Oliver Czaja interview: Meet the Australian Rollerblading Open Street Champion for 2015

Oliver Czaja ARO champion Open Street

[vc_row][vc_column][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/2015/12/oliver-win.jpg”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]2015 has been a watershed year for Sydney’s Oliver Czaja. From his second year entertaining the masses at the Happy Valley theme park in Tianjin, China, to rubbing shoulders with the world’s top competition skaters at FISE World Chengdu and his recent big win in the coveted Open Street division of the Australian Rolling Open in Canberra, Oliver has fast become one of Australia’s most visible rollerbladers on the world stage. Rollerblading.com.au’s Jesse Kuch caught up with Oliver shortly after ARO for this candid interview about his life, rolling and plans for the future…

Hi Oliver, what’s up?

Not much man, just chillin’ on the porch and going over some clips from ARO.

I would ask how you’re going, but I’m guessing after ARO that’s pretty good.

Well, to be honest, it was only today (four days later) my entire body felt 100 per cent. That monster drop ledge was perfect but you truly do feel that the next day or two, man.

Yeah it looked huge. What about winning though, that must feel really good. Did you think you a chance of taking the to spot when you went into the competition?

I honestly don’t know what to feel, you know? Skating the comp, especially in the finals, I was skating and then stopping to catch a quick breath … I can hear my mates lacing tricks but I can’t see, so I’d lose it. Next minute, it’s like wait, what trick was I thinking about (laughs). Plus after hearing Robbie (Kellett) lace an alley-oop soul to alley-oop topsoul cab 720 into the bank, at the end I personally thought the results would have been different.

>> ALL THE ARO 2015 RESULTS, PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

>> ROB KELLETT’S ARO WEEKENDER EDIT[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/150081754″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Well, you definitely did something right! Is there a trick or line that you were most of proud of on the day?

I gotta say the 810 of the hip transfer. But I would have loved to do more tricks off the end of that drop ledge… I had a few lined up for sure.

You’re definitely been doing well in the competition scene year – it’s not just ARO. I watched you live at FISE World in China and I saw you won another Chinse competition, too. What was it like skating at FISE?

I’ve been trying my best at the competition scene, I haven’t really been in any since 2012-2013. FISE was amazing, hands down. Having the privilege to skate that park, especially with all those big names, was amazing. The ramps were perfect except the occasional loose panel, which you can understand … the park’s built for BMX, really, so they are not that meticulous at inspecting it.

China in general looked rad – already had a big chat to Rob Kellett about his time over there, but I’m keen to hear how it was for you.

Robbie covered it pretty well, except on my first contract at night time I’d take Ukrainian and Brazilian dancers for a ride on the scooter or Robbie’s motorbike (laughs). All up, I’ve spent close to 13 months in Tianjin. Six this year and close to seven last year.[/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/2015/12/oliver-czaja-china.jpg”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Wow… must almost be like a second home now. What’s it like “performing” for an audience at the theme park? Must be kinda surreal.

It was, but second time round didn’t have the upbeat feel so I was twenty-four seven skating park and street. It was a performance because the average public wouldn’t know the difference from a sweatstance to a hurricane top soul or 180 to 900, honestly. They just want to see you do rad things and interact with the crowd, which is what we did on a daily basis three times a day, six days a week. Even on days off we would be putting on free demos at street spots and heaps of people would flock us to snap pictures and to look at the foreigners. What was awesome was they were good for a barrier, so if a spot went into the road we had a sweet cushion, if you know what I mean (laughs).

Crowd control!

At its finest, mate.

Have you travelled much overseas in other places?

I spent about four months living in Brazil. I started off living in a very small country town and then made my way to the coast of Vitoria, north of Rio and Sao Paulo, where I bumped into a rollerblader who hooked me up with the locals.

When was that?

That was just before the China contract, from November 2013 to beginning of March 2014, I think. Khalil Stenning offered the contract to me mid-flight coming back from Brazil.[/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/2015/12/Oliver-travel2.jpg”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Far out… so you’ve basically been living the dream for the last three years. 

Close to it, man.

I think we need to rewind right back to the start (laughs). Tell us a bit about where you were born, grew up and how this crazy adventure called rollerblading started.

