By Judy Barouch
Skateboarding isn't the first career option many parents would have encouraged their children to pursue in the past but what was once a sub-culture is growing more mainstream.
"Riding the board is becoming socially accepted; it'll even be an Olympic sport in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games," says Julian Lee, 26, a self-confessed skate-nerd who runs Precinct Skate Shop in Queensland's Mermaid Beach with business partner Trent Bonham, 40.
Trent Bonham (left) and Julian Lee advocate the career options that exist in the world of skateboarding from their shop at Queensland's Mermaid Beach.Credit: Gregory McBean
"Parents who once skated are bringing in their kids as they realise that skating is a healthy physical activity. They're also aware that at a pro level, skaters can travel the world and make money from prize winnings.
"Pro skaters can even become a marketing tool through gaining sponsorships from shoe companies and earning royalties from branded decks and wheels."
Bonham himself had a professional career after winning the Australian Skateboard Titles twice in the mid-'90s as an unknown and shortly afterwards being picked up by board, shoe and clothes sponsors.
He successfully competed in comps here, the US and other countries and made skate DVDs until slowed down by a knee injury. Lee knew of Bonham from magazine features and videos and the pair met through riding their boards – unlawfully! – in a local schoolyard. Realising Lee's potential, Bonham mentored him, which led to Lee gaining his own sponsorships.
Recognising the lack of a destination skate shop on the Gold Coast, the duo opened Precinct just over two years ago, catering to locals and interstaters.
"Skaters feel comfortable here. There's a long table with chairs so they can just hang out, chat and watch DVDs," Bonham says. "Many people know their riding size but may want to try and step up to a bigger deck.
"Even a fine increment changes everything: the deck's steepness, flatness, its length, shape and whether it's concave. Being experienced skaters, we can advise without bias. We're on top of the latest brands and current trends and get in new boards weekly."
An ever-changing, colourful display on their shop walls features different grades of decks made from Canadian rock maple with graphics ranging from bold abstract patterns, to florals, skulls and even angels. A burgeoning group of collectors who aren't necessarily skaters, also buy the decks to hang on walls as decorative interior items. "It has a very cool aspect to it," Bonham says.
Besides the many brands of decks, the pair also sell hardware such as wheels, trucks, accessories and shock-absorbing footwear plus caps and shirts. More than just a business, it's an all-consuming lifestyle.
"It never switches off for us," Lee says.
They have formed a team of up-and-comers (The Precinct Team) giving the children free boards and helping them find sponsors.
"No other sport embraces all age groups," Bonham adds. "It influences a lot of peoples' livelihoods: product manufacturers, skaters, team managers, artists whose works appear on the decks and DVD videographers."
Paradoxically, street skaters can still get in trouble with the law for trespassing. "But if you get pulled up, you can now say you are practising for the Olympics," Lee says, laughing.