Where exactly are you from and how old were you

when you first started taking the train into London to skate?

I am originally from Johannesburg, South Africa.  I lived there until I was 13 and then moved to Durban which is about 8 hours to the south of Johannesburg.  Durban lies on the coast and is quite a nice place, full of beaches and whatnot.  Then when I turned 15 my family moved to London which is where I reside at the moment.  My brother and I began taking the train into town as soon as we arrived because we knew there were loads of spots to skate. 

What was it like growing up in South Africa? 

How were the spots down there?

Growing up in South Africa was amazing.  It is obviously quite dangerous sometimes with regards to crime but you just get used to it.  It’s not as bad as everyone thinks though and people still go about their daily lives.  Every country has its problems, even London.  Gnarly shit happens everywhere.  There are plenty of good spots in South Africa, especially around downtown Johannesburg.  You need a car though because the spots are quite spread out and public transport there is not very reliable.  Check out the Familia video and you can see many of the spots South Africa has to offer.

You rode for Blueprint skateboards for a little bit.  How did that come about and what have you been up since you guys went your separate ways?

When Blueprint was filming for “Lost & Found” my one friend Ian Passmore was helping out.  He told me they were making a little friends edit for the credits so I started filming some stuff with him.  Dan Magee liked my footage so he decided to put me on flow for a bit.  I eventually got on properly and was so stoked... couldn’t believe I was riding for a company like Blueprint.  I always looked at it as the best company in England.

So you just started riding for your brother’s new company.  Tell me a little about him and how “Familia” started up.

My brother Gavin started the company in South Africa along with his friend named Adrian Day.  Gavin has since moved to London and so he brought the company over here with him.  It seems to be doing well so I’m stoked.  Gavin has the sickest ideas with regards to board designs, adverts, videos etc.  It’s very different from most skate companies and the ideas are fresh... no corny shit!  It’s cool riding for them as well because Gav asks me what I would like to do, or what photos I would like to use.  I have input into the company which is how I think it should be when you are riding for someone.  For more info, visit the Familia site.  They have their first video project called “Bang Chong” on there and it is definitely worth a watch. We are doing a little trip to Barcelona this coming June.  I haven’t been there in a while and my two brothers are going as well so it should be amazing!

I noticed in your room you had a fair amount of good reading material.  What other things do you do when your not cruising about the city?

When I’m not skating I like to play guitar, it’s so fun!  Learning a song you like is amazing, and it’s fun to fiddle about making up little riffs.  My Dad is amazing at guitar and he was trying to get me into it when I was really young but I didn’t start until I was about 19.  My Dad is a one man band, he can play the harmonica, guitar and sing all at the same time, which is hard!  He’s not afraid to play in front of an audience either... that’s something I couldn’t do at the moment.  I prefer to do it on my own, just chillen.  He teaches me a lot of stuff though and recently got me a ukelele.  It’s perfect to carry about with me on trips because it’s small.  It has a really unique sound and helps with playing the guitar.  I also like to draw using charcoal.  I just have a sketchbook and draw when I feel like it.  My Mum is good at drawing so I think I got that from her.  I also read from time to time, but sometimes I don’t have the attention span for it.  The book has to be really good for me to finish it.

Where have you been working as of late?  Are you still doing the catering gigs til’ 2 am?

I haven’t been working as of late because those catering gigs become non existent after the Christmas season passed.  I had to get placed on the Dole, which is similar to social security in America.  They help me out with my rent and help me to find jobs, which are quite slim at the moment.  This recession has made finding work a mission, but I’ll be starting those catering jobs again this week.  I like working those because it’s flexible.  You choose when you want to work so it gives me more time to skate.

What about London makes it feel like home?  You seem to fit right into the busy ways of the city without losing your cool.

I wouldn’t say London really feels like home to me.  I like it but I would never live here when I’m older.  It’s a cool place to live while you’re young because there is lots to do, lots of places to go, lots of spots, but sometimes its just too hectic.  There’s too many people in London and it’s by no means a relaxing place.  Everyone seems pissed off, but it’s understandable when you’re living in such a congested city.  You’re in the system all the time with people telling you to do this and that... signs everywhere saying don’t do this or don’t do that, it’s mad but rad at the same time!  I’m not really sure where home is yet, but I’d like to live by the beach one day.  Live a nice laid back lifestyle.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever seen down at Southbank?  Im sure that place is full of tweakers.

I’ve seen lots of mad shit at SB, lots of fights.  One time a kid got a kick full on to the nose, broke his nose!!  There have been some weird guys who have come and gone from SB, just tweakers like you say.  I’m not sure why, but SB seems to attract them.  SB is sick though, I love that place in the Summer... fun to skate and there are always birds walking past so it’s good.