campsite right next to the park which is base camp. Various B&B’s and hotels dot the surrounding area but be sure to book early. Many were booked up by the week before the event.

Find out where to get your ticket at www.maloofmoneycup.com and join the mission to Maloof 2012.

You definitely won’t regret going.

It’s a skate contest not a rugby match.

Don’t go yelling the odds like a overexcited father.

Photos Miguel Howell

#SessionSkateMag Issue 49

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local

PRODUCE

proudly Presented by

Local Produce explores the work and other passions of SA skateboarders.

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Fir efighting and Snap Originals

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When Oom Juan isn’t saving tortoises or battling forest flames, nor riding trees, ditches or walls, you can usually find him busy with his latest creation at his workbench in cape town.

About a year and a half ago, Juan saw Keiran Mans’ industrial-design-project-turned-income-stream in the form of spoons and forks Keiran had made from old skateboards. While not necessarily a new thing, this specific interaction inspired Juan to start experimenting with old boards to see what he could make out of them.

Starting with a spoon the hobbie soon sparked interest amoungst friends. Juan started making trays, salad forks and rings - mostly based on other peoples suggestions. “I like making new things. It’s a challenge to work out how to make, say an achor. I enjoy that challenge most.”

His photo frames - showing the beaten skateboard graphic, have been used in recent exhibitions in Cape Town prompting him to give his hobbie a name. So with the help of Leon Bester’s Creative Studio, Snap Originals was born.

LRG supports people who pay rent with their passion. Please note that skateboarders featured are not necessarily sponsored by lrg south africa.

Using mostly DIY tools at his disposal - jigsaws, belt sanders, router saws - each original Juan makes needs attention and care. Getting the grain spiral of the spoons perfectly rounded is an effort in itself, especially considering what people are willing to pay. Another challenge is sourcing boards. Friends will donate their snapped or old boards, so the inflow is sporadic (so mass production is not an option).

Aside from his hobbie-turned-business, Juan has been a contract firefighter for the past 5 years, mostly working summers. He’s applied for a permanent post despite almost dying on 4/5 occasions from either being almost trapped by a fire or accidents surrounding the fire. The worst being on the side of a highway in drastically low visibility, where a car collided with their parked bakkie, almost taking Juan out with it. He says he’s addicted though. “It’s a rush similar to skateboarding,” he muses, “You just start wanting more and more.”

Maar Oom Juan is nie simple nie. He knows how to handle risk, both on and off the board. Plus he’s got a constant reminder of what happens when you lose in a battle with fire. Hellboy (pictured) who lost his back legs in the blaze. Hellfire also decided to piss on Juan’s hands as they were shooting this photo. Apparently because “He gets shy.”

Email bobbajuan@gmail.com for info.

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Photos by leon bester

Ad#38, Adrian Day. Regression is our progression. familiaskateboarding.com

walking

modern day

THE COW Guidelines for life as a skateboarder by Brett Shaw.

Skateboard Art Memory Function Once you’re done annihilating your deck, trucks and wheels, there’s a lot of different places they could end up.

[2] Wheels can stabilize a shelf. My soldering iron kept leaning on my drill until I levelled my shelf out with some old zip zingers.

[3] My bro Triple D makes sk8shades but he knows what he’s doing. Juan also makes some killer stuff but we’ll leave the tech skills to the experts.

[4] Talking of Triple D, who’s fame has grown since having the last SESSION cover, he made me a Cactus for my Birthday out of an old Rasa Libre deck – stoked.

[5] When it’s pizza braai time and there’s no wood the dude with the oldest board has to make a sacrifice for the clan, and that’s where the fire wood deck was born.

pipers

If you don’t know what INSTAGRAM is just pretend that you do.

With that out the way here’s a bunch of the best people to follow.

Some live on the tip of Africa, some don’t. @Clintscorner

You can hand them on to a down and out skater or you could stack them in your garage for a rainy day so that you can write a poem about all the special moments you had together.

Hell, you could even melt down your bearings and make a fake UFO and hang it from a tree with fishing gut. It all boils down to what power tools you have at your disposal and if fire excites you. Here’s a list of things that will help you gain respect from your peers.

[1] It may just be me, but usually I find that old trucks are really good for cutting dog turds in half. My dogs Thor and Isis have huge poohs, so I usually cut them up into small pieces so that I can flick them over the wall with a zylap (google that).

PIed

@geoffrowley

[6] Occasionally I like to serve drinks to my guests using my board as a tray, it’s best to turn the board upside down because no one wants sweat stains near their beverage. Plus the grip tape side is better for moving concrete.

[7] It’s super rad to have a skateboard wall of rad boards, and even better if your friends did all the board graphics.

@suzysnakes

@Lee_man

Spring 2012 | Audio Visual Skateboarding Video Magazine | Issue 16 Winter 15 The world’s a flower and it’s wonderful that we all live in it. Art can creep out of the weirdest places so be open to new experiences and keep your ear to the ground.

That’s the only way you’ll ever rise above the cream – Get Some.

@iamthalente

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@inpedendenttrucks

Exposure 16.1 Weekend Pretoria Field Trip Skateboarding for Hope Tour Debut Dylan Vaughan Field Trip Adidas In Durban Close Up Alan Morola Plus Bonus Footage @wongozeen

www.avskateboarding.tv shop.avskateboarding.tv 16 Issue 49 #SessionSkateMag

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Advertising, Sales Information and Contributors > Email: info@avskateboarding.tv or go to www.avskatebaording.tv

lucas

puig

backside smith 360 kickflip out lucas pro

www.adidas.com/skateboarding

Š 2012 adidas america, inc. adidas, the trefoil logo and the 3-stripes mark are registered trademarks of the adidas group.

OMG! ADAM WOoLF k e t c h u p adam isn’t your average child star. he hasn’t been to rehab, doesn’t have any kids and still has parents that love him. thankfully what he lacks in stardom, he makes up for on a skateboard.

So, we know you starred as the young Mr Bones, and that you’ve done a number of commercials including that Coca Cola campaign around the world cup, but fresh our memories? How old are you, where are you from, how long have you been rolling, what’s your mom’s number?

I am 23 years old, from the streets of JHB. I have been rolling since the age of 10. Dude, how many times must I give you her number!? For the last time, its 076 900 ####.

Is it hard work being a Child Star?

We searched all over for those Coca Cola adverts that Adam featured in. Obviously Google didn’t think it needed to be recorded. Or maybe Adam paid to have all traces removed...

It’s possible. Child Stars have been known to do worse.

But no Child Star has ever been know to kickflip chunky 11 stair hubba’s - at night.

Nah, it’s pretty easy hey, because if people piss me off, I just hit them with my ‘gwarra gwarra’ stick.

photos by rudi jeggle interview by harry sach

How much did you get paid for Coke-a-Cola to put your face all over South Africa?

Got quite a bit of moola - they also paid me extra for the anal and stuff.

Does drinking Coke-a-Cola make you a better skateboarder?

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#SessionSkateMag Issue 49

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I could never pretend my name is earl

I love Coke! But I don’t think it makes me skate better. Maybe if Monster made a Coke flavoured drink… That would help for sure!

Does being Australian make you a better skateboarder?

Nah, I’m not Australian but, I heard something about them liking sheep on the edge of a cliff...

Oh, ok. You’re NOT Australian? Would things have been better if you were?

Festival Mall is…

Mr Bones gave me nightmares. How did you cope with working on such a horrific set?

I have slowed down on the acting for quite a while now, but I want to get back into because it sure pays well!

Too slippery.

I’d rather be hitting the ‘gwarra gwarra’

Are you going to be South Africa’s Jason Lee?

stick and getting paid, than be stuck in a classroom at school.

I could never pretend my name is Earl.

Is Leon Schuster actually FW De Klerk’s longlost bastard son?

Only if you’re a member of the AWB.

Have you ever used Monster instead of milk in your cereal?

Hell yeah!! Only the green ones though, it’s called Hulk cereal.

Who would win in a fight, a monster or a red bull?

How could things ever be better dude, I live in the Vale and I’m a child star!

Are you going to work with Leon De Klerk again?

Have you started doing hard drugs, partying with XXX bitches and fathering children in every province yet?

Yes, I am currently working on Mr Bones 3, it should be out soon.

A monster would definitely take the win.

A red bull would probably grow some wings and fly away.

Does skateboarding help you when you’re ‘playing pretend’ in front of the world?

Ryan Sheckler is…

Above: Apparently, aside from his “Fantastic smile and fabulous posture,” Adam pleases every photographer with his “Gorgeous executions of Le Flip and Le Catch.” Frontside Smith Kickflip out.

As like most child stars, I managed to do ALL of that and rehab by age 16.

(Kidding)

Top Right: Mall grabs are one of Adam’s specialities, but he doesn’t do them anymore. He doesn’t want you to think he’s arrogant or anything. But he still goes to malls and does phat frontside flips.

How often do people recognise you from adverts/ movies?

22 Issue 49 #SessionSkateMag

world?

All the time, I’m a famous child star my brew!

Skateboarding helps with everything, even when I’m pretending to pretend, I pretend I’m skating and having fun. It’s always time to pretend!

Do you still ‘play pretend’ in front of the whole

Flystation was…

The shizzle !!!

This interview is…

Random.

Who do you want to thank for helping you become a child star?

I would like to start off by thanking Rudi Jeggle for taking such dank pics, and to all of my sponsors , Monster , Volcom and Verb. Would also like to thank my family and friends for always being there, you know who you are, and to all those that support me in everything I do.

Skate on!

A machine!!

Gary Rogers is…

Not famous enough because I don’t know who he is. #SessionSkateMag Issue 49

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Runs the gauntlet Little known, but richly known is how I would describe James in terms of his presence in skateboarding. Guys know him from all over South Africa. His effortless ramp skating is instantly memeroble and he could quite easily skate a ramp for an hour without repeating a trick if he tried.

James has time for everyone too and is full of good advice, cost-saving tips and interesting ideas/stories.

He is a true gentleman of a skateboarder.

But that doesn’t mean he won’t ‘sleep wee’ in your desk.

Photography by Andre Visser.

Obstacles by Jansen and Joubert van Staden, Loucas Polydorou and Nico van der Westhuizen

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#SessionSkateMag Issue 49

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Skogging Skogging, or Skateboard-Jogging - I actually need to rename it SkateboardJogging because the term Skogging is already taken by this American guy, Chris Yandall, and what he does is pretty gay (crossing legs, turning with one foot off the board etc, ballet style) - is simply skating around your neighbourhood as a form of exercise. I started doing it when I moved back in with my parents at the end of 2008. Our house was like halfway up the Helderberg Mountain, and there are some sick hills around there to choose from. You pretty much go out early in the morning wearing whatever you have in your cupboard resembling jogging gear. I have a neon pink cap and a reflective ankle bracelet, and my favourite Tuks shorts.

Then you just skate around for like 45 minutes. No walking allowed! You have to push on the uphills and flats (unless it’s really steep, then you hold the board in front of you with one hand on each truck, and jog up), and you get to bomb or just carve/powerslide the downhills.

You need a board that you can ollie up curbs with, and wheels that are soft but slide easily. Sometimes you get lucky and are able to hitch a ride with a truck or a bulldozer on the uphills (Irene Avenue is a killer!). Skogging beats jogging any day, but motorists will hate you!

Mageu Man, Mageu is such an underrated and misunderstood drink. I think it’s got a bad image because it comes in a cardboard box. I used to have the wrong impression about Mageu. The box-packaging it comes in makes it look like that gross lumpy sour milk (Amazi). The first time I had it was at TWP (The White Place) aka The Ghetto in Pretoria. BP (Boipelo) and myself were skating around, hanging out - me with my yskaswater and BP with his 1 litre cardboard-box of Mageu. He told me about it and said he drinks it for energy when skating. I took a few sips and totally loved it! It’s damn nice, sort of like a poor man’s yogi sip. Soon after I was able to convert a few other skeptics like Jansen, Joubert, and Deon.

Eating meat My parents stopped eating meat shortly after they got married, so naturally I was brought up on a vegetarian diet (we ate eggs, milk, and cheese, but no fish, chicken, or red meat). The first time I ate meat was in pre-primary school by accident.

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Old-school deck collection

I played around with flat pieces of off-cut wood and sawn in half rollerskate trucks - you know, like the 70’s style boards.

Earlier this year my friend Douglas gave me a call and said that he found a guy in Johannesburg selling a total of 24 decks and 12 sets of trucks. Naturally I was quite excited and so we went 50/50 on the deal. The boards are from the 1989 to 1991 era, consisting of a mix of Zorlacs, Airbourne, and band decks from the Rolling Stones and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. The trucks are wide-ass Ventures and Deadbolts.

We have since taken photos of all the decks and put them on a Facebook group called ‘Old School Skateboard Collection’.

At first we wanted to sell them, but now we are quite attached to the decks: they are real beauties. But, we might consider passing them along, if the right bidder comes along. Nico van der Werf also stumbled across the guy in Jhb’s ad, but was informed that a ‘Douglas and James’ had already bought the lot. Sorry Nico, you snooze you lose!

The second time I ate meat was when I was around 16 at a braai. I tried a piece of boerewors, and it wasn’t bad. But just the hard part was not trying to think where exactly the meat was coming from. It was a mental challenge and it grossed me out.

As an extreme comparison, it would be like me asking you to take a nice big bite of this steak which was cut from Venus Williams’ shoulder. That would be bloody ridiculous and you probably wouldn’t be able to take a casual bite without your brain saying ‘Whoa now, do NOT eat that you damn sicko!’ Being a vegetarian is hard as you are very limited when eating out and braaiing. But I suppose vegans have it the hardest.

Jim’s Skates

Hospice/charity shop hunting I don’t know why more people aren’t into this! You have the possibility of finding ANYTHING, from wallets and leather belts, to funky caps, sunglasses and interesting clothes, old telephones, tools, wetsuits, whatever. So far I have identified 9 of these shops in my area and try to frequent them on a weekly basis. And it’s so cheap! I think the reason is because the volunteers who work there are mostly old folk who price the products as if it were 1953. I’ve gotten legit Carrera sunglasses for R25, caps for R5, Woolworths buttonup shirts for R15, and even a stack of Session magazines for 50c each (Thanks James – AD). But it’s sort of like digging for gold; you have to go through a lot of dirt to come across a valuable nugget.

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harris

I’ve always been messing around in the garage modifying skateboards. On 2 occasions in primary school I’ve cut up old-school decks into new school shapes - it sort of worked, but the noses were a bit short. An old friend, Francois Breedt (in NZ now), and I used to shorten the length of old-school trucks by cutting the hangar and the axle with a metal saw. I’ve even lathed old school wheels down to smaller, narrower shapes.

Anyway, about 2 years ago I started reshaping used new school decks into cruisers. I played around with flat pieces of off-cut wood and sawn in half rollerskate trucks, you know, like the 70’s style boards. This led to getting more offcuts from the wood supplier, but making the decks wider so as to fit with regular trucks (I had a crap-load of spare trucks, wheels, and bearings in a box under my bed). Naturally this came to mind: a flat deck, but with the wheelbase and width of a regular deck.

This means that you can adjust from your everyday board to one of these flat decks and get used to it rather quickly (unlike a longboard that can only turn wide and has no tail).

Last year around this time one of the local ramp skaters saw one of my boards and said ‘Why don’t you sell them?’, I thought this could be a good idea as I couldn’t find a regular job, I knew I wanted to start a business one day, I didn’t have any money, and making flat decks wouldn’t be

FastPlant.

Somerset West.

The teachers used to give us snacks and stuff, and the one day it was fish paste sandwiches. I think I spat it out immediately.

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as hard or cost as much as pressing decks.

It’s now a year later and I have access to a little workshop, have created a small website, settled on 3 deck shapes I’m happy with, and have a supplier of trucks, wheels, and other components.

My boards are for REAL skateboarders who know what’s up, but also have open minds. It’s a zippy cruiser with components that meet high standards.

And when it’s not being used it can be hung on a wall (they come with a hole drilled in the nose).

Downhilling

‘Nee oupa, sy se sy het sulke kak in haar lewe... sokko kok in ha lewe’.

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Sweeper.

Somerset West.

