Rob Kellett interview: Theme parks, The Great Wall and wanton destruction in China

[vc_row][vc_column][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Rob-Kellett-Camera.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”20″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Rob Kellett has to be one of the busiest guys in Australian rollerblading right now. The talented Brisbane local just returned from an epic trip to China, where he spent three months rolling, chilling, partying and filming with the Velvet Couch Clothing team. While he was there, he not only had the time of his life, but also witnessed the destruction in Tianjin first hand while the rest of the world watched on the news. Rollerblading.com.au caught up with the Remz and VC rider as he was putting the finishing touches on his new edit to find out more about his crazy adventure.

Hey man… How’s it going? 

Yo man, It’s going great thanks!

What are you up to?

Right now, I’m just busy editing away for my new section (see below for the end result). I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone. It’s been a while since I’ve put out any content, so I’m a little nervous about it, too.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/141873040″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]I’m sure it’ll be fine … epic even! How does it feel to be back in Brisbane after what looked like a seriously epic trip to China?

It feels great to be back home, man. I mean, it’s a bummer knowing that the China adventure is all over, but it was the best three months I could have hoped for. So many good memories and crazy times! It is a good feeling to be back home with the family and all the homies, though.

Was that your fist time over there?

It was my second time in China. I was lucky enough to go over in 2014 to do blading shows at a theme park called Happy Valley, but this time around I was just on a self funded holiday visiting Paulie Haack and Oliver Czaja who were over there doing the shows this year. It was good to see all my old foreign friends, and not having any pressure to be anywhere at any certain time.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/79469113″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″] China looks like a crazy place… for a lot of reasons. Do you get a bit of culture shock when you first get there?

China is by far the wildest and most over-the-top place I’e ever visited. It definitely was a big shock the first year round, but after being there for 5 months last year, I knew exactly what I was in for this time around. It’s definitely more of a shock coming back home to reality, that’s for sure.

I feel ya. Tell me a bit about the trip… when did you get there, and what was first on the agenda?

I arrived in Beijing on the 2rd of July with Ashleigh (Paulie’s Girlfriend) and first on the agenda was to get straight outta Beijing. So after 12 hours of flying and a 4 hour stop over in Hong Kong, we jumped straight onto a speed train at 300km/h to the nearby City of Tianjin, which is where Paulie and Ollie were living. Ash and I had told the guys that we were coming on the 6th, so we kept everything on the DL and surprised them in their dorm rooms on the 2nd. I had also told my Ukrainian friends who were still working there from last year that I was coming on the 6th, so I got to surprise them too. Good times![/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/rob-kellet-china.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”20″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]It must be so much fun doing the trip with so many of the homies. How long did you stay in Tianjin?

Most definitely! I was there for a total of 89 days. It would have been nice to stay for another month longer, but I was only able to get a 90 day visa. I came home with $36 in my account, so it was probably a blessing in disguise to be honest (laughs).

Did you travel around much, or stayed around the area?

We travelled back and forth between Tianjin and Beijing. The first month more than the last two. Gerard Ahrens, Jamie Sims and Mitch Macrae came to visit in the first month so we spent a lot of time going back and forth between the the cities.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgburIAsokA”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]You were there during all the craziness of the explosions, weren’t you? Tell us a bit about that … obviously the whole world was watching, but you were on the ground.

Thing certainly did heat up, that’s for sure! I mean, the night it happened, we were actually in Beijing and woke up to a bunch of crazy videos and messages on our phones which had been shared through WeChat (Chinese equivalent of Facebook messenger)… And we were pretty worried! After making sure our friends there were still in Tianjin were all alright, we went to a local Seven-Eleven Store and bought some piece-of-shit masks that did absolutely nothing but made us feel a little safer; and decided to head back into Tianjin.

So the series of explosions actually happened in the city of Tanggu, which is the portside city in Tianjin. Basically, if you look at a map, you’ve got Tanggu on the coast, Tianjin city West and Happy Valley (our home) between the two. We were about 28km west of Tanggu… anyway, we got off the speed train in Tianjin city and walked outside in our masks, expecting everyone to do the same. Much to our surprise (and concern) we were literally the only people wearing them! The air was as clear as it normally is in China … and everyone was just going about their business as if nothing had happened.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q04fV4j7A1w”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]The days passed, and the more we looked at World news, Australian news, and what ever else we could find, the bundle of mixed messages was just getting bigger and more confusing. Paulie and Ollie were flipping out a little at first, especially once we heard there was Cyanide in the air… But to be honest, I was hearing all this blur of information “they’re saying this” and “the Australian news is saying this” yada-yada, and I was literally sitting in my room, looking out the window and thinking about how I’ve never seen such blue skies and crisp clean air in all the time I’ve spent in China. It was pretty stupid that the bosses at Happy Valley were making Ollie and Paulie do shows the day after the explosion, even when there had been no knowledge of what was in the air.

After about 4 days of non-stop explosion/deadly-gasses-in-the-air talk, I was well over hearing about it… Whatever was in the air, harmful or not, was definitely already in our systems; not to mention the fact that almost everyone in China smokes, and there is high levels of led found in the air anyway. I’m sure there’s a lot more the public doesn’t know about too. I wasn’t ready to jump on a plane home and end my holiday just based off some he said she said bull, when, if it was as bad as all these people were making it out to be, it would have already been too late anyway. As it turns out everything was fine, and there were no mass evacuations or anything like that. Our lives in China continued as normal and we were able to get a move on. It’s still really sad to hear about all the Families and People harmed by the blast. From what I heard, they are still (and will be for a long time) trying to get the blast zone under control. It was definitely not something I would want to be close too again, that’s for sure.[/vc_column_text][mk_image image_width=”800″ image_height=”550″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″ src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/rob-kellett-2.jpg”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Woah… that’s so hectic. We were definitely hearing a lot of different stuff over here, but hearing your story makes it all the more real. I guess it shows the stoic the Chinese people are, to be able to go back to work the day after like nothing happened… if it happened in Australia the whole place would stop for weeks!

