SA's best ready for the Showdown at Gunslinger Slidejam IV (plus win 2 brand new boards with full set-ups.)
19/06/2012
by Iain Evans
The Gunslinger Slidejam IV takes place on Sunday 1st July, and there is much anticipation ahead of what is planned to be the biggest and best Slidejam to date. So much so that some of SA's best downhill talent is pulling into Durban especially at the request of the local Durban community, a move facilitated through the Durban Downhill forum on Facebook. What started out as online banter, soon turned into a fundraiser to get SA's best, like former Downhill champ Matt Arderne, and the Mayors of Stellenbosch skating from Cornerstone, Deon Van Der Merwe and Raoul Van Den Berg.
Matt, let's start with you. Talk us through what went down on the Durban Downhill facebook site that sees you coming to Durban for the Gunslinger SlideJam in July?
We have always been amped to get to Durban this year, mostly due to how many events the guys have been running, so when they announced this event, I jokingly asked how far it is to drive from Cape Town to Durban.
One thing led to another, cheap flights were mentioned, my lack of cash was noted, and things eventually led to Gavin Johnson suggesting everyone chip in for the flight. (Follow how things unfolded here - http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=326615124085594&set=o.150891034981421&type=1&ref=nf )
Then Keith "Da Sheriff" Hockly came forward and said he'd put R1000 towards the flight and asked if I'd be willing to do a slide demo and clinic type thing, this is also something I have been wanting to do for a while so was more than happy to agree, and I also am putting some Abec11 wheels up as prizes (although that was part of the original plan anyway!) Paul Munro is even putting us up in his B&B!
Massive thanks to all these guys for making it all happen!
Were you surprised by the reaction of the Durban community in terms of their willingness to get you to the event, especially considering many have never actually met you?
Ja it was pretty surreal, the whole thing happened while I was on Facebook on my phone, so once I had registered what had actually happened I was really blown away. It is a special thing in the longboarding scene where people are that welcoming and ready to help one another out. I travelled a bit in Europe last year and a few times I was picked up at the airport and given a place to stay by people who I had only ever spoken to online, sometimes only briefly!
What are your expectations ahead of the event and tell us about the training clinics that you're going to be doing, while you're in town.
Keith has put massive amounts of effort into this event, and he is clearly doing a huge amount for the Durban skating scene, so I am really looking forward to meeting all the new faces and getting to skate a bit in Durban, as well as seeing how things are done up there!
In the clinic I plan to go through all the levels of sliding, as well as some general stuff that people sometimes overlook when they are getting into the sliding style of skating. I reckon I have quite a few useful hints for the guys who are struggling with certain things so I hope they find it beneficial!
Can you comment on the level of the Durban scene compared to Stellenbosch or the rest of SA? What are your thoughts?
I would guess that they are quite heavily influenced in their style of skating by what they see online coming out of the States and Canada, as well as what the top Durban guys are doing. I have seen some pretty progressive skating from one of the groms up there, as well as some cool stuff from the last slide jam. Hopefully the level isn't too high so that they feel it was worth the effort getting me up there!:)
Can you tell us what setups you're going to be riding?
I'll be riding my freeride/slide setup;
Board - Fibretec Flying Pan
Wheels - Abec11 Grippins
Bushings- Fat Ant 88a
Trucks - Paris 180mm
I must say a huge thanks to Keith and the guys for making this happen and especially for getting me up there, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity!
Ok, now Deon - you guys are also making the trip up from the Cape for the event - What are your thoughts prior to the event?
After reading the facebook posts on what went down at the previous slide jam, we've been super amped to session Durban! Keith Hockly from Gunslinger Longboards has been putting in loads of effort to promote the growing sport of longboarding in SA and I believe that this event is going to be a massive success.
You're a cruisy kind of guy, and to me you embody a kind of leadership figure for the Downhill scene in Stellies. Are you looking forward to imparting a similar kind of wisdom to the frothing Dirtbin groms or are you just using it as an excuse to catch up with old mates?
