Session Magazine - Issue 63

PTA HOOF KANTOOR MATT HENDERSON FAR EAST COAST GALLERIA 63

ISSUE 63 | DEC 2014 / JAN 2015 | RSA R35.00 / OTHER R30.00

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C O N T E N T S # 6 3

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#63

COVER:

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The 20sk8 General Shuaib Philander gets his - and Grant’s first cover with a Back Smith on an infamous Observatory rail.

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PH: Grant McLachlan

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This spot looks a lot more chilled than it really is. It’s steep, rough, tight and spits you out into a gnarly 3 lane intersection.

They had to stop cars and pedestrians in order to give Dlamini Dlamini the space he needed to roll away from this kickflip.

D-D-D-Dedication!

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WE L C O WM EL E CTO OME T HE T OPR TO HET E PR AM O TEAM “ S U B J E C T “M S UA BDJAERCS T” M V IADDEAOR SP”A RV TI DNE O O WP AP RL TA YNI N OG W PL AYING

# S U B J E C# TM S UABDJAE RCST M A D A R S

@ E L E M E N@T ESLOE UMTEHNAT FSROI C U TAH A F R I C A @ELEMEN @T ES LAE M E N T S A @ M A D A R@ S AMPASDE A R S A P S E E L E M E N T EA LF ER M I CE AN T A F R I C A S H O P : E LSEHMOEPN: T EB LR EAM N EDN. C T BORM AND.COM

PHOTO BY ELEMENT ADVOCATE: BRIAN GABERMAN

SILAS BAXTER-NEAL FRONTSIDE BLUNTSLIDE TO FAKIE

Watch the Silas feature at adidas.com/skateboarding.

Š 2014 adidas AG. adidas, the trefoil logo and the 3-Stripes mark are registered trademarks of the adidas Group.

REDIAL

MCLACHLAN

Guest Writer: AD Henderson

Allan Adams sets the bar on the gap Moses made famous 10 years ago. Switch Bigspin Heelflip.

Go fall your face off It’s summer. Time to get out of your town and go fall around somewhere new. The one thing we all understand is that most of us spend 90% of the time eating shit. Dudes like Moses, Dlamini and Khule all have their fair share too, but they still get these mad clips, whereas most of us are pissing blood over a kickflip down 4.

It takes a lot to remain skating. Breaking shit, paying bills and months of recuperation take the wind out of our sails and get moms’ backs up against the wall (not in that way), but without that stoke we whittle our lives away to fuck all. I’ve seen it happen to tons of dudes, old and young. Too many slams, too many bills, too much partying... Excuses, excuses, excuses. You can say and think whatever you want to console your ego. You

Brendan Body

EDITOR IN CHIEF / ADVERTISING brendan@sessionmag.co.za

Adrian Henderson

SUB EDITOR / ART DIRECTION ad@sessionmag.co.za

Luke Jackson

WEB EDITOR / FINANCE info@sessionmag.co.za

were once a ‘cool kid’, but this shit isn’t about being cool any more. Find what you’re good at and let it kill you.

This issue ends off the year with a number of bangers. Think about the worst possible bail you could have had on each photo and know that it probably happened. It’s part of the process - it’s part of the satisfaction.

So this holiday, go and fall your face off and maybe we’ll see you on these pages next year.

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Sam Clark, Jansen van Staden, Grant Mclachlan, Andre Visser, Gavin Scott, Werner Lamprecht, Mooki Mooks, Joubert van Staden.

PHYSICAL ADDRESS Session Magazine, 2nd Floor, Earlgo Building, cnr. Kloof & Park Rd, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001.

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* Support Independent Skate Media SESSION SKATEBOARDING MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY 6 TIMES A YEAR. 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, ITS OWNERS OR ITS 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 PIGGIE-IN-THE-MIDDLE GAME WITH THE PRETORIA CREW.

Sage Elsesser. More at CONVERSECONS.COM

THE CONVERSE CONS CTAS PRO

GUSSETED TONGUE, MOLDED LUNARLON SOCKLINER, CONS TRACTION RUBBER OUTSOLE

RECENTS

CLARK

SELFIE

JOUBERT

What’s goo-ooood?

Sparrow

Brendan Dyamond

Pieter Retief

Age:

26

Age:

24

Age:

27

Based in:

Durban

Based in:

Johannesburg

Based in:

Cape Town

Recently I...

HEARD

Some fresh beast from Taylor Made

My monophonic ringtone

adidas is welcoming someone new to their team

SAW

Cloudy Smurf explode on a tile step ledge

The bottom of a beer

5 young kids tear up the Gardens park

FELT

Hyped about the DBN skate family

Satan’s wrath

A board to my foot

TASTED

The PITZ double burger

Dunked wings! Damn!!

Vegetable chicken breasts

SMELT

Fresh Peter Stuyvesant burning

Like Joburg

Coconut oil

THOUGHT

How lucky we all are and don’t even know it

My room is too dirty

About going to Namibia on a skate adventure

WATCHED

Chocolate’s Epicly later’d

The videos Jarryd watches... Wild

Wes Kremer’s GOTY part

The Jake Johnson interview

My bank statement after a weekend.

My star sign in The Heat and thought it was absolute bullshit

WASTED

R5 airtime on a wrong number

Petrol

Time typing this shit

DRANK

Craft beer

From a river

Tequila, punch and Myprodols to ease the pain

Away from a sketchy hook-up

With the bulls

Across the road to buy Biltong

The airport ditches

In the rain

A manual pad with Sam and Ryder

About a Euro trip with the CB fam

Switch

Over Spacehaas and Zoro

HATED

Full SD cards and low battery

Switch

Myself for not having 3000 friends on Facebook

MADE

A wooden postbox in 20mins

It home

The B team

READ

RAN SKATED FANTASISED

T H E

B A L A N C E JOSH HARMONY

O F

O P P O S I T E S

A D R I A N D AY

ORDER

CHAOS

DAWN

DUSK

GOOD

EVIL

ZA.RVCA.COM

2 0 Ques-

tions (and actual answers)

with

MATTHEW HENDERSON

No-comply fence jam.

In a park.

Because fuck your rules.

P H O T O S : A N D R E V I S S E R INTERVIEW: AD HENDERSON

“...the fire still burns for it, can’t douse that flame.”

LEFT: The statues were amped on the leg tickle. Security however, was not.

Statue ride.

This dude fucking sucks. He’s just getting on with life. Sorting his shit out so he can chill or skate, or buy more games and/or wall boards. He’s killed the negative of the 9 to 5 by sticking with his passion for cartoons and illustration. He’ll join in on a session and just dick around until he gets an idea and pulls out something dumb like a polejam tre flip or a no-comply backside wallride. Then he’ll laugh at how he got away with it. I keep telling him to knuckle-down, get serious and skate every day because he’s going to get rusty and old, but I don’t think it’s like that for him. I think he just picks up from his last save point, like any other game he dominates.

