Interview first published in Manual Magazine, issue 71, April 2024.

Four years ago, I met nine-year-old Jessica Ready at a Halloween Skate Jam I put on for skate school. She dressed up in this super rad outfit and was just learning how to ollie and drop in. She had this fire in her from the very first time I watched her skate, which has just evolved and grown as she’s gotten older. She was incredibly focused, and you could tell how much she genuinely enjoyed it all from such a young age. It’s been one of the most rewarding things in my life watching her grow into such an amazing young lady and skateboarder. From her confidence to her evolving style, the whole process has been incredible to watch and be a part of. She skates every single day. I can hand on heart say she hasn’t not skated for a day in the past four years I’ve known her, and she skates hard.

From that little girl in the super rad Halloween outfit to one of the youngest skaters at the latest SLS. I’m so stoked for Jess and super proud of everything she has achieved. She puts the work in for sure! | Amber Clyde

360 flip, kickflip and backside flip in a line, Martin Place, Sydney. Photos by Bryce Golder.

You were recently over in Australia competing at SLS Sydney. How did that come about?

Geoff Campbell from Nike flew me over for a skate trip. I found out at the airport that I was being subbed in for Select Series because one of the girls couldn’t make it to Sydney.

What was the experience like competing with all the big-name crew and with the lights, cameras and fanfare?

I went straight from the airport to the Women’s Practice session at the stadium. I turned up late, and all the girls were already skating, so it was pretty scary at first. I had already met Chloe Covell and Haylie Powell earlier this year, and everyone was really welcoming. Once I got skating, I just focused on that. It was amazing to be right up close for the SLS finals and meet skaters I have been following for ages.

I would be nervous as hell. How did you prep and hold it together?

I was so lucky because Simon Thorp was in Sydney, and he offered to come to the stadium and help me with my line.

Were you happy with how you did?

I was happy with my second run but disappointed I didn’t get my nollie tre in best trick.

You were in Australia for a Rumble comp in Ipswich a few months earlier. How was that?

I went over to Brisbane with Amber, Jess Lord and Yeva. I really enjoyed the Eastern Rumble comp and met some cool Aussie skaters. It was a great park, and it was sunny and warm there. The park had lights so we could skate at night.

Was it all for the comp, or did you get out for some other skating and hang time as well?

We went straight to the Gold Coast so we could skate at Pizzey Park. We got to hang out with Chloe, Haylie, Flic Turner and Izy Duncombe, which was awesome. We checked out the beautiful beach and also had fun meeting animals at the Koala Sanctuary, too.

Backside flip, SLS Sydney. Photo by Brad Makatoa.

Does it feel good to be out there skating with different crews and people with diverse backgrounds or styles?

I have been so lucky to meet different skaters and am always amazed by what they do and how humble they are. I got to hang out with Momiji, Chloe and Hayley Wilson, skating street in Sydney for three days, and they inspired me a lot. Heaps of the guys from SLS turned up at the Martin Place spot the day after finals, and it was really cool watching everyone skate the stair sets. There were some familiar faces from NZ there, too, which was great.

What does the average day look like for you?

Well, I have to go to school, but I get home as fast as I can so I can go out skating. I usually go local during the weekdays, so Barry, Panmure or Lloyd Elsmore. I am really fortunate to have SonSk8 indoor park nearby, too. I skate every day and also do gymnastics and dance classes in between, as well as basketball. I like to skate until it’s dark, then head home for dinner and homework. I go to bed quite late. My parents do a lot of running around for me.

Who’s in your usual skate crew here in NZ? Who’s holding it down?

I skate with Jess Lord and Millie Dunn and sometimes Mika Harrison and Billie Morrison and Morri. I always catch up with Amber, Fern and all the Girls Skate NZ crew on the weekends. Squeak is local, so I skate with him quite a bit too. The skater who’s always holding it down at Barry is Eamon King.

You’ve shed the knee pads. How does it feel to be free?

It’s taken a bit of getting used to.

Is this a natural thing, or were people giving you grief about them?

It was always something I was working towards. People would always ask me or comment, but it was my decision. I did it gradually.

What’s on the cards for you next? Do you have any more trips planned?

I would like to go to Tokyo in December for the World Skate comp.

When are we going to see a Double Decca video part? Is this something you’re thinking about?

I did a bit of filming in Sydney with Geoff Campbell and the girls. I’d definitely like to do some more.

What’s your current street-to-park ratio like? Are you getting out and exploring spots more these days? What are your go-to spots?

On the weekend, I go to BSP and Valonia, but I also like to skate street at the waterfront or go to Aotea.

You are keeping it skate-focused on Social Media these days. What happened to the dancing? I hope that’s still going on behind the scenes, or have you moved on?

I am taking a hip-hop class at the moment and will do more dance stuff when I start high school next year. That way, I can dance during school hours, and it won’t cut into skating time.

What’s in heavy rotation on your playlist these days?

Cardi B and Nicki Minaj

Your French braids are insane. Is this what your mum’s doing? Your morning ritual must take forever — how long does it take?

My Mum takes about 15 mins to plait my hair in the morning. I get up early, and I use that time to eat my breakfast. I can’t see much when my hair’s out.

I heard your cat, Tom Cruise, is a bit unwell at the moment. How’s he doing?

Thanks for asking. He’s not very well.

That sucks! I hope he gets better. Do you have any shout-outs or thanks?

Heaps! My family, the girls, Morri, Josh and Jessie at Cheapskates Khyber Pass, Amber and all the crew at Girls Skate NZ, Geoff Campbell, Mike Sinclair, Aaron at East Skate Club, Simon Thorp, SBNZ, the NZ skate community and Manual Magazine as well. Thank you to everyone who encourages me and sends me supportive messages.

Ollie up, backside bigspin flip off, Auckland. Photos by Connor Hill.

Interview updated on 3 September 2024.

It’s been a while since we last spoke. I’m sorry to hear that Tom Cruise passed away.

Thanks, he was the best.

But there’s a new cat on the scene. Care to do an introduction?

His name is Phillip. He’s quite big and scary, but nice.

You’ve been travelling a lot. Where have your travels taken you?

In the last year, I’ve been to Tokyo, Dubai, Shanghai and Budapest for World Skate competitions.

How’d all the comps go for you? I imagine it’s pretty intense missioning across the world, and turning up to skate in those events. What was it like, and how’d you make it work?

The best part has been getting to know some of the most incredible skaters in the world and skating with them. It was a bit stressful when it came to the comps. I really don’t like flying, but I enjoyed going to new places and meeting new people, and I learned heaps along the way. Overall, it has been a really good experience.

Was there any downtime on those trips to go street skating, or was it all business?

A lot of time is spent at the venues, but I took every opportunity I could to get out and skate street. Simon went with me. It’s crazy, but most of the street spots we went to had pros there. You pull up, and people like Chris Joslin or Nyjah are skating there. Amazing to watch, but it feels intimidating to join in.

Who helped you along the way?

Skateboarding NZ, Simon Thorp, Ian Neely, Amber Clyde and my family. Mike Sinclair, Geoff Campbell, Morri, Cheapskates Khyber and Tech Deck NZ also supported me. Thanks to Aaron at Sonsk8 for letting me use the park whenever, and my mum, who travelled everywhere overseas with me.

You missed the cut for qualification for Paris 2024. How did that feel?

It was disappointing, but I gave it my best shot, and I felt really happy for the people who qualified for Paris. It was so cool to watch from home and see everyone skate in the Olympics after being in the qualifier events.

That’s a lot to process. Was there anything you would have done differently?

I would like to have prepared for the comps differently, had more time, and had better weather.

What’s next for you?

I want to progress more and do more street skating and comps.

Thanks!