I guess a bit of both. If there was one thing that I could share with the Durban groms it would be that longboarding is a family, it's not something we do to prove ourselves. It's all about having fun and supporting one another on and off the board.
Talking of old mates, you are originally from Richards Bay, so you looking forward to some warm water, warm weather and some old rivalries on the tarmac?
It's been 3 years since I last surfed with boardshorts..so yes..definitely amping a warm water surf! Also looking forward to bombing some hills with one of my old mates Colin Masurik.
Let's talk style for a second. The Bhangra is a board designed with style in mind. What are your thoughts on this board when it comes to style and how important is style when it comes to freeriding?
The Loaded Bhangra is a piece of art..with a length of 48.5", it's perfect for beachfront cruising and cross-stepping. The nose and tail kicks provide you with everything needed to do awesome manual and shuvit tricks..to find out more about what this board is capable of..please watch this video clip of the Loaded team ripping up the Bhangra:
Plus, if you ever have the privilege of seeing Matt Arderne and Paul du Plessis shredding up a hill near you..you will quickly realize how important style is. I believe that a good style will always count big time..same with surfing..it reflects the individuality of the rider and sets him apart from other riders.
Big thanks to Iain for giving us the opportunity to share some thoughts! See you guys at the slide jam...
Raoul, Over to you... You're more competitive as a skater than your partner in crime - are you worried about the Durban competition, or is this Slide Jam going to end up a showdown between the Kaapies in Durban?
As a competitive skater my competition lies within racing, but I do love going to Slide jams, they are events where skaters really get to show off their creative side by laying down the most sickest variations of slides. This for me is epic to watch and well, join in. Sliding is so much fun!
The level of interest in Downhill skating in Durban has just exploded lately - what are your thoughts from an outsiders perspective, considering you're a role player in this burgeoning little industry?
The Durban guys from what I've seen through their various media channels look really good! They shred hard and have developed their own unique style, and all this so quickly. Not long ago it seemed they were content at just cruising the beachfront. Progression is one of the elements in skateboarding that I enjoy the most, watching it develop within other riders as well as within my own skating. All this is why I'm so amped to go, to hang out and skate with them.
There is some real talent up here on the East Coast, but for the Durban guys to be competitive at a much higher level. What are the areas we need to focus on. Equipment, technique, experience, mental strength...those kinds of things?
From a freeriding/sliding point of view there isn't much advice I can give, other than keep on doing what they doing. They have it on the money... Oh and be supportive of your mates, their is no right way or wrong way, it's all skateboarding. Sure at the end of the day there is a winner, but that's not what it's about.
It's about like minded people coming together and having a jol.
Racing is where it gets a bit more serious, but even there it's just friends having a blast. One can be supportive and competitive at the same time. Skate as much as you can, technique and experience will happen by itself.
Finally, tell me about the Ceviche.
So the naughty little Ceviche... It's like a aggressive trick board with surf like attributes. I always tell people it's a sort of a hybrid skateboard.
It's small enough and has a tail for flip tricks, but then has the big wheels and flex that a surf like longboard has. It's size makes it nimble and easy to carry, so it makes for the perfect commuter.
"Win a brand new Bhangra or a Ceviche from Loaded with a full set-up , each valued at over R3 000 "
This competition is now closed!
Congratulations to
Linda Sibiya, who won the Bhangra,
and Niall Heneke, who won the Ceviche
03/07/201
The Bhangra:
Loaded wanted to create a more compact dancing/freestyle board that you could basically
do everything on. A Board that has plenty of room to get your dancing groove on
and is smaller, lighter, and easier to throw around.
Something that is not overly huge, can bust out steezy slides, and can be carried and fit into a trunk easier.
Can you downhill on this board? Probably, but it is not a DH board
Value: R 3 600-00
The Ceviche:
With a built-in tail and subtle nose kick, this replacement for the Fish is a versatile link
between carving bliss and old school/street skating.
