MEET JOSH TIBBITS: A Brisbane Local
UPCOMING LOCALS: Meet Paddo (Paddington Skatepark, Brisbane red.) local, Josh Tibbits, a skater to know and learn from. 16 year old Josh grew up in Newmarket and started skating around December 2018 - self taught for almost 3 years now. He dropped the scooter handlebars and got into skating for some more style - he picked it up fairly quickly and is now a confident rider at the park. I took a trip to his favourite park, Paddo to get a few words of advice and catch him in his element doing what he loves best, shredding.
All photos by Ella Heard
THE FACTS
Name: Josh Tibbits
Age: 16
Sponsor: Hellboy Clothing
Board setup:
8.4 in. Creature board, football shaped on both ends
Independent Andrew Reynolds hollow trucks
Spitfire wheels
Just some basic hardware
Insta: @skat3trees
Hi Josh, good to see you bruv, can you tell me a bit about your love of skateboarding?
- For sure. I used to do mainstream sports like rugby but I found skating and fell in love, it’s all I do now, I put all my focus into it.
“I just love Paddo and it’s just a fun park, lots of lines, easy flow, Paddo is the place to be.”
Josh is currently recovering from a head injury he got bombing hills and has had some time to explore more parks as he recovers (remember to wear your helmet, everyone).
How is your recovery going and which parks can you recommend?
- Yeah, it’s going okay. Recently I've been recovering at different parks slowly, but yeah I just love Paddo and it's just a fun park, lots of lines, easy flow, Paddo is the place to be. I also like Murrarie, Fairfield, easy flow there as well. I like parks with transition mixed in with nice street lines. Alex Headland is also a good park, I’ve been there a few times and definitely recommend it, it has lots of variety.
What kind of board do you recommend to younger skaters? What did you ride when you first started?
- When I first started I rode a seven, a really old brand. I don't even think they exist anymore. But nowadays you can't really go wrong with a Creature, Almost or Girl skateboard, the team behind Girl is really good too.
When choosing your first skateboard Josh recommends asking your local skate shop what they think would suit you and what you'd be comfortable on.
- Remember, it's all about confidence on your board before anything else and the skate shop employees usually have several years of experience behind them - they will get you on a proper setup from the word go and you’ll be shredding in no time.
Cool. So, skateboarding is also known for its pretty rad style. Are there any brands of skate clothing you wear regularly?
- Usually I wear thrifted and op-shopped clothing, you never know what you'll find, there is so much to choose from and it's easy to get. I’m sponsored by Hellboy Clothing, shout out to Dominic for hooking me up with the brand, we are currently working on a video so stay tuned for that. And Erabot Studios is my mate Miles’ dad’s brand. He's got shirts and tote bags available - check them out on their instagram @erabot_studio.
Once you’ve got your board sorted, getting a coach is so worthwhile - especially if you're scared to start skating on your own. There are so many coaches and some even do classes for free, just because the skating community is all for helping each other. Because in the end skateboarding is not a competition, it's a way of life.
Josh wishes there was more easily available coaching around when he first started skating and says it could've really helped him progress better and be more confident controlling his board faster.
Looking for a skateboard coach in SEQ? Find one here.
So good getting all of your insights, Josh. Do you have any good advice for younger skaters?
- Definitely. Don't worry about trying to get good, just be comfortable with your board, try and create your own style, be unique and have fun, it doesn't matter if you’re doing tough stuff, if it looks cool that probably means you are doing it right. Also try to go fast. You can get so much more comfortable, and you get more confident riding your board slower knowing you can control it even at max speed. Just be cautious of those big hills, hehe…
Thanks for hanging out Josh, see ya round :)
Remember to check out this up and coming shredder of Brisbane on his Instagram too.
All photos by Ella Heard, Slabzoo Skateboarding