Headline image

Skate Stories – Jake Hill

For The Love Of Skate
Where did your skateboard journey begin? Inspired by an older sibling maybe, mesmerised by videos on social media perhaps or simply a natural attraction to something that looked super fun?

Well, while we’ve all followed our own paths into skating there’s one thing that unites most of us and that’s the instant impact skateboarding can have on our lives. Jake Hill was just three years old when he stepped on to a skateboard for the first time and, in his own words, was “soon consumed by a complete love of everything skateboarding”.

Jake Hill stood posed in his styled living room
“Skateboarding doesn’t discriminate against race, colour, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or ability. It’s about the love of skateboarding. Skateboarding is inclusive and unifying. It’s a massive family spread across the world. It provides a safe space to express yourself and it brings people together. It helps with building social skills; it keeps you healthy both psychologically and physiologically; and is simply a joy to be a part of. Skateboarding helped me to build my own identity, and to be proud of the person I am today. I owe a lot to it.”

Jake Hill

Jake Hill getting some air on his board

Jake owes much to older brother Daniel too because it was through his love for skateboarding (among many other hobbies which also included BMXing, ghost hunting and punk rock!) that he first caught the bug.

He explains: “My older Brother, Daniel McLeod, was in a punk rock band when I was very little. I think they were called Chaos Theory. Naturally, I mirrored the things he did. I was in complete awe watching him chase his passions, whilst having a good time doing so. He was always with his bandmates doing something awesome. Whether that be ghost hunting around an old jail; trying to jump gaps on a BMX; or most importantly, going skateboarding. I would watch him skate, and I just knew that I wanted to do the same.”

Jake Hill off the wall on a board grab Jake Hill pulling air on big grab
Jake Hill at the top of a vert
“That’s where it all began. My first board was a cheap, plastic, off-the-shelf complete on Christmas day 1999. The very same brother, Daniel, decided to have a go that day - he accidentally snapped it immediately. The advice I can give from this experience is to make sure you buy right. Do your research.”

Jake Hill

As Jake became more confident (and with a new, more durable board!) he continued his skateboard education on the streets and skateparks of Cornwall, and it was here that he first crossed paths with a fearless and highly-talented skater named Reece Cole, whose high energy and skill on the board inspired him to learn more.

He says: “As I progressed with my skating, my parents supported me by taking me to different skateparks. I used to visit an indoor facility regularly that was called Domain in Saltash - it’s been closed for a long time, but I loved that place (shout-out to Nick Marker - the then-owner - for still supporting skateboarding all these years later). It was there that I witnessed a chap called Reece Cole. Reece would skate higher, faster and with more passion than anyone I had ever seen do it. A true talent on a skateboard. I still try to skate today like Reece did back then.”

Jake Hill on a back arch pulling an air
“There is no formula, there is no right or wrong way….Skateboarding is the best thing in the world, so enjoy the process.”

Jake Hill

Jake Hill getting more air time!

He added: “I remember learning to drop-in on a small metal quarter-pipe at Seaton beach on the south coast, near Looe. I didn’t see it as ‘practicing’ at the time; just doing the thing I loved. I was obsessed! Every opportunity I had to skateboard; I would skateboard. I spent a lot of time at Bodmin skatepark, Liskeard skatepark (Rapson’s Ramps), and Callington Skatepark. I spent a lot of my time on my street, or even in my living room - my mother and step-father put up with a lot of kickflip attempts on their carpets. Thank you, Mum and Rab. You can skateboard anywhere if you’re creative enough.”

Every journey has a beginning and where Jake’s love affair with skating began during those awe-inspiring times watching his brother performing flips and tricks, years of hard work, dedication and most importantly of all, enjoyment, have been the secret ingredients behind Jake’s success.

He says: “Skateboarding is about individuality. There is no formula, there is no right or wrong way. It’s about expressing yourself in a pure and healthy way. My advice would be to experiment. Just skate, and the rest will fall into place over time. Be proud of the level you’re at, as well as being curious about where you can go next. Try not to compare yourself to others, but instead ask for advice on a certain trick if you’re struggling - you might even make some awesome friends along the way! If you feel comfortable, socialise with other skateboarders. But most importantly, have fun doing it! I cannot stress that enough. Skateboarding is the best thing in the world, so enjoy the process.”

 
Feeling Inspired?

Check out our skate department, from decks to footwear to get you out there!

Shop Skate Today
 

Posted on:

Last Updated on

Read More Articles