Back in the days part 1: Tomokazu Wura

Back in the Days 1977 is a  skateboard retrospective with six of Japan’s top skaters. Hirotaka Akaguma, (Kuma) Junichi Arahata, (145) Junnosuke Yonesaka, (Jun) Shin Okada, Tomokazu Wura and Gou Miyagi. All of them were born in 1977.

This article is translated into English from Transworld Skateboarding Japan #71

Back in the Days 1977

The year 1977 was when Pink Lady had hit songs playing on the TV, Jimmy Carter was sworn in as President of the USA and Japan Tobacco first sold Mild Sevens. It snowed for the first time in Okinawa and the world’s greatest comedy star Charlie Chaplin died. That was the 52nd year of  Showa. (Japanese Emperor) It was also the year that some of the biggest legends in skateboarding in Japan, whose names should always be remembered, were born.

Shin Okada, Hirotaka Akaguma, Junnnosuke Yonesaka, Tomokazu Wura, Junichi Arahata and Gou Miyagi.

By coincidence all of these skaters were born that year, and are still today shaking up the Japanese skate scene.  This issue we put the spotlight on this group, living legend  skaters to find out more about  their skating, about themselves and their passions.

Included free with this month’s copy of Transworld Japan, is the Back in the Days 1977 and here is the first of these profiles translated for your enjoyment. Please leave a comment if you enjoy it, I will be translating some of the other profiles soon enough.

TOMOKAZU WURA

Words by Homma

Tomokazu Wura

Yokozuna (sumo master) of the west

A supercomputer getting what he’s after!

‘I checked out a local skate contest and it stole my heart away.’

Tomokazu Wura, was 8 at the time.
He spent his time kicking cans around, reading manga and playing video games, or riding BMX offroad, but nothing could come close to the fun he got out of skateboarding.
These days there are parks popping up all over the country.
Skateboarding is now getting alot of social recognition and lots of kids start skating around 8. Even five year olds with skateboards is not rare anymore, but at the time it was the start of skateboarding’s second wave of popularity and 8 year olds getting around doing tricks on the board were pretty rare.
Skating the hell out of his local spot, it wasn’t long before his skating style and skills were well known by skaters all around Osaka.

In 6th grade Wura competed in the Pro AM contest at Ascot Skatepark and placed fourth against some very well known skaters and picked up his first sponsors.
After this he started touring all over Japan with his teammates and making a name for himself, winning lots of competitions, building his network and of course the media picked up on this. He was dubbed the prodigy of the west. (Western Japan) Wura matured quickly however, and grew tired of the contest scene.

Wura, at seventeen was faced with the closure of the indoor skatepark at Ascot, and was playing around on an outdoor mini ramp when he broke his leg after skating with an injury.

After this, Wura distanced himself from skating for a few years and concentrated on music, and making himself known as an MC. After countless nights of partying, destiny called and he was reintroduced to skating.

Coming into contact with guys he used to skate with going about their business, one of them passed Wura a skateboard and said ‘You don’t skate anymore right?‘ and this flicked a switch. He found he was in better condition than he thought, and could do more tricks than he expected, so suddenly skating was fun again.

He checked his leg out the next day and found that the ligaments had grown back and it had healed up almost as good as before the injury.
And so once again Wura dreamed of being able to make a living out of skateboarding.
First of all he sought the advice of his peers and went about getting accredited by the AJSA with a Pro skateboarder licence in order to get sponsors.

At the time there was a contest series that was held five or six times a year in major cities across the country. He set about getting into the top ten in the rankings for this, but the first year competed only in the final contest in Yamagata. He won this and got lots of sponsors. The following year Wura ended the contest series ranked #2 and one year after this finished the year by winning the whole series.

There was no stopping his momentum and Wura travelled around skating parks and miniramps and various street spots. He was killing it and his skills were impossible to ignore.
One day, when he was riding the wave of pro skating, he broke his leg again. This time Wura was cool about it and took a year off to recover completely, so that he would be able to again hit the contest scene in perfect condition. His comeback was in 2004. Winning the series again that year, he saw alot of new talent coming onto the scene and having done what he set out to, decided to go back to skating the streets.

He was highly motivated and getting coverage in magazines, won the Best skateboarder of the year award and moved to Tokyo. Putting out several video parts with FESN and Expression etc, his video parts were often selected as best part. He was then given the opportunity to skate overseas, but having more interest in Europe than the US, Wura went on the MO3 tour organised by TWSJ to the European skate mecca Barcelona.

In contrast with the Japanese skate environment, Wura was amazed at the high level of awareness of the skaters and made several more trips overseas to skate in several big contests. He is currently preparing for a new video part, which will be a compilation of his skating and the turning points in his career, showing the ordeals he has had to overcome, to be released later this year.

Wura has the recorded the best results in the history of Japanese skating and dominated the local contest scene for years. He has also had his signature model skateboard released by a major US board company. He has also started his own board company. He has extended his skating onto the world stage. Wura continues to teach kids to skate and bringing through the next generation of rippers. Talking of his experiences, he says

‘Where I am now is because of the environment I have grown up in and from the influences of friends.’

Wura is always looking to the future. By the time we see the direction Wura decides to take with his skating now, I am sure he will be already looking at the next step ahead.

