Board walking

WORDS Debbie Loots

Urban Steeds is a range of Afro-inspired skateboards produced by local design duo JesseJames from the team’s Woodstock studio. Hand-crafted from imported timber, these beauties will zip you around town in a flash and earn you instant street cred. We caught up with James Bisset for the skateboarding lowdown.

So, what’s the deal with skateboarding?

It’s a way of life. The board isn’t only a way to commute, it’s a source of expression.

Do you skate between Woodstock and home every day?

Every day! I skate from my desk to the kettle for coffee; I skate to pick up supplies needed for the skateboards; I skate to unwind when I get home.

What’s the dress code?

There’s no real dress code; it helps having a pair of flat sneakers, though. Rock it your way.

Let us in on some ’boarding lingo.

• Bombing: downhill skating as fast as you can.
• S’jus: when you bust a move that’s just terrific.
• Cowabunga: This isn’t really one, but we would like to bring it back.

How do you make a skateboard?

We sacrifice a lot of virgins – plus loads of secret formulas.

Specs?

We have two models, the Steed 80 is all about swagger. It’s designed to bust out. And the Steed 100 is made for the cruise, it just rolls and rolls…

071 909 0716, jessejames.co.za
Boards also available from boardhub.co.za