I was born in the western suburbs of Sydney and grew up there as well. You could say in the ghetto! I rollerbladed when I was about four or five years old for a tiny bit in oversized skates until I got my own, but by that time I didn’t feel it. When I was 12, I was going on vacation care because my mum worked a lot and no one could really looked after me. They had a special day where they said we could bring a BMX, skateboard, scooter or rollerblades.

A mate there had these Roces M12s, the original ones that had the pop rivet frames, and he told me to rollerblade so I had a week to get new skates. I got some Rollerblade brand skates from Kmart, left the brake on and away I went. On the day my mate was street skating and showed me some stuff. I ended up doing a 540 on a seven-stair set first go and was launching off a ramp five or so metres in length. That was the day I said, ‘mum im going to be a rollerblader’ and started from there.[/vc_column_text][mk_image image_width=”800″ image_height=”1000″ 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/2015/12/oliver-czaja-sydney.jpg”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Sounds like you were born to do it…

I had a lot of inspirational people around me during my grom days … I think i can say that word now (laughs). It’s gotta be said, my family always said, ‘there’s nothing in rollerblading’ and the first time they watched an event was FISE. That made me pretty emotional, I ain’t gonna lie.

I guess it shows if you stick to what you love, it eventually pays off.

It’s taught me something – if you do something for 10 years, it will always repay the patience.

When did you start attracting the attention of sponsors and the like … and who do you skate for right now?

I’d have to say the first time I attracted any attention would have been coming third at the AROs in 2007 at Monster Skatepark in Sydney. That’s when I got onto Manly Blades just before they changed their name to Skater HQ. I was on Valo for a little bit until I had a nasty bail and that put me out for close to two-and-a-half years. That was around the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009.

Ouch. That must have sucked!

Yeah man, it was just before that big ARO where Brian Aragon put a hole in the floor from that huge gap. I was kind of training. I learnt my lesson from it, though: don’t forward 1080! Fakie is acceptable but not forward (laughs).[/vc_column_text][mk_image image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”false” 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/2015/12/oliver-epic-air.jpg”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Was it hard coming back after an serious injury like that?

Oh yeah, man. My first comp back was ARO 2011, which I placed dead last. I still did the steeziest phillips 66 over the spine at Woden, I don’t care what anyone says (laughs).

A lot of people don’t like skating competitions, but from what we’ve talked about tonight, it seems like you do…

I’ve recently got a bug for it and I always enter because the cash goes into the sport. I’m not a vert skater but I’ll still skate it! After FISE I’ve gotten a bug where I can’t not go to a skatepark and just hit line after line. It’s just fun being able to connect it all together.

That’s what the FISE commentators remarked too – you were the first one using a lot of the obstacles on the day.

I couldn’t wait to get my skates on ‘em. All the boxes had perfection written all over them. The second you would lock you would want to ride it to the end.

Do you prefer skating park or street? Or are you a skate all day, every day kinda dude?

People call me a park-rat. That’s not a thing I’d claim because the pure fact is, I’d rather session a down rail or kink rail or something fun that is street-oriented AND skateparks to float and boost some airs. I’d skate all day, every day.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyMQ07ns244″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]You’re also hooked up with VC… is that you’re only other sponsor other than SkaterHQ?

Yeah, I was going to say that. I hooked up with VC midway through my first contract in China. After FISE I had Demon United get in touch with me, they do all types of protective gear fro gaskets to full face helmets and body armour. I’m just waiting for a package in the mail from them now.

What about outside blading? What do you do when you’re not rolling?

Ohh, that’s a tough one.

Really? Are you some kinda of international secret agent or something?

Well being a rollerblader is the best cover – I need to get in touch with an intelligence agency (laughs). Nah, right now I’m not working. I’ll work when i need to, but I’ve worked so many different jobs, from alarms to stone mason to contracting welder … I dipped my hands into mechanics for a bit. I just do casual stuff as it comes up, plus I’m trying to get my freelance photography and filming business up and running, and organising the NSW Titles.[/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/2015/12/Oliver-Czaja-FISE.jpg”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]The cat is out of the bag! How’s that all going? I can’t remember a NSW Titles for a while…

I dropped a peep about the NSW titles at ARO. It only seemed fit because I can’t give a speech to save my life. When they asked me to speak I turned into a stunned mullet. I’m pretty sure forgot about everything I had to say. So far everything’s looking good. No dates are set as I need to find out with the other states so we don’t get any clashing. We might even make a series out of it, let’s see. I hope I’m not dropping too many secrets.

