Guest interview Lee Blackwell 🖤
Hi what is your name and how old are you?
A: Lee Blackwell, Black arms, Mum Neck, prince Of Darkness, Vampire, Count Blackula, take ya pick 😂
Tell us a little about yourself, what do you do, why have you started to skateboard and how long have you been skating?
I been skating for around 28 years but been around it since I was younger. I rode a bmx until I started rolling with local guys from southend. We had a park called Rampage in Leigh on sea open so that pretty much became my home. Probably one of the best parks to of ever been built in Europe if you like transitions. Every size. The set up was crazy and the scene was pretty full on. Used to attract most summers some of the best skaters in the world. Bones brigade tour being the most memorable.
How does it feel to do something as cool as skateboarding?
I’m not to sure to be honest because for me it’s normal. It’s been my life but I can say what it brings, where it can take you, the people you meet is like nothing els in the world. Skateboarding is family for me. Actually I can answer it course I can. It’s the best feeling in the world and I’m grateful to be part of it.
How do your friends and family think about it? About you starting a crazy pastime at this stage of your life?
Well since I was a kid my parents hated it. Said I was wasting my life. I grew up in a time it wasn’t acceptable at all. But that’s changing. My family are pretty proud of me now. All my friends are pretty much skaters so I’m sure they feel the same about skating as me. It sucks! Haha just kidding.
Have you had any injuries since you started? And if so has it deterred you from skateboarding in anyway?
Haha I have probably busted more bones and other parts of my body than landed tricks by now 😂 no joke in the past 10 years I don’t think I had a year not resorting in being in hospital or recovering from surgery or being broken 😂 it’s all part of then fun. I try to look after myself these days. Gym 4-5 days a week to keep myself strong so I can take the hits and still push myself harder each time. I love it.
How has skating changed you as a person? Many years ago it’s probably skating that saved me. It gives me something to focus on. It motivates you and skating with others drives you. It brings a positive energy like nothing else.
What do you think about skateboarding being in the olympics now?
Skateboarding is a free thing. You can’t govern it. You can’t control it. It has its own way of life. Ever personality and style is different. There are no rules to it just get up and roll. It’s not a sport it’s just skateboarding. It’s as simple as that. On the plus side it brings it to an audience that know nothing about it. One of many where people hate on it still. So let’s hope that changes for the future generations ahead bringing better parks and making people smile at us then pretty much look at us like we are going rob them lol. It’s not something that needs to be in the olympics but it is. We have already seen part of its devastation of one of the best Vert Ramps in the world being ripped down to build a bike track. Not good at all ( adrenaline alley)
What’s your opinion on the girls skate scene now?
Wow I think it’s amazing to see so many girls skating. It’s for everybody not just one sex. What I don’t like is all the segregation. Girls only or guys only. That’s not what skateboarding is about. Male or female we are all just skateboarders. Where do you see yourself in the skate scene in 10 years time? Either on the platform same as I always am buzzing off of everyone els getting stuck in or recovering from a heavy slam haha. Either way exactly where I am. I’ll always be part of it.
What advice would you give anyone just starting out, either young or old, to help them keep skating?
The best advice is accept it’s going to hurt. Nothing in life comes easy but when you fall down get straight back up smile and keep going and if you see someone struggling? Help them out. Learn together because these people will be your friends for life. Skateboarding is fun so just get out there and enjoy it and never ever let anyone tell you that you can’t or won’t do it.
Do you think A skate School is a good way of learning? And coaching is needed in skateboarding now?
Hell yeah, skate school creates a massive new wave of skaters of all ages and as seen brings families closer together with parents and child getting involved. It helps create confidence where other activities don’t and most of all you make new friends. Any final words you would like everyone to know about how you feel about skateboarding? Yeah get involved don’t be afraid. It will be the most fun you will have in your life I’m telling you. And if you need some help go see Tom at Tic Tac skate school 👊🏼 Thanks
