JORDAN THACKERAY

Professional skater Jordan Thackeray is living his dream, seeing the world whilst doing the thing he loves and excelling at it. Moving from Colchester in Essex to Bristol mid-pandemic, he says it is still one of his favourite places, and for more than one good reason. “The skate scene was amazing, and the neighbouring towns and cities were also way more suited to what I was trying to learn about skating. I then met my lady, and that was it. I've been here ever since and am still loving being here.”

Interview by Leigh Maynard.

Jordan Thackeray wears CHANEL Le Lift Flash Eye Patches photographed by Max Ragan.

As with many of life’s inspiring moments, it’s often in childhood that we see something that sets us on our career path, and that’s exactly what Jordan experienced. “I got into skating when I was seven, when I saw someone at the beach using a skateboard to cruise around on their belly. I thought it looked fun, not long after that, my mum got me Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2, the video game. Needless to say, I was hooked from the first time I played it. I still feel as hooked on it now as I was then because I still love it.” Jordan explains that, aside from skating itself, the benefits of his career are the many great communities he meets along the way. “The strong connections I've made with the people I've encountered whilst travelling around in order to learn more about skating have been a massive part of why I love it, as it has made me realise more and more over the years that the world is a village when you skate.” He also loves the little moments when he perfects his craft in new ways. “It’s a beautiful feeling when you learn something new or get the trick at the spot. For me, that feeling comes not just from learning but also from overcoming your own self-doubt, fear of discomfort, and pushing through your own challenges to get there. After days like this I always go to bed happy.”

One of the standout moments of his career to date was being recognised for his skills abroad. “I guess [one highlight] would have been when a random bouncer in Des Moines, Iowa, said he liked the tea and biscuits that my mates and I had made. Although he did say "tea and crumpets," which made Alex and me laugh pretty hard. It was mad being recognised by a random person in the middle of America.” Though Jordan continues to excel at skating, he still admires the other skaters from his early days back home, as well as people from the digital sphere, and there’s one skater whom he would love a chance to chat with. “I’d say most of my main inspirations came from the guys I grew up skating with in Essex and the characters of the video games. Also, the Welsh CRV Wkd crew and the Bru Ray crew with  P.Stone back then had a huge influence on what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go skateboarding. I would love to meet Bob Burnquist so I could pick his brain about how he commits to so many risky situations on huge ramps.” As for Jordan’s best skating move, he says he loves an Ollie, “since you can do so much with it and it became the foundation for so many tricks I’ve learned.” As well as doing what he loves on wheels, Jordan appreciates the many enriching moments around the world. “When we ended up in a jungle in Nepal, I just remember thinking, while I was seeing monkeys in the trees and huge spiders hanging in their webs 10ft above us, ‘how mad is it that we’ve ended up here as a result of playing with a wooden toy.’ I feel extremely grateful and lucky to have the opportunity to do what I love and to see the world as a result. Japan has been one of my favourite places to visit; it’s truly a different world out there. A lot of the most challenging places I've skated have been in Oregon, USA, where a guy called Mark Red, and his company Dreamland Skateparks, have taken it upon themselves to make the most mental big concrete parks that I've ever seen in the world. They’ll definitely put you out of your comfort zone.”

To other aspiring skaters hoping to follow Jordan’s path on wheels, he offers this advice: “Embrace who you are. Seek to reach your full potential in the things you love and enjoy. Travel as much as you can if that’s what you want. Make the most of the opportunities that come your way. And make sure you keep yourself in good company ” And though he’s not perhaps as accomplished at the banjo (yet) as he is with his skateboard, Jordan is hoping to build on his musical skills, too. “I've been playing for a while now. I have been playing a fun hybrid electric banjo with an extra-low string for the past couple of years, and I'm loving it, but I haven't put anything out yet. I'm still just bedroom jamming for now.” As for this year’s plan, Jordan explains that it’s early in the season, but he has a few things lined up, one he recommends to those reading his story. “I haven't fully planned the year out yet, but I know I'm going to Florida for the swamp fest in March, that’s definitely something to check out if you haven't seen it. Other than that, and a couple of comps, I'm still playing it by ear.”