Nah.. you’re secrets are safe with us… and the internet. But seriously, it’s great you’re taking on the challenge, there are so many killer skaters in NSW.

That’s right. It would be great to state titles feeding into ARO every year.

Unity is the only way that things are sustainable.

Yeah I’ve been thinking about holding it for a year or so. I’ve given a lot of thought about what obstacles that need to be built, things like that.

Which park?

There’s three in mind that stand out, because you need a park with nice quarters, good lines and you don’t always need a jump box but it adds that extra send it-ness in a comp.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgburIAsokA”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]I think we should have enough now… is there anything you’d like to say before we wrap up, or anyone you want to thank, things like that?

Yeah dude, maybe just a quick mention about me skating my first ever competition at the 2005 ACT Titles at Tuggeranong (the same venue as this year’s ARO). I was Under-14 Vert champ and in the street comp, I remember gapping the side of the bank to the flat (where I did the 810 we talked about earlier) and cracking my Mook frame clean in half and not having any spare frames for the rest of the day.

I have to say it was nostalgic to be at Tuggers for ARO and it meant a lot to win because a recent brother of mine and the inline community passed away. Nathan Kapral was close to the main reason why I’m as good as I am today. I also have to shout out to Bill at SkaterHQ for always looking after me after all these years, even if Valo were a hard skate to find in shops … and Velvet Couch Clothing for putting the “Send” in “Send it”. Finally, just thanks to my family. They have been secretly behind me even though they can’t watch me skate. They say it’s too scary.

Thanks heaps man, it’s been great. Congratulations again on being the ARO 2015 Open Street champion!

Interview by Jesse Kuch. Photos by Hayden Golder and Gerard Ahrens.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Matt Caratelli’s new edit with from the Newport P-rail Invitational 2015 in Melbourne

Newport P-Rail Trophy

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/148306394″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Tom Scofield has added another impressive notch to his belt by taking out the 3rd Annual Newport P-Rail Invitational on December 6 in Melbourne.

Held at Newport Skatepark, the day featured 21 of Melbourne’s best bladers battling it out for the title in what was he most intense competition yet.

This years NPI featured the massive A-frame box for Round 3 as well as the well known flat box that Melbourne rollerblading drags out to every event.

The format of the competition was as follows:

Head-to-head knockout each round
Different spot each round
Last blader standing wins
Crowd decides on winner
Votes will be counted for seemingly tied rounds/final round

• Round 1 = 3 min
• Round 2 = 4 min
• Round 3 = 5 min
• Final round = 6+ min[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tom-scofield1.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″]The contest featured many close match ups, along with just as many injuries, calling for four wildcards to be featured in Round 2.

Taking the best injury, killing it all day was Andy Plumridge who suffered a bad wrist break sending him straight to the hospital.

The final round brought about some of the most incredible blading that Melbourne has seen all year: Hayden Golder Vs. Martin Gade Vs. Tom Scofield!

In the end, the Kiwi import came out on top, taking home the title, trophy and $103.20 in prize money.

Big ups to Matt Caratelli for hosting the competition with the massive help from Jean-Claude “JC” White, who brought all the boxes.

Shout outs also to Kev San Jose and Brad Watson for filming all day and Diego for taking photos – stay tuned for more action from the NPI soon.

For more of Matt Caratelli’s videos, check vimeo.com/mattcaratelli[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/12359378_10153108258001809_230148577_o.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]

Thomas Dalbis, Martin Gade and Chris Pullar feature in RVB: The Secret Spot Episode II

Richie Eisler RVB

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/148160938″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Ever wanted a skatepark in your own backyard? The guys from RVB did and have just released the second episode of their video series featuring this hidden gem.

This time round, it features a swag of Aussie talent on tour in Europe including Thomas Dalbis, Chris Pullar and (honourary Aussie) Martin Gade, alongside Guillaume Debuf, Mathieu Allart, Jeremy Kesler, Anthony Aymard, JB Grammagnac, Pierre Bonnel, Richie Eisler, Dustin Werbeski and Fredje Vanovertveldt.

