JOSEPH Romey Dures is more than just a skateboarder; he is a trailblazer, mentor, and community builder who has dedicated his life to advancing the culture and sport of skateboarding in Malaysia.
From his humble beginnings in Kuching to becoming a certified skateboarding coach and entrepreneur, his journey reflects resilience, creativity, and a relentless passion for the sport.
Growing up, many local skateboarders looked up to Joseph, including myself.
I was introduced to Myth Park and had the chance to witness his famous smith-to-50-50 bigspin out—a trick that never failed to leave my jaw dropping.
Interviewing this legend has been an absolute honour.
The beginnings of a skateboarding journey
Joseph’s love affair with skateboarding began in 1996 in Kuching.
With no formal training or established skateboarding community, Joseph and his friend Luke Tarang taught themselves to skate at Bayang Estate, Tabuan Jaya.
“The community was very small back then, and I was self-taught. There was no reference for learning tricks,” he recalled.
Despite the lack of resources, Joseph’s determination and passion drove him to practise every day before attending school.
Over time, Joseph’s perseverance paid off.
He mastered basic tricks like the ollie and began street skating around town, eventually meeting other skateboarders and joining a larger community.
Reflecting on those early days, Joseph said, “If you put your mind to something you love doing and are willing to take risks, you will achieve your goal.”
From passion to profession
Joseph’s transition from passionate skateboarder to professional coach was not without challenges.
After winning numerous skateboarding competitions in Sarawak in the early 2000s, he pursued a career in banking.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his life, leading to a layoff.
This moment of adversity became an opportunity for Joseph to turn his passion into a profession.
“I was already giving classes during weekends, so I decided to take the NSA (National Skate Accreditation) course and obtained my certification for coaching level 1,” he said.
This certification not only solidified his skills but also equipped him to teach skateboarding safely and effectively.
The birth of JRSkates
Armed with his coaching certification, Joseph co-founded JRSkates with his wife.
The programme emphasised more than just skateboarding skills; it focused on life lessons, resilience and mental well-being.
“Skateboarding teaches resilience and discipline. Our programmes highlight essential life skills, such as facing fears and embracing failure, which help students in their everyday lives,” he explained.
JRSkates has grown into a significant force in promoting skateboarding, reaching seven schools across the Klang Valley and Kuala Lumpur.
The initiative has also helped dispel the stigma associated with skateboarding, often perceived as a “vandal” or “rebel” sport.
“Getting corporates and educational institutions to see the benefits of skateboarding has been one of my proudest achievements,” he said.
A philosophy rooted in courage and growth
Joseph’s coaching philosophy is simple yet profound: “If you don’t try, you don’t know.”
He encourages his students to conquer their fears, reminding them that skateboarding, like life, involves taking risks and embracing challenges.
Safety, however, is a cornerstone of Joseph’s approach.
Students at JRSkates are required to wear safety gear, and lessons often include safe-fall techniques.
“Understanding how to fall mitigates risks and builds confidence,” Joseph explained.
For more advanced tricks, he provides support through methods like hand-holding or using mattresses to ensure students feel secure while attempting new moves.
Skateboarding is as much a mental sport as a physical one.
Joseph teaches his students to develop mental resilience through a structured process.
“You won’t usually land a trick on your first try. It’s a process that requires failure. Embrace failure as part of the journey to success,” he added.
Joseph and his team celebrate small wins while helping students process setbacks.
“We provide a safe space for students to explore their feelings about failure and injuries,” he said.
This nurturing environment helps students build confidence and perseverance, qualities that extend beyond the skatepark.
The impact of skateboarding’s Olympic inclusion
The inclusion of skateboarding in the Olympics has had a transformative effect on the sport’s perception and growth.
“It has impacted the community significantly,” Joseph said.
JRSkates has been at the forefront of this change, introducing skateboarding as a co-curricular activity in schools.
He envisions a future where skateboarding is as respected as traditional sports like football or basketball.
“Globally, we’ll see more young professional skateboarders and entrepreneurs in the industry. Locally, we’ll have more government and parental support, which is already starting to happen,” he said.
Advice for aspiring skateboarders, coaching
For those looking to turn their passion for skateboarding into a career, Joseph offers sage advice: “Find out what you can contribute to the industry, whether it’s coaching, graphic design, or photography. Do it because you believe in it and its positive impact on the community.”
He also emphasised the importance of hard work, dedication, and resilience.
“There’s a lot of stigma associated with skateboarding, so you need to work harder to prove yourself in professional spaces. Get trained and learn how to add value to the community,” he said.
Coaching comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when students face setbacks.
“When students fall, cry, and want to give up, it’s challenging but rewarding to help them get back up,” Joseph said.
By creating a supportive environment, he helps students navigate their emotions and grow stronger.
“Training sessions vary depending on the group,” he said.
“It’s important to check in with students and give them autonomy while guiding them when needed.”
For Joseph, skateboarding is more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle and a culture that fosters community and individuality.
“The culture is so diverse. It has changed my perspective on life and shaped my character,” he said.
“You just skate your style and be yourself. No one judges how good your kickflips are; what matters is that you love it.”
The local skateboarding scene still has room to grow, but he remains optimistic about its future.
“The scene has always been divided into different crews, but we’re working to create a more united community,” he added.
“With more programmes and support from government bodies, we can develop talent for the Olympics and beyond.”
Dealing with injuries and staying motivated
Injuries are an inevitable part of skateboarding, but Joseph approaches them with discipline and care.
“Understand the type of injury and follow the recovery process until you’re 100 per cent healed,” he advised.
Preventive measures, such as core training and mental health work, also play a crucial role in staying healthy and motivated.
Joseph credits much of his success to his support system, which includes family, friends, and sponsors.
“A strong support system motivates you to be better and provides a clear pathway for your goals,” he said.
For younger skateboarders, this support is especially critical in navigating challenges and staying on track.
Personal milestones and aspirations
One of Joseph’s proudest achievements is integrating skateboarding into school co-curricular programmes.
“Changing the mindset around skateboarding and showing its value to corporates and educators has been incredibly rewarding,” he said.
Looking ahead, Joseph hopes to see skateboarding culture evolve to prioritise mental health and creativity.
“The culture isn’t how it used to be. We need to focus on creating safe spaces where participants can be free and creative,” he added.
“I hope I can leave a better pathway for the skateboarding community—whether they want to be a professional skateboarder, an Olympian, an educator, an artist, or just a better, more confident citizen.”
“I am doing this because I believe that skateboarding has the power to change the world. There are so many life lessons we can learn from it. I want to spread love and share it with the world,” he said.
Joseph aspired to help people become the best versions of themselves and to foster a community that encourages healthier habits—embracing failure, learning, and growing together.
He believed that a little love, kindness, and curiosity can spark a world of change.