All types of skateboarding interest me (maybe I’ll still get into freestyle and slalom one day), so of course downhill skating is no exception. We used to bomb some of the hills in Heidelberg sitting on our boards or lying down. Then in high school we made some home made longboard decks from marine ply, or by simply moving the trucks to the edge of a normal deck (known as a shlongboard –ie. a short long board). We hit the same hills and found a few more around town, but this time standing up. Around that time our only safety device was a yellow Mr Price Red hoodie, just to minimise roasties in case you bailed. We never knew about reverse kingpin downhill trucks and the rest of it, so most of the slams were a result of speed wobbles.

During my time in Pretoria I fashioned some sliding gloves by sticking a piece of plastic cutting board to welding gloves. These gloves, 70mm Kryptonics wheels, and a shlongboard allowed us to experiment on some of the Rigel Avenue hills. Most other skaters weren’t into it but Deon, Ian, Douglas and Ribs were always game.

There’s a big downhill scene here in Cape Town. As soon as I moved here I went to a few of the organised events.

These guys are good, slightly mental, and serious about it. I mean they have the best skate equipment and use full leather suits, proper helmets, and have factory-made sliding gloves. I thought I’d give it a try and got myself some Indy 215’s, and a locally made racing board from Project Skateboards. But after seeing one of the guys almost die at Faircape and realising that is wasn’t the necessarily the speed but the sliding that I was after, I gave my amateur downhilling up for what they call ‘sliding’ (old school setup with big,

g a u n t l e t

hard wheels, then you find steep hills and powerslide the crap out of them with the use of your sliding gloves).

Renting Movies I used to be a bit behind when it came to talking about movies or the latest releases at the cinemas. People would ask, ‘Have you seen this?’ ‘Nope, not yet.’ Or I’d get ‘I can’t believe you still haven’t watched Pulp Fiction...’ So then I decided to do some catching up. I opened accounts at numerous video stores, and got an Edgars Club card for half-price movies any day.

And most recently I got myself a library card which allows you to ‘rent’ 2 DVD’s at a time – I always take 1 documentary/ live concert, and one movie. I think I’m already halfway through their entire shelf!

Sokkokok Sokkokok is an open Facebook group we started a few years ago, mainly containing funny pictures, jokes, quotes, and annual Baardmaand and Snorgustus/Movember competitions. Nothing too serious. The name comes from a Casper De Vries video, which went something like this: Sex and the City wys, en Samantha met daai vuil bek van haar se – I just wanna suck a cock’. Then the hard at hearing grandpa watching the TV says: ‘wat se’ die meisietjie?’ Then Casper replies (with a Pretoria accent), ‘Nee oupa, sy se sy het sulke kak in haar lewe... sokko kok in ha lewe’. Hahaha! From then on we just started saying ‘sokkokok’ everywhere, ‘sokkokok this’ and ‘sokkokok that’.

Shortly after, when I wanted to start an FB group there was only one name for it that seemed right.

Who was the founding member of Avril Army?

Avril Army consists of Quintin Buys, Andre Seidel, Tiaan Kotze, with myself being the last to join. There were all these skateboard ‘crews’ around, guys who would always skate together and if you weren’t in the crew you weren’t allowed to skate with them.

So one day Quin said that he and the other two guys were talking, and that they came up with this idea: to start our own little crew called Avril Army (this was when Avril Lavignes ‘skater boy’

james

harris

song was making the rounds). The main idea was that being in a strict skate-crew is actually lame, and by forming a crew with the only basis being Avil Lavigne/ skaterboy we were poking fun at other crews. A Dilbert quote is relevant here: ‘There is a fine line between participation and mockery’.

Tiaan designed a logo based on the Dog Town cross graphic, with the word AVRIL horizontal and ARMY vertically, with both words using the same R. Then I cut out a stencil from this logo and painted it on t-shirts and some boards. Andre and Tiaan since moved to England, and Quin is in JHB so currently Avril Army is on ice.

Have you ever sucked on a Bambiel?

Hmm, am I gay? No, definitely not. It must be because of my lack of girlfriend activity that some people have wondered if I’m a homo. A good friend even called me up recently having heard some Heidelberg rumour and he asked me, ‘Maar regtig, is jy gay ou?’. Jeez, I’m as heterosexual as you can get man! I’m just shy and terrible at talking to the ladies.

And anyway chicks/wives make you give up your freakin’ balls and your desire to skate. I’ve seen it happen too many times before. What a shame.

Moving along swiftly. Bambiel is a little brand myself and 2 friends, Emile and Douglas, have started. We do caps and t-shirts, and the only graphic/logo we have is the word Bambiel written in a certain lower-case font. Simple, yet effective! For years I’ve been cutting out stencils and printing my own shirts at home. One of the latest ones is the Bambiel print, and the first shirt I printed was given to Herman when he came down to the Cape for a job interview.

He took the shirt back to PTA with him, Emile saw it, absolutely loved it. Emile then had hundreds of Bambiel stickers made, and just sticker bombed the shit out of Pretoria. He then said ‘Hey, I’ve got some bucks, let’s make caps.’ And just like that it started. And I’ve heard someone from Pretoria say ‘Mense soek Bambiel poes erg’. Quite a confidence booster.

So far Die Tuindwergies have worn our caps on stage at Oppikoppi, and we also gave away free caps to each passenger

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on the ‘Oppikoppi Convoy’ bus in 2010.

Currently we are working on getting t-shirts out there, and then some rad caps again. So far the brand has only had exposure around the Pretoria area, but soon we’ll have a presence here in the Cape as well. And then… we’ll take over the world! Hahahaha!

Staying with Nico. Ghetto Days.

Half way through my second year in Pretoria I was lucky enough to move in with Nico van der Werff. He and his brother Gert had a flat in Sunnyside near the Ghetto, but Gert had to go work in the Cape or something so I could stay in his fully furnished room. Thanks Gert!

It was a fun 18 months. Their complex had a pool and a braai area, which created a good vibe that I like. There were these fun 1st year girls who stayed down the passage, we became friends and hung out quite a bit.

Many days, returning to the flat after a late afternoon or evening skate we would sit on the carpet and eat dinner in front of the TV watching skate videos. Fun times.

Nico taught me the time saving secret of dish washing. The dishes can go straight from the soapy basin to the drip-drying rack. No need for rinsing, as only old people do this apparently. To this day that simple elimination technique has saved me hours.

The Ghetto was just a few blocks away and at that time was quite a happening place: there were some good obstacles like Nico’s box, Hartmut’s downward box, random stairs all over, and the red removable polejam which I salvaged from a building site at Menlyn mall.

Many guys I look up to would be around the Ghetto frequently; top skaters from Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Centurion.

Some good skating went down there, for sure.

After they kicked us out of the Ghetto, Skinner became the new raw street spot.

But to me the Ghetto had soul: there was a tree with shade to chill under, grass all around, a burger joint and store just up the road. Legendary spot, RIP.

Sleep urinating Yeah no… uhh. No comment? I don’t remember any of this as I’m mostly sleeping at the time, but the evidence is there afterwards nonetheless. The first time I recall was in my room in Heidelberg, I woke up halfway through, standing there believing that the corner of my room was a tree.

But the ‘best’ was when I stayed with Nico:

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“At about 3 in the morning, he casually walked in, called his imaginary friends and told them to come piss by the car... my desk.”

Nico Apparently I opened up the top drawer, took a leak, and sleepwalked back to my room. The worst was at a friend’s house, but I won’t get into that one, although apologies must go to Ulrike, her maid, and her brother’s bed… Sorry. I’ve been free from sleep-weeing for some time now.

Studying days My first choice was actually to go to Stellenbosch University, but because Pretoria had Thrashers skatepark ([chant] Thrashers! Thrashers! Thrashers!) I decided to apply there first. I got in, and was lucky enough to study at Tuks for 6 years full-time. In my 1st year the only person I previously knew was Steyn Enslin, he was 3rd year student staying in Mopani dormitory. I hung out there so much that the other first years would salute me as if I was a third year. It was always funny, and I just went with it.

Through skateboarding and Thrashers I met some of the coolest craziest people. You could skate the park ‘til late, like 10 pm, and there was a bar there hosting some mad nights. Ping pong tournaments, comps and after parties. So many good memories from that place.

Through Quin and Andre Seidel I got a casual job at the Boogaloos Menlyn store, and I’m so thankful to these guys and Puddy for allowing me to tag along on Boogaloos tours and out of town demos.

In my 4th year many of the ex-Heidelberg Skaatsplank Bende came to study in Pretoria as well. I wasn’t able to get them to start skating again but we surely hung out a lot: Hatfield Square, The Nest braais and parties, LC De Villiers sports ground.