Word! China is pretty brutal like that … everyone is just fighting their own struggles.

We’ve been through the crazy … what about the good? What do you reckon was the highlight of the trip?

Oh man, the whole trip was one big blur of great times. Each month was different to the next. The first month, I got to see all my old friends, my American buddy AJ Stine came and stayed with me, Gerard, Jamie and Mitch were there and it was non stop craziness. The second month was a little more relaxed … everyone who was visiting had left, and my body needed a little break, so I took it easy for a week or two before getting back to filming and blading more again. It also gave me time to spend with my lovely lady.[/vc_column_text][mk_image image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″ src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Rob-Kellett-Sweaty.jpg”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]The last month was super fun … the season changed, and the weather cooled down. We started getting up and out in the streets every morning before the guys had their shows. We found we would run out of light too quickly if we left it until after. So basically, I had this rad daily routine of: wake up, coffee, blading and filming street business, back to my room, have breakfast with my girl, hang with her and watch her shows (She works at Happy Valley as a dancer), watch the guys blading show, head home and get some tasty Chinese food at our favourite restaurant, watch back clips from the morning’s session and label them (you gotta stay on top of it!), then relax, sleep and do it all over again the next day. The last month was definitely the most productive.

I’d say the stand out highlight from the trip would be making it to the Great Wall with the homies. I’ve got this one spot which I found last year … this little lounge-chair shaped rock that just sits on the waters edge of this amazing lake among the mountains that the Great Wall goes through … it’s kinda unreal. Last year I just sat there for like an hour and just took in all the epicness that was happening … blading, China, the Great Wall, the lake … everything. It’s like that single moment when you just have maximum appreciation for where you are in life, everything that’s happened and the endless possibilities that lay ahead. So I was pretty stoked to make it back there this year and relive that same overwhelming vibe again.[/vc_column_text][mk_image image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″ src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Rob-Kellett-rock.jpg”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]You never used to see China in blading videos, but it seems the last few years there has been quite a few of the blading community over there (and there is even paid work!). What’s the scene like in China?

Yeah China is a little strange like that. There is such a strong blading scene over there and so many people blading in each city, but because Facebook and most western websites are blocked I think it’s hard for a lot of content to get out from China. You’ve got a few famous people like Franky Zhang, who was riding for Razors, now rides for Seba. It’s definitely a thriving scene.

There is definitely money to be made from blading in China, especially if you’re a foreigner! Chinese people love seeing a foreigner, regardless of what you’re doing, and they will pay money to see it (laughs). Not only that, but there is a lot of random blading competitions with big sponsorships and big prize money regularly. Just a few days ago, Ollie went to a comp at a park half way between Tianjin and Beijing and ended up getting 1st Place and 3000 Yuan in his pocket. Boom![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/45378539″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Haha wow… maybe it’s time to move. But seriously, when you started rollerblading did you ever envision it would take you this far?

China is good for sure, but it’s good when you know it’s just for a short period of time. Living there for good would literally drive anyone insane. Sometimes it gets a little bit too much. I started out rollerblading with my best mate James in the drive way of our houses … and I guess it just grew from there. I could only ever have dreamed of rollerblading taking me the places it has and becoming such a big part of my life, when I was just starting out.

I’m super thankful for where it has taken me and for all the amazing friendships that rollerblading has sparked. Almost all of my best friends are bladers and if it not for rollerblading I may never have met them. It hasn’t always been an easy road, definitely a painful one at certain times along the way, both physically and mentally, but it’s certainly been amazing so far … and it’s only the beginning.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/45378538″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]You’re hooked up by Remz Australia right… how did that relationship start?

Well, I’ve been blading Remz almost the entire time I’ve been skating. My first pair of blades were some TRS Access, followed by some Remz 0701’s and it’s been Remz ever since. Some people would say it’s better to try a bunch of different skates and see what works best, but I’ve always felt like remz have been, and always will be, the best skate for me … sure I’ve tried on other skates in stores and borrowed my mates blades to try out at a skatepark at the end of a session or something, but I’ve never put on another skate that has been as comfy and perfect as a Remz skate is for my feet. Not only that, but I strongly believe if you blade a particular skate for long enough, you grow with it … you learn exactly how that skate works, how it slides, how it flexes, how it will react to certain things. This takes time, but it’s definitely worth it in the end.

So to get back to the question (sorry about the sidetrack there), I have been blading Remz for almost 8 years now. I was always rocking them at the Aussie Titles and everything like that and then just before I was about to drop my first profile in 2013 I hit up Jenny (Logue) at Bayside Blades, just asking if it was alright for me to put a Remz logo at the end of the edit and she pretty much asked me then and there if I would like to be on the team. Of course my answer was a yes. It’s definitely my dream come true to be on the team. In my opinion Remz are the most unique blades on the market and they always keep it OG. For all the haters, just remember, most blades now come with some form of a v-cut (Remz did it first), some blades now come with a strap instead of a buckle (Remz did it first), skates with a skin are now starting to get rid of the un-needed plastic over the top of the foot (Remz did it first)… and they were all things that you probably bitched about before your favorite pair of USD Carbons came out with a v-cut cuff and some velcro straps (laughs).[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3foxvY-XAnQ”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]What about your other sponsor, Velvet Couch Clothing?

Coming from Brisbane, Velvet Couch has always been a massive part of the scene here. When I was younger, I didn’t really get out of my home town much, but I knew all about VC from Skatebiz, Darxyde Divisions (Aussie Blading DVD) and skate meets. In more recent years I started making it out to street sessions, competing in the right2roll street comps and hanging out with Gerard and the rest of the VC Crew. Gerard is without a doubt the raddest dude I’ve ever met through blading. He always brings so much energy to a session and always gets me juiced up to lace something. He does so much for the rollerblading scene in Australia and it’s something I’m always super appreciative of. Just before China came around last year and I was over at G’s place, he hit me up about joining the team and repping VC while over in China and bam, just like that, I was now apart of the crew I looked up to when I was a little grom … it’s funny how things happen. Now a year and a bit has passed and G-rad, the VC team and I have shared some crazy, awesome times. So much exciting VC stuff happened: jeans, hats, fresh tees and there is still so much new dope stuff in the works … so be on the lookout for that, too.

