JUSTIN EXNER

Photos by George Rabe

So you are one of the oldest rollerbladers in South Africa, tell me about when and how you started?
Yep I am 33 in a few months, which are Jurassic years in rollerblading. When I was a little kid my friends and I started off skateboarding I then got a pair of skates from the hypermarket for R90.00 in 1991, and took it from there - basically I’ve been skating for 20 years. I used to watch some skateboarding videos and get amped by the music and the subculture. My brother and I messed around and tried stuff until 93/94. Then we met up with Herman Potgieter and some other guys at the old Boogaloos in the East Rand Mall, and began riding skate parks.

What’s your raddest rollerblading memory?
There are three I can recall. The first was getting pair of “aggressive skates” –Lightning Tarmac; the first time skating a skate park (Boogaloos – East Rand Mall) and seeing the craziest park in the world in Cairns in Australia last year. Unfortunately I couldn’t skate cause’ I didn’t take my rollerblades with. Australia has the second most skate parks in the world after the USA, and the local council builds parks for the kids everywhere to keep them off the streets, very cool.

Do you prefer skating street or park?
Street is always special and truer, but I also like park a lot. It’s much more forgiving on your body.

What has kept you in the scene for so long?
Tried something today that scared me yesterday.

What was your worst bail?
Thanks to Thrashers Skate Park I had two trips to the emergency ward. I managed to tear my groin, hamstring, tendon and ligament at the same time; a well thought-out accident. Other than that I have been relatively injury free over the years. It just takes much longer to heal these days.

What was the longest it has ever taken you to land a new trick, and what trick was it?
Probably learning to royale and fahrvernugen. At that time the trick vocabulary was very limited and it was a monumental progression for rollerblading. It was difficult to learn to bend your feet over at an angle as opposed to the usual upright grinds.

Who would you say has influenced your style of skating the most?
I have always looked up to my younger brother, Nic Exner. I believe he has the best style out there, and always blows my mind with his originality.

You just recently moved to Gauteng from Cape Town, what’s your take on the scene so far?
I used to live in Pretoria when I was in high school, so I know a lot of the guys up here. People in Gauteng are cool and the weather is nice, but I like the ocean and the freedom that it gives you. Fortunately my move is just temporary.

Do you think you will ever stop rolling?
When I stop enjoying it I will stop; it keeps me young I guess. I have heard of a guy in Korea that my brother saw skate at a park, he must have been almost 50 and could still grind; that’s awesome!

What is your current occupation?
I run a property management and tourism company with my business partner.

What are your other hobbies?
Cooking, gardening and running. I used to be married so I became super domesticated, especially seeing that my ex-wife was useless in the kitchen, haha!

What’s your motto in life?
Anything and everything can get taken away from you in a heart beat. I try to appreciate what I have everyday. Look after your body; it’s the most amazing machine. I try not feed myself too much garbage, but luckily beer gives you super powers, so it’s okay.

Tell me about your K9s?  
I have two rescue dogs, which are pretty much uncontrollable. They suit me just fine and go everywhere with me.

Some words of wisdom?
Look after your knees; you will miss them when they are gone.