31.07.2024
Images & 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 house 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 actually a spot for journey! It’s recognized for having a number 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 be house to uncommon species such because the Borneo pygmy elephant, orangutan, proboscis monkey, solar bear, banteng and Sunda clouded leopard. The state is certainly 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 checklist, by way of sights and actions?
Browsing, snorkelling, mountain climbing, diving and climbing the enduring Mount Kinabalu. The Kaamatan pageant is value trying out too.
Inform us a little bit concerning the historical past of skateboarding in KK.
I’m probably not certain when and the place it began, however I began skating round 2003 / 04. Skate boarders have been seen skateboarding at crimson 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 properly – generally they’d combat you. However after the pandemic, lastly we may skate crimson sq. once more. They only don’t care any extra; you possibly can skate there everytime you need.
How is the skate scene in KK right this moment?
Up and down as a result of all people has jobs, is learning or stopped skating due to household. Life’s a little bit bit exhausting right here. We don’t have like huge skate manufacturers right here for sponsorship and we don’t have a correct skate store. Typically 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 sneakers and boards.
Are there any native manufacturers you wish to give a shout out to?
Shout out to Dumberhood, Run BKI, Demise Machine and Empire Provides – it’s probably not a skate store as a result of additionally they promote soccer stuff, however they’re nonetheless very useful to the neighborhood.
Who’re some folks essential in sustaining the scene right this moment?
There isn’t a particular particular person. We as a neighborhood strive our greatest to maintain the scene alive.
What are your favorite spots for a enjoyable skate?
I actually love skating the stage at crimson sq.. It seems like skating the LA Courthouse stage (laughs).
What spots ought to visiting skaters take a look at?
Crimson sq., the kicker at huge 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 folks 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 folks ought to look out for?
You guys ought to take a look at Alfin Sharul. Folks referred to as him Ayok. He’s solely 12 years previous. He began skating at crimson sq.. He’s a really quick learner. I actually hope someday this little dude can get what he needs in skateboarding, insya-Allah.
Do you suppose it’s more durable to be a professional skater in KK than in Peninsula Malaysia? There appears to be quite a bit taking place in Kuala Lumpur in the mean time, by way of occasions, parks movies and so on.
It’s a bit exhausting, as a result of once 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. When it comes to occasions, we’ve them, however not as huge as in KL as a result of our scene remains to be small.
What recollections 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 tips that went down notably impress you?
The massive flip that Andrea did at huge 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! Workforce-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 attempt and develop.
An interview with filmmaker Brandon Joel, who grew up in Kuching, Sarawak, and now resides in Kuala Lumpur.
Inform us about your house city, Kuching.
Kuching is positioned within the state of Sarawak on a little bit island referred to as Borneo, east of Malaysia. The town is understood for its various and multi-cultural society. Kuching can be recognized for the native meals, deep rainforests and ethnic tribes distinctive to the area, and totally different from Peninsula Malaysia. That is evident from the commonest 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 return to seek out out (laughs).
What are some native dishes a customer ought to strive?
Positively kolok mee and Sarawak laksa. There’s unique meals as properly, if that’s your sort of factor. In case you’re a drinker, don’t neglect to strive the native tuak and langkau.
What ought to a customer tick off the checklist, by way of 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 a variety 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 actual – 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 related are you to the scene again house?
I’m fairly properly related with the OGs. I look as much as a variety 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 style. Again then, it allowed us youngsters to outline ourselves. “Which group will we slot in?” “What sort of music will we hearken 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 possibly can take pleasure in totally different cultures or types, however on the finish of the day it brings folks collectively. We don’t care what ethnicity, race or faith you’re, 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 have been taken down by town. In accordance with Hanafiah Hatari (Kuching native): “Again within the ’90s, you can say Kuching had higher road spots and DIY parks than right this moment.” Daryl Bucking recalled a quote from a fellow Kuching OG, Watt Ngumbang: “It was taking place again within the days. You would simply see skaters skating in every single place round Kuching metropolis. They might 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 right this moment.”
How is the scene there right this moment?
It’s alive and going. A bunch of recent faces all the time pop up once I return, in order that’s excellent news!
You will have put in lots of hours documenting skateboarding in Kuching. What motivated you to start out filming?