What about The Firm? It’s quite a mysterious little collective that I see you’re involved with… fill us in.

Well, basically The Firm is a blading media collective that spans across Australia, the UK and China. My homies Jake Bennett and Matt Brogan started it a few years ago now and asked me to be a part of it when I was in Europe at the start of the year. At the moment, we’ve got our facebook page and vimeo account and we just put up our blading media through those platforms. However, we’ve got some really big plans for the future. A website, some limited edition runs of clothing, a lot more videos and blading media… basically a lot of dope stuff. I won’t shed too much light on it, or give too much away right now, but The Firm is coming in hot, real soon.[/vc_column_text][mk_image image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″ src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/robkellett.jpg”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Sounds exciting… don’t forget to keep us posted in how it’s going. What about for the rest of the year and onto 2016? Any other plans or projects we should know about?

I’ve got a lot planned for the next few months actually. I’m still taking it easy after so many little injuries from my time in China, destroyed elbows, ruined wrists and worst of all a lingering heel bruise (which put me out for a lot of my time in China). I’m doing my best to mend them as quick as possible. I’ve also got this profile to put out, which I’m really excited about. On top of that, I’ve been working on another 30 minute travel edit with footage from last year, which I was hoping to have out about 5 months ago, but life has just been so busy. The video will be featuring almost everyone I’ve bladed with in the last 2 years… spent a lot of time behind the lens, so I’m super excited to release that one as soon as possible. Me and Oliver Czaja are working on a profile for him. The world ain’t ready for his killer skills.

Then I’ve got lot to do for The Firm as well as some designs for some new VC stuff and I’ve also got a bunch of ideas/plans for more videos. Hopefully another couple of street profiles, a park edit and a little secret something if all goes according to plan. I also really want to get a profile of my homie James McErlain done, because he shreds. On top of all of this, my girl is looking to come and visit this Christmas which would be amazing. We’re having a little bit of hassle with the visa at the moment, but we are doing our best to get it sorted.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/83418867″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Can we expect to see you at the Australian Rolling Open in Canberra this year?

I will definitely be coming to the ARO this year. Getting juiced to see all the Aussie Blading family in one place again.

Awesome. I think that should do us just nicely man, thanks so much for the chat… it’s been epic. Glad to see you’re so busy and loving life at the same time. Is there anything else you’d like to say, or peeps you’d like to thank, before we go?

I definitely want to give a big thanks to my family for always supporting my love for blading and travelling. I couldn’t have done it without you guys. Also a massive shout out to all the homies I blade with. Y’all know who you are, thanks for all the good times, and all the juice and motivation. A massive shout out to Jenny and Remz Australia for supporting me and always keeping the best skates on my feet. Gerard and Velvet Couch Clothing for all the support, all the good times, and all the motivation … we got this! Also a massive shout out to rollerblading.com.au for giving me the opportunity to do this interview, and always posting rad Australian blading media. Stay Rolling!

Right on brother, we’re always happy to support. It’s been a pleasure.

Interview by Jesse Kuch. For more of Rob Kellett’s videos, check vimeo.com/robkellett[/vc_column_text][mk_image image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″ src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/rob-kellett-china.jpg”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Craig Brocklehurst interview: mates, beers, bunnies and blading in the Harbour City

Craig Brocklehurst

[vc_row][vc_column][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/12072794_10153263000374952_214685874126331586_n.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Known far and wide for his four great loves – good friends, brews, blading and the South Sydney Rabbitohs – Craig Brocklehurst is one of the country’s best known and most respected rollerbladers. From humble beginnings in Perth to life in an Asian mega-city or his current home of Sydney, where he is an integral part of the (in)famous Vine Gang, Craig’s stylish and technical brand of rollerblading has influenced the scene wherever he goes. Currently gearing up for another spring and summer of blading in the Harbour City, Rollerblading.com.au caught up with the man recently to find out more about his life, rolling, coming back from injury and the long-awaited sequel to Vine St.

Hey Craig… thanks for making the time to have a chat. I guess we start with the basics … Tell me about your journey with blading. 

Hey man. I first got rollerblades on my 10th birthday in Perth. I rolled around and played some roller hockey with friends for a few years until they built a small skatepark a few blocks from my house … that’s when I fell in love. My dad taught me how to drop in using skiing as a reference, so I owe it all to him!

Haha, that’s awesome … Go dad! How old were you then?

12, I think. Around that time, I moved to Singapore with my family and that’s where I really started to take it seriously meeting other ex-pat kids who were around the same age.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/44762243″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]You don’t hear much about blading in Singapore… is it big scene or just the ex-pats?

At the time it was huge. It had a big local scene for such a small country. We had our own little expat crew with about 5-6 of us. We started off just skating park in our helmets and eventually started joining the local guys out street skating and a whole other world of skating opened up.

When did you move back to Australia?

When I was 19, to Perth for university.

What did you study?

Sports Management and Marketing but unfortunately wasn’t for me and I left half way through.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/craig.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]I probably would have, too (laughs). What as the Perth scene like whe you got back?

It was great actually. Probably why I didn’t do so well in uni! Not the biggest scene but Outerlimtz Skate Shop created a real family vibe and organised multiple sessions a week. With a good mix of OGs and people eager to learn, throw in some of the best rails in the world it was a really fun time. I go back twice a year and always catch up with the guys … they still have a really strong scene.

Yeah I just saw the preview for W.Aliens… can’t wait to watch the full video. These days you’re pretty well embedded in Sydney’s skate scene… when and why did you move over?

