31.07.2024
Pictures & interviews: Genualdo Kingsford
An interview with skilled skateboarder Porock Luis, who grew up in Sabah, and not too long ago moved again to Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur.
Inform us about your property city, Kota Kinabalu.
KK is fairly chill and laid again, versus the hustle and bustle of town in Kuala Lumpur. Not too hectic. I prefer it right here as a result of it’s nearer to my household. Though the skate scene right here isn’t as hype as KL, it’s a piece in progress, which I hope to contribute to by motivating others.
Inform us concerning the state of Sabah.
Sabah is really a spot for journey! It’s recognized for having a few of the world’s oldest rainforests, such because the well-known Danum Valley and Maliau Basin, which have been round for 130m years. Sabah can also be residence to uncommon species such because the Borneo pygmy elephant, orangutan, proboscis monkey, solar bear, banteng and Sunda clouded leopard. The state is unquestionably blessed with pure variety, distinctive cultures, enjoyable adventures, lovely seashores and incredible cuisines for adventurous style buds!
What are some native dishes a customer ought to strive?
You guys ought to strive sago – locals name it ambuyat – or our rice wine referred to as montoku.
What ought to a customer tick off the record, when it comes to sights and actions?
Browsing, snorkelling, mountaineering, diving and climbing the enduring Mount Kinabalu. The Kaamatan pageant is price testing too.
Inform us a little bit concerning the historical past of skateboarding in KK.
I’m not likely certain when and the place it began, however I began skating round 2003 / 04. Skate boarders had been seen skateboarding at pink sq. for some time, earlier than somebody purchased the place. After that, nobody skated there as a result of the guards actually did their job nicely – typically they might struggle you. However after the pandemic, lastly we may skate pink sq. once more. They only don’t care any extra; you’ll be able to skate there everytime you need.
How is the skate scene in KK in the present day?
Up and down as a result of everyone has jobs, is learning or stopped skating due to household. Life’s a little bit bit arduous right here. We don’t have like large skate manufacturers right here for sponsorship and we don’t have a correct skate store. Generally I see a child getting good at skating, however immediately they’re gone, identical to that. I actually attempt to assist them by giving what I’ve, like used footwear and boards.
Are there any native manufacturers you need to give a shout out to?
Shout out to Dumberhood, Run BKI, Dying Machine and Empire Provides – it’s not likely a skate store as a result of additionally they promote soccer stuff, however they’re nonetheless very useful to the group.
Who’re some individuals essential in sustaining the scene in the present day?
There isn’t a particular individual. We as a group strive our greatest to maintain the scene alive.
What are your favorite spots for a enjoyable skate?
I actually love skating the stage at pink sq.. It appears like skating the LA Courthouse stage (laughs).
What spots ought to visiting skaters try?
Purple sq., the kicker at large fish, the eight-stair handrail at Wisma Muis, the lengthy small hubba at Kota Belud (a close-by city), the grass hole at Kolombong, plaza 88 and extra. Simply hit me up.
Who’re some essential native skaters individuals ought to learn about, previous and current?
Papa John, Fauzi SB, Greg (Cracko Artwork), Apip Ghani, Awyn, Khairi, Donald Yakyak, Pian, Apen, Mark 900, Maben (RIP), Collin, Mark Warren, Adib, Mimin, Rahman, Acak, Mark Narayang, Zul Gila, Eddie Menggatal, Imbie, Hamid, Yahya, Ilham, Kedo, Qais, Adeq, Ajil, Arwah, Babun, Haqem, Samsul Gigi, Pijan, Alip Pra, Joe Tattoo, Boy Glugut, Welson, Dennis, Richie, Linx, Aniq, Alvin, Boy Kangkang and all Borneo skaters.
Who’re some youthful, up-and-coming skaters individuals ought to look out for?
You guys ought to try Alfin Sharul. Folks referred to as him Ayok. He’s solely 12 years outdated. He began skating at pink sq.. He’s a really quick learner. I actually hope at some point this little dude can get what he desires in skateboarding, insya-Allah.
Do you assume it’s tougher to be a professional skater in KK than in Peninsula Malaysia? There appears to be rather a lot taking place in Kuala Lumpur in the intervening time, when it comes to occasions, parks movies and so forth.