LINK: THOMAS DALBIS INTERVIEW

LINK: THE JOINT TOUR VOD IS AVAILABLE NOW

Camera and editing by Tony Martins and Yohan Ayllon. For more from RVB, visit their Vimeo channel.

If you missed out on the first episode, check it out below.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/90672110″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Quick Clips with the 2015 Australian Rolling Open Street Champion Oliver Czaja

Oliver Czaja China

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyMQ07ns244″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Fresh from his big win the coveted Open Street category of the Australian Rolling Open 2015 in Canberra, Oliva Czaja has just dropped a short street edit.

His big win capped off an incredible year for the Sydney talent, who just returned from another epic adventure in China.

While he was there, he made the finals of the FISE World event in Chengdu and won the 2015 Crazy Park competition as well.

ARO 2015: All the results from Canberra

CHINA: VC Clothing in the PRC

INTERVIEW: Rob Kellett in Tianjin

Don’t sleep on Oliver Czaja – we get the feeling is just the start. Check out the full rollerblading.com.au interview here.

For more from Oliver Czaja, check vcclothing.com[/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/2015/12/oliver-czaja-china-crazy-park2.jpg”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

ARO Weekender: Rob Kellett’s edit from the Australian Rollerblading Open 2015

Australian Rolling Open

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/147742112″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Rob Kellett has just dropped his edit of his adventure to Canberra with James McErlain for the Australian Rollerblading Open 2015 at Tuggeranong Skate Park.

Featuring Oliver Czaja, Robbie Pitts, Stephen Walker, Tom Scofield, Hayden Golder, Benny Beeching, James McErlain, Rhys Bell, Alex Riley and Dave Simpson skating park, street and the comp, it’s a fun look at Australia’s biggest weekend for rollerblading.

Congratulations to Rob for taking out third in the Open Street division!

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL AUSTRALIAN ROLLERBLADING OPEN 2015 RESULTS

Here is what Rob had to say about the weekend:

“James and I made the trip down to Canberra for the 2015 ARO. Turned out to be quite an adventure, with some super sweet deals on return flights, free hotels (buffet breakfast included) and a 3rd Place in the Open Street division!

“It was so good to see the aussie blading family again, and we left with so many good memories! Here’s just a couple of random clips we managed to get of some homies along the way.

“Thanks to everyone who made the Australia Rolling Open 2015 possible, and thanks to all the aussie blading family! Y’all are amazing! Good times, great people.”

For more Rob Kellett, check out our official interview or visit vimeo.com/robkellett[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/aro_flyer_2015.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]

Razors Australia Korey ‘Sneaky’ Waikiki SL Promo featuring Martin Gade and Tom Scofield

Martin Gade Razors SL

Just ahead of the Australian Rolling Open this weekend, Thomas Dalbis has dropped a killer new promo for Razors Australia to promote the new Korey Waikiki SL Pro model skates.

Featuring Razors Australia riders Martin Gade and Tom Scofield shredding the streets of Melbourne, the edit is a killer showcase of the new skates, which many are saying are the most stylish Razors to drop in a long time. The Korey Waikiki SL Pro by Razors are available in Australia now. They feature new harder and stronger boot materials, new faster soul materials, a redesigned liner exclusive to the pro skates, a 1 inch shock absorber, new canvas skin design, razors cuff, GC Featherlite 3 frames, GC 57mm 90a wheels, ABEC 9 bearings and GC 42mm nylon Anti-Rockers.

Check out the official Korey Waikiki SL Pro Model launch edit below. Check out more from Razors here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YUwNskKT98

CJ Wellsmore travels through France in the SEBA Street Summer Tour Episode #2

SEBA Summer Tour

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/143812525″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]SEBA Street has released the second episode of their Summer Tour through Europe, this time documenting their travels from Montpellier to Marseille in France.

Featuring Australian superstar CJ Wellsmore alongside Kevin Quintin, Anthony Finocchiaro, Antony Pottier, Pascal Morasse-Raymond and Pierre Lelièvre, the edit features everything from Marseille’ famous bowl to hanging out at the Clic’N’Roll shop in Nîmes.

