Dave John Toms – Skatepark builder
For the construction of Stapelbaddsparken we have gatherd people from all over the world. Dave Toms is from Australia and here is a little interview with him!
1. Where are you from and how long have you been skateboarding?
I´m from Melbourne, Australia and I`ve been skating for 20 years!!
2. How long have you been working as a skateparksbuilder?
I´ve built ramps for years, but professionelly maybe 4,5 years!.
3. How did you get into building concrete skateparks?
A friend called Cameron Melville got me into this, he started Convic skateparks, the first skatepark company in Australia.
4. How many skateparks have you been working on?
I would say maybe 25-30 skateparks in Australia. I´ve been working for Convic skateparks and Concrete skateparks, the two biggest companies in Australia.
5. What is the best thing about building skateparks?
When I was young all the skateparks were crap. You asked yourself, why does´nt skateboarders build all the skateparks? Now I´m a part of a revolution and I hope that my parks will stay for generations and please many skaters around the world!
6. What is the best thing about concrete?
You can create smooth surface, best speed, best grip and there`s nothing that beats the feeling of grinding a poolcooping!
7. How many concrete parks are there in Australia?
I think around 800 – 900 skateparks, but not all of them are good.
8. How does it feel to be in Malmo and to be a part of Stapelbaddsparken?
I´m really looking forward to the construction and to create something uniqe in Europe! The design looks amazing and I´m stoked to have the opportunity to work with Stefan Hauser. So far my stay in Malmo has been super good!
9. Last words?
Thanks to Cameron Melville, Simon Oxenham for all the help. Also thanks to all the skaters in Malmo for making me feel so good!