It’s a bit arduous, as a result of after I lived in Kuala Lumpur I used to skate 9 to 5, however now there aren’t any filmers or full-time skate boarders right here, so it’s a bit demotivating. By way of occasions, now we have them, however not as large as in KL as a result of our scene continues to be small.
What reminiscences from our go to stand out?
Each second for certain, since you guys are the primary Europeans to go to KK simply to skate and movie.
Did any methods that went down significantly impress you?
The massive flip that Andrea did at large fish kicker was so good.
You latterly grew to become a father. Congratulations! How are you discovering balancing skating with household life?
Alhamdulillah, thanks mate! Group-work makes the dream work! I’m very grateful to have an understanding spouse.
What are your hopes for the way forward for skateboarding in Kota Kinabalu?
I actually hope that the scene will proceed to try and develop.
An interview with filmmaker Brandon Joel, who grew up in Kuching, Sarawak, and now resides in Kuala Lumpur.
Inform us about your property city, Kuching.
Kuching is positioned within the state of Sarawak on a little bit island referred to as Borneo, east of Malaysia. Town is understood for its various and multi-cultural society. Kuching can also be recognized for the native meals, deep rainforests and ethnic tribes distinctive to the area, and completely different from Peninsula Malaysia. That is evident from the most typical bodily distinction: conventional tattoos.
Inform us concerning the state of Sarawak.
Sarawak man, there’s an excessive amount of to say: all these indigenous cultures, their lifestyle within the jungles and mountains… You’ll have to come back to search out out (laughs).
What are some native dishes a customer ought to strive?
Positively kolok mee and Sarawak laksa. There’s unique meals as nicely, if that’s your form of factor. In case you’re a drinker, don’t overlook to strive the native tuak and langkau.
What ought to a customer tick off the record, when it comes to sights and actions?
Go to the nationwide park, I assume. However actually although, make plans to go to the Airbnbs positioned up within the Borneo highlands (mountains, rainforests and scorching springs), the place you will get an actual style, work together with the native rural communities and get a glimpse of their easy and conventional lifestyle.
How was it rising up in Kuching?
Mellow and straightforward, since you’re surrounded by plenty of nature. Primitive approach, man (laughs).
When did you progress to Kuala Lumpur and what prompted that?
Maintain on let me have a drink (takes shot). So I moved to KL in 2013 to additional my research. Cyberjaya, to be precise – which is within the state of Selangor – as a result of it’s positioned near PCP (Putrajaya Problem Park), one of many largest concrete transition parks in Malaysia. I dropped out in 2018 (laughs), after which I began specializing in filming.
How linked are you to the scene again residence?
I’m fairly nicely linked with the OGs. I look as much as plenty of them. They’re like my father at this level (laughs). I’m additionally in a handful of group chats that ship intel.
Inform us a little bit concerning the historical past of skateboarding in Kuching.
Skateboarding was very taboo and a subculture, an city type of trend. Again then, it allowed us youngsters to outline ourselves. “Which group can we slot in?” “What sort of music can we take heed to? Punk rock ka, hip-hop ka?” ‘Skater’ is an identification, a personality lah. As Joseph Romey (KL-based skateboard trainer from Sarawak) put it: “You may take pleasure in completely different cultures or kinds, however on the finish of the day it brings individuals collectively. We don’t care what ethnicity, race or faith you might be, we’re skate boarders.”
As for spots, Kuching used to have a few iconic ones just like the library and Wisma Satok. Sadly each spots had been taken down by town. In line with Hanafiah Hatari (Kuching native): “Again within the ’90s, you would say Kuching had higher road spots and DIY parks than in the present day.” Daryl Bucking recalled a quote from a fellow Kuching OG, Watt Ngumbang: “It was taking place again within the days. You might simply see skaters skating in every single place round Kuching metropolis. They’d skate ‘tour’ round simply to search for new spots, teams of 10-15 skaters going across the metropolis, one thing that was noticeably enjoyable and unforgettable, even in the present day.”
How is the scene there in the present day?
It’s alive and going. A bunch of latest faces all the time pop up after I return, in order that’s excellent news!
You’ve got put in lots of hours documenting skateboarding in Kuching. What motivated you to begin filming?
The shortage of movies from town itself and understanding the quantity of expertise there. I simply needed to attempt to categorical skateboarding within the metropolis of Kuching from my viewpoint.
Inform us about your movies.