Wura’s official blog:

http://ameblo.jp/wura-world/

Transworld Japan blog:

http://www.transworldweb.jp/skate/blog/

Wura’s webpage:

http://www.mastersk8ter.com/infotop/

Videos:

http://www.skatevideosite.com/skatevideos/fesn-underground-broadcasting/soundtrack

Bowlarama wrap up incl. Lizzie Armanto interview

Bowlarama is a series of bowl contests that started in Bondi, Sydney but has for the past few years also been
held in Wellington, NZ.
シドニーのボンダイで始まったボウルスケーティング大会のシリーズで、数年前からウエリングトン（ニュージーランド）でも行われている。
Skaters travel halfway around the world to compete in the event, which wrapped up on Sunday after heavy rain
made Saturday a washout.
このイベントに参加するため、たくさんのスケーターが世界の反対側からも旅してくる。土曜日は開催日だったが、雨のせいで延期され、日曜日に開催された。
The event is run by Vans shoes and now includes a contest in New York.
ＶＡＮＳがスポンサーで、去年初めてＮＹＣにも大会があった。
his year the event was won by Pedro Barros, 17 from Brazil for the fourth year in a row. He also won in New
York last year and was second at the recent Newcastle and Wellington events.
今年のイベントの優勝者はブラジル出身のペドロバロスだった。１７歳で４年連続の優勝だった。ニューヨークのイベントでも優勝したが、ニューカッスル、ウエリングトンでは２位だった。
It has just been announced it will also be held in Algorta, Bilbao, Spain this year.
今年の七月、初めてスペインのアルゴルタ（ビルバオ）にも開催されうることが発表された。
Forty skaters from various countries including Australia, US, Brazil, UK, NZ, Spain, Denmark etc. competed in
the Pro division at Bondi.
このイベントにはオーストラリア、米国、ブラジル、イギリス、ニュージーランド、スペイン、デンマークなどさまざまの国から４０人以上がプロスケーター部門で競った。
Another twenty took part in the Masters event which included such legends as Steve Caballero, Christian Hosoi,
Mike McGill, Nicky Guerrero, Lester Kasai and Pat Ngoho.
さらに２０人以上がマスターズに参加し、伝説的なキャバレーロ、クリスチャンホソイ、マックギルなど、グレーロが優勝した。
The Blood and Guts exhibition held in Bondi and the
Manky Chops in Wellington showcased art produced by the skaters themselves.
ボンダイビーチロードロードホテルで行われたブラッド・アンド・ガッツ展示会、そしてその前ウエリングトンのマンキーチョップスナイトでは、大会に参加したスケーターのアートが展示されていた。
Bondi locals absolutely ripping included Ben Key, James McInnes, Jimmy Beck, Adam Luxford
ローカルライダー　ベン・キー、ジェイムス・マックインネス。ネーサン・ベック、アダム・ラックスフォード
Other Ausssies to take part: Renton Millar, Jackson Pilz, Jesse Noonan、Jack Fardell
そのほかに参加したオージー：レントンミラー、ジャクソンピルズ、ジェシーヌーナン、ジャクファーデル
Padless warriors: Brad Mc Clain, Kevin Kowalski, Mike Owens, Ben Hatchell, Charlie Blair, Bowman Hansen, Matt
Fenton, Alain Goikoetxea
パッドなし　　　　ブラッドマックレーン、ケヴィンコワルスキ、マイク・オウエンズ、ベン・ハッチェル、チャーリブレー、ボウマンハンセン、マットフェントン、アランゴイコチア
NZ: Bowman　Hansen
Interview ：Lizzie Armanto
リジー・アルマントへのインタビュー
So do you wanna tell me how it went from being skating as like just something you do
to then being given the opportunities to be able to travel and actually maybe be paid
and that sort of stuff?
最初のほう、スケボーをやっていただけだろうけど、旅行してお金がもらえるようになったことは、どうだったか聞きたい。
It all starts, in the beginning its like a snowball effect,
you just skate for fun and I used to like, skate for fun
and go to the skate park four or five days a week
and then Protec Pool Party was my first real contest
it was the last year that the womens division was like in the Pool Party.
始めのほうは、雪の玉がころころして大きくなるするみたいに、楽しく滑っているだけ、週４,５回もスケボーパークへ行って、プロテックプールパーティーは初めて参加した大会だったの。
After that I realized how much I liked the whole scene and stuff.
その後、そのシーン全体的に好きだったのをに気がついた。
Were u into other sports when you were a kid were u into like gymnastics n stuff?
ほかのスポーツ、たとえば体操とか得意なものがあった?
Not really like I was always athletically inclined, but never really stuck to anything,
I caught onto stuff quick, not surfing, not until after skating,
I was more into arts and craft I used to like drawing a lot and I still like it I just
don’t have the time, I think I have lost my patience a bit.
スポーツに慣れるの早かったけど。。。サーフィンはスケボーをやり始めてからだった。
いや、特に。運動神経がよかったけど、これというスポーツは別にはまった訳じゃなかったね。
それよりもアートや工作の方にが向いてた。絵を書くの大好きだった。まだまだ好きだけど時間があまりない、忍耐力が減ったかな。
I know if I just had enough time to be in one place I could definitely get back to it,
I used to be into lots of art and craft stuff, I used to like beading and knitting
一箇所で過ごす時間が十分あれば、再びできると思うよ。　アート、手作りも大好きだった、ビーズ、編み物とか。。。
I am studying back home, working on getting my AA and working on getting my general education　done
地元で勉強をしている。大学で一般教育を終わらせたら、いいなあと思って。
You mentioned to me you used to study a bit of Japanese how did u find that?
日本語の勉強もしていたと、前言っていたけど、どうだなった？
What do you mean? Yeah I really liked it I was always interested in the culture and whatnot,
I always admire people who are multilingual I think it’s a really cool skill to have.
どうって？運うん、すごく好きだった、文化にも興味があったし、２,３ヶ国語話せる人ってうらやましいと思うけど。
Do you speak any other languages?
ほかの言葉は何か話せる?
No not fluently or anything, Japanese is one of the languages I know most but not being able
to fully use it at all
いや、ペラペラ話せる言葉はないね。その中だったら日本語は一番よく知っているかなぁ。
It all changes when you go and spend a bit of time over there…
ちょっと日本に住んでみたらそれは変わるよ。
Who are your main sponsors?
メインスポンサーは誰ですか?
I am from Santa Monica and ride for Santa Monica Airlines. Vans, Bones, Independent trucks, 187 pads
サンタモニカ出身、スポンサーはサンタモニカエーラインス、バンズ、ボーンズ、インデペンデント、187パッド
What other stuff besides skating do you cram into your ordinary day
スケボー以外だったら一日で何をすることが多い?
I have been going down to San Diego, I have a car it doesn’t really work
サンディエゴに行ったり、車があるけどあまり調子がよくないなあ。
I like getting Bobo tea, at Asian tea houses, its tapioca pearls,
I like getting that with my friends
ぼぼティー、アジアン茶屋でのんびり、友達と一緒にエンジョイしている。
I have a blog with my friends, somethingpurple.com
somethingpurple.comというブログを親友とやっているけど。。。。