There, the skaters cruised along this beautiful city on big wheels during the day, and were shredding the bowl at night.

The last step was in Crolles for a cold and quick session until the sun went down.

Directed and cut by Anthony Finocchiaro, with additional footage by Pascal Morasse-Raymond. For more from SEBA Street, check out their official website.

If you missed part 1, check it out below.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/132772745″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Sydney’s Phil Moss finally drops his full street edit after joining the Remz Australia team

Phil Moss cropped

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oP6GHDHlTM”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Phil Moss has finally dropped his first full street edit since being welcomed to the Remz Australia team in June.

A long time in the making, the edit showcases over four minutes of the Sydney shredder’s ballsy yet technical style, including rails, ledges and gaps.

Phil has been riding Remz for years, so it’s great to see he’s found his spot on the team alongside names like Hayden Golder and Rob Kellett.

More like this please!

For more from Remz Australia, check out their Facebook page. Photo by Rhys Bell.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/mossbell.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]

Thomas Dalbis interview: The inside word on one of our most talented bladers and filmmakers

Thomas Dalbis

[vc_row][vc_column][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/2015/04/HRG4130.jpg”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]If you’ve watched any Australian rollerblading videos in the last couple of years, chances are you’ve watched something from Thomas Dalbis. The Melbourne-based blader and filmmaker is responsible for pushing out consistent, high-quality edits highlighting the best of the Aussie scene (and he’s a pretty damn good blader himself!). Jesse Kuch caught up with Thomas recently to find out more about his life, travels, filmmaking and what The Simpsons has to do with the Kal Crew… 

Hey Thomas, how goes? What are you up to today?

Hey man, just chilling with Chris Pullar Sawyer and my girl, and we just pulled up to some basketball courts waiting for crew to get here so we can setup a P-rail and just have a sunny sesh in the middle of a Melbourne sunny park. Classic sunday chill sesh, pretty much…

Ahh, sounds awesome. Tell the boys I said wassup. You just back from another sunny place… Sydney. Checking out the edit, the trip looked like a lot of fun… what did you get up to?

Yeah man, it was loads of fun for sure. Pretty much, the idea was to go up for a week, as my mate Tomek was travelling up with his girl … Sawyer and I thought it was a good idea to go up at the same time and just catch up with all the homies, enjoy Sydney and get as much footage as possible. It turned out great. There was perfect weather every day, cool parks and loads of sick street spots. I also managed to stay at a family friends crib in Bronte right by the beach, so it was just perfect.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYmP9ffTkV0″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]They definitely look like they have fun in Sydney… not only blading but all the rest of life, too.

Yeah man, that’s for sure. There’s potential for anything outside blading … just getting around, logistics and all, was a nightmare (laughs). Sydney is so damn BIG!

Yeah it’s not a grid like Melbourne either … it can get a bit hectic. I guess we shoot back to the start. Tell me a bit about your life and rolling… Where did this crazy adventure begin for you?

Blading has been part of my life for about 14 years now. It all started back in my home town of Mantes la Jolie in France where my brother introduced me to skating by showing off his Feinbergs, doing grinds on the curb out the front of our house … I thought that it was the coolest thing ever. The next day, I got some Salomon ST1s and I was hooked! Then it was pretty much us two skating our local park and learning new tricks on easy flat ledges, until we met two other guys one day who were also blading and that’s when the KAL crew started.[/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/2015/11/12171383_10153155006987724_1199261660_o.jpg” title=”Backside backslide up, across the flat and down at the Vic Titles”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Oh wow… I didn’t know Kal Crew had such a long history.

Yeah. We bumped into the other two guys a few times without knowing who they were. After a few sessions, we were like ‘hey what’s up, we should blade together’. The core crew since the start is my brother, Jeremy, and the two French mates from my home town, 20sil and Dje, who Initially started it because they looked like Karl and Lennie from The Simpsons. Nowadays, this Kal thing is much, much more than that, and it pretty much is made of all the close homies I skate with … Martin Gade, Sawyer, Tomek, Kev, Matt, Josh and all the other crew I forgot to mention. It’s pretty much if you’re down with me and my bro, you’re down with the Kal.