I attempt to make unbiased movies that includes the locals and perhaps some foreigners that come by Kuching or Kuala Lumpur. The final video I launched was within the first half of 2023, so I’m simply attempting to stack clips now.
What’s your favorite video challenge you’ve labored on?
By way of enhancing, none, as a result of I all the time really feel I can do higher. By way of collaborating, I really like doing the DIY stuff, like constructing concrete parks. Shout out to Bulldos crew!
The place can individuals watch your movies?
You may watch our movies on our Youtube channel. Simply sort in Paraidigma.
Are there any native manufacturers or outlets you need to give a shout out to?
Shout out to Libraryz Skateshop, Rupert Rage, Skate and Espresso, Bellboy96k and Rad.myy.
What are your favorite spots for a enjoyable skate?
A spot I grew up skating, the Tabuan Jaya public park with tiled benches, a five-stair, a few grass gaps, a mellow financial institution on the facet and pink brick floor, and the brand new Borneo Museum spot within the coronary heart of Kuching metropolis, which has a few lengthy granite ledges, clean tiled floor, a niche and a curved slappy curb. It’s arduous to overlook as a result of it’s proper under the place the brand new Borneo (Cultures) Museum is positioned.
What spots ought to visiting skaters try?
Spots alongside the Kuching waterfront, the crusty steep transition and steep banks at seventh Mile (Hello Bread espresso store), the steep volcano at MJC and Pangkalan Sapi, the place there’s a bunch of skateable issues like ledges, benches and gaps. Mainly, try the entire metropolis.
Who’re some essential native skaters individuals ought to learn about, previous and current?
Watt Ngumbang and Zul Posa from the ’80s. Joseph Romey, Hardy Barnabas, Hanafiah Hatari, Alvin Gamar, Jerry Ho, Joshua Caesar, Zharif Tazudin, Half Vicious, Daryl Bucking and Donald Gani from the ’90s. Extra not too long ago, just like the previous 10 years: Gadd Francis, Atai Richardo, Ashraffi Anderson and Gavin Nuek. Respect to those Gs!
Who’re some youthful, up-and-coming skaters individuals ought to look out for?
David Adam, Lionel Daniel, Pius Elli, Nazwan Jarznie, Lias Ghazali, Wandy (Fazwan Nirwady), Ezra Syah and Gavin Nuek. Additionally, Abib Rahman and Luqman Hakim from Sibu, and Carlson Kuek and Firdaus Marzuki from Bintulu.
Did any methods that went down throughout our time in Kuching significantly impress you?
Casey’s nollie bottom flip on the MJC volcano, Andrea’s big hole ollie on the fuel station, Don’s nostril guide drop on the crusty hubba and Conor’s wallie off the huge barrier into the street.
You joined Conor, Casey and Don for an in a single day keep within the jungle. Inform us about that journey.
It was all mellow, however there was this one time after we rode behind a truck; it was so bumpy, and this crack supplier was telling me tales about how he did his ‘soiled issues,’ whereas pouring pictures on the similar time, all of the whereas the again of the truck was rollercoastering up and down on these grime slopes.
What are your hopes for the way forward for skateboarding in Kuching?
I hope everybody retains skating and looking for spots, and the remaining will manifest.
An interview with skateboarder and zoology fanatic Conor Charleson, who organised our journey to Borneo.
Inform us how this journey happened.
It was form of a bastardised model of my dream journey, which after plenty of analysis, merely won’t be attainable. I needed to drive from Kota Kinabalu, a metropolis in Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, westward alongside the northern coast of the island, ending in Kuching within the state of Sarawak. I needed the journey to take a few month, and cease off in all of the smaller cities alongside the coast to skate, and dip into the jungle for a couple of days right here and there for hikes as a result of it had been some time since I had had an opportunity to do any zoological adventuring. Nonetheless, driving that distance is not any joke. I used to be advised the roads aren’t nice, tropical storms can pop up at any time and there’s no car-rental service that permits you to choose up in a single metropolis and drop off in one other. So as an alternative, decided to realize one thing rapidly after placing out the half (Conor Charleson’s Slight Inclination) with Dan (Magee), I deliberate to go to mainland Malaysia for a few weeks to meet up with Don, Nizam (Hisham) and everybody else I do know over there, then dip over to Kota Kinabalu, earlier than flying to Kuching.
The zoological element of this journey didn’t work out fairly as deliberate. Are you able to clarify?
