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]

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]

Learn slalom in Sydney with Australia’s highest ranked skater Natalie Ujuk and James O’Connor

James O'Connor Natalie Ujuk

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2MVWZ6JqFc”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]If you’re interested in learning the art of slalom from Australia’s best, don’t miss this weekend’s clinic with Natalie Ujuk and James O’Connor.

Natalie is Australia’s highest-ranked slalom skater and represents her country in competitions around the world.

Originally from Sydney but now based out of London, Natalie is back home and keen to teach her skills to her fellow Aussies.

She is joined by Rollerblading.com.au’s founder James O’Connor for this exclusive holiday workshop in Sydney on Saturday, December 19.

Both Natalie and James are certified instructors with years of teaching experience, ensuring people of all skill levels will be catered for.

Cost is $90, with a special discount on both Seba Skates and slalom cones on December 18-19 at SkaterHQ.

For further details, text James on 0411 872 022 and mention “Slalom Clinic”. For more details on James’ lessons in Sydney, check out rollerbladingsydney.com.au[/vc_column_text][mk_image image_width=”800″ image_height=”1150″ 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/slalom-clinic1.jpg”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

SEBA Street present the official CJ Wellsmore Pro Model interview: edit by Dom West

CJ Wellsmore 10th anniversary

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/139586767″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]CJ Wellsmore has just dropped a new video interview to celebrate the release of his 10th Anniversary Pro Models from SEBA Street.

The new skates are basically a re-skin of his original pro models, with an updated liner, side protector and green graphic details.

Filmed and edited in his home town of Sydney by the master that is Dom West, it doesn’t feature a whole lot of tricks but does provide insight into what CJ has been up to in 2015 (including his serious hand injury), alongside heaps of spectacular scenery of Bondi with plenty of epic aerials courtesy of Dom’s new DJI Phantom Vision drone.

I don’t know about you, but it definately whets our appetite for the long-awaited Chapter II of Vine St. Bring it on!

For more from SEBA Street, check their Facebook page or Vimeo channel.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/sebacj.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]

New CJ Wellsmore park edit at Maroubra Skate Park in Sydney by Dom West

CJ Wellsmore Seba

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/124504198″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Australian powerhouse CJ Wellsmore has dropped a new park edit at home in Sydney in support of his pro model skate by Seba.

Filmed at edited by the one-and-only Dom West at Maroubra Skate Park, it’s a perfect example of why CJ is considered the No.1 park skater (and arguably the best all-rounder) in the world. Hell, he even makes falling look stylish!

We all know park isn’t CJ’s only game. Stay tuned for CJ on the streets in the long-awaited Chapter II of Vine Street by Dom West dropping very soon. With five years since the original classic dropped, it can’t come a moment too soon.

For more from CJ Wellsmore, check out his rollerblading.com.au profile or Facebook page. For more from Seba, see sebaskates.com or the Seba Facebook page.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/t2-CJ-2-11.jpg” image_width=”900″ image_height=”900″ crop=”true” lightbox=”false” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”left” margin_bottom=”25″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Five years on, Dom West announces long-awaited Vine St Chapter II with preview trailer

Vine St Chapter II

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][mk_image src=”http://www.rollerblading.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/maxresdefault.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″]Five years on from the first preview to the now-classic video Vine St, Dom West has dropped a teaser for the long-awaited Chapter II.

A true classic of modern rollerblading, the original Vine St featured full profiles from CJ Wellsmore, Richie Eisler, Rian Arnold, Tien Nguyen, Mass Alhattawi,  Simon Dorabialski and Charlie Ruckly.

Expect all this and more from Sydney’s Vine Gang in Chapter II, gloriously shot and filmed by arguably the best filmmaker in the blade game today (and yes, that was Chris Haffey you saw in there!). Bring it on!

For more of Dom West’s work, check out his YouTube channel[/vc_column_text][vc_video title=”Chapter II preview by Dom West” link=”http://youtu.be/v8sLXHA0iRM”][/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]

Aussie legends feature in Dom West x The Booted: Mates, Beers and Bunnies in Sydney

Dom West x The Booted Mates Beers and Bunnies

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][mk_image src=”http://www.australianblading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/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″]UK-BASED blading website The Booted celebrates one year on the scene this month and to celebrate, they’ve just dropped a killer edit by the one-and-only Dom West featuring Sydney’s Vine St crew.

Filmed in only one day along the Sydney coastline, Mates, Beers and Bunnies is an insight into the awesome lifestyle enjoyed by rollerblading crew in Australia’s largest city. Who wouldn’t want to live in a place with so many beaches, awesome parks and amazing skaters?

Alongside skating from some of Australia’s best from the current generation, including Gav Drumm, CJ Wellsmore, Tien Nguyen, Craig Brocklehurst (pictured above by Adam Kola), Alan Dick, Rian Arnold, Jamie Knapp, Josh Butler and Toby Yau, the edit also features a rare glimpse of Australian legends Blake Dennis and Scott Crawford in action.

Anyone who has been around in the blade game for a while knows these two are true bona fide legends of the Aussie scene and will be truly excited to see them back on the roll.

This is what The Booted’s Adam Kola had to say about the edit: “We would like to take this moment to thank everyone that has supported The Booted and our features. We endeavour to put forward an eclectic mix of the very best that blading has to offer in a mature and tasteful fashion This especially wouldn’t be possible without our correspondents, contributors and bladers, so to everyone that has provided us with content, The Booted and rollerblading are thankful!”

Big ups to The Booted from rollerblading.com.au for the awesome content and edits over the last year, you’re doing everything right. Here’s to another big year in 2015!

For more from The Booted, check out their official website, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr.[/vc_column_text][vc_video title=”Dom West x The Booted: Mates, Beers and Bunnies” link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJ05AFRLcK8″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Learn about rollerblading photography with Adam Kola and Chris Haffey in Sydney

The Booted Chris Haffey

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][mk_image src=”http://www.australianblading.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/thebooted1.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″]The good folks over at The Booted have been dropping a series of informative educational edits recently, with some great tips on the basics of rollerblading photography from the master himself, Adam Kola. 

The UK’s Adam Kola is without a doubt one of the most talented and celebrated rollerblading photographers ever, a true legend of his craft with an eye for detail unlike anyone else in the industry (and a body of work to match). In the third in The Booted’s photography 101 series, Adam teams up with the one-and-only Chris Haffey, who takes some time out from Nitro Circus’ Australian tour for a quick street skate in Sydney.[/vc_column_text][vc_video title=”The Booted 101 Series: Shutter Speed with Adam Kola and Chris Haffey” link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Qsm-WunM6Q”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]In the edit, Adam explains the nuances on shutter speed, one of the most important elements to consider when shooting any action shot. For anyone looking to get into rollerblading photography, The Booted’s 101 series offers real insight from one of the best in the game. If you missed the first two, check out Part 1 and Part 2 below.

For more awesome videos from The Booted, check out their official website or YouTube channel.

Photography: Adam Kola[/vc_column_text][vc_video title=”The Booted 101 Series: ISO/Film with Adam Kola & Neil Ingall” link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3e-xCFprI84″][vc_video title=”The Booted 101 Series: Aperture with Jon Julio and Jeff Stockwell” link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2KFri7_W7Y”][/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]