So you just settled into your own place out in Blouberg. What’s the best & worst thing about living there so far?

Best thing is not sitting in traffic on the way to work anymore and worst thing is that it seems more windy this side.

Who is Bubastis, and where did the name come from?

Bubastis is one of my 2 crazy-ass kittens. I came across his name in the movie Watchmen. When I heard it the first time I knew one of my animals was definitely going to be called that.

Favourite movie/series you’ve watched lately?

I’m hooked on Impractical Jokers at the moment, such a good show.

How did you recuperate after your ankle injury?

Well, after getting scans and all sorts of shit done that did not help, I ended up visiting a Biokineticist out in Scumerset (Dan Grobler – “House of Pain”). I had to do shit-loads of physio and constant routine exercises every fuckin day, which was a mission and a half, but it definitely helped me get back on my board.

What is DBT and are you still trying to live up to its meaning?

DBT was the crew we made when we were first moved to Somerset West - Do Better Tricks is what it stood for haha. Think I’m still living up to it.

This is the new Home Affairs office in Somerset West. And this is probably the most effort that’s been exerted there since it opened.

Quick 50-50

Where does the name Vrotbek come from?

Haha it was a random name that stuck after a friend commented on how much I swore in one of my interviews.

What’s your favourite new thing to do on a board?

Swizz Frontside Crooker.

What’s your favourite thing to do off a board?

Draw / Create / Mission.

Your designs are often on shelves nationwide in retail chain-stores. What has been your favourite thing to see on sale?

Favourite thing to see on sale was probably my Batman Arkham Asylum T-shirts that went into Musica, but it’s always rewarding to see people walking in malls/shops wearing designs you have done.

Who are your top 3 superheroes?

Rorschach, Wolverine and Batman.

Name one item in your flat that you can’t live without?

My PS3.

Favourite games of all time?

Last of us, obviously EA Skate3, FIFA 15, GTAV and Plants Vs Zombies Modern Warfare!

You’ve always collected things. What are some of the things you collected the shit out of?

I have collected some wack shit through the years. The weirdest was can lids when I was a kid, now I have a gangster chain made of tin can lids HAHA. One of my last New Year’s resolutions was to stop hoarding shit so I have got rid of a lot of useless crap that I had collected, but I still have a box of all different kinds of tazos which I couldn’t bring myself to throw out.

Who have you recently been most impressed by?

RIGHT: Matt will only slam on stupid shit. Like pushing.

He did it at this spot on flat while trying a line.

Sometimes you need that easy setting.

Other than Antontjie, it would have to be Unit (Craig Leak).

Always killing it!

Boat Mould Wallride.

What boards do you have on the wall?

2 x Almost, 5 x Zero, 1 x Baker, 1 x Heroin, 1 x Cliché and 1 x JP Plankie.

What was the most memorable VHS video you owned? And why?

It would have to be 411VM Issue 39 - the one with Reese Forbes Highest Ollie Challenge in it. It was the first and last VHS I owned and we must have watched it like 1000 times.

Favourite photo out of this article and the story behind it?

It has got to be the wallride in that green boat mould. I was just messing around that day, but then we saw the mould and we all started seeing what we could do with it. After a couple of goes I eventually got on it, even with the short downhill run up. I was stoked when I rode it out, I love wallrides.

We should really start turning our wallride marks into butterfly street art. People can’t hate on butterflies.

SW Frontside Wallride.

You haven’t been skating much lately, do you feel like you’ve passed your ‘best skating years’?

I don’t think I’ve passed my ‘best skating years’ but yeah you have a lot more time when you‘re growing up to just roll all day. Now I have to juggle shit between making cash and what not, but the fire still burns for it, can’t douse that flame.

Any missions planned for the holidays?

Hate planning shit in advance.

It tends to take the fun out of things.

Not really, taking it as it comes hey. Hate planning shit in advance. It tends to take the fun out of things.

Give us one thing you’ve learnt this past year that’s helped you progress, skating or otherwise?

Well it’s been an interesting year for me with ups and downs, but honestly you’ve just got to keep moving forward no matter what life throws at you. We all have bad days but we live awesome lives, stay positive!

F

or many years Pretoria was one of the places to go when it came to skating with a whole lot of South

Africa’s best. We had a bit of every individual ranging from transition skaters, guys jumping off the big shit and tech junkies to dudes just chilling around vir gees. Skateboarders came from all around the country to chill at the ‘Plankie mansion’ and to come skate and film with all the guys from the capital.

WORDS: CHARL SKIPPY STEYN PHOTOS: WERNER LAMPRECHT

A

lot has changed in the last couple of years. Many skaters left to go stay in different parts of the country, a few homies passed away and many people thought PREToria was off the grid and old news. There are a few of us left, but the scene is growing and we are all family, making things happen.

For a while now, CT seemed like the place to be, so Pretoria lost a lot of homies in a short period of time. The few that remained continued to make an effort to grow skating, to make shit amazing and have a helluva good time! Chilling and having a nice braai at someone’s house or going to park acoustics at the Voortrekker monument, or even just cruising around in town. Pretoria is a wonderful city with so much potential and people with different beliefs, cultures, backgrounds and ways of life.

L E F T: ABOVE:

MANY PEOPLE THOUGHT PRETORIA WAS OFF THE GRID AND OLD NEWS...

PA U L K R U G E R A P P R O V E S A S K I P P Y N O S E B O N K .

HARTMUT MARTIN BUILDS SOME RUN UP FOR A CRUSTY NOSEPICK.

Our very own German engineer has a few tricks up his sleeve and is always on the get-go to get down and dirty with DIY spots. Hartmut has been one of the dudes that has really made a lot possible and helped with a lot of refurbishment of spots and keeping everybody hyped to make missions and building stuff to make it better for the up and coming dudes. He and his lady Elsbeth are always super welcoming and are truly good people to be around.

Reuben Els has also been busy with the Wierda road ditches. He is on a mission to turn the Wierda road ditches into a skateopia and get approval from the city council to construct future storm water drains in such a way that it’s conducive to skateboarding. We have been building there a lot and the place has really changed over the past year. Hopefully all the hard work the homies are putting in is not in vain and the council will see that it is all for the greater good.

THE VARIETY OF THINGS TO SKATE IS GETTING BIGGER PRETTY MUCH EVERY WEEKEND

L E F T: ABOVE:

M A R C E L M A A S S E N R E T U R N E D T O P TA F O R A N I N N E R C I T Y 1 8 0 N O S E G R I N D .

T H I S P L A N T E R G A P H A S S E E N M A N Y S E S S I O N S . B E VA N G E T S I T S O M E C O V E R A G E W I T H A T R E .