Rolling seems so strong in France… like it never experienced the slowdown that a lot of other places did.

Yeah, it’s always been a huge scene. Back in the day we use to train it to Paris to go skate Bercy with all the locals every weekend and every time we’d rock up there would be 20-30 bladers shredding the park or the Bercy ledges. There was also loads of demos over the summer with pros such as Dom Sagona, Billy O’Neil, Rachard Johnston, Chris Farmer, Evgeniy Leonov, etc … they all made it down, and it was so cool been a grom and skating with pros, getting to talk to them … I was bilingual, unlike most Frenchies, so that made it easier for us.

Nowadays I don’t think the Paris scene is as strong, but the love is still there for sure. The level of skating (back then) was just insane. Growing up skating with the best skaters in the world at the time, in my view, was the coolest thing. We would meet up weekly with skaters like Cyril Daniel, Julien Cudot, Adrien Clairaz, Clement Milot and just shred the streets of Paris. We were all groms at the time, but was definitely a sick scene growing up. For example, when we were on tour in ’08 with all the Parisians we shot that disaster 450 backside royal at the forum ledges with Cyril Daniel. Llittle did we know that we had just filmed one of THE sickest trick in blading, ever. That’s how good the Parisians were and that scene definitely helped shape the skater I am today.[/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/2015/11/12175940_10153155007062724_723112130_o.jpg” title=”AO soul 360 out at the Vic Titles at Prahran”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Sounds like a life most people in Australia could only dream of… but we’ve got you now. When and why did you guys decide to move to Australia?

I decided to move to Australia around the end of 2007. (It was) mainly because I wanted a change of scene. I had lived in Paris for two years to study, so i was a bit sick of the Parisian lifestyle and I wanted to do a university course here in Australia to diversify a bit and get the best of both worlds. I also knew Melbourne had a cool little scene at the time, so that helped. It was around that time that my Mum and sister also moved back to Australia, so it made sense to meet up with them.

What did you study?

I studied Bachelor of Business with a major in Entrepreneurship. I completed in 2 years as I was able to use credit from my French diplomas.[/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/2015/11/12169812_10153155006922724_576023043_o.jpg” title=”Truespin topside pornstar”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Oh nice… I was expecting maybe something with video.

Nah, I pretty much taught myself video. It just came with blading, but now that I think of it, I wish!

Yeah it’s like that eh… oh well, it’s always easy to look in hindsight.

There’s always YouTube tutorials to catch on lost time (laughs).

Who need degrees when you’ve got YouTube?! These days, alongside your skating, you’re also recognised around the globe as one of Australia’s most prolific and talented rollerblading filmmakers … have you got anything in the works in the works?

Yeah man, we always have something in the works. At the moment I’ve got multiple projects I’m filming for few street sections of the homies Tomek, Martin, Scowie, Sawyer and myself. I’m also currently working on a new Razors Podcast to promote the new Waikiki skate. Hopefully we wrap that up soon to be in sync with the hype of the skate worldwide. I’m also working on a new edit for my Australian Street Edit series where I usually try and feature most of Australia, not just Melbourne … and finally, I’m also working on a ‘best of’ section with all of Martin Gade’s street clips of The Joint Tour and filming a bit for Circolo on the side. So yeah, always busy and I wouldn’t have it any other way.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/137579933″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Far out… looks like we won’t be short on content for rollerblading.com.au then (laughs). These days a lot of people put out edits… the technology is there for most people to be able to do it pretty easily… what do you think sets apart a good edit from the rest?

First of all, it’s a great thing that it’s getting easier and easier for people to put out content. As for quality in an edit, in my opinion, what really does it for me is use of tripod, multiple lenses and angles, and diversity in spots and tricks. Then there’s the high end edits that I see from people like Jonas Hanson, for example, that that are just on a totally other level … original filming, top camera, colour correction work and the choice of tricks are all super important when trying to differentiate yourself from the rest. But more importantly, he’s able to tell a story through his edits, not just trick trick, trick and see ya later. For me that’s the hardest part when it comes to setting yourself apart and it also helps make blading look good towards the general public.

Apart from Jonas, who else do you reckon nails it?