These are still some of my best friends.

Herman, Fransie, Emile, Christiaan, Douglas, John, Marko – Heidelbergers have a strong bond and always end up

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harris

hanging out together no matter where the party’s at. ‘Dis die Heidelberg nou!

Dis die Heidelberg nou! Vat hom gou, dis die Heidelberg nou!’

But as it goes, all good things come to an end. My parents moved to Somerset West and I subsequently moved back in with them after finishing the studies in 2008, to start the much dreaded job hunt.

Helderberg College This was the school I attended in Std 9 and Matric. Like my previous school it was also a small, Christian school – there were about 100 to 120 students in total. It’s a really beautiful campus, on a rather big piece of land on the slope of the Helderberg Mountain. They have everything from pre-primary school through to a tertiary college, a church, a forest, a farm, and an olive plantation.

Not bad at all, very scenic.

My brother and I stayed on campus at the high school biology teacher’s house, Mr. Joubert. His son Theo was an ex-skater, who had built a big wooden half pipe in the forest behind their house. Theo gave me my first set of Independent trucks, and also a Fraud deck, a board company which I think Ben Bergh knows more about... I think they got these uncut blank decks and put their Fraud logo on it. Cool story.

In standard 9 I was the new guy in the class, and I think being a quiet guy they thought it would be a good idea to make me prefect. Then somehow, in Matric I was chosen as deputy head boy. Just remember that with only about 10 boys in our class, the chance was high. I had to take woodwork, as HBC didn’t offer technical drawing as a subject. I wanted to make a solid garden bench for my Matric project (secretly this would actually be a skate bench with flush metal edges), but the wood I ordered never arrived so I just continued on my Std 9 chair project and worked on a boomerang and some other little things.

For transport I was able to use my brother’s Vespa, and we also had a Trek BMX. I used these to go down to the Radloff ramp almost daily. It was such a cool ramp; wide, tight tranny, long flat bottom, and fast as hell! Also, it was set in the most beautiful location, with palm trees all around, a grass bank sort of amphitheatre for spectators, and an insane view of the Hottentots Holland mountain range.

We built a little ‘skate park’ up at the college, on this new slab of green painted concrete which was meant to become a basketball court (never did). We had rails, a box, kickers, and a solid bank shaped

Bean Plant.

Kleinmond.

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with earth and simply covered with wood.

Quite a few skaters came to know about this new spot. Looking back, this was when we did some of our first skogging.

My friend Ashley Murray and I each had an old school board with bouncy wheels, and on a few occasions we used these as transport to a house party or to the 24 hour shop. We even skated from Somerset all the way to Bulldogs in Strand. This was about 8 km late at night.

Fun!

Jack Black’s Beer I read this book all about the history and influence of beer on the world, Man Walks Into a Pub by Pete Brown. It really made me appreciate the existence of beer in all its forms, and I thought that it would be really great to work for a local beer company. I sent my CV to numerous local brewers, and I was invited to see the head of Jack Black beer for an interview.

I bombed out the interview (as usual), but some time later was asked if I would be interested in selling their beer at one of the weekend food markets. I said yes and since October last year I’ve been manning the Jack Black stall at the Stellenbosch market. It’s fun and there’s a real good vibe especially when the sun is out: loads of students, good music, and people always in the mood for an icy cold beer.

Bottle Openers I’ve gotten a few unique bottle openers at the hospice shops, and have developed a ‘thing’ for them. I wouldn’t say that I’m a collector, but my second drawer in the kitchen contains about 10 unique openers. Browsing the internet, I came across this wooden bottle opener with a bent nail sticking out the one end. It was the coolest opener I’ve seen, and what makes it even better is that it has 2 magnets mounted flush on 2 of the sides: One to hold the beer cap you’ve just removed, and the other to stick it on your fridge. The guy who designed it must be a genius, Mr BA Ravenhill.

Seeing as it costs $40 and is probably only available in the US, I decided to make my own simplified version; one with a simple rectangular shape, and no magnets. It was made of the maple off-cut from a Jim’s Skates deck.

Once I started using it at the Stellenbosch Slow-Food market, people were blown

away by its simplicity and coolness. So now I make them from different wood types and sell them at the market, and as well as 2 local Spar Tops’. People love them, but unfortunately I can’t take credit for their invention.

When I looked in the mirror, all I saw was swear words and penises drawn in permanent marker all over my face.

Reshaping/Recycling Familia decks.

Adrian Day from Familia stumbled across my Jim’s Skates website and saw that I also recycle old decks (by recycling I mean cutting a used regular deck into the shape of a cruiser). He proposed that we collaborate, as he has a constant source of second hand decks used by the Familia sponsored riders, with me then shaping the decks. We decided on good cruiser shape and made a few prototypes.

Currently the decks are selling quite well at the Baseline shop in Long Street.

What makes the boards special is that they have sexy wheel-wells shaped into them, and are finely finished off to look pretty much like a brand new deck. Also, each one is unique as some of the original boardsliding scuffs are slightly retained.

We hope to add some graphics in the near future.

Passing out in weird places I’m pretty good at this. I can quite easily fall asleep on any surface, in any position, and at the least appropriate times. This is probably a good trait to have when camping out in the wild but it normally

happens during or close to the end of a party – I suppose I just tap out and am then pretty much impossible to wake up.

One time was at Thrashers, in the men’s cubicle. I went in for an el numero 2 and fell asleep. When my friend came looking for me, he found it quite funny and first had to show a few other friends.

Naturally they took some photos before waking me up.

Then there was the time at Kabous Verwoed’s house at Hartebeespoort Dam. I was sitting on a wooden chair, it must have been half broken ‘cause the padding or ‘riempies’ or whatever gave way and I ended up with my butt on the floor inside the chair frame, with my knees to my chest. I slept like this until the next morning.

But the worst was when I fell asleep at Charlie’s place and Dirk and Ulrike drove me home in my car. Dirk couldn’t get me awake to open the gate and pull my car in, so he had to leave me there, sleeping in my VW Beetle in the driveway. Throughout the night I had managed to wiggle my way into a comfortable position where my back was on the footrest area on the passenger’s side, and my lower legs were resting on the passenger seat. I woke up the next morning around 8am with a knock on the car window. It was my landlord who needed to go to work, but of course my car was in the way.

Immediately I got myself up and out of the car. I tried to explain the situation in a nice, proper kind of way, and I pulled my car into its regular spot and went to my room in the back. Phew, safe. Not! When I looked in the mirror, all I saw was swear words and penises drawn in permanent marker all over my face.

have it, I never did find a proper job and I’ve up until now used the car to drive people around for my brother’s tourism business.

I want my Beetle back! Mercedes car parts cost an arm and a leg, and if I had my Beetle down here I would be less stressed about woman drivers backing into me.

No offence to the ladies, but most of them just can’t drive. It’s like throwing a ball, either you can or you can’t.

Julius Malema Just recently I found out that Julius is barely 2 years older than me, and at that age one can’t have loads of wisdom to share so it’s best to just shut up. Maybe all his energy needs to be focused in another area; an area where he can get away with talking crap and being reckless. What about interior decorating? We know he’s got a flair for style and colours, so he could go crazy decorating interior spaces with haphazard colours and pseudo feng shui techniques. In this subjective field he would be perhaps be judged as being a visionary artist, and his crap-talking might not cause as many problems.

But, who am I to judge? I don’t know the guy, and maybe deep down, DEEP down, he’s an alright guy. I’m just tired of seeing and hearing about him all the time. I thought it would stop after his expulsion, but it seems he’s still making waves. Talk about die-hard.

end

Your car My first car was a light green/blue Beetle.

I sprayed the rims myself, and used Black Cat peanut butter lids for hub-caps. That car took us on many skate missions around Heidelberg after high school. It was also my student car and did some offroad rallying. At the moment it’s parked at my dad’s friend’s place and I still get to drive it now and then when I visit Gauteng.

The car I’m driving now is a 2005 Mercedes. My dad sort of gave it to me as a graduation gift. I didn’t want to accept it, but he had already bought it. So the plan was to get my own little car after finding a job, and then to give the Merc back to my dad. But as Murphy would

Feeble Fakie.

Sea Point.

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Khulu Dlamini. 360Flip over the extra bits. Cape Town CBD. Ph. Jansen van Staden. Issue 49.

Justus 2qu0estio+ns Kotze birdsnakes - s

ph. clark

inny jeans hyenas - rockkin g chairs student loans and bla ck lung

20 plus question ith justus kotze.

Photos by vissswer and clark. interview by blac k lung.

“Justus Kotze in a tight hole” - that’s what sam clark caption this photo as. It works. fs 5050 for av14.

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1. Why is it called The Dirty South?

Well, first of all that’s like Southern Suburbs. Fish Hoek, Noordhoek and Kommetjie count too. We originally called it the Deep South which basically meant that it’s so fucking dead over there.

It’s super deep dude, it takes like an hour to get there from town. No one wants to come, haha! And it’s dirty as fuck. It’s a small town and they don’t know shit about anything, and compared to like CBD shit they’re pretty far out. Dirty as fuck, don’t give a shit, they don’t dress like hipsters, they dress like trailer trash people.

ph. visser

2. What is a Black Lung?

Black Lung is the shit first of all - it rocks faces. It’s basically a 3 piece band consisting of Dylan Rooibokkie, Suzy Snakes also known as Melissa Willy, and I, Justus Kotze. It’s basically a band. We kind of play folk rocky kind of stuff like really upbeat rock but with folk elements.

Dylan: Someone said if The Cramps had sex with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club that’s kind of what Black Lung would sound like.

Is it?

Dylan: I’m the one who said that.

Quote unquote. So basically that is it, if the Cramps had sex with BRMC we would be their babies of death.

as one can ascertain in this frontside smith photo, justus does in fact own clothing that is not black. bank to rail in a green hempie and blue sokkies.

It’s like a cocktail,

but it’s for men.

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Debut show

things that I love doing when I skate, so earphones and iPod, no no.

5. Dylan: Okay next question: Would you like a beer?

I would love a beer please, haha! Actually no, can I have a Rocking Chair please?

Now next question, “What is the Rocking Chair?”

I will answer that right now; the Rocking Chair is basically four shots of whiskey, topped with some Stoney ginger beer and sprinkled with a little bitters and then you mix it together and drink it with a tiny black straw. It’s like a cocktail, but it’s for men.

6. Melissa: What is The Pit? The Pit was basically started six months ago. It started with Lyndall and Hannes talking - Hannes from Anker Rampen in Germany. Lyndall had an empty space and thought it would be pretty cool to put a ramp there so they decided to bring Jamie’s ramp here from Woodies in Woodstock and they rebuilt it, but like a foot lower so it’s three foot and it’s just super sick. All the German guys were here at the time and they helped build it and some local guys also helped, which is pretty sick. I dunno it’s quite a private thing but at the same time it still has the capability to bring new dudes in and all 3. Has the band played before? that shit - if they’re cool dudes. So ja, We played a gig at The Pit on 27 July at The Pit is just the shit and they have the the Klick Klack! Photo exhibition and raddest parties there. it was super successful. We had good response since then so I guess the show 7. Melissa: Are you and Dylan really was pretty cool, but from my side of it, brothers? it was fucking awesome. It was my first Okay, let’s reveal the truth. gig ever, getting up on that stage, huge Dylan: We’re actually sisters, haha! Tell nerves and then just smashing the sound us about the first time that you got skinny check. I had huge nerves before that and jeans. then I played the sound check and I was Dylan is a rollerblader by the way, so so hyped... then there was like two more he was always rocking the gangsterist, hours to wait `til the gig started so, ya, the baggiest pants and like sweatpants and gig was super awesome. shit and the baggiest shirts. This one day I think I saw Ali Boulala rocking 4.Melissa: Did you ever think that you the tightest jeans and I’m thinking would be in a band and play live? like fuck, I dig that style and I was just Never ever. I never thought I was like, damn Dylan, we should get some musically inclined. And I dunno, it just fucking skinnies and because he’s so super kinda happened in a way, because I love expressive, he was like “Fuck yeah! Let’s music so much I just thought starting a do this.” So we both go into the Pick `n band with two of the awesomest people I Pay clothing store and we pick out the know would be the best thing ever. raddest blue skinny jeans. I think I had Dylan: Yeah, what’s cool is that you just mine for like a year and a half and they love music, you dig getting new songs and were totally girls jeans, dude. They never sharing songs with other people. How much made guys skinny jeans back then bro. does that influence your skating? Do you They were just blue, like so tight. Dude skate with your iPod all the time?

I got so ripped off in Fishhoek about that I never skate with an iPod, I can’t shit, people were just like not digging it, concentrate. My concentration level people were just like “What the fuck are drops like the same as if I skate when I’m you doing wearing skinny jeans? That’s so drunk, it’s the same thing. You can’t hear stupid!” And look at them now, dude. All anything else, so it’s super dangerous, of them are wearing fucking tighty jeans fucking very anti-social. I love socialising bro, haha! Idiots. when I skate, that’s one of the awesome

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8. Did your brother steal all your Maloof Money and go spend it with his friends like older brothers usually do?

My father, Craig Pike - this a true story - he’s my father, Dylan’s my brother.

Craig was the first person to come up to me with his great ball of knowledge.

I got this wad of cash, like R20k of cash, and I saw it and I was like, I’m gonna go bos, I’m gonna do this, I’m gonna do that, and buy shit and buy more skinny jeans - all that shit. And then Craig was like, “Dude, you should definitely pay your student loan off with all that cash.”

And I was like, wow I could get rid of all my debt, so we literally drove back from Maloof and went straight to Cape Tech from there and I paid it off. So I had the money for a day, haha! It was like R19 800 or something, so I had like R200 left.

Dylan: So you still could get drunk, haha!

justus likes ledges. especially high ledges. especially high ledges with kickers to them. especially high ledgeswith kickers to them in black and white. those are the best. frontside noseslide.

My brain just didn’t wanna come back to reality.

But I got better.

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ph. visser

10. Why is Sam Clark so good to go shoot with?

Because he’s fucking awesome. I would say that he is the shit. Shooting with that guy is just fucking rad, like he’s totally on top of it and he’s always coming up with new ideas and he’s always super down. He filmed my whole Close Up in the AV and he was fucking dying to shoot photos, but he had to film and he stayed at my house for weeks on end and just filmed non-stop. Sam’s become like a super tight homie, shoots fucking awesome photos and he’s just really cool to shoot with.

ph. clark

9. Does your mom know that you don’t smoke weed?

Yes, my mom does know. She’s caught me actually, stoned as fuck once and she was like, “Never again, my son.” And she phoned Dylan, ‘cos it was Dylan’s fault, actually. I was just like whatever, trying to be cool, just smoked a ciggie, thought I’d smoke a quick joint, and I got so fucking high, like the next week I was down, really stoned, just tripping out. My brain just didn’t wanna come back to reality.

But I got better.

the resident of this suburban dwelling came home half way through our session. Andre moved his flashes and the guy got out, opened the gate, drove in, closed it and went inside. with out a word. that’s what dressing in black does for you. switch ollie better than the ollie 11. Melissa: What was that whole Close Up like? The whole experience must have been amazing.

It was. I dunno how the other Close Ups worked, but I felt like I didn’t have much time. I think it was like a two month deadline. Shooting with one filmer the whole time is pretty hard as well, he had a lot of stress on him, as much as I did with trying to find new spots. Our whole concept behind the part was to just skate brand new spots that no one had seen, because all the AV’s show mostly the same spots in Close Ups, so I was trying to find new spots the whole time. Trying to show people how rad the Deep South spots are,

basically just trying to find new shit the whole time. That was also the hard thing about doing the skate section, you go and find a new spot and you have to go film a trick for the Close Up that’s supposed to be pretty banging - you pretty much have to think of a trick right then and there and just do it and that’s why most of the tricks weren’t tech and insane and hammers and shit, I was just trying to be creative. So that was hard. But super funzies.

Melissa: So that whole thing was shot in the Dirty South?

There were like one or two shots in town, but I shot everything in the Dirty South

and then everything in the Overburg and that was my whole part, just from those two areas.

12. What is a fucking Birdsnake?

Louis Taubert from Germany wanted to see a wild African snake. He was all hyped on wild snakes `cos he thought he was in Africa so he would see an African snake. So the whole time on this skate trip we did, he was like, “Dude where can we find a snake? What kind of area are they in?” and whatever. So we had a camp site in JBay that was right next to the beach, and he’s fucking looking for a wild African snake right on the beach #SessionSkateMag Issue 49

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I was put on oxygen after the comp! while we’re drinking. We’re all fucking drunk and then he sees a shadow and he’s like, “What the fuck is that? Is that a snake?” And then you just see this thing running across the sand and it just flies away. And we were like, what the fuck?

Birdsnake, no ways! Haha! That’s basically how we came up with the name and then we were like, fuck it, let’s call the trip The Birdsnake Tour.

Melissa: And that also became a crew basically?

Yeah it formed a crew for sure dude. I’m getting my Birdsnake tattoo when Louis comes back, because he learnt how to hand-poke tattoo, so he’s gonna give me a hand-pokey of the Birdsnake logo.

ph. visser

17. You also just did a Welcome to the Team video for LRG? Yeah, Joubert, Juan Smit and I went on a trip all the way up to Durban, all along the coast and just skated anything we could find on the way and filmed a rad ad that’s online now on the LRG South Africa Facebook. It’s basically an ad announcing my welcome to the team and also a teaser for a full length video that me and Joubert are working on.

Dylan: What’s it like working with those guys?

The guy that runs it, Davey, is a super cool dude, ex-pro surfer, probably still surfs like a mal naai. He’s really accomodating and they’re really supportive and they’re very connected with the international 13. So tattoos, you just got your first brand, so everything that happens goes one? straight to international too. They treat Yes, I got my first one in Kleinmond. me really well, it’s really good.

Seamus Casserley hooked me up with an awesome tattoo of a harmonica on 18. How long have you been on KFD my rib. On my right lung, so it’s quite for now? appropriate.

I’m gonna guess and say about three Dylan: I thought you were never gonna get years. I’ve been super stoked with it since tattoos? then. Skating for me pretty much started It was always in the back of my mind, then, after the Via the Backroads, the because obviously I love art and I wanted Session 48 Hours and then getting on to have art tattooed on me. But I’ve never KFD, Killer and then Fallen. had the guts or the drive, `cos I never had anything to tattoo on me. Because of my 19. What was it like hanging with the recent love for the harmonica, I knew for Fallen dudes when they came out? sure that’s gonna be tattooed on me `cos It was very, very cool. Just seeing the that’s just so awesome. dudes that you get so hyped on while watching skate videos, and hanging with 14. You just did the new Plankie them. It’s very weird, you almost forget graphic? You’re an illustrator as well. about freaking out about their skate Yes, I did, I am an illustrator, just fucking sections and just look at them as people. wait `til the board comes out!

It’s actually just rad hanging out with people that skate poes well. Like fucking 15. When is a good time to go shit? getting pepper-sprayed in the face and I think it’s after a long night of drinking then hitting a handrail like straight after Rocking Chairs and in the morning you that, that’s why it was really awesome have a nice hangover poo, that’s a good hanging with them because they’re just one. really good skaters.

Melissa: Do you think that changed your 16. Wynand Herholdt is... skating?

My hugest buddy. I’ve known him since I saw the way their mindset works and I was fucking six years old. That’s like they obviously look at it as a job and also 18 years. He’s my hugest homie, always fucking love what they’re doing. I saw been the sickest dude all the time, always it in that way and I was just like, wow, super happy, crazy in the head. I hope I’m they’re super dedicated to what they do friends with that guy `til I die. and just seeing how much balls they have Dylan: I heard that you guys used to bath and pure raw skateboarding... it was just together? really cool to see that. I’m not saying that That is fucking bullshit. I dunno where South Africa doesn’t have that, but it that comes from, did he tell you that? No, was cool seeing something different, you we didn’t bath together, haha! know?

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calling this a fs-180-5050-180 hardly does the trick justus... interview done. i finally got to use that stupid pun.

20. Are you going to actually try to win Maloof this year?

I am going to Maloof this year the same way that I went last year, just trying to have fun. I don’t go to win, I don’t do that. I’m not a competitive person. I actually hated skating that comp `cos I actually hate skating comps. I had like heavy anxiety from being at such a huge event and having so many people watching me skate and expecting a lot. I basically just went there and tried to keep it fun, but at the back of my head I had all that other bullshit. After the comp I could hardly breathe, that place was so siff, the air is so bad over there, I couldn’t breathe properly, I was put on oxygen after the comp, haha!

Dylan: And this year Maloof is also going to be the first Black Lung tour?

Yes! Booked and confirmed, that’s going to be fucking cool!

END

#SessionSkateMag Issue 49

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Phil Zwijsen. Frontside 180. Barcelona.

Sam has been living and travelling in Europe for the last couple of months shooting with some of Europe’s finest thanks to fellow BirdSnakean Lucas Fiederling.

Sam is fast establishing himself as South Africa’s top skate photographers and the next few pages will show you exactly why. So, here is our first single photographer Galleria as well as the first Galleria to feature exclusively European skateboarding.

Be inspired.

So Sam, the reason you’re now living in Europe now is because of the Birdsnake Tour with Justus, Louis, Lucas, Andrea and Niklas?

I moved into a room in Barcelona with Lucas after the Birdsnake tour yes, and stayed for four months. It was fun but I got over Barcelona pretty quick! Too full of people, too many junkies trying to jack you gear and just too dam hot in the summer! Right now Lucas and I are on the road while he films for his new project with some of the European rippers We spent nearly a month in Finland and are now traveling around Germany for the next month.

You stayed in London for a bit too?

Not in London, in Cirencester! It’s about two hours from London in the country side. I love it there! I lived there in 2006 for my gap year. Small town with good people and a banging skate shop! Decimal.

Yeah, do you think it’s become almost mandatory for photographers to film as well?

No not at all! I respect guys who stick to just filming or stills! I actually started out filming and then moved to stills but now that my camera does both I enjoy mixing it up. If I had the funds I would be shooting Analog!

Who are you shooting with at the moment?

At the moment I’m in Hamburg shooting with Niklas Speer von Cappeln who was on the Birdsnake tour. After this it’s off to Cologne to shoot with Willow and Chris Pfanner. They also have parts in the video Lucas is making!

OK, some words on the photo of Eniz’s Front Smith? Seeing as you don’t want any words on your photo’s I’m not putting in captions.

Eniz Fazliov. The Mercenary! The dude is a one of a kind destroyer! That rail is a complete bust with such a crusty run up!

Without a warm up, he got 50-50 done in 3 tries. Then Smith two tries after that.

Have you see the Morgan brothers or any SA homies over there?

Ya! I had never met any of them before this mission but Gav and I are in contact quite a lot dealing with photos I have done for Familia. He put me in contact with Steph - who was planning a trip to South Spain - and Andy Morgan plus a few of his friends. I brought my good Italian friend along that I’d met in Barcelona and it ended up being a two week drinking binge with Mauro destroying every spot along the way. As for the rest of us... well... Wastemen!

And Gabriel’s wallride? That spot looks so fun!

Ya, that spot is in Barcelona is pretty new and right on the beach! There are so many different ways to skate that spot.

Louis’ bump to street?

That’s also in Barcelona. The roots behind the tree have pushed the tar up making a nice little bump on a terrible surface! One of the hardest spots I have ever had to shoot because of the houses and cars being in the way. I could only get this angle.

Haha, something’s never change.

Speaking of which, did The Samasaurus make himself known on the streets of Spain?

There have been sightings in dark corners of various cities....

I have no doubt. Is Barcelona still going off skate-wise? Or is Germany the new mecca?

Barcelona is amazing is and will always be amazing to skate with new spots all the time and good weather! However the locals and the police are really cracking down! I can understand though after skateboarders have been flocking to the place for the last 15 years... Germany is really good too but you have to choose your time of year because of the weather.

Locals cracking down? Did you get vibed because you’re hairy and sound Australian?

I met more foreign people in Barcelona than Spanish people...

And Finland? You said water was more expensive than beer?

No that was Germany but Finland is crazy expensive. Good Finnish hospitality made it one hell of a fun trip though! Hopefully going back next summer.

Good spots too? Do you just skate around looking for shit or find locals to show you around?

Most of the time we stayed with Samu Karvonen. He is one of the dudes Lucas is filming a part with, so we always had someone to show us around.

The city is really small so you can hit loads of spots in one day! There are so many good spots there and the quality of Finnish skateboarding has been the most impressive thing I’ve seen in the last 5 months! I thought you just needed a few words fucker! Haha

44 Issue 49 #SessionSkateMag

I know, but now it’s getting interesting. Ok let’s start wrapping this up, you’ve been getting photos in Euro mags?

Ya I just had my first photos in Kingpin magazine which I’m really amped on! And waiting for some more to come out in others. I have been lucky enough to meet some really good people in the industry and have been feeding myself by doing some filming work along the way too

The Backsmith of Mauro?

Gav Scott and Neil Hughes were with on this session. First spot of the day! The spot is a complete bust because it’s in one of the main tourist areas of the city. Neil was on crowd control while Gav held the flash in place. It took a few tries but Mauro put it down as clean as only he can!

Jeez, Gav Scott and Neil Hughes came to stay with you. We may need to do another article next issue just on that.

Hahahaha! Yes that was fun indeed!

Phil’s monster 180 into the bank?

Phil is known for his gnarly hammers and this is no different! Someone did a kickflip into it and another dude has done a wallie powerslide, but rolling down that thing fakie is no joke! The other two tricks were in the DC Europe vid.

That kid kills it. Lastly this DIY spot: How fun was that session?

Ah yes! The Helsinki DIY spot! The city has given the locals the area to build a park for the next 6 years and they are not wasting any time!!!

Aight homie, shot! I’ll let you get rolling. Last one: Best advice for skateboarders heading to Europe?

Don’t expect to just to come over for a short time and “Get Noticed”. If living off skateboarding is what you want, be prepared to work hard. Be broke but enjoy the ride!

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Gabriel Engelke. Wallride. Barcelona.

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Mauro Caruso. BacksideSmith Grind. Barcelona.

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Louis Taubert. Frontside 180 Bump to Street. Barcelona.

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Samu Karvonen. Lipslide. Helsinki.

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i ssu

closet

we’ve got 2 rvca rain jackets up for grabs

e4 9

ENVY

for the best readers photos we receive before end of september.

Check out the winners from last issue on the next page.

pain-fuelled pictures

Joubert van Staden

tatt

ANALOGY

we talk to the plankie chief about his hand-poked tatts, staplers and questionable viking heritage.

PLANKIE

My first tattoo. I got it when my brother and I did our gap year in London, before we started making boards. At the time we only made video’s.

RVCA Parker Q2 Jacket RVCA Phillip Jacket

NOT A STAPLER

adidas Campus Vulc Hi adidas Busenitz Pro University Red

adidas Busenitz Pro Bluebird

adidas Campus Vulc Gonz

This dude Karl worked across from Revolution in Menlyn where Skippy and Marcel worked. They became friends with him and every once in a while he would come to our house and give us all tattoo’s for free. One of those days I chose to get this little whale picture that was from the Motorhead album, “Kiss of Death”. Most people think it’s a stapler...

LOOKS COOL. DO IT.

No real story behind this one. I wanted something from Leigh again and thought a gramophone would look cool. He drew this and I got it. I love his work.

Vans Chukka Low (Black/Black)

SAILOR

This is the first tattoo I got from Leigh Peterson (Fineline Tattoos). I’ve known the dude since I started skating. I got the picture off AD’s wall in the 901 Flat in the Towers. Justus drew it. I told Justus to put his initials there himself but he was too pussy.

Vans University Hooded Jacket (Gravel Heather/New Charcoal)

Vans Chukka Low (Tan/White)

Vans Vulcanized Tee (Black) Vans Excerpt Chino (Medal Bronze)

NikeSB Stefan Janoski Mid

NikeSB Anthracite

NikeSB Omar Salazar LR Drenched

NikeSB Omar Salazar LR Port Wine

THRASHER

It started raining one day at Thrashers Skatepark and Skippy and I got bored. We noticed he had a Skate and Destroy tattoo on his left arm and I had a Plankie tattoo on my left arm. So that day he got a Plankie on his right and I got the Skate and Destroy.

NORWEGIAN BLOODLINE

My dad once told me his great grandfather or something was from Norway. I don’t know if it’s true but thought it would make a rad tatt. It still needs some background and what not.

TIE-DYED SHIRT MAN

I wanted to get something that Skippy drew. I picked this out of three drawings. I liked the tie die and it looks like my friend Nico.

OLD VIDEO CAMERA

Element University Baseball

Element Citizen Chino

54 Issue 49 #SessionSkateMag

Element Flannel Shirt

Element Major League Crew

Karl came over again. I studied film and I film shit almost every day. I don’t really plan on doing anything else.

HAND-POKED

Louis Taubert had a bunch of hand poked tattoos and started doing it himself. He gave me this one at his girlfriend’s house. I did some of the lines while he took a smoke break. I still owe him a hand poked one.

DC Cole Lites

DC Teaks

DC Mikey Taylors

DC Toniks

Photo’s by Jansen van Staden.

#SessionSkateMag Issue 49

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PHOTOS Y o

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MEET SONJA TODAY!

Ricky - Frontside Boardslide.

Ph. Louis van Rooyen Louis and Ricky will both be receiving a pair of shiny new DC’s in the mail. Send us your best skate photos and stand a chance to win product from our Closet Envy.

Remember to include the skater and photographers name and email your entries to info@sessionmag.co.za.

Thanks to

Vie Vie iew ew Hot Hot Ho ot Li List List Lis ist st

Name: Sonja. Birthplace: Vladivostock, Russia. Age: 25. Measurements: 35 - 38 - 37. Smoke: Of course. Drink: Of course. Religion: Relaxed Russian Orthodox.

Languages: Russian, American. Occupation: Tattoo artist, dancer, security guard.

Children: Boris [2 yrs], Brittany [5 yrs], Vlad [10 yrs], Natasha [13 yrs]. Hobbies: www.baselinestudio.co.za Sport: Pole dancing, aerobics, wrestling, pole vault. Likes: Strong cigarettes, Nike SB, Familia, Plankie, Funisu, Adidas, Vans, DC, Independent, Bones, Ricta, RVCA, WeSC, Hurley, LRG, Thrasher, Alien Workshop, Baseline Team and so many more things of skate cool. Relationship status: Widow. My last husband die in chemical spill. Dislikes: 9ODG 3XWLQ SXII VKRHV VKLW ZRRG ÀLS JUDE RQ VWUHHW Ambition: One day meet Luke Jackson. Looking for: Strong husband, visa, love.

Self description: Sexy, loyal and honest. I love Baseline and his mailorder product because it free in South Africa and you cannot get this product in mother Russia. I seeking strong man in South Africa so can leave my land and get free delivery and Baseline beanie when spend over R500. I can leave children with neighbour. I will do anything sexual. Anything. Try me.

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56 Issue 49 #SessionSkateMag

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A look back at ten years of South African skateboarding.

This issue with AD Henderson

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spots, and we’d imagined doing that ledge countless times – I think we only ollied the stairs.

Once you’ve stopped staining your underpants at the thought of switch ollying up curbs and you’ve mastered everyone’s first switch grind - the switch crooks - you may feel the need to take things a step further.

Enter the nollie 180 switch crooked grind.

Miguel Howell’s photo of Bubs Farber K-bonking up some yellow concrete was used by my memory as a default image for Session for quite some time.

By Issue #02, skateboarding in SA was picking up as far as the split from the ‘core culture’ of Blunt was concerned.

We were independent baby. Bod’s Redial was short and sweet,

The Approach: Firstly, get those nollie frontside 180’s down like a clown’s frown and then go practice popping it to switch crooks on a pavement. Pavements are always the best place to start.

“Well here you have it, Issue Two. Thanks to everyone who supported our first edition, because of you we can now bring out a dedicated South African skateboarding magazine. Summer is here so go and ride your board.

Smoke this.”

The Pop ‘n Grind: When you pop, you’ll need to shift your weight from the front truck to the back as you rotate - kinda like a crab walk. You don’t want to keep sticking in tailslide so make sure the pop is high enough to get your truck locked in solid.

Keep that foot pressing forward on the grind while you straighten your shoulders out. Shoulders are the secret to almost everything. If you’re falling out early, your shoulder is turning too much. If you not getting in, your shoulder is lagging behind. Either way, play around with different ways of getting into it until you find one that works for you.

There are several ways to skin a Japanes Chirokee.

Alan Marola was all over issue 2. Look how young Alan is in that Bizness photo!? He had just got on Iron Fist and Globe at the time, and SPF Media’s Journey Days had just been released with Alan on the cover and run as an advert. He’d also just torn ankle ligaments on a trip. Most will remember that 50-50 - “Aaaaah! My fokken enkle!!!”

His large 5-0 (complete with Session sticker) in the Galleria freaked us out because that school was one of our local

The Dismount: Don’t throw it too early or you’ll get that heavy inside lean on the come out. Get your weight centered so you can give it a little pop out. With your feet over the bolts, the post-trick celebrations can begin.

Photos: Clinton theron

58 Issue 49 #SessionSkateMag

The Sunshine City of Durban was the first feature in Issue #02 opening with Andrew Morck doing a noseslide on the old beachfront ledges.

Pablo shot most of the images and highlights were Terrance Pierce frontside flipping the Tekweni 8 stair; Neil Hughes’ large backside 180 and Mike Sutcliffe’s ledge frontboard. Of course, the Island Style park and Gateway

were in there plus appearances from Lloyd Hodoul, JP Redpath, Ian Loubser and Sherwin Brusouw. George van Blerk being the only Durban cat missing, but his Where is my Mind feature follows the Durban article (after an Element advert of Bam jumping onto the roof of a bus). GVB had a bunch of notorious Durban spots including a 5050 on the Tech rail before it got destroyed by the young ‘uns.

One of my all-time favourite Session spreads separates GVB’s article from Lucky Ngubane’s 48 Hours. The caption read, “Clint van der Schyf went and bought a bakkie the other day even though he still prefers to drive and kickflip his old donkey.”

Lucky’s 48 hours showed his gangstah style with some badass red colour treatments and Ghetto spot shot by Ben Burgh. A KFD ad for The Modern Living

Tour followed opposite the first Viking advert with the team staring at some or other screen.

Willeeezee Twala won best trick at the 3rd Germiston Bowlriders. He also placed third in the Slashdogs round, with Terry Scott taking first and Clint vd Schyf second.

“After a small problem with a cd player being forgotten for the event some lekker

tit boet opened his car boot and we had now had house music blasting the trees away.” The only hitch it seems in “one of the funnest events of the year.”

London photographs, courtesy of Styley, opened the Galleria with Greg Finch, Adrian Day, Gareth Skewers and Guy De Villiers. New World Inside were interviewed along with The Constructus Corp and The Parletones. Obviously before they were ‘cool’. There was a page dedicated to the instr uction of how to make your own Mr T. It apparently pronounced Sucka Fool! after being assembled.

I think China had something to do with it.

The issue wrapped up with a Latent Potential with Liam Lynch and some reviews of events. Namely the SPF launch party and the Session 1st issue launch, as well as Neil “Hooligan” Hughes and Brendan “Loudmouth” Lewis skating over a security guard for trick tips. And finally, a Young Guns article with Andre Kriminals and Kirk Pioni (RIP).

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Skate Video Reviews with Luke Jackson

The Cinematographer Project Future Nature

Slam City Skates has been in business for 25 years and has made a name for itself around the world as one of the skateboarding world’s finest establishments. This video is their first ever full-length production.

The shop has a strong South African connection with plenty of lads from our side going to work and skate over there in the big smoke. Steph Morgan has been living in England for just over 10 years and shares a solid section with English heavyweight Lucien Clarke, a tribute to the duo’s friendship which spans the decade.

The regular format of disconnected stand alone segments seems to fall away as you’re presented with an amazingly shot piece on the city of London that seamlessly incorporates many characters and locations. Filmer Henry EdwardsWood consistently drops quality on the web but with this video I feel that he has officially stamped his name on the skateboarding industry.

London is synonymous with cold weather and grey skies rather than outdoor activities like skateboarding, yet the London skate scene is something enviable. It’s not just a bunch of random guys doing impressive tricks. It’s a family of like-minded individuals who adapt to a crusty environment to create something truly organic and inspiring in my opinion.

Rory Milanes, Nick Jensen, Danny Brady, John Tanner and more... you should know who these London skate rats are.

I’m calling this one the best Transworld skate video in years.

This video celebrates the diversity in skateboarding with a bit of everything for everyone. The concept was to invite a whole heap of the top skate filmers in the world to each create their own edits featuring whoever they wanted to film.

The result is a full hour of incredible skateboarding documented with a variety of interesting styles.

Dennis Busenitz is on a path of destruction in Dan Wolfe’s edit, Chewy Cannon’s fast lines make you want to bomb hills in Torstan Frank’s edit, Bill Strobeck’s montage is true to his signature inspired oddity, Evan Smith has a full length banger thanks to Chris Ray, Alex Campbell and Nick Boserio smash Oz in Chris Middlebrook’s edit, Russell Houghten has superb time lapsing and Alien Workshop melt your face in the curtains.

I’ve had my issues with some boring TWS videos in the past but this isn’t one of them. They killed it this time around.

The Element Am video features their new generation of stellar skate talent. Nick Garcia, Evan Smith, Julian Davidson and Boo Johnson are the headlining acts.

The difference between ‘pro’ and ‘am’ nowadays is only discernible by technicality.

These guys are all so damn good that arguably they are as good as any ‘pro’ but they just haven’t established their names as such.

Element has traditionally garnered the reputation of being the company that old pros go to just before retirement in order to earn a big pay cheque.

By pushing their new force of young talent, Element is re-legitimising their relevance in today’s skate game. Amazing Euro talent in the form of the stylish Madars Apse and the charging Nassim Guammaz portray their strategically global focus. Honestly, when you’re that new to the game and you’re already hardflip back smithing handrails like Boo Johnson, do classifications even matter?

However, I do think this video has a serious overkill of slowmo shots, they could take all the raw footage, add new tracks and it’ll be a whole new film. The skateboarding is amazing but do we really have to see every single banger in slow motion? I don’t think so.

The editing might not be my taste but definitely watch this video for the skateboarding, the future is here!

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60 Issue 49 #SessionSkateMag

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EricKoston wearing Skullcandy Aviator

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ADRIAN DAY

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Adrian Day reflects on the choices faced by unsponsored skateboarders

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KANYA SPANI

Craig Leak hasn’t really had a chance to make any bad sponsorship decisions yet, but after his BANGIN’ AV15 Debut, we wouldn’t be surprised if he’s making some tough calls in the near future.

Ph. Jansen van Staden

The biggest way to get blanked by your peers and somehow never be on the invite list, is to ride for or endorse pieces of shit companies, or kook-owned pieces of shit companies.

I can say this from relative experience. In my youth, I rode for some of the shittiest companies, partly because I did not know how to say no, and also because I had zero money.

62 Issue 49 #SessionSkateMag

But in this day and age you need to avoid it at all costs, as the scene is bigger, the skaters are connected, and people’s reputations precede them.

It’s fair to say that a shit company, with a weak grasp of skateboarding will be run by a jackass. He might be the nicest dude on the block, but if he’s a kook, you will be the one that suffers.

I see a lot – a LOT – of half arsed companies out there. All under the delusion that skateboarding will make them rich. Start a shit company, sponsor some dudes, and you’re in for the win. No. Ask any legitimate skate company [at this point everyone will put up their hands] about the money and you will be met with a shrug. So Tom, Dick and Dick’s burnt out model girlfriend are all starting skate companies believing they are the real deal, and they want you to be their star rider... along with a rollerblader and

skimboarder I must add. But you’ll be the skater.

Sign here.

OK, do sign there, but demand a shitload of money because that will make the embarrassment hurt less.

© JVS

There are many ways to hurt your skateboarding ‘career’, should you even be privileged enough to scrape some semblance of one together.

If you ride for a super shitty company it’s hard to shake the association. If you ride for a crew of douchebags, you will look like a douche and people will laugh at you when you’re not looking.

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W h e r e t h e w h e e l s w i l l r o l l : SUmmer is on its way fast and already happenings are beginning to stack up. the quiksilver burnout is on SEPTEMBER 1st, the vans pit party on the 7th, TEAM tours up to malooF, maloof itself... and if that’s not enough, the launch of our 50th issue is set for october. TJEKIT! KANYA WEARS THE PARADISE SHIRT, CHINOS & LEAF SNAP BACK CAP. SEE THE ENTIRE RANGE AT WWW.DOPEIND.COM

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