Back in the early 90's, skateboarding was not what it is today. Tony Hawk was far from being a household name, and the huge number of skateparks spread across the UK were nowhere to be seen. One man and his two sons changed that. Chris Ince, along with his two sons Damian and Steve. They opened Radlands, the first indoor skatepark in Europe.
Within the 12 years it was open, Radlands hosted the British Skateboard Championships, legs of the World Skateboard Championships, and some epic all night skate sessions. On an average Wednesday night, Damian Ince, better known in the UK skate scene as 'Dee', could be seen tearing up the parkaq, that's when he wasn't behind the shop counter with a welcoming smile. Three years after Radlands' closure, I caught up with Dee to find out the spirit in him is still as strong as ever, and Radlands ain't over yet...yes the park remains closed but the legendary skateboard decks are available again and more is to follow so if your skateboard is in need of replacement or you just want to share some memories get over to www.radlands.com and get involved. This is what Damian had to say...
AW: So you said Radlands Rest in Peace, but I guess you couldn't let it rest eh? Fair play. What made you want to start up Radlands again as a skate company and not another skate park?
Dee: Firstly I would like to thank everybody who ever came to Radlands and
supported one of the best things that ever happened in UK skateboarding, BMXing and fruitbooting. It belonged to you. Secondly Casino skate shop in Leceister said Radlands Rest in Peace. We started Radlands as a skateboard company because we've got no cash to build another park yet and skateboarding is what we love. So because the name is still known, we have kept the name as Radlands.
AW: Do you know what the Radlands building is being used as now?
Dee: It's quite ironic really, there is probably more wood in the building than there ever was. It's a Timber Merchants!!!!
AW: Did you manage to get any skate sessions in the park after it officially closed?
Dee: I didn't but I heard somebody broke in and had a skate.
AW: So what's the plan with Radlands as a skate company? What stuff are you making and how will people get hold of it?
Dee: We are currently selling decks. 2 Graff designs and 2 sizes, 7.5 & 7.75.
You can check them out and buy them on www.radlands.com or www.radlands.co.uk. Clothing and hardwear available soon.
AW: Are you gonna get a team together?
Dee: Yeah man. That's the whole point of having a skateboard company, to support the skaters who rip it up and give exposure to the unknown underground kids who are amazing. Send sponsor me vids/pics to info@radlands.com. Also if anyobody has got any videos/pics or stories about their memories from Radlands, send them over to info@radlands.com and we will get them on the
site.
Peace out and happy shreading. Dee.