Camber and concave between the kicks allows for carving and pumping, while the nose and tail
create a more surf-oriented feel with lots of opportunities for tricks.
Loose and agile, it's time to explore the limits of your
sidewalk and hill thrashing abilities.
Value: R 2 950-00
The adoring fans!
Janek goes first in the stand up slide finals.
Da Sheriff in position to mark the distances...
...slide time...
...no hands!
A beautiful winters day for downhill!
Got something to say? Then leave a comment!
Posted by Dylan de Fleuriot on the 22/06/2012 12:20
Big up the exposure guys! our skating scene is taking off and the skaters have style!
Posted by Joshua Venter on the 06/07/2012 21:49
Hey guys
Just wanted to know if u know where some good hills are around Cape Town
Posted by Aad on the 20/07/2012 03:41
Appanretly this is what the esteemed Willis was talkin' 'bout.
Posted by Rivenbark on the 23/01/2013 09:52
you me llegaron mis oakley n me gustaron mucho...me quedaron a d . b . medida n no pesan zilch...estan muy ligeros g peso... search engine shedd recomiendo!!!
Rivenbark http://www.lebomashile.com/cyclejerseysale-provides-scott-bicycling-hat-of-excessive-status/
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Surf Carnival moves to Durban
06/06/2012
Surf Carnival moves to Durban
The Durban Surf Carnival presented by Jeep Apparel is set to take place at New Pier from 15 to 17 June 2012. The Durban Surf Carnival consists of a Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) event, a Waveski contest as well as a Longboard surfing championships.
All of the divisions are filling up quickly and at this stage it appears as though the Western Cape is going to dominate by numbers in the SUP and Longboard events, with a major showing of Eastern Cape surfers in the Wave ski division. The weather predictions show favourable conditions for the event with several cold fronts heading up the east coast, this usually means perfect winter swell conditions for Durban’s protected beachfront.
Due to the high number of entries, the organisers have the option of utilising split venues for this event.
“The Durban Surf Carnival will provide a perfect opportunity for members of the public to watch the cream of the Stand Up Paddleboarding, Longboarding and Waveski surfers in action,” cites Paul Godwin of Nerve Events.
“The Competitors are ecstatic about being able to compete at New Pier, they are also very grateful to the locals for their patience over the three days and we have a great contingent of local surfers taking part too."
Top SUP surfers taking part include the 2011 SUP Carnival Champion Brandon Ribbink (Berea, Durban) and Penny Stemmet (WP) who surfed for SA earlier in the year in the ISA SUP World Champs.
Longboarders tipped to excel include Josch Schmeltzer and Brad Weare (Durban) both finalists in this year's SALSA SA Longboarding Championships and the 2012 SA Masters Longboard Champion and Jeep Apparel Team rider Dylan Macleod (EP) will also be in the running for the Open Longboard crown. Multiple Surfing Champion Craig Daniel (Bluff) is amongst the favorites expected to dominate in the Over 35 long boarding division.
The Durban Surf Carnival showcases lesser known wave riding sports and has been endorsed by the City of Durban, "Surf City", with its ongoing goal to market Durban as a surfing destination for all ocean-user groups.
The event will offer other surprises and action for the contestants and the general public who can get involved in the ‘Snapshot’ photo competition and a free surfing clinic.
The Mad Dog Surf School which has become a regular feature of the event will be run by Shaun Sellman and his experienced crew will be giving free surfing lessons open to all members of the public.
The Waveski event is sanctioned by the SA Waveski Surfing Association.
Sponsors include the City of Durban - Durban “the warmest place to be”, Jeep Apparel, and Independent on Saturday
Support Sponsors are Red Bull, Thule, Naish SUP, Natural Curve Surfboards, Nestle Pure Life Water, Bokomo. Container Conversions, Mad Dog Surf School, Maisch Fins, Nescafe, Pro Class Wetsuits, Thermo Plastic Concepts & Equipment (TCE), Carling Black Label and Nando’s.
