Bodies recovered in Wemmerpan Dam and Pennyville Quarry drownings
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To stay fit and strengthen their relationship, father and son, Trevor (55) and Taylor Sturgess (30) from Kibler Park in the south of Johannesburg have recently taken up skating together.
Taylor began skating about 17 years ago, and it has always been his happy place. For Taylor, the skate park is a space he can escape.
“Some young people get into roller skating or skateboarding to keep them occupied and avoid social ills and negative influences,” highlighted Trevor.
Since Taylor started skating, he has done well. He gained international recognition, competing alongside international skaters throughout South Africa.
Trevor and Taylor’s relationship had typical father-son struggles.
“We argued about little things which would not matter later on. Being from different generations means we have different opinions and views. We had to find a way to get along and skating was the solution,” shared Trevor.
Trevor took up skating as a hobby last year.
“I got very fat about two or three years ago. Roller skating has helped to keep that extra weight off and it has been a great opportunity because my son and I are spending quality time together at the skate park,” said Trevor.
He highlighted roller skating has taken his fitness to another level and worked better for him than going to the gym.
“Roller skating works parts of your muscles you never knew you had. I am a lot fitter and it makes me happy,” expressed Trevor.
@comaro.chronicle Kibler Park father and son find fitness and fun in skating To stay fit and strengthen their relationship, father and son, Trevor (55) and Taylor Sturgess (30) from Kibler Park in the south of Johannesburg have recently taken up skating together. Taylor began skating about 17 years ago, and it has always been his happy place. For Taylor, the skate park is a space he can escape.
For Trevor, going to the skate park is no longer just another parental duty to drop off his son, but a time to break away from the demands of being a real estate agent, hang out with his son and skate with the other guys.
He described the experience as being quite pleasant. He highlighted how well the skaters get along and how they called him ‘skater-dad’.
He also shared he does not do the fancy tricks the younger skaters do. It is fun for him to watch and also participate – improving with each session.
Bonding through skating has undeniably improved their relationship. “Although skateboarding keeps my mind off things and the skate park is a safe space, I think it is good for everyone to have a hobby or something they enjoy,” said Taylor.
Trevor added: “Coming to the skate park has made a big difference, and it is better than sitting at home. I encourage other parents to join skating or any other activity because apart from spending more time with your children, it keeps you fit, which has many health benefits.”
Roller skating has also changed this skater-dad’s perspective because he realised he is not as old as he thought he was but also reminded he is not as young as he used to be.
“I fall sometimes, but ensure I warm up and wear protective gear so when I fall, the injuries are minor,” shared Trevor.
“I encourage anyone to take up a hobby or to try something as adventurous as roller skating, especially in their older age.”
If you are not skilled in a new activity, he suggests taking lessons to avoid injury.
“The most important thing is starting somewhere and gradually get into it. Get active,” he emphasised.
The two skate weekly at The Balwin Thaba Skate Park and sometimes mother and wife, Ruth Sturgess, also join them.
She shared: “It is great seeing my husband and our son finally finding things to agree on when they have skating sessions. It is fun watching them skate and I love showing my support for the things they love.”
“Skating is important to Taylor and I can see why,” said Trevor.
“It takes your mind off the negatives such as stress and when doing it with someone you love, it makes it more special.”
“We feel blessed to spend time together at the skate park, and we encourage other fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, to spend time together. There will be falling, some tears, but most importantly, lots of laughs and memories,” expressed the father and son.