I moved over at the start of 2010. I just needed a change of atmosphere really. I had been friends with Rian Arnold for three or more years before that and he always told me I should move to Sydney. Also in 2009, I spent three months in the US. Half of the time was with the Valo team and half was spent exploring Hollywood and Las Vegas with CJ wellsmore. He also mentioned more than once that I would love Sydney. I got back from the States and the first trailer for Vine St came out. Next move was leave my job in Perth and get a one way ticket east![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/7117313″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Speaking of Valo… how did that relationship start?

John from Outerlimtz has always had a good relationship with Rhonda (Australian Roces/Valo distribution) so I got to meet her a few times before even trying them. But after a long time on Razors I wanted a change, so I tried Valos and fell in love instantly. The next stage was being able to hang out and skate with the Julio and the whole team in Melbourne at the Australian Rolling Open. Funnily enough, I missed my flight home and got to spend the next day street skating with legends like Bailey and Broskow. I flew home the next day and a little while after that, I recieved an email asking if I would like to ride for them.

Sounds like the stuff dreams are made of… damn. You ride for Ground Control Australia too, right? Any other sponsors these days?

Yeah man. Ground Control frames are amazing, so I lucked out again! Shout out to Jenny (Logue) from Bayside Blades. No other sponsors, no.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJ05AFRLcK8″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Sydney’s scene is without a doubt the most visible in Australia… largely thanks to the work of Dom with Vine St and of course CJ’s success on the international stage… tell us a bit about life and the scene there from the inside.

Its been an incredible experience as far as skating and making mates that feel like family. From very early on from moving into the Vine St house, it can be a rollercoaster because when you skate, party and work with your best mates, you can get a bit worn out … but in the end you create relationships with people that will be strong for the rest of your life. Our crew has a solid view on blading and how to have a good time. With a brief break on filming when Dom West moved back to the UK, the last few years has been on as far as traveling and filming. The last six months I’ve seen some insane shit go down with a special shout out to RA (Rian Arnold), who has been killing it and smashed out a section that I think will be better than his last.

I think Chapter II is what everyone is hanging on… any word on when the rest of us will get to see it?

Yeah man it’s looking really good so far. Sometime early next year I believe![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/14635688″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Man I seriously can’t wait. If you reckon it’s upping the game on the first, I think we’ve got something special on our hands. I guess that’s one thing you always see in edits from Sydney … you guys look like you have so much fun. Not just skating but life in general. Tell us about a day in the life of Craig Brocklehurst in 2015.

Days not working will usually start off with a strong coffee and then see who’s keen to blade. Perfect days are usually weekends spent skating in the city while its empty with a couple of longies keeping everything fun and relaxed. It’s coming into summer so after skating is done head to the beachfor a swim and a barebeque … with lots of cold beer!

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie (laughs) …

Hell yeah! We have amazing beaches here, so it’s a must to try and get a swim in after skating.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/12062512_10153278099127266_1779446137_o.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]I notice in your edits  and when I’ve seen you skate in person, you’re pretty solid on transition… is there a type of skating you prefer? Or are you just down for it all?

Yeah man, I love transition. Growing up I mostly skated park and was heavily into competing in park comps. I do love the whole aspect of street skating and filming for something special, but I think I will always prefer transition in the end. I’m looking forward to the Australian Rolling Open this year to catch up with everyone and compete for the first time after my ACL reconstruction two years ago.

I was going to ask about that… pretty serious injury… can be a career ender… was it daunting coming back? Did it change the way you skate, or the way you look at skating?

Yeah it was my worst injury by far, so it was a little daunting. But luckily two good homies (Gav drumm and Jamie Knapp) had both gone through knee reconstructions and I had seen them both recover, so I just knew if I took the time and put in the effort into proper rehab I would be fine. I probably don’t just chuck myself down a big rail as much without some serious preparation, but other than that I don’t think it’s changed my skating, no.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/91250532″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]That’s a relief! What are the plans for the rest of the year and into 2016? Any trips or major other happenings we should know about?

My plan for the rest of the year is to enjoy summer and skate as much as possible for Chapter II. I’ve been wanting to do the European summer for ages and I want to say next year I’ll actually commit and do it … Roskilde, Summerclash, NASS, etc. Other than that lots of little road trips up and down the coast with me mates!

I think that will do us nicely. Any shout-outs, people you’d like to thank, etc before we wrap up?

Yeah man, my folks for constant support. Valo, Ground Control and Jenny Logue, Outerlimtz and all my homies in Sydney who are my family these days … love you all!

Thanks man, it’s been a pleasure. Looking forward to catching up with you at ARO. Peace!

Interview by Jesse Kuch. Photos by Adam Kola & Dom West. For more from Craig Blocklehurst, click here.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/12062946_10153278099107266_951406443_o.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

All the Queensland Titles 2015 results, photos and videos in one place

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/haack2.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”false” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”20″]Held over the Easter weekend at Fairfield Skatepark, the 2015 Queensland Titles was one of the biggest and best days of rollerblading in Brisbane in a long time.

Despite the threat of rain and thunderstorms hanging over all day, the event was a massive success, with a huge cast of rollers from both Queensland and around the country in attendance.

Big ups to Nat Rawlings from 4Sqair Australia and all the crew who made the day happen!

Photos: Hayden Golder & Dtrain Photography

Videos: Brad Watson & Velvet Couch Clothing[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-579PsTDj5E”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]FULL RESULTS

Open Street
1. Martin Gade
2. Rob Kellett
3. Sam Bradley
4. Paulie Haack

Over-30s
1. Hayden Golder
2. Brad Watson
3. Ben Granero

Spine Jam
1. Hayden Golder
2. Brad Watson
3. Levi Hicks

Under-18s
1. Nick Thorne

VC Best trick
Tom Scofield[/vc_column_text][mk_image_slideshow images=”8814,8815,8816,8817,8818,8819,8820,8824,8825,8826,8827,8828,8829,8830,8831,8832,8833,8834,8835,8836,8844,8845,8846,8847,8848,8849,8850,8851,8852,8853,8854,8855,8856,8857,8858,8859,8860,8861,8866,8867,8868,8869,8870,8871,8872,8874,8875,8878,8879,8880,8881,8882,8883,8884,8885,8886,8887,8888,8889,8890,8891,8892,8893,8894,8895,8899,8900,8901″ image_width=”1200″ image_height=”801″ effect=”fade” animation_speed=”700″ slideshow_speed=”7000″ pause_on_hover=”false” smooth_height=”true” direction_nav=”true”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-579PsTDj5E”][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/HRG4268.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”false” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Brisbane’s rollerblading scene is booming: Amazing shots from Wednesday RampAttak sessions

Nat Rawlings

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Nat-Rawlings.jpg” image_width=”1200″ image_height=”800″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]4Sqair Australia’s Nat Rawlings gives rollerblading.com.au the rundown on Brisbane blading scene’s Wednesday night sessions at RampAttak indoor skate park.