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on Fury is a ‘one man’ party that never stops. As soon as Deon leaves his work place then that Fury fire starts burning. He is always the dude that wants to get the most done in the time he has. If it is partying or skating or just picking up ladies, he is always down and keeps the spirit flowing. He moved to JHB recently, so we lost another one, but skates Pretoria often and will return in the near future.

Nico is a real G, a full-time dad to little Rocco who is definitely going to be one badass skater when he gets to the right age. When a mission is going down, Nico is there with the pram and all, jumping down shit, taking slams and just enjoying skating as much as possible. He’s like Captain Jack Sparrow keeping the rowdy crew of the Black Pearl on a constant treasure hunt.

Werries (Werner Lamprecht) likes to tell wonderfully-terrible jokes when he is around. The one-liners that come out of that

ABOVE: R I G H T:

HE’S LIKE CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW KEEPING THE ROWDY CREW OF THE BLACK PEARL ON A CONSTANT TREASURE HUNT

guy’s mouth should be banned! Nonetheless, he is always down for a mission and to take photos of all the homies cruising around. He bought a new camera recently so keep an eye out for some funky fresh new photos from the dude.

The younger generation have also been making crazy missions. Kyle, Naledi, Brian, Garreth, Chris and a few of the other guys are always down to meet up somewhere and join in the skate missions. They have been killing it these days and it is awesome to see that the scene is growing in that sense.

I got rid of my 9 - 5 office job and embarked on becoming a tattoo artist. I have been doing this full-time for almost 2 years and it is absolutely wonderful. I get a bit more chance to skate and to do art, which I love!!! As long as I can skate with my friends in a place that keeps my spirit calm, I am happy! I love it that Pretoria is so chilled and that the community of skateboarders are so close.

D E O N F O U R I E W I L L D R O P I N A N Y T H I N G . R E A L LY. A S K H I M . A N Y T H I N G A N D E V E R Y T H I N G .

J A M E S H A R R I S H A S A LW A Y S B E E N A P A R T O F T H E P R E T O R I A C R E W. T H I S O L D I E W A S T A K E N A T T H E B E S T P O O L T H E R E G I O N H A S H A D A C H A N C E T O S K AT E . H A N D P L A N T R I D E O V E R T H E S TA I R S .

JANSEN VS

L E F T: R I G H T:

T H E R E B U I LT L E D G E G E T S A S K I P P Y W H O P P I N G W I T H A T A I L S L I D E F L I P O U T. W H E N W A S T H E L A S T T I M E W E S A W K U I F I E K R U G E R I N T H E M A G ? B A C K S I D E F L I P I N T H E H E A T.

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o many spots we used to be able to skate became a bust, like the Ghetto, City Hall and Skinner.

One day we can skate there and then the next day it is a bust. They have been building some storage rooms for shops around Skinner, so the obstacles aren’t demolished, but temporarily off limits when the guard feels like it and when all the rubble is not lying all over the place. It is always a nice place to cruise around when all other spots are off limits. We have also pretty much stopped with any DIY spots there. We don’t know how long it will still be around for us to skate so it is better for the local dudes to start building at other spots, like the Wierda road ditches or the N14 (Snake Valley) ditches.

City hall has been a no-go for a while because the council is busy revamping the capital. The junkies got a bit out of hand so they had to employ a few more guards, which made skating there more difficult. It seems that they have chilled a bit these days as a few guys have been cruising around there without being hassled. It helps that there is a place like that for younger guys to skate and to get

I LOVE IT THAT PRETORIA IS SO CHILLED AND THAT THE COMMUNITY OF SKATEBOARDERS ARE SO CLOSE

together if they don’t really have transport or the money to get to the skatepark in the east of Pretoria.

The rest of the city is under construction, so street missions are extra interesting. Roads are being broadened and extended, so there are a shitload of jersey barriers around to skate and some new temporary obstacles which are always fun. Every once in a while we take some building material for ourselves to build something awesome. Town is just amazing parking cars at Church Square and hitting all the spots around the CBD is lovely, skating every obstacle that comes your way. It is pretty much like a big town instead of a city, so it is very chilled and there are always only a handful of dudes skating and the skate sessions are very interpersonal. New spots are found quite often these days with everybody making more missions. So the variety of things to skate is getting bigger, pretty much every weekend. If it’s not Nico finding two pools on the same block then it’s Hartmut building some new quarter pipe or something at some ditches he found.

L E F T: P I V O T F A K I E O N A R E C E N T ADDITION TO ONE OF THE DITCHES. D E O N F O U R I E H A S A LW A Y S H A D A D E AT H W I S H .

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retoria is a gem with a lot of potential and good weather for skateboarding all year round. The city is abuzz with spots around every corner if you just go out and look for them. On the east side of Pretoria (suburbs) there isn’t really much going on when it comes to street spots. Thrashers (Menlyn Skate park) is still around but those ramps have not been resurfaced in more than 10 years. When we need something new to skate there it is pretty much the local guys that build stuff or take new obstacles.

It is mostly a gathering point or a warm up spot before hitting town or any other spot we have in mind for the day. There is a lot of history there and we are very privileged to still have the skatepark, but it is in desperate need of some maintenance. Or better yet, we can do with one of those concrete parks which have been popping up all around South Africa. Nonetheless, we can skate and that is what it is all about.

Puddy also has a ramp in his back yard. He and his lady got a kid recently so it is not always possible to

WHEN WE NEED SOMETHING NEW TO SKATE THERE, IT IS PRETTY MUCH THE LOCAL GUYS THAT BUILD STUFF... go and skate the ramp when the little one needs her sleep. Hartmut and myself stay in the same road in Arcadia so for us it is better to skate town, the ditches on Centurion side or even just the mini ramp he has in this little studio in his backyard. Being closer to town just makes skating much more convenient. You hardly need a car and there are so many spots in like a 2 to 6 block radius wherever you are.

Die hoofkantoor is n klein gemeenskap van brasse wat soos n familie is. Ons staan saam en ons skate om te val! Kom maak n draai in die hoofstad en kom geniet jouself gate uit!

Ruk en Rol!!!

GAL LERIA #63 LEFT: Juan Smit - Backside Noseblunt.

I highly doubt anyone will skate this bank again. It’s usually filled with water from the lake behind it and all sorts of other debris and dead rodents. I also highly doubt we’ll ever see a Back Noseblunt from Oom Juan again.

PH. JANSEN VAN STADEN

WESLEY COERTZEN. 50-50 GAP TO ROAD. PH. SAM CLARK

Khulu Dlamini - Switch Wallie Khulu is on a rampage at the moment. Seriously. He’s skated harder in the last 4 months than he has in the past 2 years. Watch out for the adidas article next issue.

PH. SAM CLARK

Mitchell Rice Frontside Smith With his Close Up out now in AV25 Mitchell has been skating hard around Cape Town. He’s stepped up to the spots most dudes are too pussy to hit and 9 times out of 10, he’ll get what he’s trying. Go watch his Close Up and see for yourself.