its basically my two best friends and a bunch of silly inside jokes,
簡単に言うと、親友二人と一緒にやっていて、馬鹿な駄洒落とかね。。。。
we have done a couple of videos, we’ll get back to it eventually, but its still there.。
ビデオもちょっと作ったし、暇になったら再開するけど、見てて。
I end up meeting people thru mutual friends
結局、共通の友達の紹介で会う人が多いかな。
Did you know any Australians before you came out?
オーストラリアへ来た前、オージーの友達は誰書かいた?
Mick Mullhall and nice to see Poppy, she was out for the vans combi, she’s always happy and bright so its
always positive to be around her.
ミック・マルホール、ポピーオルセンに会えて嬉しかった。彼女はＶＡＮＳ　ＣＯＭＢＩに来ていたんで、いつも前向きで明るい子だから、ポピーといるのは楽観的。
Did u wanna make any other comments about the trip out here give any young girls advice about taking their
skateboarding to the next level?
上手くなりたい女子スケーターへのコメント、アドバイスは何かありますか。
Basically its just about having fun and for me,
私は、楽しんでるだけだよ。
Having fun and being competitive is a tricky balance.
楽しんだり、競ったりするというバランスはとりにくいね。
How can I explain it, not taking it so serious.
なんと言ったらいいのかなぁ、そんな真面目にならなくていい。。。
When everything becomes serious its not fun anymore.
あまり真剣になったら楽しくなくなるから。。。
If it was not fun I would just quit
楽しんでなければ、やめるから。
Don’t be intimidated its scary the first time
最初は怖いと思うけど、あまり心配しすぎないで。
I definitely think they have credibility and I do have an appreciation for it,
maybe not as much as what I do but its all relative.
いいと思うし、感動しているけど、自分がやっているスケーティングまででもないけど、それはその人によるでしょ。
I really would like to do street skating but whenever I do I end up getting hurt
a lot and it stops me from doing transition skating.
ストリートはもっとしたいと思うけど、やっていれば怪我して、ランプスケーティングの妨げになる。
I would like to be able to do it, but to keep up what I am doing.
やりたいけど、それは今やっていることを続けられたら。。。。
You’re going to Five dock now, oh I really wanna go. What do you think?
ファイブドックに言行っちゃうか、行きたいなあ!!行ってみようかな。
That’s Peewee and Pat Dandy. Pat’s got the cover of Slam mag this month, our local Aussie magazine.
それはピーウイーとパット・ダンディー。パットは今月号のスラム、こっちのスケボー雑誌のカバーショットを取った。
I don’t really pick up skate magazines, unless my friends gave it to me I don’t watch skate videos,
I can appreciate it when I am there but watching it on a computer is, its hard to relate to
cos you don’t know what goes into it, and I guess I think its weird, most of my friends like
don’t really care.
スケート雑誌はあんまり読まないね。友達がくれなかったら。。。。スケボーのビデオもそう、その場にいれば楽しむけど、コンピューターとかで見るのって、分かりにくい。何が入るかわからないから。
ちょっと変かな、私には。友達がほとんど、気にしてないなあ。
Its all going online and it doesn’t really make sense to buy a video when u can go on Youtube and
watch a skateboarding video
全部、オンラインへ行っちゃって、ビデオにわざわざお金を使うのって、意味があまりないかな。ＹＯＵＴＵＢＥで見られるし。。。。
But it’s a huge media platform and if you work it the right way you can get tons out of it.
でもそれは大きなメディアプラットフォームなんで、うまくいったら興味をもたらせるすことができる。
If you weren’t living at home in California where would you most like to live?
カリフォルニアから引っ越さなければならなかったらどこに住みたい?
I ‘d like to live here but I am not a fair enough judge, I haven’t been here at its worst
so I don’t know how bad it gets.
ここにも住みたいけど、つらいときは経験してないから平等的に判断できない。どれぐらい難しくなるかまだ知らわからない。
Have u got pets?　What do u miss from back home.
ペットは飼ってる？アメリカの何が恋しい？
Oh my snake just died, what I miss most is like, sleep, after a couple of weeks it all gets tiring…
you miss the smell of your laundry at home, and living at home.
Seeing my friends, I miss my family but I think that’s a given…
いやー、ペットは蛇がいたけど死んじゃった。一番ほしいのは、寝ることでしょ。三、四週間の後は結構疲れるから。
自分の洗濯物のにおいとか、実家とか、友達と家族は恋しいし、それは決まっているね。
What do youn think about other types of skating, like　street?
スケボーのほかのスタイル、ストリート、ロングボード、ペニーなどについてはどう思いますか?
You wreck yourself in street skating … there’s not many safe bails, you wreck yourself,
there’s not a really long lifespan for your body
ストリートスケートは、体がぼろぼろになる。安全な転び方があまりなくて、長くはできないな、体力的に厳しい。
But its all in how you fall and knowing how to pace yourself and what to go
でも、どのように転べばよいとか進めるとか、いつ行くとか。
If you were not skateboarding anymore maybe in five years….
将来、スケボーしなくなったら、たとえば５年後１５年後とか。。。
A lot of things I am doing, If I find something else that makes me happy
and at the end of the day it was worth it.
今やっているいろいろかな。。。ほかに幸せになることを見つけたら、その価値があればそれでいいね。
Do you have any thoughts about the other sides of skateboarding, like longboarding or the pennys for example?
I think there is like an appreciation for all types of skateboarding cos each one has its own
challenges and difficulties and skills,
それぞれのチャレンジがあったり、難しいところとかスキルとか
the skillset what it requires you do.
何が問われているかが違うと思う。
Personally I favour what I do cause I find enjoyment in it.
私は私のやっていることを優先する。楽しいからね。
I definitely think there is credibility to the other sides, its very different,
全体的に、ほかのスタイルにも感心すべきなところもある。ぜんぜん違うけど、ストリートの中でも、ランプスケーティングの中でも、ロングボーディング。。。
I mean even wthin street skating and transition skateboarding and longboarding,　some people don’t wanna consider longboarding as skateboarding,
スケボーだと認めたくない人もいる。
I mean it is skateboarding but its like they’re almost like a different breed….
スケボーとはいえるけど、まるで人種が違うような感じがする。
I think the important thing is making sure you have got a few other things going on
keeping you busy creative and inspired, in other parts of your life.
A lot of people do just go crazy Is there anything you
What would you like to do next, after this is all over?
これが全部終わったあと、何がしたい?
I would love to get to go out to Sweden but it makes more sense to go to the Florida bowl
I wanna go out to spain for x games
スウェーデンにもいけたらいいけど、フロリダーボウルライダーズに行ったほうがいいかな。Xゲームのスペインにも行きたい。
Thanks for your time
ありがとうございました。

