Lodge Guest, Thalente Biyela

Photo Beau RouletteThalente & Artwork By Jared Aufrichtig
Where do you currently live and where are you from ?
LA & Cape Town from Durban, South Africa
Tell us a little bit about your past ?
my future is brighter then my past…
Why skateboarding ? How did it start for you ?
why not skateboarding. its something i got into because my friends did it. and it kinda came naturally.
What size set up, wheels & trucks do you currently ride ?
8’3 birdhouse deck. 14’9 thunder hollows. 54ml spitfire wheel.
Do you have any setup rituals, we need to know about ?
not that i know of.
Any sponsors ?
Vans, Birdhouse, Kingswell, Rastaclat
What kind of skateboarding do you prefer ?
i honestly like it all. as long as i’m having fun
Do you have a great skate spot in your home town you can recommend ?
i am literally the worst when it comes to spots..safe to say i’m useless.
Who is your favorite skateboarders, under and over 30 ?
everyone is my favorite skater.
School, work, not working or other occupation ?
professional human.

Thalente Biyela – Front Tail – Photo By Jon Coulthard
How is a normal day looking for you ?
it depends on who i’m with, or where i am. but for the most part..it’ll be filled skating hanging with the bros and sharing a few laughs.
Tell us how a good long great weekend should look for you
skating maybe go for a hike possibly go for a nice swim.

Thalente Biyela – FS Feebz – The Shred Bowl – Photo By Grant McLachian
How is this fall treating you ?
so far so good.
Who are you hanging out with at the moment ?
just a few homies around Cape Town.
Who and what is your motivation at the moment ?
Myself.
Last country you visited ? and what happened there ?
the US. it was for the Vans Park Series in Salt Lake City Utah.
What was the last gnarly thing you witnessed ?
honestly its been a minuet.
What was the last item you bought ?
bag of chips and some gum.
Do you have any odd or strange things you do, that you wanna share ?
i was born with my legs joined together.
What do you do besides skateboarding, do you have other hobbies, other interests ?
i do private skate coaching, and want to get into public/motivational speaking.
What is your to go to restaurant, you wanna share ?
my go to would be FoodInn. its cheap and pretty healthy.
When you cook food, what do you cook ?
nothing too fancy, just a few different pasta dishes, breakfast stuff, and sandwiches.
How do you see the future of skateboarding ?
i see it as being very bright.
Who do we need to interview on the lodge ?
everyone. i think you guys are rad and represent a lot of cool things. and anyone that you guys interview will be the right person i am positive.
Do you ever think about a future with no skateboarding ?
hell no.