In this series of portraits, we introduce you to the best skaters in France who are or have been part of Old Skullz Skateboard in the framework of the Club and stays Skate Camps.
Today it's our young protégé Titou, the prodigy Antoine Laurent, whom we've watched grow up and who answers our questions at the age of 21. (An interview by coach Maxx).
Portrait
M. Mate, I knew you before you even knew the names of the tricks you were landing. Where do we start, haha? Did you pass your BAC? Let's try starting from the beginning for people who don't know you.
A. Haha, yeees, I got it — so good!
M. So how old are you now? Where do you live?
A. I am 21 years old and live in Maillane a small village not very far from Avignon
M. Which Skate Camp did you participate in (Barca, Hossegor, Provence?)
A. I went to Skate Camp Barcelona
M. How long have you been skating? Do you have any sponsors?
A. I've been skating for 13 years. For the past few years I've been riding for Vans, Santa Cruz, Proride 66 and V7 Distribution (Indy, Ricta, Mob, Bronson).
M. Even though it's no longer current, can you explain how Geoff Rowley heard about you? What was the deal with him?
A. Yeah, things with Freedome are over. Geoff has more or less put the brand on hold. Now I skate for Santa Cruz, and it's so good—I'm stoked.
With Geoff, it was through Ben. Ben was the one I went filming with, so he was in touch with Geoff first. He told him about me and showed him some of the footage we'd started filming, and it all went from there. There wasn't really a deal; it was relaxed. We just had to film a part — that was basically the deal.
M. What made you want to skate, and how did you start?
A. I remember watching lots of John Cardiel videos, which made me want to skate bowls. I had a skateboard at home, and that's how it all started.
M. Have you had any contest results?
A. I started entering contests at around 14 and had some results like French junior champion, it’s helped me meet lots of people in skating. I was recently in Rio with the French national team. And I did the Slappy Challenge in Lyon, where I stayed for a week with Étienne (Turnbull) It was amazing.
M. Speaking of contests, you entered the Tampa AM ! For those who don't know, it's been THE world's most prestigious contest for 25 years, where the best amateur skaters from around the globe gather to tear up this legendary skatepark and try to make a name for themselves on the world stage.
A. Oh yes, the Tampa AM Haha! I think it’s the toughest contest I’ve ever entered. The level there is insane — they’re so good — but the atmosphere is amazing. I didn’t really skate the way I wanted, but that’s OK. It was a great experience, and I’ll go back!
Get to know Antoine during a day with us
M. I remember going with you to your first French Championships in Lyon, where you landed a 540 in your bowl run. You were about 12 or 13, right? Do you remember?
A. Yess I remember the atmosphere was crazy, a good memory!! It was a good day of skateboarding!
M. I think you even won the junior street championship that year, didn't you?
A. Ah, I don't remember too much but maybe
M. Haha, yes you did, in juniors! Don't you remember? You're crazy. So are you more into street, bowl, or both?
A. Honestly, these days I slightly prefer street, but bowl is still cool and I love skating both.
M. I remember you were more into bowl as a kid, until we started skating more street and then you progressed pretty quickly, right?
A. Yes, before joining the club I only skated bowl, and I wanted to try street because I saw Maxx (you, hahaha) skating street, and it made me want to try it!
M. Haha, I’m happy to hear that 🙂! You were at Club and you also wanted to do the Skate Camp ?
A. Totally, I wanted to go on Skate Camp for skateboarding with new people, skating new places and it was my first time at Barcelona
M. I even made a little video for you. It's a bit old now, but here it is.
M. Amazing! Do you have any goals in skating? (For now or for later?)
A. I definitely want to keep filming and making videos… Enter a few contests, but I think my real goal is to take my skating to the best level I can.
M. A quick aside: check out Antoine’s talent in his OFFLINE part
M. Great! Are there skaters who inspire you? Your favourite French skater? Your greatest skater of all time?
A. My favourite skater in France right now is Remy Taveira, and my GOAT is Rowan Zorilla
The Pros | See more interviews
M. Both have killer style! What memories do you have of your Skate Camp, in 3 words?
A. True skateboard week
M. What did you enjoy most during your stay ?
A. The atmosphere among all skaters
M. Which spot(s) did you love skating?
A. The DIY spots in Barcelona are really cool!
M. What’s your favorite photo taken during your trip?
A. I can't remember them all now, but I think it's the flip over a gap onto orange ground, if you know the one I mean
M. Absolutely, here it is!
M. Did you learn any tricks during your stay that you couldn't land before? Which ones?
A. I don't remember exactly anymore, but skating with other people helps you improve, especially people who are better than you. You can learn a lot.
M. Totally! We’ve spent a lot of time together over the years. Is there anything in particular, or anything beneficial, that you’ve taken from your experiences at Club or in Skate Camps for your approach to skateboarding or life?
A. Thanks to Club I meet people like Tom or Malo (Malo is probably the funniest guy I’ve ever met). That alone is amazing!
M. Are you working on any skate projects at the moment? (contests, a video part, sponsors, studies…)
The part for mob!
M. And how are your injuries, your back and your legs? Is your body doing okay?
A. My body's doing well at the moment. I'm happy because back problems are such a pain.
M. In a few words, what does a typical day look like for you?
A. Classes in the morning, skating in the afternoon and seeing friends — that’s important.
M. If people want to follow you on Insta, what's your handle:
M. Based on your experience, would you recommend that your mates or kids do a Skate Camp with us? Why?
A. Yess, it's really cool—you meet people through skating, and for me a week of Skate Camp that way, it is real skateboarding with friends at really cool spots!!
M. Anyway, congratulations on everything you've achieved so far. I'm really proud of you, mate, and I hope to see you doing even bigger things in the future. Fingers crossed for you!
Discover more pros with us in Skate Camps