Gumchops shop blog

Gumchop is a small skate store with a ramp in it in Osaka.

http://ameblo.jp/gumchopstyle/entry-11509918948.html

Gumchop Ramp 11/04/2013

Blog:
Yesterday I smashed my knee really hard again.
It swelled up just as the park opened so instead of skating i ended up just filming everyone.
Yesterday was a sesh with park members Tosshan, Tanicchi and Junpei.
All three of these guys absolutely rip.

昨日はまたまた肘を強打しました。
全開と同様に腫れてきたのでスケートは中止してみんな滑りを撮影してました。

昨日滑りに来てたのはいつも来てくれるメンバーのとっしゃん、たにっち、じゅんぺいくん。
3人ともめちゃめちゃ上手いです。

Photos of them in order below…

Tanicchi’s front smith is so cool and oozes with style.
Tosshan’s crail air is rad, everything Junpei does is so styled out and awesome to watch.
Every night its such a buzz.
Of course hanging out with such awesome skaters is really good motivation and I can learn so much from them.
Of course its not just technique that is important, the number one thing for everyone is to have fun!
Everyone just polishing their tricks in a good environment is the best.

たにっちのフロントスミスはスタイル出まくりでカッコいい！
とっしゃんのクレイルエアもヤバイし、じゅんぺいくんは全体的にスタイリッシュで奇麗！

ほんま毎晩良い刺激を受けてます。
下手くそな僕ですがやっぱり上手い人たちと一緒になって滑るとモチベーションも上がるし勉強にもなる。
もちろん技術だけが大事なんじゃなく、一番はみんな楽しんでくれてる事！
良い雰囲気の中で各々がスキルを磨いているのが最高です。

Our ramp is 60cm high and a really ‘mini’ mini ramp but of course you can take what you learn to bigger ramps so for practice it is just right! For someone who is looking at getting into ramp skating or for practicing tricks, this ramp is a great environment to do it in.

ちのランプは60cmちょいぐらいの高さでミニランプっていうよりミニミニランプって感じですが他のランプに応用出来るので練習にはモッテコイです。

今からランプ始めたいとか練習したいとかなんでも良いですがランプで遊ぶには良い環境だと思います。

GUMCHOP
Address:
Osaka city, Chuo-ku, Nishi Shinsaibashi 1-8-16 Nakanishi Building 4F
大阪市中央区西心斎橋1-8-16 中西ビル4階
06(6241)6939
gumchop@cream.plala.or.jp

NIKE SB X GREY SKATEBOARD MAGAZINE – THE LEGEND GROWS ZINE

This is really a pretty good read.

Interview with Pedro Barros, 4th time winner of Bondi Bowlarama.

Head-high kickflip    Brent Shipley photo

Massive 540   Tommy Trinh photo

An edited version of this interview and one with Lizzie Armanto appears in this month’s Transworld SKATEboarding Japan.  Photos by Brent Shipley and Tommy Trinh.

Here is a link to my Japanese  blog:

http://www.transworldweb.jp/skate/blog/sammy/

Interview with Pedro Barros:
First of all congratulations on winning again. Surely no one  has been as successful in World Cup bowl skating in recent years.
まず最初に、優勝おめでとう。ワールドカップでこんなに成功している人はほかにいないでしょ。

I was stoked to see so many younger guys out here, I know you just turned 18 (March 16th) but Alex Sorgente and Felipe Foguinho, Steven Pineiro and Curren Caples etc. coming out. It really was time to show ‘em what the younger generation have got.
若いスケーターがたくさんこられてとても嬉しい。まだ１７歳なんだけど、ソーゲンテ、フェリーぺフォグインホ、スティーベンピネイロ、カレンケーケープルズなどもきて、若い世代が台頭してきてるね。

Well Bowlarama is over, you won that and the New York one, what went down?
ボウララマが終わっているし、ボンダイと去年のニューヨークの大会も優勝したね。それはどうだった。

Bowl is the place I feel confortable to skate any time. I do that all my life. I almost born in a bowl, hahahaahah! I just feel as Im home skating some good session and that make me skate my best!
ボウル滑っているときが一番快適だね。ずっとボウル滑っているから。ボウルの中に生まれたみたい。笑！セッションがよくて、よく滑っているとき、まるで地元にいるみたい。一番幸せ、そのため力いっぱい入れて滑れるんだ。

What do you think about the results you have achieved this time?
I dont stop to think about it! I dont care! I just like to go, see my friends, travel with my father and my friends and thats it. The results its just a bonus! Give me extra money so I can bring my friends to trips!
今回の成績、どう思う?
立ち止まってないね。気にしないし。ただ、行って、友達と会って、父親と旅行して、それぐらいだかな。大会の結果はボーナスだね。お金をもっとくれれば、友達連れてくるよ!

