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Thalente (meaning ‘talent’ in Zulu) is an up and coming skateboarder from Durbs. He’s aptly named as anyone will tell you who has seen this boy session – he’s definitely got the talent and a bag full of tricks. However unlike his contemporaries and the other okes that skate down by North Beach, Thalente is a street kid. This remarkable fella has big hopes and dreams for his skateboarding future, though – Thalente hopes to become one of the first black kids from South Africa to earn a living from skating. We chat to this young Backyard Jammer about being on the streets and how skateboarding has changed his life.
Full Name: Thalente Biyela
Nickname: Skinny Black
Age: 17
Hometown: Durban
Sport: Skating
Sponsors: None
Injuries: Broken arm, and hurt my hip really bad
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LWu26ZtUeA&feature=youtu.be
Your story from street kid to skater is quite inspiring Thalente – how did you get into skating?
Well I am still basically a street kid, nothing much has changed. I am just staying at friends’ houses trying my hardest to get off the streets for good and giving my skating a hard push. But how I got into skating… an older skater Dallas gave me my first board. The skate park opened on North Beach about 2004 and ever since then I have kept going.
When you bailed pretty hard for the first time, what made you get back up and try again?
I was told by all the older skaters that you just have to get up and do it again, that’s what it’s all about, trying!
Would it be safe to say skating has altered the course of your life?
Yes, it has by far in a lot of ways but it’s also still the same. I hope it’s going to continue to alter my life even more so I can make something of myself.
Are you still in school?
No, it’s been a long time since I was at school. I was on the street, it was hard.
What are your career goals with skating?
Making it big and sharing the lovely sport it is and hopefully it can change others’ lives as it has with mine.
Who are some of your idols in skating?
Tony Hawk and Tony Trujillo.
What do you think you have that perhaps some other skaters don’t?
Some people say I have a good style … ha-ha! And I guess my story that I have to tell people.
What’s your best trick?
Kickflip
What’s your favourite trick?
Kickflip.
What’s your signature style?
Mini Ramp.
What’s been your best result in a competition to date?
I won the Mini Ramp section of the Pro X 2010.
What’s one competition you’d love to compete in?
Street League in America.
Where do you mostly skate?
Beachpark, Durban.
How many hours a day do you dedicate to skating?
5 hours.
What inspires you the most?
Myself and a few friends around me, it keeps me going.
What’s your most favourite thing about your hometown?
The beach and the weather.
What do you think about when you’re skating?
Being the best.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Do what you want to do!
Photos by Jacqueline Burgess