Brisbane Rollerbladers started organically as a Facebook group, where members can post anything rollerblading-related. It is used mostly for local content like potential new spots to skate, skate parks, photos and edits, or even just to say “Hey, I’m rolling tomorrow, who’s keen?”.

It was through the Brisbane Rollerbladers facebook group that the Wednesday night RampAttak sessions first started and popularity continues to grow. Mostly headed by Luke Stonebanks, it has turned into a great mid-week roll for those that don’t get the chance to roll on the weekends. The vibe is ‘all are welcome’, and on any given night anyone from beginners, to some of Brisbane’s best, are likely to show up.

It is a sizable indoor skate park with almost everything you need for a well-rounded roll. Covered in plywood, Ramp Attack is smooth and much more forgiving than concrete. There is always someone up for a game of B.L.A.D.E. or doing some filming, whether it is professional or just using an iPhone.[/vc_column_text][mk_image_slideshow images=”8470,8472,8473″ image_width=”1200″ image_height=”800″ effect=”fade” animation_speed=”700″ slideshow_speed=”7000″ pause_on_hover=”false” smooth_height=”true” direction_nav=”true”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]RampAttak, located at 393 Bilsen Rd, Geebung, is worth traveling the extra mile. It is accessible by train (Sunshine Station) and the Wednesday night session goes from 6pm till 9pm. If you forget to bring a helmet they have some for hire.

Cost $13.50 or $11 for members, with helmet hire $5. Under 18s need to have a consent form filled out by their guardian before they can skate at Ramp Attack for the first time. For more information on RampAttak, see their official website.

Story by Nat Rawlings from 4Sqair Australia. All photos by Dale Travers. Skaters include Nat Rawlings, Gerard Ahrens, Luke Stonebanks, Sam Bradley, Jamie Sims, Tom Dobson and Joseph Huxley.[/vc_column_text][mk_image_slideshow images=”8474,8475,8469″ image_width=”800″ image_height=”1200″ effect=”fade” animation_speed=”700″ slideshow_speed=”7000″ pause_on_hover=”false” smooth_height=”true” direction_nav=”true”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Killer photos from VC Clothing at the Red Ledge Rivalry street competition in Brisbane

red ledge fishbrain

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/redbanner.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”false” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Paulie Haack has taken out the Red Ledge Rivalry street competition in Brisbane, Australia.

Held on January 24 as a fundraiser for the Queensland Titles 2015, the event went ahead in smashing style despite the threat of rain in the morning.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/red-ledge-4.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”false” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Despite everyone throwing down, Paulie Haack (pictured above) was too good on the day in the Open section, while Tom Dobson took out the top in in the Under-20s and Chris Morris in the Over-30s.

Registration is now open for the main event on April 4 at Fairfield Skatepark. Register here, or RSVP on Facebook for all the latest official updates.

Photos: VC Clothing[/vc_column_text][mk_image_slideshow images=”8435,8434,8433,8432,8430,8429,8428,8427″ image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ effect=”fade” animation_speed=”700″ slideshow_speed=”7000″ pause_on_hover=”false” smooth_height=”true” direction_nav=”true”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Official review of the Victorian Rollerblading Titles 2014 at Prahran Skate Park

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”http://vimeo.com/114543732″][mk_fancy_title tag_name=”h2″ style=”true” color=”#393836″ size=”24″ font_weight=”bold” letter_spacing=”0″ margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”25″ font_family=”none” align=”left”]Victorian Rollerblading Titles 2014[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Melbourne Rollerblading’s Simon Kelly gives us the official low-down on the Victorian Rollerblading Titles 2014 at Prahran Skate Park.

The Victorian Titles has always been a battle for state supremacy and the competition is drawing more and more of a crowd each year as the Melbourne rollerblading scene continues to grow.

For 2014’s competition Prahran Skate Park was transformed into what some described as a ‘magical wonderland’, with coping being built on to the top of almost every edge box and square rail.

Huge props go to Danny Hawkins, Paul and JC for leading the charge in the preparation and building these extra obstacles to make this event truly unique.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Victorian-Inline-Titles-2014_5240-rs.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” custom_lightbox=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkaDAT6PROw” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]The mercury was rising at the time the event was due to kick off and the first competition spot, the miniramp, was hot enough to fry eggs.

All competitors got straight into it with wall-rides, tech switch ups and spins, showing that there’s more that can be done on the small ramp than most people expected.

The under 14s weren’t put off by the older competition either with great lines from Koby Brookes and Nick Thorne. Brad Watson put his Big Ground Control frames and 72mm wheels to work with a boosted backside on the guardrail on the outside of the mini.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Victorian-Inline-Titles-Photos-by-Hayden-Golder-8910.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”1000″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Next up – the infamous Prahran vert ramp. This 14 foot monster will get your blood pumping just by watching someone drop in.

Veteran vert skater Scott Sanders took to the skies with massive airs and flips to take out the competition over Brad Watson, Hayden Golder and Gaetan, who all skated every other event on the day as well and managed to put up some awesome tricks on the vert.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Victorian-Inline-Titles-2014_5002-rs.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]To start off the street course session we had the junior skaters stepping up to see what they could to with the park.

