BACK IN THE DAY…PRO SKATEBOARDERS IN HONG KONG

Back in 1988 when I started skateboarding, it was like a blessing if any professional skateboarders came through Hong Kong to do a demo or film.

I remember the very first pro skateboarder that came to Hong Kong was Andy Howell, Justin Girard and Rick Ibaseta. After seeing Rick do one of the best 360 flips I had ever seen, I remember wanting to learn that (yes it was called 360 flips before Tre Flips) Up until today, I can’t do a tre flips as nice as Rick Ibaseta. He was seriously the best. I got mad goose bumps seeing them skate in person, it was a blessing. I was super super psyched. It was in 1989 – 90, when New Deal was the bomb.

After that, more and more pros came to Hong Kong. When Jovantae Turner, Henry Sanchez, Adam McNett, Julien Stranger, Jose Gomez, Ron Knigge, John Montessi and some more came for Jackie Chan’s movie City Hunter in 92.

In 93, Scott Johnston, Ed Devera, Rene Matthysen came as well. Seeing Scott Johnston skate made me just want to sit down and see him skate for days, mad smooth.In 1996 when Vans asked me to invite 2 pros, I invited Salman Agah and Ray Barbee. The reason I invited them was not only because they were amazing skateboarders and human beings but also, I wanted to play chess with Ray Barbee but of course, he kicked my ass.

In 1999 when Matt Milligan and Justin Bokma came, we had a 5 day event at Tamar Site.

Then Kien Lieu came with Satva Leung. Kien brought the skateboarding virus to Hong Kong. Then Tim O’Connor and Brian Wenning came in 2000. After that, the list goes on and on (I will list those that came in my next blog).

Of all the pros that came, the one group that stood out and we had the most fun with was when Tim O’Connor, Brian Wenning came for the second time with Stefan Janoski, Brandon Biebel, Reese Forbes, Alex Klein and Osama Bin Landi aka Jeff Landi. YES, you read it right, how crazy is that? Probably the best group that ever came through. They came with Anthony Claravall. It was fun for days, non stop laughter, non stop seeing amazing tricks going down, non stop partying. Dayeem, it was the best. Strictly fun skateboarding and Carnival Sauna Massage.

These are some of the Polaroids that were taken by Anthony Claravall when they were here. Brandon Biebel, BEST SWITCH BACKTAIL in the business. Tim O’Connor, BEST BACKSIDE SMITH in the business. Brian Wenning, BEST SWITCH BACKSIDE OLLIE in the business. FUCK, where was Reese?