CHLOE COVELL: Check-In With The Reigning Moomba tween-Queen
INTERVIEW: Chloe Covell was only 11 years old when she claimed the title as the Women’s ASL Australian Street Skating Champion 2021 at Moomba in Melbourne last year.
Chloe was only getting her 2021 started when she won in Melbourne. She continued to win the Women’s ASF Street Championships in Mackay, got a photo in Slam Magazine, a full feature in The Skateboarder’s Journal - and won the online Exposure contest. And we probably forgot something.
We checked in with her to hear what she’s been up to, so get to know this absolute champ - on and off the board(s) - a bit better in the warm-up for MOOMBA 2022 in Melbourne’s Riverslide Skatepark.
ASL National Street Open Female Champion 2021, Chloe Covell.
Hi Chloe, you were killing it at last year's Moomba. How was your experience in Melbourne last year?
My experience last year was great. I was really happy with the way I skated and was lucky enough to come away with the win in the open womens.
That kicky front board you pulled off was legendary. How would you describe the atmosphere down there?
The atmosphere is incredible. It was a bit different last year due to COVID, but hopefully it's back to normal this year. It's a special comp because you get to catch up with all your friends you haven't seen in ages and just spend a few days skating hard together.
[Interview continues below the photos]
Chloe Covell, kickie front board, ASL Moomba finals 2021. Photo credit: YMCA Victoria
Chloe Covell at Rumble 2021.
What have you been up to since the last Moomba?
Since last year I have been working hard on my skating and learning new things. I have also been skating a lot more out in the streets which has been tough but fun and rewarding.
We've seen some sick street edits from you lately - e.g. the Exposure contest you won. Can you tell us a bit about how it is to film in the street?
Filming in the streets is really fun because you don't just have to skate the same thing all the time, there is always something different to skate. It's also pretty hard because you have to travel lots from spot to spot, sometimes you get kicked out by security, and the conditions always tend to be harsher especially when you fall compared to a skate park.
I have mainly skated and filmed in the past with Geoff Campbell, Nick Law, Jesse Bernasconi, and Sam Windhorst and they have helped me out so much.
A Lot of time went into Exposure, it was probably around 10-12 full weekends of skating to make a 2 min. clip. It was hard work at the time but lots of fun, especially when you land a clip that has taken maybe 2-3 sessions to land.
You also made it into Slam Skateboard Magazine and got a huge feature with rad photos in Skatebarders Journal. Can you tell us a bit about that?
I was so stoked to get my first photo in Slam. It was shot down in Melbourne by Bryce Golder.
I was then lucky enough to get a few in the latest Skateboarders Journal which I was really happy with. It was shot by Darren Kirby and Interview by Nick Law.
It was so rewarding seeing the end result in the magazine's as it was hard work at the time as some of the shots didn't come easy but I look forward to getting more in the future and getting better at it.
Thrasher next?
Thrasher is definitely a future goal.
“Filming in the streets is really fun because you don’t just have to skate the same thing all the time, there is always something different to skate. It’s also pretty hard because you have to travel lots from spot to spot, sometimes you get kicked out by security, and the conditions always tend to be harsher especially when you fall compared to a skate park.”
You just finished primary school with an amazing send-off from your school. Who came up with that idea?
My principal at the time Mr Stephens actually came up with the idea and when he told it to me I was so hyped.
And has your school been supportive of your skating throughout the years?
My school Terranora Primary was extremely supportive of me and my skating, I was so grateful to them.
So… full-time high school this year?
Yes, I am going to a full-time high school; 'Palm Beach Currumbin High School'
You play soccer at a pretty intense level too. What makes it different to skating?
I love playing soccer to give myself a break from skating and have a different circle of friends, which I love hanging out with. Soccer is an outlet for me from skating. Having a break from skating every few days gets me more excited to go skating when I get the chance.
You are skating and playing soccer at a high level for such a young girl. What does your week look like?
Yes, my weeks are very busy, especially now school is back. I have soccer training Mon, Wed, Fri, and then play matches Saturdays. I skate Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
And who helps you get around to skateparks and spots?
Mum and dad take me wherever I need to be and I am so thankful. Sam and Nick also take me when I go street skating sometimes.
How are you preparing for this year's Moomba?
I don't have any special preparation except for just keep working on getting my new tricks I have learnt since last year and figuring out which ones I will use at the comp and just putting a good run together with some best tricks.
What do you look forward to this year?
I am definitely looking forward to getting back to Melbourne, I love skating down there. I also have something I am super pumped about coming up in April but I am not allowed to say anything yet but can't wait to tell you guys.
There will also be some edits coming out in the near future that I have a few clips in that I can't wait to see. Other than that just getting out in the streets more and getting more clips.
Any plans for the future you want to share? (Paris? USA?)
I can't wait to share my April plans with you, other than that I really hope to get overseas and skate whether it be in competitions or just traveling and skating. Paris is definitely one of my long term goals.
What a cliffhanger, Chloe! We can’t wait to hear all about it. Until then, thanks for your time.
Thanks Majeline!
Slabzoo will cover ASL National Championships in Melbourne 2022 — Check out our dedicated Moomba Page to find all the info you need.
