Monday 1st April marked the 20th anniversary of the formation of Isle of Wight skateboard brand, Wight Trash.
Founded by legendary Island skateboarder, John Cattle, who in his younger years competed in skateboarding competitions and featured in iconic magazines, the brand has grown and now offers not just skateboards, clothing and videos, but also includes a not-for-profit skateboarding school for all ages and abilities and they even sponsor competitive-level skateboarders – spreading the Isle of Wight love to the Mainland and beyond.
Personal connection
I have skin in the game in bigging-up Wight Trash, because several years ago at the ripe old age of 48, John taught me how to skateboard.
It was something I’d longed to do since missing out as a teenager too afraid to get on my brother’s board. Despite several torn ligaments and a broken coccyx, it’s still one of the most satisfying and exhilarating things I have learnt to do as an adult.
I can’t recommend highly enough the women’s only nights at Wight Trash’s indoor skatepark in Wootton.
Show your support
John, and his business partner, Zoe Thompson, have been through a few tough years, coping with cheaper online competition and the Covid pandemic, but their shop in Ryde remains the place to go for your skateboarding set-up, clothing, shoes, magazines, videos and more.
Highly knowledgeable, they actively listen to their customers’ needs, and always go above and beyond, whether it’s through offering personalised recommendations, or going the extra mile to locate out-of-stock items. See their online shop or visit them at 59 High Street, Ryde.
Three cheers to John, Zoe and all the JC Skateclub tutors. Sorry we missed your birthday yesterday, here’s to the next 20 years!
Our thanks to Ollie Taylor for use of his great shot of John Cattle.