I feel it was simply dangerous planning on my half. I feel the wildlife has to take precedence in future, because it simply appeared to get pushed apart to make room for extra skateboarding. Additionally, I feel I might belief my data a little bit extra and ensure I’m aiming for areas of historic, untouched jungle.
Inform us concerning the journey to the jungle outdoors Kuching.
I spent months chatting to Valentino (Ngabong), an outdoorsy Sarawak native Porock put me in contact with. He spoke to his buddies, sorted vehicles to get us into the jungle and someplace to remain, after which the day earlier than the journey, you bailed, and so did Andrea. Petrified of the snakes or one thing. So me, Don and Casey – who’re undoubtedly the toughest – had been jammed into 4x4s. We picked up extra native dudes, considered one of whom hopped on a motorcycle and guided us by probably the most hectic drive up and down muddy trails and thru rivers. After we arrived, we found that the realm was indigenous land owned by Bidayuh individuals. This space of the forest had been felled to make room for homes. As a substitute of a deep jungle jaunt, litres of regionally brewed tuak and langkau had been laid on the desk, and the night time was targeted round consuming and smoking as a lot as attainable. We had a few jaunts to a small waterfall close by, the place I noticed a couple of frogs and a few freshwater shrimp, however that was as wild because it received. Though it wasn’t fairly what I used to be after, it was a stunning couple of days attending to know the blokes, strolling the native looking route, cooking and consuming with them and sharing their booze.
An earlier jungle tour resulted in a medical emergency. Inform us about that.
We had arrived from Kota Kinabalu the night time earlier than and determined to have a break day to go to an orangutan conservation centre simply outdoors Kuching. I’m often fairly cautious of conservation centres, nevertheless, this one (Semeng-goh) had optimistic evaluations concerning its administration. The orangutans had been nicely cared for. That they had acres of jungle to roam, with ample fruit bushes. We stood and stared into the jungle, in entrance of some feeding areas that had been nestled within the bushes, whereas the employees referred to as the apes all the way down to feed, howling into the dense forest. We waited. And waited. Some big ants grew to become the centre of consideration for a short while. We continued to attend, the howls echoing round us within the jungle, till lastly, we gave up and went residence. Apparently it was fruiting season, so the orangutans had no want to come back to the rangers for meals.
Alongside the trail again to the doorway, we discovered a couple of fallen jackfruit. Brandon picked one up and cracked it open for us all to strive. Casey instantly spat his on the ground, whereas I attempted to smile by the style of fermented popcorn with a texture in contrast to the rest I’ve ever eaten. Andrea was hesitant at first, however then his curiosity received the higher of him. He plopped one of many rancid chunks into his gob and noticed it by, however didn’t return for seconds. “I’m feeling like some itching,” he mentioned, rubbing his throat. Brandon advised him it was regular; one thing within the jackfruit irritates the throat, much like pineapple. We continued to stroll to the sting of the forest. Andrea was beginning to get a little bit extra confused. The itching was intensifying and he was certain one thing severe was taking place. We purchased him a Sprite – there was no water – and cut up into our two vehicles. I didn’t hear something extra till I received a name from you as we arrived again at our residence. As you guys had been driving again, Andrea’s face began to balloon and also you rushed him to a close-by clinic. As quickly as he walked within the door, they whipped his pants down and whacked an Epipen’s price of adrenaline into considered one of his arse cheeks.
Enjoyable instances. Do every other reminiscences from our time on Borneo stand out?
Belting out nation tunes with the band in Borneo Rednecks bar was fairly good. The boat journey across the wetlands was sick too: seeing all of the mangrove bushes, catching glimpses of proboscis monkeys and saltwater crocs, watching seashores stuffed with mudskippers fleeing to the water as we approached… Watching Don repeatedly telling a 21-year-old meth supplier that he was Muslim and didn’t drink when supplied a bottle each 5 minutes behind a jeep on the lengthy drive again was fairly entertaining.
We wish to thank the next individuals for making our journey to Borneo attainable: Casey Brown, Conor Charleson, Alan Glass (Unbiased), Hilman Hamdi, Nizam Hisham, Don Irfan, Brandon Joel, Porock Luis, Amanda Pérez (Vans) and Johnson Hwong. Particular because of Andrea Dupre for filming the accompanying video. Apologies to anybody we forgot.