PH. JANSEN VAN STADEN

ABOVE: Uri Rubin - Frontside Noseslide We said we wouldn’t run it again but this is one large-ass FS Nose and just look at how locked it is. Plus Uri is skating so rad lately... Pop Shuvs like they should be done.

PH. GRANT MCLACHLAN

RIGHT: Moses Adams - Frontside Lipslide.

Red Bull are taking Mosey on a couple of small trips out from CPT and this lipslide was from one of them. Casual and composed, Moses handled the Bloem rail with ease.

PH. TYRONE BRADLEY

Nkosi Dlamini Backside Lip. Elder Dlamini gets some in his own pool this time while another little Dlamini watches.

PH. JOUBERT VAN STADEN

Anton Roux - Kickflip Visser was trying to get a photo of that couple making out, but Anton got in the way with this Kickflip. That kid is probably shouting at him too.

PH. ANDRE VISSER

thailand with siya ntuli and karabo mooki

Kickflip Fakie

O

“WHEN THE TIME WAS RIGHT, I PACKED A BAG AND MY CAMERAS AND SET OFF FOR SOUTH EAST ASIA.”

----How did you guys end up in Thailand?

SIYA: I have always had a fascination for Asian culture and was longing to experience it for myself. I wanted total different scenery compared to what I was used to. I was also really interested in the idea of helping teach English in a developing country, which is also a very beautiful country. I had a friend from SA who lived in Thailand for a couple years studying, and had told me a whole lot about the place and how much of an experience it was. I then came across an agency which made it so much easier for me to experience Thailand and its culture while traveling around the country teaching English and life skills to less fortunate kids in underdeveloped areas.

MOOKI: I was in-between living and working in Stavanger, Norway and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Upon returning to South Africa after a group exhibition in Oslo, Norway I linked up with Siya back in South Africa.

We spoke lightly of the prospect of me making moves out somewhere more tropical and to seek new adventures in the “Land of Opportunity.” I’d visited Thailand briefly in 2012 and thought to myself, why not, I got nothing to lose. When the time was right, I packed a bag and my cameras and set off for South East Asia.

How long have you been living over there?

SIYA: I have been living here for about 2 years now. And still have so much to see and do…

MOOKI: One year, as of November 11.

Where are you living and have you travelled around the country at all?

SIYA: When I first arrived in Thailand I was living down south in a province called Phattulung. It was so crazy man. I had no hot running water and hardly anyone spoke English, ordering food was a disaster and I had to conform quickly! There were only like 2 other black guys that lived there. One was a teacher who I became great homies with and another who was a local soccer player.

It was a small town so I got known really quickly. Walking in shopping malls and whole entire families staring at me like “oh shit”, kids were shocked, some were smiling and for some it was their first time seeing an African in real life and not on the news. I got to travel to a lot of different islands like Koh Samui and Koh Lanta that had awesome beach parties, and small towns in the south like Chumporn and Hatyai. I did the whole beach life thing for some time and stayed in villages that helped me experience Thai culture while living with locals and learning the language.

I picked up the language pretty fast because of having to teach students that knew no English, so having a child explain that they have a headache in Thai, you need to learn these things pretty quick. I finished a whole term of teaching in a local school in the south and then went back to SA. I really missed Thailand while I was away, the language, the food, the people and the affordability

of travelling around the country. Which then led me to come back to Thailand, but now I moved to the capital city of Bangkok, to finish my Bachelors degree and continue travelling around Asia.

MOOKI: My first month in Thailand I took off down south to Koh Lanta, a quiet beach island, to meet up with an old friend and to get out of touch, call it an early December.

Later I headed back to the capital, Bangkok, to meet up with a group of South Africans taking part in the TEFL Thailand course. After a few days taking it easy in the capital I departed down south again to Hau Hin. The small windsurfer and lavish beach town of Hau Hin was home for a month and few weeks, it’s like living in Camps Bay, but somewhat affordable. I had adapted to the beach life and studying in-between sleepless nights of partying until graduation day. New Years was steady approaching and I called up Siya, we plotted to get it started with a heavy introduction to Bangkok. New Years Eve, we posted up ready to turn it out, we lived it large, because in BKK it’s

“...FOR SOME IT WAS THEIR FIRST TIME SEEING AN AFRICAN IN REAL LIFE...”

“No money, No honey”. We went from partying out on the infamous Koh San Road with a bunch of Scottish lads, then breaking out in time to make it to a Smirnoff Vodka rooftop party for the countdown and whatever else happened that night. Burnt holes in the memory, new acquaintances made, I was set, I moved into the overcommercialised Koh San Road for an unbearable week of burning cash, sleeping through David Guetta bass and beats daily and trying to secure a teaching job. Eventually I moved into a home with a Thai local, who has since become my brother. Also, mad love to my homie Chaitat Sonstaponkul. For a while I was out seeking teaching jobs, but focusing on my photography too. I landed a few substitute gigs and eventually got a full-time job, which lasted a month before the holidays and I vowed to never go back to that mayhem. I met Beau Digga on school breakup day, at a bar known as “Bar 23”, he’s a filmer from Canada who told me to link up with some expats that skate Bangkok. The next day I met up with a few guys at a train station, barely remembering the filmer who told me to link up with the squad. Phoning phantom skaters to see what Bangkok had to offer, after much running around and missing train stops I managed to link up with the Friday Film Crew. Bangkok’s excitement levels rose up again, I was shooting and loving life again but I was still on the verge of being dead broke. I was lucky to land

a job with a travel agency a few weeks later, Siya was right, the “Land of Opportunity” and I ended up travelling the islands with a youthful group of alcohol charged and overpaid Canadians. My primary responsibilities were taking photos and exploring some of Thailand’s southern beauty amongst some of the commercialised islands. I ventured to many places and I was getting paid. I’d seen the beautiful and extremely relaxing island of Koh Toa, the ‘tank top robbie’ island home to full moon party goers on Koh Phangan, escaped to the peninsula of Railay and witnessed some breathtaking view points, after which we ventured out to Koh Phi Phi. Then headed back up north to the elephant populated Kanchanaburi and ending off this once in a lifetime opportunity in Singburi, teaching English to orphan monks. A wonderful opportunity and I’m glad I was selected for this experience. The south is where it’s at, somewhat overpriced but worth it for the soul cleansing.

Are you still teaching English, if not, how do you make a living?

SIYA: I am not teaching English anymore, now I am teaching drama to kids in schools for only a few hours in a week. My focus is more on finishing my degree, skating and continuing travelling.

MOOKI: Fortunately I got a taste of what teaching was like in Bangkok and I found out quickly that this wasn’t going to keep me motivated, my photography has always been my passion and fortunately a good source of income. I decided to focus on photography, hustling out here for shoots, making a name out here for myself. It’s quite challenging when you have no affiliation to anyone and out in Asia everyone is a photographer, but I managed to sell some works internationally. I had an exhibition in New Zealand, executed some ‘look book’ shoots out here, landed some modeling and advertisement gigs, I played two sets at a rooftop party, it’s crazy what you get involved with out here if you know how to network man.

