How Chennai’s skateboarding community comes together one ollie at a time

Jacob Dan Paul may not have walked into a skating rink and learnt the ollie (a skating trick that involves flipping the skateboard) on his very first try back in 2016. But he is keen on creating an atmosphere for novices to try their hand at the sport. If you are good enough, you could even participate in their trick-off on May 24.

Chennai Skateboarding Community began with the simple intention of being part of a crew, a community that is open to all levels of skateboarding prowess. “Many young people who skateboard tend to take on the pressure that a sense of competition imposes. Our group that meets every Sunday hopes to be inclusive, practice, have fun, and indulge in a new hobby,” says Jacob.

On Sundays every week at the park below the Thiruvanmiyur train station, around 20 skateboarders, usually between the ages 18 and 25, come by to try their hand. There is a good composition of women who also text him and ask if they could swing by. Members of the community watch tons of YouTube videos. The intention is to arrive with their boards on Sunday and try their luck at tricks and hone their skills. “About 90% of the people who board are Gen-Z college kids,” he says.

Jacob performing a trick
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Skateboarding is still at a nascent stage in the city, says Jacob. While students represent Tamil Nadu in competitions, they often veer away, following the long-winding pathway towards adult occupations, leaving behind the simple joys of floating on a wheeled-board. Jacob, who picked it easily because he had an edge as a dancer, chose to pursue the sport as a hobby. It has paid him back handsomely. Today, he is a coach and also a competitor. He is skateboarding full-time after years of working at several retail spaces, and is happy about spearheading this cool culture in the city.

It is why he has collaborated with Sphere Skateboards, a brand from Bengaluru that supplies skateboards, for a GOTY (Greatest Trick Of The Year) Jam on May 24 from 3pm. “Most people outside of Tamil Nadu do not know about the skateboarding culture here. When I visited Bengaluru in April, we set up a meeting with the Sphere guys who seemed keen on seeing what the scene here is like. We are anticipating around 30 skaters. I have asked other clubs to represent their styles too,” he says.

Jacob says that there will be two specific tricks on display. One is the ollie, a trick that one learns as a rookie. It is not as easy as it looks, says Jacob. The second is the game of skate: a trick-off involving some rock-paper-scissors and other shenanigans. Participants are sure to get free t-shirts and take a look at interesting looking merchandise, especially since style in this community is currency.

Jacob performing a trick
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

“Today, Bengaluru is the skateboarding capital. Chennai does not have to get there but I am excited to meet new people who’d like to try new things. Honestly, it is among the chillest ways to blow off some steam,” he says.

GOTY (Greatest Trick Of The Year) Jam is on May 24 at the park below Thiruvanmiyur railway station, 3pm onwards. Entry is free. DM @chennai_sb_community on Instagram.