These guys are growing their skills fast and everyone was stoked to see them push their limits and challenge each other with gaps over the stairs, ledge rolls and linking up some grinds between the different obstacles.

Bladies Shine and Tiffany Street took to the street course to battle it out next, with Tiffany just coming out on top, lacing clean grinds over the box and being one of the few people to hit the steep stair rail all day![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mZFRudBAS0″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]The Old Skool (over 30) competition has seen more growth than any other category since we first introduced it within the competitions last year and it’s been great to see these guys prove you can still shred ’till you’re dead while having a blast competing against your homies.

The top three skaters all represented different states, with Steve hailing from Tasmania, Brad a local Victorian, and Benny Granero making the journey from QLD to represent 4sqair wheels and show that he’s still got the ridiculous switch ups locked down.[/vc_column_text][mk_image_slideshow images=”8208,8207,8206,8205,8204,8203,8202,8201,8200,8199,8198,8197,8195,8194,8193,8192,8196,8329,8328,8327,8320,8319,8318,8316,8315,8309,8310,8313,8314,8308,8307,8306,8305,8303,8302,8296,8298,8299,8297,8300,8301,8295,8294,8293,8292,8291,8290,8284,8285,8286,8288,8287,8289,8283,8282,8279,8278,8277,8276,8275,8274,8273,8272,8271,8270,8269,8268,8267,8266,8265,8264,8245,8244,8243,8242,8241,8240,8239,8238,8237,8236,8235,8234,8233,8232,8231,8230,8229,8228,8227,8226,8263,8262,8261,8260,8258,8257,8256,8255,8252,8251,8250,8249,8248,8247,8246″ image_width=”800″ image_height=”550″ effect=”fade” animation_speed=”700″ slideshow_speed=”7000″ pause_on_hover=”false” smooth_height=”true” direction_nav=”true”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]To give you a taste of the level of competition within the Open category: one of the first tricks was a true top soyale 720 rewind out by Thomas Scofield; Martin Gade’s opening line had about seven different tricks in it, was ridiculously clean and had everyone going absolutely ape shit; Danny Hawkins busted out a huge disaster true kind grind on a ledge he built during the competition (this was best trick); and Phil Moss from Sydney with that 360 makio on the box, making everyone feel moist and paving the way for his first Titles podium finish.

From there the skating was insane with all competitors lacing trick after trick and the spectators got to their feet to witness Victorian blading at its best at a park that was built just for this one day.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Victorian-Inline-Titles-Photos-by-Hayden-Golder-9469.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]This event is a huge testament to everyone who’s involved in this community, from those to helped with registrations, to the skatepark builders, to the BBQ chefs, the time-keepers, and everyone who came down just to hang out, get loud and see something dope.

Here’s to an incredible year of Aussie rolling and I’m juiced to be involved in more events in 2015!

Thanks to all the sponsors – Bayside Blades, Seba, Rollup.tv, 4Sqair, VC Clothing, Razors Australia, Melbourne Rollerblading and Ground Control. Without these guys we couldn’t keep putting on events like this!

Support those that support Australian rollerblading and keep the scene strong. Thanks to all that came out to make this such a great weekend. Blading is alive in Australia, especially in Victoria![/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Victorian-Inline-Titles-Photos-by-Hayden-Golder-8900.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”400″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″][mk_fancy_title tag_name=”h2″ style=”true” color=”#393836″ size=”25″ font_weight=”bold” letter_spacing=”0″ margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”20″ font_family=”none” align=”left”]VICTORIAN ROLLERBLADING TITLES 2014 RESULTS[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Opens
1st: Martin Gade
2nd: Tom Scofield
3rd: Phil Moss

Old Skool
1st: Stevie Walker
2nd: Brad Watson
3rd: Benny Granero

Vert
1st: Scott Sanders
2nd: Brad Watson
3rd: Hayden Golder

Girls
1st: Tiffany Street
2nd: Shine Au Yeung

Mini
1st: Martin Gade
2nd: Brad Watson
3rd: Danny Hawkins

U18
1st: Daniel Werry
2nd: Lachlan Keighery

U14
1st: Nick Thorne
2nd: Jackson Werry
3rd: Koby Brookes

Official edit by Daniel “Tab” Talbot featuring Martin Gade, Danny Hawkins, Thomas Scofield, Brad Watson, Josh Nielsen, Hayden Golder, Phil Moss, Ben Granero and more. Photos by Hayden Golder, Craig Richards and Tim Macauley at The Light Monkey Collective.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.australianblading.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Victorian-Inline-Titles-Photos-by-Hayden-Golder-9506.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

All the Victorian Rollerblading Titles 2014 results, videos and pictures in one place

Hayden Golder

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”http://vimeo.com/114543732″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]The Victorian Rollerblading Titles returned for another big year on November 29, this time at the legendary Prahran Skate Park in Melbourne.

Dutch import Martin Gade again proved he is one of the top competition skaters in the country, taking out first in both the Open Street and Mini Ramp divisions, while Stevie Walker skated hard to take out the Old Skool.[/vc_column_text][mk_image_slideshow images=”8245,8258,8244,8277,8242,8248,8291,8253,8252,8246,8282,8276,8292,8208,8260,8294,8290,8289,8288,8284,8287,8207,8206,8285,8293,8255,8199,8240,8283,8239,8279,8280,8205,8243,8286,8269,8241,8270,8300,8268,8204,8238,8237,8267,8236,8228,8264,8262,8232,8235,8271,8273,8247,8272,8203,8274,8275,8250,8202,8201,8200,8198,8251,8278,8249,8197,8196,8195,8194,8193,8192,8328,8257,8323,8324,8320,8319,8318,8316,8315,8314,8313,8310,8309,8308,8307,8306,8305,8303,8302,8301,8299,8298,8297,8296,8295,8234,8233,8231,8226,8263,8229,8261,8259,8256″ image_width=”960″ image_height=”636″ effect=”fade” animation_speed=”700″ slideshow_speed=”7000″ pause_on_hover=”false” smooth_height=”true” direction_nav=”true”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]After winning big at ARO, Tiffany Street continued her golden year with first in the Girls, while Nick Thorn rocked the Under-14s and Daniel Werry the Under-18s.

