Photos by Eric Palmer / Article by Africa Skate / www.africaskate.com
Ever since I’ve know Charl he’s been one of the main guys involved with running SonSk8 Stellenbosch.
Over the past 3 years or so, I’ve had the privilege of watching him develop into a super mini-ramp killer and tranny embracer. He’s a great friend of mine, a humble man and skater with natural style and flow – so much flow in fact that if you’re not careful he’ll come and show you how to skate your own ramp!
These are his words.
Name and age?
Charl Jensel, 23 years old.
What got you into skating?
Mmm… well I must say the Most High, because if He didn’t put people in my path who skated and gave me the actual feeling to want to try and skate then I don’t think I would have done it. I guess I never would’ve thought I would become a full time skateboarder.
What motivates you to skate?
Watching my favourite video parts, reading skate mags, road trips, good weather and basically everything that influences my lifestyle I guess.
What kind of obstacles do you enjoy skating the most?
I would say tranny obstacles, because you can have the most fun on them – well I do. I love skating pools, ditches, barriers, and mini ramps do it for me pretty nicely thanks, not that I’m saying no thanks to street spots, because that’s where it all began and that’s where the roots of every single skateboarder lies.
Any sponsors/ hookups?
SonSk8 skate shop and Venom clothing.
Tell us a little more about Venom?
Yes, Venom is a hip hop clothing company who sponsors b-boys, MC’s and skaters. They are very supportive and take good care of their candidates; look out for Venom taking over the skate scene just like that.
Aside from skating what do you enjoy doing?
Well if I’m not on my board I’m in a studio playing around on the mic… haha and yes I do a bit of emceeing for those who don’t know, also chilling with my home-dawgs, watching skate videos and talking sense. I totally waste a lot of time playing Xbox, lol, don’t even talk about Mxit, hahaha.
How did you come to be a part of SonSk8?
I won’t say I came to be a part of SonSkate, it was always a part of me. In fact, if you’re a skater out there knowing that there’s a God that actually gave you the ability to get on your plank and push forward, you live for the positive and present it to the world, I’m telling you that you are also a part of SonSk8, ‘cos that’s how we roll. In 2008 I started helping Chris van der Merwe, (the main man behind SonSk8and who started The Shed Park) he needed someone to help him run the park and I was lucky enough to get the job. I started building ramps with Chris and we started the Son Skate Shop.
Top 5 international Skaters?
1. Brent Atchley
2. Nyjah Huston
3. Ben Raemers
4. Ryan Decenzo
5. Lizzard King
Top 5 local skaters?
1. Nathaniel Bomseni
2. James Harris
3. Alwyn Koorts
4. Will Twala
5. Quinton Robertson
List 5 bands you listen to while skating?
1. Public Enemy
2. KRS 1
3. The Rudimentals
4. Black Sabbath
5. Graveyard
What was your highlight of 2010?
The African Vacation Tour!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Revolution was and is still legend for organising all that.
What are your plans for 2011?
I would love to see pros tour South Africa again, and my big dream for 2011 is going to Maloof Money Cup, otherwise I’m amped on progressing my skating, hell yeah!
Shout-outs and last words?
My parents for their support, Chris for the hook up and for being a big brother to me. The most high Jah almighty for life and that I’m still alive, my sk8 crew at home, Montas, Kyle, Nathaniel and Morne, SonSk8, Yazied and Kevin at Venom and my best bra Andrew for all his support . Blessed be you all.
http://www.myculturemag.co.za/pages/topics/charl_jansel.php
