Ryan Sheckler
Hello Sydney.
TwentyFour
Words by Mitch Tomlinson Photos by Mitch Tomlinson November 13, 2014

Ryan Allen Sheckler was born in La Palma, California in 1989. He started rolling on a skateboard in his driveway at 18 months. At age 6, he could land a kickflip. Nek minit, he got a mini-ramp in the backyard and began skating daily, making the rest of the world feel uncoordinated with his natural on-board abilities.

His rise to fame since then has been nothing short of astronomical. He’s a three-time Summer X Games gold medallist, and at the tender age of 24, he’s already cemented himself as one of the most influential skateboarders of all time. Outside of that, he’s a business owner, charity founder, reality television star and an all-round youth culture icon. Oh yeah, it’s also an undisputed fact that the man is an absolute stud – just ask your missus.

We were lucky enough to spend a day with Ryan as he touched down in Sydney for the Oakley Future Sport Project. See what we got up to:

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The morning goes from 0-100, real quick for Ryan. First things first, he takes a couple of calls because he’s a business, man. I managed to squeeze three rap quotes in that caption, someone gift me a congratulatory ribbon.

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Red Bull gives you wings – today, we ascend on a rooftop overlooking Sydney City. What seems like a beautiful view for most also doubles as location scouting for Ryan, who takes the opportunity to suss out some skating opportunities.

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We get to ground floor and take a stroll from the QT Lounge and through the streets of Sydney to grab a feed for lunch. As Ryan walks by,many are unaware that he’s one of the world’s best action sports athletes. God bless this old couple.

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Inspecting the menu at Hyde Park Barracks Cafe – decisions, decisions.

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Releasing a skateboarding video takes dedication – blood, sweat, tears, broken bones, and occasionally a miniature moon boot for your troubles. “I hurt my ankle, I was trying to get a few more clips for my upcoming Plan B video,” he says. Luckily, it’s Etnies so we know we’re in the company of the best in the business. #DIY #FASHION #SWAG

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Ryan’s weapon of chopice, but today it’s getting a much-deserved break.

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Taking in a little bit of culture at Hyde Park – oversized chess is always fun, Ryan’s folded arms means he’s deep in concentration. We know fuck all about chess, except for that time the Wu-Tang Clan mentioned it in a song, but we give our advice anyway. Take the queen!

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One refreshing aspect for Ryan’s Australian trip is the ease with which fans approach him. Back home, Ryan can’t leave a nightclub without a TMZ camera in his face. Thankfully, he hasn’t kicked any paparazzi ass with a moon boot, or at least not to our knowledge. At the end of the day, Ryan always has time for fans and just loves to skate.

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A heart throb to teenage girls and soccer mums alike, Ryan meets a Sydney babe that doesn’t seem to have her head screwed on right. Still, the pair exchange numbers and pose for a photo.

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Chicks dig scars and wounds heal – here we see some stitches added to Ryan’s decorated arm, saturated with ink collected over the years.”I was just being clumsy, I tripped up a curb, with my foot in a cast and fell into broken glass. The cut required 13 internal stitches,” he says.

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As no stranger to injuries, Ryan and his mother Gretchen established The Sheckler Foundation back in 2008. Having built his life from skateboarding, this is Ryan’s way of giving back – by helping injured action sports athletes and enriching the lives of children. We back The Sheckler Foundation 110%, get involved right here.

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Just lounging, scrolling and double-tapping.

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Stairway to heaven a.k.a the escalator to Oakley Bondi Junction. Time for an in-store signing with the big lad and his eyewear brand of choice.

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These little groms look stoked, and it’s a testament to how Ryan’s success has inspired thousands around the world to peel away from their social media accounts, pick up a board and step outside for a few hours each day. Plenty of signed skateboards, free Oakley shades and selfies. The little man in the middle is killing it – personally, we would have thrown up a shaka instead, but each to their own. Who knows, could he be the next Ryan Sheckler?

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All that signing makes a man hungry, and so we head to Oporto for a light snack. Shout out to Oporto and their impossibly delicious Prego sauce. Hook it to my veins.

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The pensive side of Ryan Sheckler, sitting on a cushioned stool while contemplating the meaning of life. Every photo series has to have one of these shots, or else it probably isn’t worth looking at.

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Hungry again? Why not have dinner with professional snowboarder and Olympic gold medallist, Shaun White? Fuck it, why not invite the ‘King of Crunk’ himself, Lil Jon as well? This dinner table is overwhelmingly powerful. Shaun’s hair is immaculate. Lil Jon is wearing sunglasses indoors. This is all too much. #TURNDOWNFORDINNER

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Cathcing up with some Oakley team mates. Ryan Tiene, Ryan Sheckler, Scotty James, Jack Robinson and Shaun White. Lots of cool bros, all in a row.

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Now, it’s time for Oakley’s Future Sport party at the Sydney industry Hall. It’s a colossal venue, but already packed out by the time we arrive. The theme for the night transports us into the future – laser structures guard the entrance, while bartenders are draped in laboratory coats. They are serving coconut vodka beverages which taste like candy. Everything is nice. Melbourne veteran Yo! Mafia takes the decks before local queen Alison Wonderland slays it.

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Ryan catches up with Blake Williamson for a few beers, the shaka and thumbs-up combo is very strong, would photograph again.

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Alison Wonderland in what’s become her trademark: the classic Adidas Originals trefoil tee. By the way, her very enjoyable Calm Down EP just dropped in the United States – listen to that shit at an obnoxiously loud volume. Hint: It sounds 10 times better if you’re wearing a full Adidas sweatsuit.

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Despite last night’s shenanigans, Ryan still looks fresh as a daisy the next morning. It’s clear that he’s drinking from the fountain of youth and/or good genetics.

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Calm amongst the madness. Packed and ready to go, Ryan’s been to Europe and Japan before his whirlwind visit to Australia. Next up, he’s returning home to work on his Plan B video part and heal that ankle before jumping back on the board.

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Sydney, we’re out!

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