We’ve got a full review online very shortly, but a full list of winners is below.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mZFRudBAS0″][mk_fancy_title tag_name=”h2″ style=”true” color=”#393836″ size=”25″ font_weight=”bold” letter_spacing=”0″ margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”18″ font_family=”none” align=”left”]VICTORIAN ROLLERBLADING TITLES 2014 RESULTS[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Open Street:
1. Martin Gade
2. Tom Scofield
3. Phil Moss

Old Skool:
1. Stevie Walker
2. Brad Watson
3. Benny Granero

Min Rampi:
1. Martin Gade
2. Brad Watson
3. Danny Hawkins

U14:
1. Nick Thorn
2. Jackson
3. Koby

U18:
1. Daniel Werry
2. Lachlan Keighery

Girls:
1. Tiffany Street
2. Shine

Photos: Tim Macauley at The Light Monkey Collective, Craig Richards and Hayden Golder.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.australianblading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Victorian-Inline-Titles-Photos-by-Hayden-Golder-8910.jpg” image_width=”1000″ image_height=”1500″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Behind the scenes with 4Sqair at the G20 Escape Tour across Northern New South Wales

[vc_row][vc_column][mk_image src=”http://www.australianblading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/jamiesims.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″ desc=”Jamie Sims with a styled out topacid around the extension.”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]The recent G20 conference in Brisbane brought the Queensland capital to a stand still, with the world’s top politicians in the Sunshine State and more police than you can poke a stick at. What does the Brisbane rollerblading community do in a time like this? Hit the road and get as far away as possible, of course! 4sqair Australia’s Nathaniel Rawlings gives rollerblading.com.au the lowdown on the G20 Escape Tour across Northern New South Wales.

Three days, a convoy and a plan to escape from the mayhem that was Brisbane’s G20 Summit and Back Sav our way through NSW’s northern towns and beaches. The 20Gs included Pauly Hackk, James Williams, Daniel Yoeman, Benny Granero, Dale Travers, Paul Williams, Rob Kellet, Jamie Simms, Glenn Payne, Chris Morris, Lachlan Burke, Levie Hicks, Josh Heathcote, Gerard Ahrens, Dave Wilcox, Luke Stonebanks, Sam Bradley, Craig Banks, Nat Ogden, Lui Burke and a cameo by Roger Cole… this is our story.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.australianblading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/sambradley.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″ desc=”Sam Bradley ripping the bowl with a fishy all the way on the large quarter.”][mk_fancy_title tag_name=”h2″ style=”true” color=”#393836″ size=”25″ font_weight=”bold” letter_spacing=”0″ margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”18″ font_family=”none” align=”left”]DAY ONE: NIMBIN[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]The bus was ready, the day was early and the juices were flowing. Not many of us got a good night’s sleep the night before, mostly due to the anticipation of finding that new bowl with perfectly set, winding pool coping, made from 1000 year old elephant tusks that slid faster than a hungry hippo squashing Jamie for his kebab.

We didn’t have long to wait, Nimbin was the first stop and gave us a swift reality check with an impressive snake run that started at the top of the park and led down to a 9-10ft bowl that flexed some real muscle.

This bowl was like nothing else, pool coping for days and after a lick of wax we were reminded why amateur skateboarders are amateur skateboarders. After it was explained that he wasn’t actually skating or even capable of skating the bowl, his life as he knew it was at an all time low, and we grinded the sh#t out of the bowl till we’d had our fill.

We then left Nimbin and made our way down to Coffs Harbour for the night where we managed to get 20 beds in the backpackers next door to the only nightclub in Coffs. Planned or coincidence? You be the judge.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.australianblading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Rob-Kellett.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″ desc=”Rob Kellet, Air. Fresh off his China demos, he was lovin’ the smooth bowl.”][mk_fancy_title tag_name=”h2″ style=”true” color=”#393836″ size=”25″ font_weight=”bold” letter_spacing=”0″ margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”18″ font_family=”none” align=”left”]DAY TWO: COFFS HARBOUR[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]It started earlier than anticipated with the park located just around the corner and everyone was keen to see what $1.5 million looked like as a skate park. We were not disappointed, with a cool little warm up street course, P-rail and a bowl.

But his bowl was nothing like the Nimbin bowl, it linked spines, vert walls, extensions, curved sub boxes, transfers and corners like they were planned by some autistic algorithm genius.

But we were not the only ones drooling over it that morning; a group of skateboarders that could actually skateboard, (yeah I know right? They could actually grind waxed coping and land tricks first try and sh#t) were tearing this bowl to shreds.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.australianblading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/g20-crew.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″ desc=”The G20 Escape Tour crew chillin’ at Coffs Harbour Skate Park.”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]That’s when we spotted a curved ledge near the park that wasn’t designed to be skated. It was about 20-30 meters long in the shape of a C and slid like KY Jelly. If you are thinking you like a good curved ledge challenge go to Coffs and bring your A game, your B game and a bottle of rum to drown your sorrows. This ledge was hit about five or six hundred times, and still remains unconquered.

The few that came close were Lachlan Burke, Chris Morris, Rob Kellet and Luke Stonebanks, among others. It’s been affectionately named C#nt Ledge.

We then regrouped on the beach for lunch and a swim and went back for round two in the bowl. Having it to ourselves this time, Levi Hicks showed us why he is Australia’s most underrated roller, Sam Bradley is just SAM BRADLEY, Rob Kellet showed what skating every day for 6 months does to you and as for Benny G… well Benny G is back.