How would you describe Australia and New Zealand to your friends back home?
So fucking gnarly! Not just the country, but Bowl A Rama is really well organize. They make the skaters interact and this is awsome! Every one do stuffs together for the entire time. Hot girls, good party, good spots for surf and good skaters like Jack Fardell!
オーストラリアについてはどんな風にブラジルの友達に説明する?
ワイルドだぜ。場所だけじゃない。ボウララマのセットアップはとてもいい。スケーター同士が仲良くなって、それ本当にすごく良いと思う。ずっと、みんなが一緒に遊んで、綺麗な女の子、いいパーティー、サーフィンにもいい環境だし、後はジャックファーデルみたいないいスケータたちがいるしね。
What was the most memorable thing about New Zealand?
The city of Wellington! Its so beatifull!!!
ニュージーランドの一番の思い出は？
ウエリングトンの街，とても綺麗だ。

Have you learned any new tricks on the tour?
no, hahahaha I did down hill in a really deep road! First time, that was cool!!!
ツアー中に新しい技を覚えた?
いやあ覚えなかったね、でもとても急な坂を下りた。それはすごかった。

Who did u get along with the most?
I get my family with me. That incluied my dad, Felipe and Marcos (video Makers) they all like my family! But I love every one!!
誰と一番仲いい?
家族と旅行して、父親、フェリーペイ、マーコス（ビデオメーカー）みんな家族みたい。でもみんな大好き。

Have you had any dramas in Bondi that you would be prepared to share with us?
No really, only the fact that Felipe Foguinho knocked his head and got fucked up!!  We had to go to the hospital! He lost his memory for wile! crazy!!
ボンダイで何か問題があったら、教えて。
フェリーペイ・フォヒーノがボウルでこけて、頭をぶつけて、めちゃくちゃになった。病院に行かなくちゃ行けなかった。ちょっとの間、記憶がなくなっていた。クレージー!

How have the fans treated you over here?
They cool, I dont have many!
オーストラリアのファンはどう?
いいと思うよ、あんまいないけど。

What are your plans for 2013, where do you most want to visit next?
it will be put busy! Red Bull skate gerneration is coming up here in my place,  4 xgame stop, dew tour, bowl a rama, protec and some tours!!! One of the Bowl A Rama will be in La Kanteira Spain! Im put stoke about it!
２０１３年の計画はどう、どこへ一番行きたい?
とても忙しいね。地元（フロリアノポラス）でレッドブルスケートジェネレーションがあって、Ｘゲームは４ヶ所にあって、ボウララマ、プロテックパーティー、ツアーとか。ボウララマはスペインのラ・カンテラで開催されるよ!

What are your thoughts now that its all done and dusted?
Get back to RTMF (home) its the best plasure for me! Feels good to go and come back!
全部終わって、感想はどう?
ＲＴＭＦ（地元のフロリアナポリスのパーク）へ戻る。そこは一番心地いいね。旅行して、やっぱり帰ってくるのは最高の気分だよ。

What is your favourite park in Australia and New Zealand so far?
I like that bowl in New Zealand, but its some new places there that I really loved in Auckland. I cant remember the name. In Australia I liked 5 dock!
オーストラリアとニュージーランドで滑った中で一番好きなパークは。
ニュージーランドのボウル（ウエリングトン）が大好き。オークランドもめちゃよかった。オーストラリアなら、ファイブドックすごい!

Which of your teamーmates made it over to skate at Bowlarama?
Felipe Foguinho. He is not just my teamーmates, he is like my brother. This guy skate put hard. He came back from a surgery after 6 month without skate and he skated hard at Bondi!
ボウララマにはチームメートは、誰か来た?
フェリープ・ゴグインホ、ティームメートというよりも兄弟みたい。こいつはハードだよ。ボンダイへ来た前、怪我して、手術を受けて、練習せずにボンダイへ来ただけ。ボンダイですっげー頑張った。

What’s been your worst injury in the past few years? Nothing bad

最近、ひどい怪我とかあった?　いや、別に何もなかったよ。

What advice do you have for young skaters wanting to improve?
Just do what I do, skates every day with your mates and have a lots of fun!
うまくなりたいと思うってる子供たちには何かアドバイスある?
俺みたいに、毎日友達と一緒に滑って、いっぱい楽しめば良いと思うよ！

Transworld Skateboarding Japan May 2013. Hiroaki Ishikawa cover

On the cover:  Hiroaki Ishikawa 20 stair frontside fifty-fifty   Photo: Shin Inoue

Age: 23

Years skating: 7

Hometown: Osaka

Sponsors:
hifumiya sb.
nsk crew.
the mark markets crew.
altamont.

What kind of set up do you ride?

My deck is 8.25” and  my trucks are pretty tight

ボードのこだわりは?　幅広いとかルーストラックとか

板は８．２５、トラックはかなり硬い

How did u start skating, what made you get into it?

When I was 17 a friend of mine skated and I thought it looked pretty cool so I started skating too.

最初、何でスケボーをやろうと思った?

17歳の時に、友達がスケボーしてて、「カッコイイ」って思って板を借りて乗ったのがきっかけ

 Who do u usually skate with?

the mark markets crew ＆ nsk crew

普段、誰と一緒に滑っている?

Mark Markets crew とNSK crewと良く滑る

 What would be your dream skate trip?

Visiting the famous skate spots in America

夢のスケート旅行は?

アメリカの有名スポット巡り‼

 How many goes did u have at that rail before you rolled away?

The first time I tried it I slammed and twisted my knee, I made it to the bottom on the fourth try and rolled away from it the fifth time.

カバーに写っているレールは何回試してからメークした？

一回目に、スラムし足をツイストして、4回ぐらい下まで流し
5回目ぐらいでメイクした

一回目に、スラムし足をツイストして、4回ぐらい下まで流し
5回目ぐらいでメイクした

Last ate: a hamburger

最後に食べたものは？ハンバーガー

Some other shots of Hiroaki on the Transworld web page:

http://www.transworldweb.jp/skate/photos/2013/01/hiroaki_ishikawa_frontside_salad_grind_photo_shin_inoue.php

http://www.transworldweb.jp/skate/9flames/2012/05/hiroaki_ishikawafrontside_50-50_grind_photos_sin.php

Interviews conducted with Pedro Barros (Winner of Bondi Bowlarama 4 years running) and 2nd at Wellington, which he also won the three years previously) and Lizzie Armanto, ranked No. 1 in the world and the first female qualifier for the World Cup Bowl series.

ペドロ・バロス、ボンダイ・ボウララマを4年連勝、ウエリングトン・ボウララマ2位、その前の3年連勝

リジー・アルマント、世界一の女子ボウルスケーター、史上初の女子ワールドカップボウルシリーズ予選選手

Back in the days Bonus DVD included!

Cool skateboarding blogs

Here are some other skate blogs I enjoy.

Caught in the crossfire. UK

Tramp Skate and Destroy

From London, UK. Zac has been involved in combining his talents and putting on awesome events combining skating and live music for over ten years. Ten years ago while living in England I was lucky enough to get on a bus to Liverpool with a few friends and go to the infamous Halloween skate party ‘Night of the Living Dead!’  One of the best nights ever.

At the time Zac had an office right near the Playstation Skatepark, which then became Bay 66 and I believe now is run by Nike SB. The new bowl there looks epic and I was stoked that my mate Morph got to skate at the opening party.

Zac Crossfire also made it to Marseille for Bowlriders the following year, which was unbelievable fun. If you are in London with time on your hands and wanna get your skate party vibe on get to know this website backwards.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/wwwcaughtinthecrossfirecom/51895003032?fref=ts

Bluetile Obsession, SoCal

The writings of Ozzie Ausband, a man who knows all about empty pools. He can also write a pretty mean bit of non skate related fiction to set the mood. Inspiring stuff.

Some amazing writing combined with great photos and vids mostly of pools you would otherwise only dream of, this is probably my favourite.

http://ozzieausband.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/bluetileobsession

ISTIA: I skate therefore I am

A great collection of skate news, contest results and interviews from around the world.

https://www.facebook.com/I.Skate.Therefore.I.Am?fref=ts

http://istia.tv

Strange Notes

Crailtap

The Berrics

Best skate blogs

A collection of blogs collected mainly from Transworld (US) and Slam Skateboarding (AUS) and most of the blogs mentioned above.

http://www.bestskateblogs.com/

Skateboard.com.au

One of the best skate websites around and coming right at you from the town I started skating in, Geelong. Drew and Potty have got it down. Just don’t spend too much time on the forums.

http://skateboard.com.au

SKATEBOARDING.COM.AU

http://www.skateboarding.com.au/blog/

Can’t say I am sure that much of the content on this blog is about skateboarding at all yet really, spreading itself thin over a range of different subjects. Needs a bit more skater input to get the thing right that’s for sure. But I am sure with a web address like that  it will get better. Please someone get involved!

	Transworld Japan Skate blog

Currently only available in Japanese but I am working on translating some of the blog articles and have some of my own blog with translations of interviews with skaters I met at Bondi Bowlarama and the Opening of St Kilda skatepark. More to come.

http://www.transworldweb.jp/skate/blog/sammy/

Link to my magazine article:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4ODchqKVIcdd05CbjZkaVBkRk0/edit?usp=sharing

Japanese translated text with original English  here:

Interview with winner of Bondi Bowlarama Pedro Barros, Pocket Pistols skater

https://skatelate.wordpress.com/2013/04/10/interview-with-pedro-barros-4th-time-winner-of-bondi-bowlarama/

Interview with WCS #1 Lizzie Armanto, Santa Monica airlines at Bondi Bowlarama

https://skatelate.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/bowlarama-part-3-incl-lizzie-armanto-interview/

Transworld Skateboarding Japan cover shot Hiroaki Ishikawa 50-50

https://skatelate.wordpress.com/2013/04/03/transworld-skateboarding-japan-may-2013-coming-soon/

Interview with winner of Wellington Bowlarama Josh Rodriguez, Lifeblood skateboards:

https://skatelate.wordpress.com/2013/04/02/josh-rodriguez-interview-new-lifeblood-skateboards-video-out/

Interview with George Orton, {owell skateboards, inventor of frontside air at Skateopia Pipeline.

https://skatelate.wordpress.com/2013/03/22/george-orton-interview/

Interview with Kevin Kowalski, Lifeblood skateboards, winner of best trick at Wellington Bowlarama

https://skatelate.wordpress.com/2013/03/09/interview-with-kevin-kowalski-%E3%82%B1%E3%83%93%E3%83%B3%E3%83%BB%E3%82%B3%E3%83%AF%E3%83%AB%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AD%E3%81%A8%E3%81%AE%E3%82%A4%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC%E3%83%93%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC/

Interview with Sky Siljeg at Bowlarama

https://skatelate.wordpress.com/2013/03/17/sky-siljeg-interview/

Bowlarama wrap-up

https://skatelate.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3%E3%83%80%E3%82%A4%E3%83%9C%E3%82%A6%E3%83%A9%E3%83%A9%E3%83%9E/

David Quirk. Shaking hands with Danger!!

Dave Quirk is good mate with a really awesome talent for taking people in with his stories and then jamming in an unexpected and pretty distasteful twist to make an audience squirm and cry with laughter at the same time. Of course that’s the idea with the darker side of comedy. Personalising the stories, so you really wonder how much of it happened to him and how much was inspired by late night bar conversations. A good measure of it obviously comes from a blackened place deep within.

Dave is on his way to Edinburgh and has been doing shows all over the place, having recently completed a stint at the Melbourne international comedy festival and then taken the show on the road. He has an online fundraiser going and if u donate, you may end up with a CD of his and the chance to get him to do something for you. The mind boggles….

Take a look at the internet and you will find a sample of his performances on youtube etc. There are a few links below. IF you know Dave or just like what you see, donate here.

Hear the no bullshit pledge that was obviously a bit uncomfortable for Dave to do but which is also apparently just one of the ways that Dave uses to get to know you better….

http://www.pozible.com/project/25513

Got a catchup  with a mate or an awkward third date on the horizon?

