【8Five2 Brian JBS】Once a skateboarder, forever a skateboarder

The Lee Gardens Skateboard Fest 2022 is an annual event held in partnership with the AHKSA to promote this increasingly popular and exhilarating street sport. Chairman and owner of the Eightfivetwo shop skateboard shop, Brian JBS has been skateboarding since he was 14 years old. He got into skateboarding out of curiosity and is now in his 34th year: “I’m still excited every time I step on a skateboard. My mum got me my first real skateboard as a kid, and I’ve been into the sport ever since.”

In 1999, skateboarding was barely known in Hong Kong outside of the enthusiasts’ circle and the equipment available in local sports shops was not that good. Sensing an opportunity, Brian opened the 8FIVE2 skateboard shop in Causeway Bay with a goal of providing better equipment to local skateboarders. Later, he opened an indoor skatepark to provide a safe venue for skateboarding fans to practise on rainy days. Brian’s passion for skateboarding makes him want to give more to the local skateboarding community and promote the development of the sport.

When asked why he chose Causeway Bay for his first 8FIVE2 skateboard shop, Brian laughed and said he has lived in the area ever since he moved to Hong Kong Island: “I really like this area and I feel very close to it. Several 8FIVE2 skateboards even have ‘Causeway Bay’ written all over them or are designed after this area’s features. When Lee Gardens approached me about organising a skateboard fest and setting up a one-afternoon-only skatepark on Pak Sha Road, I immediately said yes!” Brian is looking forward to collaborating with LGA again this year.

Although skateboarding is a personal sport, Brian feels that it is also an alternative ‘group sport’: “Every manoeuvre is done in a similar way but everyone has his or her own special style. Every time a skateboarder does a successful move, everyone cheers and claps! My most memorable moment was when a newbie did a simple trick for the very first time and the whole crowd applauded! This is very encouraging and fosters a sense of community.”

Participating skateboarders are busy practicing and getting ready to put on a great show in the Lee Gardens Skateboard Fest 2022. There will also be an 8FIVE2 pop-up store, skateboarding workshops, and other exciting events at the Lee Gardens One driveway. Don’t miss the Fest!

【Lee Gardens Skateboard Fest 2022 】

Date: 2022.11.26 – 27
Time: 10am – 6pm
Location: Driveway of Lee Garden One, Causeway Bay (Skateboard Performance at Pak Sha Road on 26 Nov)
Click to learn more and register for skateboard workshops

8FIVE2

Address: 1/F 522 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong