Youth of Today – Harry Townend
Ever wondered what the skaters out there paying full-price for their skate product actually like?
We know you assume that you know what they’re into but what we’re asking is, do you actually know?
No? Well get ready to find out as we begin a new series of features with regular skaters on the streets to find out what they’re into, what products they pay retail price for and why.
If you’re lucky enough to work in the skate industry, or to be sponsored, then it’s skaters like these that allow that to be a reality. All hail the average Joe, (or in this case, ‘Harry’).
Youth of Today – Harry Townend
What’s your name?
Harry Townend
How old are you?
12
Where do you live?
Morley, near Leeds.
How long have you been skateboarding for?
About 3 or 4 years: I was about 9 years old when I first started skating.
Why did you start skateboarding?
Because my older brother Joe already skated and he asked me if I wanted to try it out. I liked how it looked; I thought it seemed cool. I tried it and I liked it. Most other kids my age who skated got into it because of computer games or seeing Street League or something, but I wanted to do it because of my brother.
How far away is the nearest skatepark from where you live?
About a twenty-minute walk. It’s an outdoor concrete park.
Is it any good?
No not really. It’s pretty sketchy – like actually dangerous to go to because of dodgy people.
Where do you mostly skate then?
Subvert indoor skatepark in Castleford. My brother works here so my parents know I’m safe. And they make me wear a helmet.
What was the first skate video you watched?
‘Pretty Sweet’.
What’s your favourite company?
Antihero.
Why?
Because I like all the skaters who ride for it, I like the graphics and it’s run by some of the most legendary skateboarders.
If you could’ve lived through the filming of any Antihero video, which one would you pick?
Tent City. Dunno about hanging out with Andy Roy though, even if he has turned his life around which makes him a role model I suppose.
What’s your current set up?
Grant Taylor Antihero board
Bones 56mm wheels
Indy trucks.
Why did you pick that set up?
I like Grant Taylor and the shape is good. Bones wheels are good for parks, which is what I skate: I’d had Spitfires before so I fancied a change. I like big wheels.
Tight or loose trucks?
Really loose – I skate transition.
How would you describe yourself as a skater?
A transition skater: I prefer to skate tranny because I like the adrenalin rush of going fast. I like doing airs.
Is skateboarding cool at your school, or do people make fun of you for doing it?
It’s not cool at all, not at my school anyway. People make fun of me for it. Most kids my age think skateboarding is crap.
So who do you skate with normally?
People who are older, I do have a couple of skate friends my age but mostly it’s older skaters.