Testing the waters with a viewing of the inner workings of Dave’s torturous mind may be just the thing. Dave turns awkward moments into comic genius. Recently Dave was part of Sam Simmons’ ABCTV show Problems. A toystore owner who has a strange and hilarious connection with Simmons, one of his customers. He has been on the comedy circuit for a while now and had a successful tour for the Edinburgh Festival.

I look forward to seeing his latest show at the Melbourne International Comedy festival and having seen several of his other shows can strongly recommend it to you.

First met Dave when he was moving out of a house I was moving into with some other skaters. He’s great to have around and will really make you laugh. But his humour is pretty unique and confronting too. Go on have a look.

 

David Quirk, live at the Festival club 2011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1LK68AS3Qo
http://m.theage.com.au/entertainment/comedy/david-quirk-shaking-hands-with-danger-20130401-2h2bi.html

James Wright Day in the life

Day in the LIFE Filmed by Leigh Bolton.

From http://skateboarding.com.au

https://vimeo.com/62657691

Lincoln Square line and trick, first line James filmed after car accident. Switch blunt first try first attempt.

Filmed by Shane Fowler

James Wright is a boss.  Been ruling it here in Melbourne, and back home in NZ for years.Nearly died when hit by a car on the way home one night, shot the photo above in Christchurch CBD first skate back after recovering from being in a coma.

Had a fair time off board with a recurring knee injury and was localizing places like the legendary Blue Tile Lounge and 99 Problems,  but has been blazing since he got back on board again.

Spending time in equal measure at the Peel st squat, skating the streets of Melbourne or most likely otherwise at the Fitzy bowl, this new video edit shows it all. May contain traces of  Morph and Prawny and definitely large dollops of the squat. (Both meanings) Raw skating and funny as hell.  Take a look.

Jimmy skates for Palace skateboards and Adidas shoes and Lolife skate shop. Recently filmed for an Adidas video in Adelaide. Hope the ankle’s getting better mate.

Photo shot by Morph during filming for Day in the Life.

https://vimeo.com/57364634

Adidas Skate and Create video shot by James James on a friend’s crappy board while pissed.

James in Dunedin, Daggerland. Skating the Bloodbucket Do or Die Frontside Pivot Ollie out to Fakie.

Shot by David Read 2008

New article just published by Manual magazine, go read it!!

http://manualmagazine.com/2013/04/23/from-the-mag-the-wright-way/

Pop shuvit shot in the Four Avenues of Christchurch way back when… David Read photo

Nose slide pop over shot by Willy using the lights from his car in Queenstown NZ

Shot by Willy Van Der Vleit

This Switch frontside flip is from a good as check-out in Manual Magazine, Jimmy aged 16 shot at Rugby stadium Christchurch NZ. David Read Photo

A little vintage number Manual Magazine Calendar May 2003. David Read photo

http://manualmagazine.com/2010/11/25/throwback-thursday-28/

James’ ad from Muckmouth magazine back in the day. Dunga hats, wahoo! Shot by Leighton Dyer

Muckmouth website below:

http://www.muckmouth.com/07/gallery.html

Millinary man creates Dunga hat 2012

https://vimeo.com/46132614

This is the Dungamouse video. Appearance by Ben Morrice

This clip was filmed when James won NZ Nationals and best trick that year 2004

Skating to Fleetwood Mac ‘Dreams’  Filmed by Jason Morrice

Backside heel in issue 43 Manual Magazine cover shot by Jake Mein

Also check out a few of his other parts it will be worth your time to do so.

ABC freedom movement video (part 2 of 3)

Here’s Baby James!

ADIDAS City of light tour:

James Wright frontside nollie heel just before nearly getting arrested for Tresspassing in Perth 2010

Shot on Adidas Perth tour by Jason Moey

EPISODES 1-3

https://vimeo.com/27141510

https://vimeo.com/27141470

https://vimeo.com/27140917

Adidas Adelaide tour blog 2013

http://www.slamskatemag.com.au/news/the-feed/3365-adidas-in-adelaide

Josh Rodriguez interview. Winner of Wellington Bowlarama 2013.

