Jean-Marc Johannes on skating masterclass in Russia and the future of South African skateboarding

Jean-Marc Johannes returned from a skateboarding masterclass in Russia with a renewed perspective and a determination to push the boundaries of South African skateboarding. Johannes, who is accustomed to competing in skateboarding tournaments, found himself in a different kind of international setting at the International Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg.

He was there to teach people how to approach their fears and break down familiar tricks, ultimately teaching them why a trick they already knew could seem impossible in a new context. He shared his own experience of dismissing tricks as impossible before realizing that the core technique remained the same. The festival brought together innovators from various fields, including science, medicine, engineering, business, and technology.

Johannes felt overwhelmed by the amount of knowledge he absorbed from networking with people across different sectors. He was particularly struck by the unwavering confidence of delegates in the energy sector, which contrasted sharply with his own tendency to find reasons to delay his own ambitions. Johannes recognized a stark contrast between the delegates' confidence and his own tendency to filter his own potential.

He realized that he had been worrying about obstacles instead of giving himself a chance to start. During the masterclass, Johannes shared his own story of skateboarding in South Africa and his vision for the sport. He was inspired by the African delegation's performance at the opening ceremony, which brought the house down with its energy.

Now back in South Africa, Johannes is strategizing how to apply the insights he gained from the festival to create better opportunities for local skateboarders and elevate their visibility. He is determined to contribute beyond his own time on the board and help others in the sport.