The dearth of movies from town itself and realizing 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 impartial movies that includes the locals and perhaps some foreigners that come by means of Kuching or Kuala Lumpur. The final video I launched was within the first half of 2023, so I’m simply making an attempt to stack clips now.
What’s your favorite video venture you might have labored on?
When it comes to modifying, none, as a result of I all the time really feel I can do higher. When it comes to collaborating, I like doing the DIY stuff, like constructing concrete parks. Shout out to Bulldos crew!
The place can folks watch your movies?
You possibly can watch our movies on our Youtube channel. Simply sort in Paraidigma.
Are there any native manufacturers or retailers you wish 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 crimson brick floor, and the brand new Borneo Museum spot within the coronary heart of Kuching metropolis, which has a few lengthy granite ledges, easy tiled floor, a niche and a curved slappy curb. It’s exhausting 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 take a look at?
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. Principally, take a look at the entire metropolis.
Who’re some essential native skaters folks 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 folks 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 tips that went down throughout our time in Kuching notably impress you?
Casey’s nollie bottom flip on the MJC volcano, Andrea’s enormous hole ollie on the gasoline station, Don’s nostril handbook 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 once we rode behind a truck; it was so bumpy, and this crack vendor 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 dust slopes.
What are your hopes for the way forward for skateboarding in Kuching?
I hope everybody retains skating and looking for spots, and the remainder will manifest.
An interview with skateboarder and zoology fanatic Conor Charleson, who organised our journey to Borneo.
Inform us how this journey took place.
It was type of a bastardised model of my dream journey, which after a variety of analysis, merely may not 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 number 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. Nevertheless, driving that distance isn’t 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 attain one thing shortly 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 believe it was simply dangerous planning on my half. I believe the wildlife has to take precedence in future, because it simply appeared to get pushed apart to make room for extra skateboarding. Additionally, I believe I’d belief my information 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 mates, 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. Afraid of the snakes or one thing. So me, Don and Casey – who’re positively the toughest – have been jammed into 4x4s. We picked up extra native dudes, considered one of whom hopped on a bike and guided us by means of essentially the most hectic drive up and down muddy trails and thru rivers. After we arrived, we found that the world was indigenous land owned by Bidayuh folks. This space of the forest had been felled to make room for homes. As a substitute of a deep jungle jaunt, litres of domestically brewed tuak and langkau have been laid on the desk, and the evening was targeted round ingesting and smoking as a lot as attainable. We had a few jaunts to a small waterfall close by, the place I noticed a number of frogs and a few freshwater shrimp, however that was as wild because it obtained. Though it wasn’t fairly what I used to be after, it was a stunning couple of days attending to know the fellows, strolling the native looking route, cooking and consuming with them and sharing their booze.
An earlier jungle tour led to a medical emergency. Inform us about that.
We had arrived from Kota Kinabalu the evening earlier than and determined to have a break day to go to an orangutan conservation centre simply outdoors Kuching. I’m normally fairly cautious of conservation centres, nevertheless, this one (Semeng-goh) had optimistic opinions relating to its administration. The orangutans have been properly cared for. They’d acres of jungle to roam, with ample fruit bushes. We stood and stared into the jungle, in entrance of some feeding areas that have been nestled within the bushes, whereas the employees referred to as the apes right 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 time. We continued to attend, the howls echoing round us within the jungle, till lastly, we gave up and went house. Apparently it was fruiting season, so the orangutans had no want to return to the rangers for meals.
Alongside the trail again to the doorway, we discovered a number 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 means of the style of fermented popcorn with a texture not like anything I’ve ever eaten. Andrea was hesitant at first, however then his curiosity obtained the higher of him. He plopped one of many rancid chunks into his gob and noticed it by means of, 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, just like pineapple. We continued to stroll to the sting of the forest. Andrea was beginning to get a little bit extra burdened. 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 obtained a name from you as we arrived again at our condominium. As you guys have 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 value of adrenaline into considered one of his arse cheeks.
Enjoyable occasions. Do every other recollections 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 filled with mudskippers fleeing to the water as we approached… Watching Don repeatedly telling a 21-year-old meth vendor that he was Muslim and didn’t drink when provided a bottle each 5 minutes behind a jeep on the lengthy drive again was fairly entertaining.
We want to thank the next folks for making our journey to Borneo attainable: Casey Brown, Conor Charleson, Alan Glass (Impartial), 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.
