Monster Energy sure as shit didn't call this the “Super Tour” for no reason. They pulled out all the heavies for a two-week slaughter fest on Sydney and Melbourne's spots. It was a massive crew consisting of some of skateboarding's biggest names, including Nyjah Huston, Grant Taylor, Ishod Wair, Giovanni Vianna, Matt Berger, Tom Schaar, Rayssa Leal, Rune Glifberg, Daiki Ikeda, Kieran Woolley, Kevin Baekkel, Jorge Simoes and Elliot Sloan. I found them all to be genuinely appreciative and fun-loving people.
Though a big focus was on stacking clips in the streets, a few announced sessions were held on iconic street plazas and skateparks. This created a dynamic where the team was jammin’ with the locals and flicking cash for tricks. In many cases, the locals were shutting down the events. “Damn, these Aussies are good!” was a phrase that I heard a lot. This was also reflected in the streets with the Monster crew having to summon their “A-Game” to get new tricks in two cities where every spot has a long list of ABDs.
We also found some time to enjoy the other things Australia has to offer: kicking it at the beaches, partying a little, Jah's DJ sets, drift sessions, go-carting, getting down at Yellow Bird, and so on. But these guys are professionals. They turn it on and get it done. Read on for interviews with some of the team about their time in the land down under.
Nyjah Huston
How many times have you been to Australia, and what is your favourite memory from a previous trip?
I've been to Australia five or six times now. One of my favourite memories was probably my X Games win about five years ago. That was the last time I've been to Australia before this time with Monster. That was a good win. But I would have to say my best moment was probably my first time going there. It was when I skated my first ever pro contest when I was 11 years old. I was out there with my dad, and I skated at that big Globe [World Cup] contest they used to do. That was a cool experience. I almost won it, too. I got second but came close to getting the win.
What's the biggest cultural difference you experienced in Australia?
Everyone's more laid-back and more carefree in Australia. It's good vibes. The people there are a little nicer than the average pedestrian you would run into here in LA. That's my favourite thing about Australia – everyone has good vibes out there.
How is the Monster Super Tour in general?
It's always a great time and a great experience because it's a good mixture of some hardcore street skating, spending time with the