Win a Jeep Hamper valued at R1500!
*Prize hamper may vary from the exact items shown above
**Prize not transferable and may not be exchanged for cash.
***Competition closes 15th June 2012.
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Washing over me
02/06/2012
Interview by Iain.
Howzit Dave and Dom,
Awesome new song guys, was there a surfing inspiration behind it (like waves Washing over me?)
We couldn't fit " can you feel the close out set washing over me" so we settled for "Can you feel the Sun..."
On a more serious note surfing is a huge inspiration in general and a great way to open the mind before or after a day in studio. The lyrics of this song are almost a cry for help after spending most of the summer hidden in the studio longing to stretch out on the beach.
This is your Summer 2012/2013 anthem. Tell us about the song itself? Musically who was involved and how did it tale shape?
The planets aligned and we somehow managed to meet up with Steve Sparrow from the UK rock band Morning Parade in March as we where on our way back from Miami and they had popped into Amsterdam for a show on a random thursday. It was like a surf mission called hours before it was about to go down, then it was off, then it was on and all of a sudden we all ended up in the historic Wisseloord studio (where Def Leopard, Snoop dog etc have recorded in the past!) and the session was on! Steve had had laryngitis and been on tour for 30 days nonstop, but all that did was make him sound even better. He knocked the vocal out the park and the rest as they say is history!
The animation is insane - who did it and tell us about the creative process there?
This time around Matt Torode (formerly of Fuzi Gish!) picked up where Mike Scott left off with his massively successful video for We come together with another installment in Goldfish man's trials and tribulations. Creatively we basically get together with the animator and jam the craziest idea's we can all come up with and then let them run with it. The basic premise was Goldfish man traveling through time influencing the coarse of history with a series of accidents. We love animated video's as anything is possible!
What are your guys plans for the Summer?
We are heading over to Ibiza again for some crazy gigs all over Europe. The highlight will probably be our own festival in Amsterdam called Goldfish Outdoor which sold out 2 months ago, it's based on the general idea of Kirstenbosch but with a bigger lineup and 6000 dutch people! Then we heading home to put the finishing touches on our next full album due out February 2013.
Have you guys been in the water lately? Are there any waves in Ibiza?
We get into the water as much as we can which sometimes is everyday and sometimes once a week (boo..!). Unfortunately there aren't many waves in Ibiza and what waves there are are pretty fickle and unexciting. I think winter they do get better swells running down the med but summer is a bit of a bore. We have a just landed a residency in Palma de Majorca at a Wave house so we should get some practice on a standing wave at the very least! South of France isn't too far away either and a little mission there would definitely help scratch that surfing itch. (ps. I have it on good authority that surfing itch happens if you surf too much or too little)
This track, Washing over me is only available by digital download - where can fans get it?
Watch out for the next single in August and the full album in February 2013
Awesome catching up guys. Looking forward to seeing you in the Summer!
Got something to say? Then leave a comment!
Posted by Juliet on the 22/07/2012 08:39
I felt i was being force fed by the trailer of the feb. issue until Andy's Silent Shot's came on!THAT WAS POWER AND BEAUTY !!. all these other guys seikeng fame on perfect waves or two foot surf doesnt even come close.your article was perfect too bad its too late ..ONLY ONCE IN A LIFETIME we will never witness a place in time like the past decade again. right now no-one comes close not even parko.
Posted by Lee on the 23/01/2013 08:10
you me llegaron mis oakley n me gustaron major...me quedaron a t . a . medida n no pesan zilch...estan muy ligeros delaware peso... ze shedd recomiendo!!!
Lee http://www.accessvanitha.com/business-2/mupi-bicycle-shop-good-quality-biking-nhl-jerseys-bib-shorts-provide-much-more-enjoyable-mitts-wholesale
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