But, primarily staying focused and driven by photography and art. That’s what kept me going.

What is the skate scene like?

SIYA: The skate scene here is dope, people are amped to skate. I think skateboarding in Thailand hasn’t been here for so long so it’s still a small industry. But it is really growing fast, with international tours and regular contests, I see a lot of local brands growing and backing it fully.

MOOKI: The skate scene is flourishing. Skateboarding is an everyday affair out here. Skaters are always down to go on a mission if time is provided. There are always new spots to discover. The expat scene is tight, a lot of good talent, when we roll it’s the United Nations and not a single session ends off without something to review.

Skateboarding has been here and is here to stay. The companies that make it possible for the scene to thrive

Backside Smith

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----deserve a large amount of respect too, being able to bring out professionals and being able to go on street missions with them. Yeah, big things are always happening, almost every weekend there are premieres, beers, signings and launches. There’s always something that the shops on the scene can offer to support skateboarders and skateboarding. It’s great. I can definitely back the scene out in Bangkok.

spots, some of which you see in this article. I’ve really been blessed to be able to travel with friends and to go on skate missions having fun.

Are the spots decent or do you have to hustle here and there, like in SA?

We set it up and we’re making it work. It’s great to get support from the locals too. I’m just grateful I get to do what I love to do and receive some support for it, globally.

SIYA: Yeah there is ignorant security like SA, they waste their time chasing away skaters from dope spots but some spots are a hustle, you got to work sometimes, it isn’t easy terrain. Crusty run-ups or landings, or you find a really dope spot with no problems at all. There are so many untouched spots in the city and outside the city everyone is amped to travel around and find new things.

Locals keep the love for skateboarding alive.

MOOKI: There is a ton of untouched territory and sometimes you land up discovering something really ideal, but some of which is really crusty. You’re forced to get out of the known skate rituals, get out of the park, get more creative about spots and your approach to hitting up spots.

MOOKI: Sneaka Villa is a local Thai urban street wear brand and the owner approached me to set up a skate team, I immediately approached Siya and another friend Jeff, from Germany.

List 5 video parts we should check out to learn more about skateboarding in Thailand?

SIYA: Geng Jakkarin - Preduce “Sawatdee”; HUF Stoops Asia tour; FFC iPhone crap; Madars Apse - Red Bull “It’s a mad world” (Thailand episode); skatersatlas. com - Bangkok city montage; Vans Thailand “off the wall” tour video MOOKI: Patrick Wallner’s ‘Tearing Through Thailand on skateboards’ – Away From The Equator part 3 ; Geng Jakkarin: Sawatdee Part; Dane Burman – Road Less Travelled; Jeff Gonzales – Converse Cons APAC Welcomes Jeff Gonzales; Friday Film Crew – iPhone crap edits by the Hebrew Hammer on Youtube

“I CAN DEFINITELY BACK THE SCENE OUT IN BANGKOK.”

People have these “go to” spots much like any city in the world, but we utilised our curiosity. I can’t say if the hustle is almost as exhausting as the hustle in South Africa. There are factors that could wear you out before you get kicked out, like the constant wave of high humidity or the spontaneous tropical rainstorms that will eliminate a session before you get into shredding. A lot of the time skateboarding is well received, there are some people that only see it as a malicious act against architecture, but having been on several street missions with the FFC and Siya, it’s also great witnessing how knowing the language can diffuse a situation and gain respect from the ignorant. It all depends on the day, the spot and how much patience you have in you.

You are always repping the Sneaka Villa brand on social media, tell us more about that?

SIYA: Sneaka Villa is a local street wear brand out here, which also supports skateboarding. The brand is pretty big out here. It has been around since 2006. Mooki knew the owner and was down on starting a skate team, which has long been awaited. Mooki approached Jeff Watson and I. We were down to rep their gear. And so far it has been good, we went on a skate trip last month to a small town up north called Pak Chong, which had so many dope

We’ve seen photos of you guys chilling with the HUF crew, the Kayo crew and most recently Wes Kremer and Madars Apse. Are there a lot of international demo tours out there or are you guys just good at tracking down travelling pros?

SIYA: There have been quite a few demos and signings this year and a lot of skaters coming through to also experience South East Asia. I think we’re just at the right place at the right time and also our swag!! Haha Like during the DC demo Evan Smith was calling me out on the microphone to come hit freestyle on the microphone while he beat boxed in front of mad heaps of people, but we held it down, was a cool night and great times.

MOOKI: Yeah, the luck of the Gemini man, there aren’t a ton of demos but there’s always word of some pros coming out to get it in over in South East Asia. We’ve just been fortunate enough to witness these guys in street action or happen to give off the right type of energy, next thing you know Cyril Jackson is Facetiming you asking, “Where the party at?” or getting to a spot and Marquise Henry recognises you because you’re the only brother out here. It’s just the right vibes with the right people, at the right time.

Tailslide

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“WE APPROACHED VERY INTRIGUED UNTIL ONE OF THEM SPOKE IN A VOICE FILLED WITH BASS…”

----What’s the secret to getting an Asian girlfriend?

Got any good stories about the infamous nightlife?

SIYA: You’re game on lock, ALWAYS! Just kidding, I think it’s the same as trying to get any girl. Just be that dude and don’t try too hard, all women are different in their own ways so I can’t generalise. If they’re Asian, European or African, they all might want something different. So just be the guy that has something different to offer.

SIYA: Every night out is a turn up! Bangkok city is really vibrant and any day of the week you can find a party, especially at the GO GO bars in Sukhumvit or some random club like Velvet for the hip hop, or G Terminal for the late night booty calls or ping pong shows. The taxi drivers will try and organise something for you to see, if that’s the way you get down. Or you can keep it easy at an exhibition. The streets are filled with people and things to do until the early hours of the morning. So come check it out and you can have your own stories to tell….

MOOKI: Apart from the obvious language and cultural barriers, your social media game has to be on another level, if you don’t have a touchscreen then you aren’t touching anything. Selfies ALL DAY. Instagram everything.

They are constantly chatting on their equivalent of Whatsapp, blasting their love with stickers and “5555” which is Thai for “LOL”. You have to be online almost all the time and willing to take up to a limitless amount of phone calls or stalk calls every hour, on the hour. Dramatic love feuds - the ladies here live and love soap operas. Be prepared to endure walking through the largest markets and shopping malls because that’s considered a romantic afternoon out. Thai girls get sprung way too quickly, commitment is an instant, I haven’t been able to acquire the Thai taste though, too many complications for a simple individual like myself. They’re either too traditional or just conform too much for me to wrap my head around. I’m more into Eurocentric delicacies. Shout out to Tinder for keeping the game alive.