http://www.transworldweb.jp/skate/blog/sammy/2013/04/josh_rodriguez_interview_winner_of_wellington_bowlarama_2013.php I was lucky enough to interview Josh after Bondi Bowlarama. He won the Wellington Bowlarama event in Feb and here it is. The event is hosted by Vans, here is a video of the event.　Photos by Brent Shipley. ボンダイボウララマの大会の後、ジョシュと野インタービューを乗せました。二月のウエリングトンのボウララマ大会を優勝した。写真：ブレントしぷリー http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a61eXyCYiM https://vimeo.com/62322896 Josh Rodriguez has a ripping Introduction to the Lifeblood team, filmed at Kevin Kowalski’s backyard bowl and an indoor bowl in Portland, Oregon. ジョシュ・ロドリーゲズのスポンサー、ライフブラッドへの紹介ビデオは、ケビン・コワルスキのバックヤードボウル、そしてポートランド市にある室内ボウルで撮影された。 Wellington Bowlarama is part of the World Cup Skateboarding Circuit, the qualifier for the Bondi Bowlarama and other events. These other events include:  Vans Combi, New York Bowlriders and for the first time, Algorta, Spain.   Full list below. http://www.wcsk8.com/index.php?option=com_eventlist&view=categoryevents&id=6&Itemid=236 INTERVIEW Well Bowlarama is over, you won the Wellington one, what went down? What went down at Wellington Bowl-A-Rama? Some gnarly, fun, and exciting skateboarding. I ended up coming home with the win which is INSANE! ウエリングトンボウララマで何があったかというと、やばい楽しい、興奮的なスケートボーディング。結局最後に優勝に向かえたのはめちゃ狂った。 but I’m stoked it happened. Congrats to  Pedro for 2nd and My Osiris teammate Alex Sorgente for 3rd. そうなってとても嬉しい。　ぺっどろが２位、オサイリスの仲間アレックス;ソーゲンテーが３位で、おめでとう。 What do you think about the results you have achieved this time? My thoughts on the results this time..just wow. Pedro was going to continue to be on top in my head for the next few years. 今回の成績についての感想。。。　これから数年間、ペドロはずっと一位になると思って。 If anyone was going to beat him at Wellington, I thought it be Brad McClain, who ended up not even making the finals. 誰か他の人が優勝できると思ったら、ブラッドマクレーンかな、と思っていた。でも彼はファイナルまで進まなかった。 So, the fact that it came down to me..its just unbelievable. How would you describe Australia and New Zealand to your friends back home? それで、俺になって、信じられない。 I would describe New Zealand to friends back home as the epic-party island. アメリカの友達に、ニュージーランドの説明をすれば、最高なパーティーアイランドだとう言う。 So much fun there. As for Australia, Beautiful, relaxing, classy, amazing…words and pictures wont do it justice. 本当に楽しかった。オーストラリアといえば、綺麗で、のんびりしてる、格好いいし、素晴らしい。言葉と写真だけで表現できないけど。 What was the most memorable thing about New Zealand besides the skating? スケボー以外、ニュージーランドの一番の思いでは? Most memorable thing about New Zealand besides skating..Once again, I didnt get to do or see much. スケボー以外、何が一番いい思い出になった? I was consistent between the skatepark, lunch spots, bars, and the hostel. 同じぐらいの時間を、スケボーパーク、レストランとカバーとか、ホステルですごしたかな。 I did get to jump off of this cage looking thing into the water in front of some people.. ある日、数人の前で、かごみたいの物から飛びこんで、海に入った。 I forgot my shorts and did it in my boxers. It was cold. 短パンとか水着なかったから下着でやった。寒かったよ!! Have you learned any new tricks on the tour? ツアー中で新しいトリックを決めた? I learned a f/s feeble to f/s smith grind which I did in the contest. 新しく覚えた技を言うと、フロントフィーブルから、フロントスミス。大会で決めた。 Who did u get along with the most? 誰と一番仲良かった? I always get along well with Mike Owen, but everyone was really cool to me. マイク・オウエンとはなかがいいし、俺に対して、みんなすげーよかった。 Have you had any dramas in Bondi that you would be prepared to share with us? ボンダイで何かのドラマに絡まった? Dramas in Bondi? haha I remember leaving a bar because this drunk girl kept snatching my hat off my head and giving it to her boyfriend.. ボンダイでのドラマが、ある女の子が俺の防止を何回か盗んで、彼氏の頭につけていた。 Ｉ didn’t want any problems so just took my hat and left. 問題になってほしくなかったから、取り戻して、バーをでたかな。 How have the fans treated you over here? こっちのスケートファンはどうだった？ I don’t know about fans, but everyone I met was really cool to me. Much respect. ファンとかわからんけど、みんなとても親切にしてくれた。マジ尊敬するよ。 What are your plans for 2013, where do you most want to visit next? 2013年の提案は?次どこへ一番行きたい? Plans for 2013, Just better my skating, enjoy life, and have fun. Apparently I get to go to Brazil, so im definitely looking forward to that. 二千十三年の提案、スケボーをうまくなって、人生を楽しんで、ブラジルにいけるみたいだから、楽しみだ。 What are your thoughts now that its all done and dusted? 終わったあとの感想は? Thoughts now that its over..I wish I would have accepted getting first at wellington better. 終わってからの感想?　　ウエリングトンの優勝、もっとよく受け入れたら。。。 I guess it looked like I was gonna cry haha, I was really stoked and just couldnt believe it. なきそうに見えたんだろう。笑　めちゃ感動して、信じられなかったっす。 I wish I could go back and have something cool to say. そのときに戻って、クールな一言いえたらいいなあ。 What is your favourite park in Australia and New Zealand so far? オーストラリア、ニュージーランドでの好きなスケートパークといえば? Favorite parks in NZ and AUS… I’ve only been to Bondi beach skatepark and Wellington bowl skatepark. 好きなパークか、今まで滑ったのは、ボンダイビーチのパークとウエリングトンしかないな。 I like them Pretty good. すきだな。かなりいいよ。 Kevin Kowalski rides for Lifeblood too. You guys pretty tight? ケビンコワルスキがライフブラッドのティームメートでしょ。仲いい? Kevin and I are pretty tight I think. We used to only see eachother at skate competitions.. ケビンとはめちゃ仲いいかなあ。前は、大会でしか会わなかったけど。 Ｗe got to have a little teammate bonding time on this trip which was real cool. Kevin rules. この旅行で、同じティームライダーで仲良くなって、それはよかった。ケビン最高だよ。 What’s been your worst injury in the past few years? 何かひどい怪我したことある? Worst injury…In oregon, I did an eggplant, slipped out, and busted open my eyebrow. 7 Stitches but still got 2nd in the comp haha. 最悪の怪我?　オレゴン州で、エッグプラントをやって、滑り落ちて、睫毛あたりの傷をしちゃった。いっぱい塗ってもらったけど、大会では二位だった。笑 What advice do you have for young skaters wanting to improve? 上手くなりたい子供スケーターへのアドバイスは? For all the young skaters wanting to improve, This is something I still tell myself to this day, Believe in yourself 100% and have confidence. うまくなりたいこともたちには。。。毎日、自分に言っているけど、１００％自分に信じて、自信を持つこと。 Be patient and have fun. Smile and laugh. Good things happen in time. 忍耐力が大切。でもまずは楽しく。笑顔をして、笑って、時間を置いたらいいことが起こる。 A great attitude goes a long way so remember why you started skating in the first place. Because you love it! 自分の態度がよかったら、うまくいくし、なぜスケボーをやり始めたかを思い出して。大好きだからでしょう。 Ｊｏｓｈ　Ｒｏｄｒｉｇｕｅｚ　Ｏｒｅｇｏｎ　Ｔｒｉｆｅｃｔａ． http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WacIfHDjwg Here is the first Lifeblood skate team video at Orcas Island. Check out Kevin Kowalski and Cody Lockwood tearing it apart. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsLQxQsqEtc