Flips and twists as a 10-year-old skater takes on the pros
Ashley Gindre is practicing her backside air every chance she gets at the Nike Centre, YBF Skatepark in Johannesburg, and even at Thrashers Skatepark in Pretoria, ahead of the Street Lines Skate Tournament.
Backside airs, flips, and twists off the ramp, skateboarding is all about pushing limits, and 10-year-old Ashley Gindre, from Fourways, is ready to do just that.
Skating since she was six, it started as a fun experiment, but little did she know, the time of her life she was having would become something more.
Now, Ashley trains twice a week at the Nike Centre, Shapa Soweto, with coach Sharne Jacobs, and the Johannesburg Skate Club. On weekends, she visits skateparks across Johannesburg, including her local YBF Skatepark, to try out new tricks and perfect her lines.
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In preparation for the Street Lines Skate Tournament, on September 27 at Thrashers Skatepark, she’s also heading out to the Pretoria skatepark early in the mornings, to fine-tune her competition routine.
The tournament format includes two 45-second lines, followed by five of the skater’s best tricks for finalists.
Ashley said her favourite move is the backside air, where she grabs her board mid-turn at the top of a ramp and lifts it off the surface.
This year, she’s been practicing new tricks she hopes to land at Street Lines. She’s very much aware of the competition but ready to leave her mark.
“I don’t really have a chance of winning, as Boipelo Awah, our female Olympian, will be in the competition, and she is bound to take first place. However, I will try my best to get a spot on the podium, even though I’m usually one of the youngest skaters. I’m lucky to get to skate in the same category as an Olympian.”
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In the women’s category, there is no U16 division, so she competes against adults, including Awah, a challenge she embraces.
“My focus has to be 100% on my tricks and line.
Last time, I looked at the crowd before a trick and didn’t land it, so this time I plan to be more focused. I practice a lot, so I feel confident when it’s my turn. I do get nervous, but I remind myself to be brave and have confidence.
“For other young skaters, it’s not as hard as you think, just work hard and make sure you’re prepared.”
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