MOOKI: In my early months of living in Bangkok, I met this brilliant UK filmer named Nick Richards, him and I went to have a few after session beers and ended up meeting this backpacking American who was with some girl, we were under the assumption she had more friends but instead she dipped and seemed to have finally gotten rid of this dude. The three of us ended up hanging out at a street bar, a group of very vivid ladyboys started inviting us to their table, we declined politely but they approached us anyhow, they brought over some heavy liquor and offered to buy us beers. I made sure all of which were sealed before consuming, they were really cool though, we spoke about gender decisions and what they do for a living and it was all really getting to know another human being. We all have choices and who am I to judge one for their sexual

orientation. They let us play with their silicone too, things got weird really fast after I returned from draining the main vein to find the American we had recruited tongue deep in one of the ‘ladies’ we had befriended. As I sat down and soon thereafter, the American and his new lady friend took a breather from what looked like was going to be the beginning of an interesting night for them and soon the American and the ladyboy just left, but not without trying to get my Facebook details and leaving Nick and I with the weird words, “When In Bangkok”. We left that bar right after our last rounds. We got free drinks, an interesting conversation and insight into ‘ladyboy’ culture. That was enough for me.

Any run-ins with ladyboys for you Siya?

SIYA: Yeah, during the first week in Thailand while on my TEFL Course in Hua Hin in the south of Thailand.

There is a big social scene out there, it’s near the beach with a lot of bars, a few clubs and a lot of foreigners on the come and go, so good for business for ladyboys. A couple friends and I were walking down the street, a bit drunk after a party, and we got stopped by a group of what we presumed were ladies. They were screaming, “hey handsome come here” from a distance. Our heads turned fast to the sight of tall and big-breasted ladies. We approached very intrigued until one of them spoke in a voice filled with bass… “OH SHIT”.

Backside Noseblunt

Backside 180 Nosegrind

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----I was laughing my ass off when I realised that these were ladyboys, which led them to try and reassure us that they were ladies by showing us their plastic boobs. I asked the one, “why you so tall?” and she said some shit about her playing volleyball in high school. They couldn’t fool us with them tricks…. So we pushed on. I try and keep away but I’m not a hater, at the end of the day they’ve got to feed their families. But, there are some that feel like they should have been women from birth and not just for work. But it’s still pretty crazy however you think about it.

If someone is reading this and is thinking about heading to Thailand, give them a 5-point guide to surviving on a skate trip in South East Asia?

SIYA: It is hot! Drink a lot of water. Patience is really needed out here because traffic is ridiculously slow, the city is very crowded, there are thousands of malls, shopping centres and markets. People walk slowly because they’re chatting away on their cellphones. Taxis are going to try rip you off so only take it if they agree to use the meter. Street food or local small restaurants give you the true Thai style.

Restaurants in tourist areas are overpriced. Make sure you check out the local skate stores where you will surely meet some dope locals who can show you around. Remember to have fun and don’t take shit too seriously out here. As the Thai say, “Sabaai, Sabaai” which means everything is chilled and will happen in its own time.

MOOKI: Yeah, without a doubt. Before Christmas, I’m amped to see the friends I left in Johannesburg and the ones that have returned to Johannesburg.

Why do you think travelling and experiencing new cultures is so important and has living in Thailand taught you anything about life?

SIYA: I really enjoy travelling, I feel that it broadens and helps shape your mind and thoughts. Putting yourself in somebody else’s shoes and getting out of your comfort zone. I have learnt so much. Teaching and working with children, that was a very big challenge in the beginning and I now have a total different mindset to it. I now enjoy working with kids, the feeling I started getting when realising I made a difference to a child’s future. And appreciate the small things that we often take for granted in our everyday lives.

And now trying to take every opportunity I get to learn new things.

“BUT THESE UNOFFICIAL GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY ARE ALL SMOKE AND NO FIRE.”

MOOKI: Drink water and stay hydrated, this place will do you in. Carry a roll of toilet paper if your stomach can’t handle spicy food, you’re in for a long afternoon. The food takes some time getting used to.

I’ve seen a dude shart at a spot - the spice will creep up on you. Durban masala ain’t got nothing on Thai rapture. Hold your ground. Most of the time the people that will try to kick you out of spots are just ignorant, bored and want to remind you that you’re in a foreign country. But these unofficial guardians of the galaxy are all smoke and no fire. Don’t try skate before 14:00pm because it’s way too hot out. Have fun - Thailand is known as The Land of One Thousand Smiles.

Have a good time while you’re out on the streets, the abundance of pedestrians or stray dogs on top of the heat might aggravate you, but don’t let the small things get to you.

Do you see Thailand as a long-term plan or have you guys got any other missions in the works?

SIYA: I am always trying to get on a mission. At the moment I am in the works of planning a trip to South Korea but trying to work around my school schedule, I have so many plans but so far I am Thailand bound until it all pulls through.

MOOKI: I’m always making moves. Thailand has been great to me, but living here you’ll quickly see how many people come and go. It’s hard to call this place home. I’m steady on the roam, still curious as to what the rest of the world holds.

Can we expect to see you guys back in SA anytime soon?

SIYA: I will definitely be back soon for a long awaited vacation. I miss all the homies and my family back there.

I would like to thank Session Magazine and Luke Jackson for giving us the opportunity to be doing this article. Thanks to friends and family that support me. Thanks to my sponsors, especially a big thanks to Legion Skateboards for regularly keeping me strapped with boards while I’m out here. Much love to White Bread and Butter x Ve.G - stay up! Also, a specific mention to Kanya Spani and the Raw brothers. Thank you to Karabo Mooki for your time and effort in shooting this article and being a brother out here. It’s been mad real, safe travels homie. My condolences go out to the Tshabalala and Bogatsu families. Rest in peace my brothers Craig and Omphile.

MOOKI: Travelling with purpose is essential to fuelling my passion and enriching my curiosity, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel and to get out of my comfort zone as much as I have. To be able to do what I love through visual art is an incredible life experience for me. Being able to share love, light and unique experiences and developments with the people I have met on my journey, these moments have made me see the beauty in humanity. These moments kept me inspired, travelling has also kept me driven and creatively inclined. A year spent in Thailand has shown me that I can still do what I love and make something of it. I’ve learnt to believe in myself and not to rely on brand affiliation and sponsors to make things happen. Learning to work harder to maintain achieving more dreams. Realising the highs and lows of being an independent artist, learning to stay humble and hustle hard at the end of the day, it’s my own dreams and desires that I want to accomplish. I was able to achieve through people who believed in me and in themselves equally, and learn more about dedication from observing those who are committed to their own crafts. It has been an unforgettable journey and I would like to thank all of those involved. Thank you to Siya for convincing me to experience life in the land of opportunity. Thanks to the FFC and all the Thai locals, thank you to my friends worldwide and family that have supported me, thanks to White Bread & Butter X Ve.G for keeping the love and support one hundred and thank you to Luke and Session Mag for investing time and being patient for this article to come about. This article is dedicated to Omphile Bogatsu and Craig Tshabalala, may your souls rest in peace brothers. Thank you!

Varial Heelflip

PARK CHECK New places to practice.

PHOTOS: SAM CLARK WORDS: AD

Edgemead China Bank

Anton Roux was charging from the other side of the park up onto the China Bank in order to get enough speed to gap into the mound Sam Clark built. Many slams and slip outs later and he made the first transfer between the 2 new obstacles. PH Sam Clark

Edgemead has been an ongoing project for Jamie O’Brien and the Woodies crew for the past 5 years. They have been building and campaigning to turn the disused and shitty tarred skate park into a must-skate spot in Cape Town.

Getting a park to a really good level with minimal budget takes a lot of determination and Jamie is finally seeing the acceptance of the space as he proposed it 5 years ago.

“It’s taken so much work man. I mean, it looked so horrible, and even when we added the bank and quarters people still complained about it looking bad. Now finally with help from Red Bull and Etnies to build this new China Bank and paint the park, people are starting to appreciate it and wanting to help a lot more. We’re just amped to see how it’s grown and keep building new things.”

The opening jam was a braai and beer affair with numerous bails and slip outs while skating on the newly painted ramps. The China Bank was a lot steeper than

...it’s well on its way to becoming the Chakalakka to the Boerewors Curtain. most anticipated but nonetheless, the session was on.

Anton Roux took the Trick of the Day with his gap from the

top of the bank to the mound of concrete. Justin Leslie, Juan Smit, Pieter Retief, Craig Leak and Leon Bester all pulled through and added their marks too. Most talked about however was Christi Wiehahn’s Back Tailslide Shuvit that happened during the week before and went up on Instagram. Find it you skate nerds.

Woodies have a lot more planned over the next few years and with the road adjacent to the park now tarred, allowing for easier gaps out of the park, it’s well on its way to becoming the Chakalakka to the Boerewors Curtain.

For more info visit the Woodies Ramps page on your favourite internet distraction.

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ABOVE: Evan Binge flexes his Tucknees out of the 9ft Quarter.

LEFT: Kyle Keshwa flips to Backlip with that good flavour.

Key West Plaza Key West mall skate park, situated in Krugersdorp, is a free to ride, open all hrs, 600m2 park designed around a most necessary netball court. This multi level platform park allows for unlimited speed, it’s encapsulated by transition from 5ft to 9ft with a long crispy tight China Bank. It’s got bowled out corner pockets and escalators off the 9ft extension for that extra whip. On the street side there’s a flat bar, 60mm granite ledges, a kicker, euro gap, manny pad and a Kevin Love inspired spine.

The opening jam saw JHB’s best come out for a homie session. Kanya Spani, Deon Fourie, Maanda Mulaudzi, Evan Binge and others skated the fresh crete ‘til late with Werner Lamprecht documenting it all. Kyle Keshwa was the newbie shredding around the park and we hope we’ll be seeing a lot more of this dude soon if the style on this Flip BS Lip is anything to go by.

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PHOTOS: WERNER LAMPRECHT WORDS: DALLAS OBERHOLZER

KETCHUP

TYLER BARROW

Wher’ ya been bro?

Damo de Clercq First things first, it’s been 6 months since you made the move to New Zealand, have you fucked any sheep yet?

Let’s just say that I have been eating a lot of lamb.

How’s the skate scene over there in comparison to here?

The skate scene is just as tightly knit as back home, which is cool as there aren’t really any cliques. If you’re rolling then you are considered a homie. As in growth terms, there definitely seems to be a bigger boom in SA with regards to the KDC. Are you in the North or South island? Is there a West vs East Coast type feel there?

I’m situated on the top of the South Island, there definitely seems to be a little bit of rivalry between Wellington and Auckland, nothing too serious though. These are both on the North Island though.

How are the spots, bust factors and parks?

The parks are rad and abundant. Christchurch has one of the biggest plazas in the southern hemisphere. As for spots you won’t have to look far (checkout the Passport edit). The streets have everything and anything to offer and like SA some of the spots can be rougher than a goats knee which makes your roll away all that more

Truck Wallie

rewarding. The bust factor doesn’t seem to be too bad.

The Rings. I’ll probably be hitting up California next year.

What’s been the hardest thing to get used to in your daily living?

What are some of the main local brands out there?

When I first got here I thought it would be the climate, as I was cruising around in a jersey during the middle of summer. I realised once I started driving that the speed limit (50 in suburban and 100 on the freeway) would be the hardest thing to get my head around. Thankfully, no speeding tickets yet.

Let’s just say that I have been eating a lot of lamb.

There are quite a few, Passport has a pretty strong presence and Manual magazine keeps the stoke alive.

So I believe you are swinging wood to pay the bills, how’s that going for you?

Thankfully, I have no bills to foot because I am staying with my Dad. It is tough work because my days start at 4am and end at 4pm, Monday to Friday. It pays well and it’s only temporary, just need to make those stacks.

Have you been to any good shows?

Dylan… I can’t believe that I got to see Bob Dylan! I also saw Rodriguez. Next year I’ll be watching The Black Keys, there’s also rumours of a final Sabbath tour as well as ACDC. Tell us some NZ slang you’ve picked up?

Ute - Bakkie

You mentioned you’re planning to travel around there. Where are some of the places you’re heading?

Yeah man, I’ve pretty much been all over NZ within these six months. I still want to go check out Hobitton, which is where they filmed the scenes of The Shire in Lord Of

Sweet as - Used in almost every sentence, NZ substitute for cool I presume Chur- NZ equivalent of awe.

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A MO D E R N C L A SS I C B U I LT F O R G R A N T TAY LO R NIKE .COM/SK ATEBOARDING

PODIUM Contest, Jams and Events

Macabr-ah THE ANNUAL DC HALLOWEEN JAM

We caught up with DC Africa chief Andrew Morck to get the low down on the night’s highs and lows.

What did you dress up as and why?

The Grimm Reaper … because it’s fucking halloween …. and I would be the one tasked with eliminating people from the ramp during the best trick contest …. it sucks, but somebody has got to be that guy. Basically, if the trick you are trying doesn’t match up to what has already been put down - then you should show some respect and stop skating because you are just cluttering the ramp by carrying on with your fruitless endeavours, simple!

What was the best costume you saw?

I was diggin Anthony DeMendonca’s Hitler outfit - he always puts a lot of effort in … we really try promote the dress up aspect - it just adds more flavour and chaos to the event.

Did Puddy behave himself and do you think his wife will let him host another one?

Well, let’s just say that Puddy’s alter ego pitched up late and took Puddy out on the non-stop party train after the event, and didn’t return home until the next day sometime … I don’t think Nicola was too impressed - but all is good now.