I like the E.Rod and the Dirtbox stuff, but the guys who really nail it in my opinion are guys like Austin Paz, Dom West and even guys like my mate Matt Carratelli. Those guys know how to film and make blading look good, which is what it’s all about.[/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/2015/11/12171971_10153155006977724_1659148282_o.jpg” title=”BS torque to true topside acid at the Vic Titles”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]You seem like you get to travel a fair bit… any adventures planned for summer or 2016?

Hell yeah man, always keen on the travel. We have spoken about doing Europe again, this time trying to hit up the competitions that we haven’t done before such as Fise, Roskilde and Blade Days … and I also want to bring my mates to comps I have loved for years such as Summerclash and Ghetto Games in Latvia. But yeah, most definitely a Euro trip, which seems to always be the best option to get out of the Melbourne winter. Also, the Soccer Euro comp is on in France next year, so there will be loads of people travelling over to Paris, which is dope. I’m always happy to welcome Aussie mates of mine and show ‘em the French way of living. Tom Sawyer and I are also planning on going back to Cali sometime next year.

Does that mean we can expect another full-length film like The Joint Tour then?

I doubt it mate, we’ll be missing our captain of the ship, FX, who will be in South America next year, so not really looking at getting a campervan and doing another 8000km tour, but who knows what we’ll come up with? As for another full length film like The Joint Tour … I’m not really looking at doing another project like that. It was a lot of work, much more than I expected. but some great memories and i cant wait to view it in 10-20 years and look back at the sick times we had![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/123833560″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]That was kinda my question… it was such a long film, I imagine it was hours and hours behind a computer screen.

Yeah man, too long…

Do you reckon it’s sad we don’t see the full-length videos as much these days?

I dunno if it’s sad. It’s more that times are changing with social media and the internet … people get more content online than ever before.

Yeah, I guess people’s attentions spans aren’t the same these days. That said, sitting down and watching a full length video with a bit of a theme is still really next level for me… that’s why I loved The Joint Tour so much! You sound so busy with everything, whether it’s filming or actually blading itself … do you have time for anything else?

Blading and filming are pretty much my only hobbies. Nah, I’m a very active person and always keen to get out and do things, whether it’s shooting hoops with my homies, playing tennis, watching the latest shows or just hanging out on Chapel St for some arvo drinks, I’m just a regular blader that loves to travel and make the most out of life, petty much.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/136996686″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]I guess that should do us nicely man… thanks heaps for taking the time. Is there anyone you’d like to thank, or shout out, before we wrap it up?

First of all, I would like to thank my parents for the constant support and allowing me to travel to comps since the age of 14. IMYTA Amsterdam in 2004 was my first and would have never been possible without them and I will never forget that. I would like to thank my girl Lea for been able to handle my lifestyle and understanding my love for blading … big thanks to my brother Jezza for getting me into this and pushing me all these years … cheers to all the homies in the MR crew (you know who u are) for making Melbourne the sickest scene to film, hang, skate and promote … big up to Rolling Victoria for organising mad comps all year round … shout outs to all my Euro homies see you all next year … thanks to rollerblading.com.au for giving me this opportunity and keeping us updated with fresh Aussie media, and big, big shout outs to the KAL, for life! See you all at the ARO!

Thanks man, it was a pleasure. Keep the killer videos and skating coming, the scene needs you! Peace.

Interview by Jesse Kuch. Photos by Hayden Golder. For more of Thomas’ videos, check out vimeo.com/kalcrew[/vc_column_text][mk_image image_width=”800″ image_height=”450″ crop=”false” 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/2015/11/12177233_10153155007067724_1494087607_o.jpg” title=”Tom Scofield, Martin Gade and Thomas Dalbis at the Vic Titles”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Bonecrusher: Chris Haffey on Nitro Circus Australian tour on the Gold Coast

Chris Haffey Nitro Circus

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It appears Superman has earned himself a new nickname… sort of.

Chris Haffey made the mistake of telling his Nitro Circus Live tour teammates about an old nickname, The Bonecrusher.

As you can probably anticipate, it didn’t end well for the hapless Mr Haffey (although you can’t deny what being on tour with Nitro is doing for rollerblading’s image).

For the full list of dates for Nitro Circus Live’s 2016 Aussie tour, click here.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/haffey-nitro.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]