“People Used to Party More Than Skate” - Josh Pall on Sydney’s Rebirth

This article is supported by Nike SB, who launched their new film 'Cumberland County' over the weekend. To celebrate its release, Dan Bicker—co-founder of U.P.S. Skate Shop—interviewed three generations of Sydney skaters to find out about the resurgence of the city's scene

After moving from the Sunshine Coast seven years ago, Josh Pall has been one of the Sydney skate scene's most prolific members. He's put out parts for Pass-Port and Nike, traveled the world, and somehow still maintained a full-time job.

We sat down with Josh at Hyde Park, one of Sydney's most iconic skate spots, to talk about the what's brought on the resurgence of Sydney skate culture as well as his experience filming for the upcoming Sydney Nike SB video.

VICE Sports: What made you move to Sydney from the Sunshine Coast?
Josh Pall: Originally I always thought I'd move to Melbourne because I'd been down there a bunch for skating, but Juan [Onekawa] had been to Sydney a couple of times and really liked it and suggested we move here. We were keen to get out of Brisbane and try something new.

And you guys stuck it out here in Sydney?
Yeah, at first I was going back and forth to the Sunny Coast a bit to visit friends and family but after a while more people made the move to Sydney and it started to feel like home. I adapted to what's going on here.

What would you say sets the Sydney skate scene apart from other cities?
It's a lot less cliquey compared to other cities. Obviously there are different groups of people, but everyone gets along and skates together.

It feels like a smaller but tighter scene compared to other places.
Yeah, it's a mellow skate scene. Everyone is friends.

Has the scene changed since you moved here?
There were definitely a couple of years when the scene was a lot slower, but I think it's really strong at the moment. More people are skating, filming, taking photos, and creating more content, which is motivating more people to get out and skate.

People used to party more than skate. Sydney has a bit of a reputation for that, but I feel it's changed and everyone has been more productive skate-wise.

It feels like there are more filmers and photographers living here at the moment in comparison to a few years ago.
Yeah, and everyone has their day jobs and there are only one or two who do it full time. It's cool to know they are out there doing their thing and filming.

What are your favourite spots in Sydney?
I don't really have a favourite spot at the moment. I don't like going to the same spot every weekend; I like to change it up. As long as it's different I'm happy. I've been having a lot of fun at Hyde, and Dog Shit Park was fun when it had its time. That's where everyone used to go every afternoon. The dog walkers would be stoked that we aren't skating there much anymore.

What's involved in an average day skating for you?
Usually these days if I'm out filming and I have something in mind, I'll try and get it out of the way otherwise I'll just be dwelling on it for the whole day.

That's a pretty good attitude to have.
So if I want to film something, I'll wake up, hang out with my girlfriend for a bit, get coffee and breakfast, meet up with whoever, and sometimes go straight to the spot and warm up and try get it done.

Otherwise it's good to get out of the house early if I have no plans and just cruise around and meet up with people and just go with it. If you film something or stumble across a new spot those are the best days. It's a good feeling.

How has it been filming for the new Nike video?
The last few months have been good. I was injured for the first 6 months so I couldn't really get anything done in that time. But luckily the deadline got pushed back so I was able to get a few more clips in recently which is good. I'm stoked with what I've got so far and I've seen some clips from the other dudes. It's going to be a really good video. It's been fun going out and working on it with everyone.

It's a pretty good mix of guys in the video.
Yeah, some of the younger guys haven't really done anything like this before so it's kind of like their debut and they're the guys that have been killing it. Charles Robertson and Jack O'Grady have some really good footage and they've been nailing it.

What are your plans for the rest of the year?
As of yesterday I have plans, Juan and I are going to the States in May for a month just doing a little trip around the West Coast and there's a Pass-Port trip coming up later in the year. Other than that I just want to do domestic trips and skate around Sydney.

Who do you look up to in the Sydney skate scene?
I guess I'd have to say Chima [Ferguson] for sure. He just handles his business, has something in mind and gets it done, then hangs out to share in the good times. Its kind of rad to see someone of that calibre still get so genuinely stoked when he lands his move.

This article is supported by Nike SB. You can watch the Nike SB Sydney skate film here