We really try promote the dress up aspect - it just adds more flavour and chaos to the event.

Who fucked the ramp up the most!

Yann was definitely charging the most and deserved the win!

Who fucked the beer up the most!

Not that’s a tough call …. The Jozi crew were pretty on it, but Puddy also had home turf advantage.

Gnarliest slam?

Probably CakeBoi trying to taildrop off the wall into the ramp, and meeting the flatbottom …. multiple times!

Any new standout rippers this year?

I was really diggin the flow of Trae Rice and Daniel Miltiadou … some new generation steez coming through.

What’s the plan for next year’s Halloween Jam? It’s always gotta evolve a bit - so there is bound to be some change-ups - firstly it’s gonna be an invite contest, with a couple open slots for some wildcards, the rest you will have to wait and see.

Thanks and shout outs…

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Yann ‘Horoblitz’ boneless out to 5050 stall, frontside grab in.

LAMPRECHT

Thanks to DC shoes, Red Bull, Nixon, Von Zipper & Old School Productions for all contributing and making this event happen.

A huge thanks to Puddy & Nicola for allowing the madness to unfold in their garden. See you all next year mofos.

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CLOSET ENVY Stock up on your skate gear.

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RVCA Desilusion TEE

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HUF Circle Burst Wash TEE

Bones Tools

DDD Skate Shades

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adidas Buzenits

adidas X Krooked Gonz Pro

Nike Bruin

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DC Nyjah Vulc

Vans Skate High

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Converse CONS KA II

Ultimate X

BIZNESS Industry News and Speculations

Luke Jackson was already sunburnt by the 2nd day of the Converse CONS Project Cape Town tour. Woodies has literally built a mountain for the event so look out online for what Remy Taveira, David Stenstrom, Jerome Campbell and the locals get up to on it.

Namibia is the next destination the adidas team has visited along with a new team rider.

Plankie have new boards dropping in January, are doing a colab with Siff Tape, have Cannabeans up for free download on SkateCart.co.za, are working on ANOTHER video for early next year, have a rad 2015 Calender colab with Dope Ind being printed and are on the search for a new team rider. “Don’t blame us for doing shit” was the response I got when bitching about how much news they have. And on that note, please remember to email any news/rumours or questions to info@sessionmag.co.za The ever growing Technique army have also been doing a lot of shit and have boards dropping in January from Canada, including 50 limited edition 20Sk8 decks that will be available in 3 sizes. Contact info@diversitydist. com or shuaib@20sk8.com for more details.

Also, the fourth and final webisode is due out on AfricaSkate.com shortly and TM Warren Stopforth has confirmed a video offering dropping end of next year, to be featured exclusively on the Session Mag site.

The Technique team currently consists of Allan Adams, Shuaib Philander, Wesley Schroeder, Adam Woolf, Brandon Valjalo, Taylor Sturgess, Dean Marais, Warrick Delport, Reamo Leluma, Martin Stoffberg, Uri Rubin and the new young gun flow team Damian Bramley, Tyler Kammies, Brandon Botha and Jeremy Stone; so the video is going to be worth the wait.

Especially now that they’ve got boards available in the UAE and are hunting for team mates that side.

characters from both sexes. Her parents couldn’t even get in the door at her second issue launch. We’re turning a blind eye and praying that The Lake doesn’t pick up an STD after launching it’s super hot dating profile www.thelake.co S

Technique Photo Competition

In skateshop news, Wandile Msomi’s Home Grown in JHB is merging with the long-standing Metja’s Skateshop. The move to back Metja was music to our ears as Metja has been hustling hard for homies that side for a long time.

The latest Technique Photo Competition winner is Cape Town’s Ethan Reyneker, Ethan send a message to Technique’s facebook page or email them at info@ diversitydist.com to collect a Technique deck of your choice. This competition still stands open for Session issue 64 so hurry up get a pic of one of their decks with your mug to stand a chance to win a Technique deck.

Dérive Skate Shop is another fully skater-owned and operated shop that’s opened up in Somerset West, CPT. With the whole Damd crew helping out and tattoo studio in the second half of the shop, is a miracle people are even buying there.

Stock Skate Co based in Cape Town are a new brand also putting a video together and regularly wallying, slappying and bombing the city streets. All we gonna say is: Donovyn.

Lastly, our sister is growing up to fast. All of sudden she’s having parties that are chock-full of debatable

Matthew in the tree with Diamonds...

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2014/12/08 10:46 AM

Summer 2015 | Audio Visual Skateboarding Video Magazine | Issue 25

Exposure 25.1

Debut Anton Roux Spot Check Edgemead Plus Bonus Footage

Close Up Mitchell Rice

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BLACKBOARD

JOUBERT VS

Brett Shaw

Down Time Hot Lazy summer days are the best. Clocking up some serious lurk time at your local skate store and painting gnomes on old skateboard decks. Drinking lukewarm Coo-ee and eating bologna snowball burgers on the side of the road while your friend tries to land a trick down a huge gap that he can’t even do on flat. #hashtagging on instagram pics and doing no-complies in a game of skate, throwing rocks at street signs and blowing bubbles with your spit. Hiring water pumps to drain pools, picking chicken bones wrapped in sludge out of a bilharzia infested deep-ends and stealing water to mix cement in old paint tins.

Heckling your bro for something he did 5 years ago, picking your itchy scabs and swimming in the sea with your boxer shorts. Scraping up some cash for gas and driving to some spot you’ve only heard about. Going for your 60th try while all your friends wait and the photographer has that desperate look in his eye. Being where you are not supposed to be and missing family

Mitchell Rice. Bluntslide.

functions because you’d rather be out rolling. Blown out bearings and snapped decks, bent axels and stripped nuts. Anger, frustration and that feeling you get when you jump out of an aeroplane.

a dustpan out of a yogurt container and using your t-shirt to dry a puddle. Using an old fence as a braai grid and flicking your board into the middle of a busy road. Dealing with concerned citizens, bribing security guards and flipping the bird at the federales.

“...picking chicken bones wrapped in sludge out of a bilharzia infested deep-ends.”

Being rained out, using Arnica gel, frozen peas, having bruised heels and sprained ankles. New towns, foreign cities and the same old spot you hate but always end up at. Getting consistently randomly selected for security checks at airports, stinking out the plane, because your skate shoes smell so bad and bombing a hill with loose trucks. Waiting for your bros to pick you up, putting griptape on a fresh deck and reading skate mags while you drop a turd. Cool stickers, concrete coping and marble ledges. Young and old, insane and average, tall and short, 7.75 and 8.8, 51mm and 56mm.

Being too sore to walk but still filming a line on your bro’s smart phone. Having in-depth debates about what’s going on online. Meeting new people and being comfortable around old friends. Making a broom out of a tree branch,

That’s why we live to skate and skate to live.

S

© SECOND

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