The second night was much the same as the first, 20 skaters, one club, on tour, fill in the blanks… But if Jamie Simms asks you for a high-five, don’t get smart…[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.australianblading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/levihicks.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”1000″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″ desc=”Levi HIcks going big on the vert wall with a parallel grab.”][mk_fancy_title tag_name=”h2″ style=”true” color=”#393836″ size=”25″ font_weight=”bold” letter_spacing=”0″ margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”18″ font_family=”none” align=”left”]DAY THREE: BALLINA[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Day three was a little dusty… There were good intentions to skate some streets around Coffs, but after warming up at the park it was clear that it wasn’t gonna happen. We made our way to Ballina and realised the best thing about the Ballina skate park was the beach next to it. So after going a bit gorillas, provocatively, Dave Chappelle got in the bus and steered us home…

Shout out to Daniel Yoeman and Dave Willcox for sharing the driving duties, to Dale Travers for catching some nice snaps, to Jamie Simms for pointing out some exquisite picnic spots and to the Sydney lads, Lui Burke, Nat Ogden and Craig Banks, for making it a sick possie!

Heads up: There is another tour in development for July 2015.

Tour and Words by Nat Rawlings from 4Sqair Australia.

All photos by Dale Travers, except the one below by Gerard Aherns.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.australianblading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/g205.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″ desc=”Benny Granero, alley-oop fishbrain. “][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Meet Rhys Bell: Australian Rollerblading Open Street Champion for 2014

Rhys Bell Profile Photo

[vc_row][vc_column][mk_image src=”http://www.australianblading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/10566335_10154400707710114_623881691_n.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]How does it feel to be the ARO Open Street champion for 2014?
Yeah it still doesn’t feel real! I have been going to the Aussie titles since I was a grom, watching all the pros lacing hammers. Now it feels like I have accomplished a big goal with my skating.

Did you think you were in with a chance though this year leading up to the event?
No, not at all. All I wanted to skate was the mini mega leading up to the event. I didn’t even think about the street! A few of the Canberra guys have been filming and pushing each other to try new tricks, this itself became sort of like training for the ARO.

That’s kinda my next question… It seems like there is something in the water in Canberra at the moment! Both you and Tristan Richards took out the top spots in street and mega ramp respectively… the scene must be in the capital at the moment.
Yeah, we have a great scene, with great street spots and skateparks. There isn’t a whole lot to do in Canberra besides skate, which I think helps us keep pushing ourselves. Growing up we have always had a solid scene with a lot of dedicated people to keep blading alive in Canberra… and Tristan is a machine!! Keep an eye out for his next profile, it’s going to be next level.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.australianblading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMG_0892.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Sick.. can’t wait. I guess we should shoot back a bit… tell us a bit about yourself. Did you always grow up in Canberra?

I’m 23 years old and I’ve been rolling for over a decade now. My Dad first taught me to skate when I was moving back and forth from a little coastal town called Narooma. Growing up in Narooma, We had a really tight crew of about 10 rollers, which included CJ Wellsmore. He was the main influence growing up skating and making sure every trick possible at the tiny little Narooma skatepark had been done. We eventually both moved back to Canberra and kept the Canberra Scene (Canthrax) going. Dave Jacobs Put together a DVD Called Canthrax – Wasted Days and we have have been filming ever since. The crew has changed alot of the years but we still a lot of the OG guys in our crew.

The plot thickens! Narooma really has had a big influence on Australia… that’s crazy. Sometimes it’s the smallest places that bring the biggest results…
Damn right.

I know you ride your Razors Australia, are they your only sponsor? How did your relationship with them start?
I ride for Razors Australia and Velvet Couch Clothing. My first ever sponsor was Salomon, I stuck with them until the day they decided to stop make rollerblades. Andy from Canberra skate shop Straightline helped me go straight from Salomon onto Razors. Throughout all the Right 2 Roll other competitions, Gerard from VC hooked me up with a few clothes and then I found myself skating for VC. I wouldn’t be here without all the support from these guys.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMF7HIEsKd8″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Have you ever had the chance to skate overseas, in competitions or otherwise?
I once got invited to Junior X Games in Sinapore, but brock my leg soon after hahaha

Damn… Now you have ARO under your belt, maybe it’s time for another trip!
I would love to head to Europe to some of the bigger comps over there, but there are no plans at this point. I have going to New Zealand in Novemeber. I’m going to film an edit over there. But it’s definitely something I’m going to think about a bit more.

Speaking of edits, you just dropped a killer one… tell us a bit about it… how long have you been filming for on that one?
I seem to be constantly filming putting canthrax edits out every few months. This one, I grabbed the best clips over the last 3-4 months and made my own profile. Plently more to come, I’ve still got a few unused clips sitting there.

I checked out the Canthrax site just before… you are heavily into photography and filming, aren’t you?
Yeah, I work full time in a photography studio here in Canberra. I also do a fair bit of my own work filming music videos and taking photos for magazines, etc. I has all come from skating. I starting taking photos of my mates skating then it progressed from there just trying to get the best shot of the tricks, and now it has became a big part of my life.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.australianblading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/A6-1-copyHires.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]It’s crazy how passions like that can build into a career… what else do you get up to outside skating and work.
Most of my life outside skating is based around my photography work, I also play guitar in a band, I surf, and of course have the girlfriend Carissa. Sometimes it gets hard to balance everything but its all worth it in the end.

Awesome… what kind of band? What are you guys called?
We play a blend of blues and hip hop, called Made By Mandy. We are just starting to recording our originals at this point.

Do you guys play out at all? Any gigs coming up?
Our first gig is coming up which is just a backyard party for Octoberfest.

I guess we’ll start wrapping it up… any other plans or projects we should know about? Anyone you’d like to thank?
There has been talk about getting the Razors Australia Team together to film another podcast, so hopefully that goes ahead. I’d like to thank, Jenny from Bayside Blades for looking after the Razors team, Gerad from VC for straight up being The Man. All the Canthrax lads for all the great sessions and big ups to my whole family, as they have always been very supportive and I woudn’t be rolling without them.

Thanks Rhys, it’s been a pleasure.

Interview by Jesse Kuch. Photographs by Canthrax Crew and Craig Richards.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.australianblading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Rhys1_hires.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″][/vc_column][/vc_row]