To mark Go Skate Day, we caught up with Brandon Valjalo, Red Bull athlete and one of South Africa’s biggest skateboarding stars, to unpack the impact skateboarding has had on his life, the growth of the local skate scene, and what the future holds for the culture in Mzansi.
We all know skateboarding and hip-hop have always gone hand in hand — like a glove with a hand. From the fashion and attitude to the DIY spirit and rebellion, the two cultures have always moved together. I mean, Lupe Fiasco literally gave us “Kick, Push,” right? That connection between music, freedom, creativity, and self-expression is something both worlds continue to share. So yeah, this side we love skating just as much as we love hip-hop. Hype Fam, tap into this interview as Brandon speaks on passion, progression, and pushing South African skate culture to greater heights.
Go Skate Day is all about celebrating skate culture and community. What does this day mean to you personally?
Go Skate Day is a reminder of why I started skateboarding in the first place. It’s not about contests, sponsors or results, but it’s all about getting together with friends, skating, having fun and celebrating the culture that has given so many of us Skateboarders a sense of belonging. For me, skateboarding has opened doors of opportunity that I never imagined possible. It’s taken me around the world, introduced me to lifelong friends and taught me lessons that go far beyond skating. Go Skate Day is a chance to appreciate all of that and give back to the community that helped shape me as the person I am today!
Looking back at your journey, how has skateboarding shaped who you are both on and off the board?
Skateboarding has shaped almost every part of who I am. On the board, it’s taught me discipline, resilience and patience. I’ve spent years trying tricks, dealing with setbacks and learning how to get back up after falling. Off the board, those same lessons apply to life. Skateboarding taught me to stay committed to my goals, work through challenges and believe in myself even when progress isn’t always obvious. It has also connected me with people from all walks of life and given me a broader perspective on the world which I’m extremely grateful for.
As a Red Bull athlete, how has the partnership helped you push your skating to new levels and inspire the next generation?
Red Bull has played a huge role in helping me grow as an athlete. They’ve supported me with amazing opportunities to travel, film video projects, attend events and compete around the world. One of the ways they help me continuously push my level is through access to high-performance training, recovery and resources that help me perform at my best on the board. What I appreciate most is that they genuinely invest in athletes as people. Through that support, I’ve been able to focus on progressing my skating while also giving back to the community through workshops, demos and mentoring younger skaters. If my journey can show the next generation that big dreams are possible, then that’s something I’m really proud of.
South Africa’s skate scene continues to grow; what advice would you give to young skaters picking up a board for the first time?
My biggest advice is to enjoy the process and be patient with yourself. Skateboarding isn’t something you master overnight. Everyone falls, everyone struggles and everyone progresses at their own pace. Focus on having fun, skating with friends and learning something new every session. Don’t compare your journey to what you see on social media. The skaters who stick around are usually the ones who genuinely love skateboarding and the process, not just the results that come with it.
If you could define the future of skateboarding in South Africa in three words, what would they be?
Inclusive. Limitless. Inspiring. I’m seeing more people from different backgrounds getting involved in skateboarding than ever before. The talent coming through is incredible, and I believe the future is wide open for South African skaters to make their mark on the world stage.
What is one thing that non-skaters get completely wrong about skateboarding?
A lot of people think skateboarding is all about the tricks, but for most of us, it’s really about creativity, self-expression and community. Every skater approaches obstacles differently, develops their own style and finds their own way of progressing. That’s what makes skateboarding so unique. It’s not just a sport, but it’s a culture and a creative outlet.
Skateboarders often tend to fall and scratch themselves. What is one recovery trick that works all the time?
The simplest answer is that recovery starts before you get injured. Prioritising sleep, hydration, mobility, and consistently looking after your body makes the biggest difference. When I do take a slam, what helps most is giving my body enough time to recover properly rather than rushing back too soon. Every injury is different, but good recovery habits and listening to your body never go out of style. Especially Ice baths, haha!