WHO

Mathieu Vandekerckhove. Guitarist of the Belgian band Amenra. I live in Ghent but I was born in Kortrijk Belgium. Last year I worked in Slam Skateshop in Ghent. But I had to stop working there because it got too busy with Amenra. The owner is a good friend of mine. And he has always supported me to give me the time to do my thing with Amenra.

When I was around the age of 18 I skated in Kortrij. Mostly street skating and in the Zumiez skatepark that is now called rampaffairs. That skatepark is still ran by very good friends. I am 39 years old now. I don't skate anymore, but I go a lot to the skatepark in Gent with my son Wolf. My Son is 11 years old now. And he is already better than I when I skated. We have a new skatepark in Gent. The skatepark has been open since July. It is the largest outdoor concrete skatepark in Belgium. An awesome skatepark. Wish I had it when I skated a lot. I also went skating a lot with Colin and Bjorn. We listened to the same music and we spent a lot of time together. That's how Amenra started. Skating was very important to us.

MEMORY LANE

How and when did you get involved with skateboarding?

My brother had a skateboard. Because of him I started skating at the age of 12. Then I also got my first skateboard. I used to skate on the street. In Marke, where I live, there were no skateparks at all just the footpath. Later there was the Zumiez skatepark in Wevelgem now called rampaffairs. and when I could drive the car we also skated a lot in Waregem in the red skate.

First trick you learned or struggled with the most?

The first trick I wanted to learn was a kickflip. But that turned out to be super difficult and frustrating. Then I tried varial flip and that worked fairly quickly. Then I started with pressure flip.

Best/worst memory in your skateboarding history?

Ever been in a skategang? What is/was it called?

Bad memory was when I broke my foot during my school exams. During a break while studying, I was practicing a tre-flip. I had twisted my left foot by landing on the edge of the nose. Broken. The day after I had a math exam. :)

Best memory was when I went on a skate tour with my friends. Our name was VDrunx. In Kortrijk there was a hangout spot called Vlasmarkt. Anyone who skated in Kortrijk got there. We were a very close group of friends. We did everything for each other. We also drank a lot of alcohol then. "V" was the first letter of “Vlas” market. “D” for drunks. Maybe one of the best times I have known in my life right now. We fought a lot back then. I can write a book about it.

STYLE

How would you describe your skating?

I was not much of a good skater. But the hangout with the friends was great fun. I don't really know what to call that. Fun skater?

What kind of spots do you prefer?

I really like street spots. Now here in Belgium, skateparks are popping up like mushrooms. When I was younger then there was only one skatepark in the area. But I always liked skating on the street the most. And looking for skate spots.

What kind of a skateboard setup do you have?

Currently I have stopped skating. I still have a skateboard. When my son skates I still ride to film. My setup is a fucking awesome 8.25 deck with Bones wheels and Ace trucks.

Favorite trick?

My favorite trick was frontside flip. I had practiced it for a long time. But in the end I got it. I was so proud.

PHILOSOPHY

How has skateboarding changed the way you perceive the world?

For me, skateboarding meant a lot. Freedom. Brotherhood. Music. Art. Be yourself. Also my vision in life. With us there was no discrimination at all. To have respect for another.

Has skateboarding affected the way you make music or other things?

Probably. Especially the freedom I think. The freedom to create. Also brotherhood in good times and bad times

How do you see skateboarding as a culture now or compared to when you started skating?

I certainly see this as a culture. Everyone all over the world has probably been on a skateboard before. Regardless of sexuality, race, etc. Skateboarding is mainly about the style and tricks you can do. Have fun with your friends.

ART

What music have you discovered through skateboarding?

When I skated I listened to a lot to Judas Priest, Misfits, Monster Magnet etc. Later I started to discover Converge, Isis, Coalesce, Neurosis…

Favorite song to skate to?

Die Die My Darling from The Misfits.

Who are the skaters/musicians you look up to?

The brand I looked up to the most was Zero. Jamie Thomas was one of my favorite skaters. I usually skated with Zero decks. Also I liked Mike Vallely for his style.

Favorite skateboard graphics of all time?

My 2nd skateboard that I had was from Powell Peralta with “The Ripper” on it. Still my favorite graphic.

Favorite skate video or part of all time?

My favorite skate video is Hokus Pokus (1989). CKY was also one of my favorite videos.

HEALTH

Have you had any bad injuries?

Left foot broken while practicing a 360 flip.

Beverage of choice when skating?

Jupiler. It is a Belgian beer. Which was served in the café on the Vlas market. That was also the cheapest.

How do you take care of your body before and after skating if you do that at all?

After skating we went to party and drink. We were not concerned with our bodies at all. We were mainly concerned with having fun and acting silly.

Final words of wisdom or motivation for the young ones?

Be yourself.