Skater Profile Moses Adams

South Africa’s Gavin Moses Adams is off to compete in the Street League Skateboarding Pro Open in Barcelona, Spain. We caught up with the Cape Town skater to chat about his career, SLS and other upcoming travels and international comps he’ll be competing in.

Full name: Gavin Adams

Nickname: Moses

Age: 25

Hometown: Cape Town

Years skating: 15

Deck setup: AMMO Boards, Venture Trucks, Swiss Bearings and Grizzly Grip Tape

Sponsors: Red Bull, DC Shoes, Oakley, AMMO and Harley Davidson

What does the sport of skateboarding mean to you?
It means everything to me. It’s pretty much made me the person I am today. I didn’t know I would become a professional skateboarder, but I have been skating for 15 years now and it’s taken me all over the world.

What does a day in the life of Moses Adams consist of?
Wake up, skate for a few hours, come home shower, have dinner and on the weekends go for a drink with friends.

The feeling you get when skateboarding. How would you best explain it?
If I land something new, the feeling is like a rush in my body. It makes me feel so stoked that I keep on trying more and more.

Besides skating, what else do you do to progress your skill set?
Play soccer. It helps my balance and makes my legs stronger.

What have been some of your highlights of your career?
Street League Barcelona is an absolute highlight and skating in California with all the pro’s like P Rod and Manny Santiago at the Jake 1 spot also stands out for me.

What would you attribute your successful skating career to?
To be honest, I would have to say the first time Red Bull sent me to California. Spending time with Manny (Santiago) really inspired me and helped push me to another level.

What has been your best street / park spot you have skated internationally?
The skate park in Sheldon, California – they have basically everything there. Also the Blue Rail that Manny skated in his “pound for pound” video.

What has been your best street / park spot you have skated locally?
Civic Centre because it’s got nice marble benches.

You are about to go overseas for 6 months, firstly to Barcelona for Street League. How excited are you?
I’m honestly so excited that it feels like I wanna fly out of my clothes!

What does it mean to you to be competing at Street League and what are your goals for the contest?
I feel honoured to be invited to be part of it. I’d have to say I really want to offer every bit of my potential and give more than 100%.

What are your plans for after Street League?
After SLS I am off to London to compete in Red Bull Hold the Line contest, after that I go to Poland to compete in the Back to the Streets event. In June I am going to California for three months to skate, film and maybe skate in some comps there.

What is your ultimate goal for your skating career?
My ultimate goal is to become pro, start my own business and inspire kids to pursue their dreams and never give up.

What are your thoughts on skateboarding scene in South Africa at the moment?
Skateboarding is generally growing. Many young kids are becoming very good, so I think there is a great future for South African skateboarders.

What other contests are you looking forward to competing in this year?
I’ve mentioned Red Bull Hold the Line and Back to the Streets already but of course I can’t wait to come home and skate Kimberley Diamond Cup in September!

Any shout-outs?
My parents, my younger brother Allan and to all my friends and fans for always supporting me and believing in me.

Photos by Tyrone Bradley, Wayne Reiche, and Geoff Odell / Red Bull Content Pool