It’s almost midnight when I receive a message from Connor Reeve. He wants to know if I’d like to go and look for spots in the stormwater drains. “I bought gumboots,” he says. I wonder where he gets all his energy, and then I remember that he’s only 19. Despite his energy, Connor seems older, or wiser than his years. He’s quiet, considered, and has great taste in tricks and spots. If you look at him closely, you’ll even see a couple of grey hairs.
I decline the drain mission but suggest we catch up in the morning at Laate Store – the skate shop Connor rides for in Newcastle and describes as “a second home”. The next day, Connor and I set up in Laate’s stockroom, which doubles as Laate co-owner Adam Tabone’s editing bay. We sit amongst their library of old skate mags and stacks of used boards that they give back to the local community. We discuss Newcastle’s skate scene, his work ethic, and filming for
