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Jack O’Grady Goes Pro | Pass~Port | Trent Evans | Phelt Pheatures

Film

Jack O’Grady Goes Pro | Pass~Port | Trent Evans | Phelt Pheatures

Words by Will Bentley-Hawkins
Anecdotes by Trent Evans
Images Courtesy Of Thrasher Magazine

Film | Fashion | Gallery | Jack O'Grady | Pass~Port | Pro | Skateboarding | Sydney
Published | 11.04.2021

“Pass-Port has always been two completely separate words in my mind…both words have various meanings and actions. I like once broken down, it can challenge someone to play with how they see the words fit”.

Before I linked up with Trent Evans, I honestly thought there’d be a deep and personal tale attached to the name of his skateboard company. How wrong I was. “I just like those words sitting next to each other and have always been a fan of the tilde (~)”. Simple as that.

For over 11 years now, Pass~Port has been creating and distributing all things wooden plank on wheels. Be it crafting decks, shooting videos or pressing threads, these guys have got it covered. Born and raised in Sydney, they’ve always been known for their splash of Australiana and classic cartoon imagery. Not only are they vested in skateboarding but artistry too. Just last week, the team celebrated the two year anniversary of their physical store and gallery on Sydney’s famed Oxford St. Extending themselves into the art space was a logical leap and one they made ever so sweetly.

Over the years, Evans and his crew have had a hand in the professional careers of some of Australia’s finest riders including Josh Pall, Callum Paul and now young Jack O’Grady. “Jack is seriously one of the most genuine people I have met, yes that may sound cliche, but he really is! From his passion to his manners, to his positive outlook on skateboarding and the world, it’s all very on point”.

Before Jack officially joined the Pass~Port roster, Trent had casually skated spots with him for years. “It was George “Zoolz” Kousoulis who first introduced us, he was incredibly encouraging of Jack becoming part of The Portal”. In Australian skate land, “Zoolz” (Owner of Sunday Hardware) is somewhat of a cult figure having filmed and skated alongside longtime pro’s Chima Ferguson and Dane Burman since the early days.

In late March, Jack officially joined what the Pass~Port crew refer to as their “Portal” and with that came a vicious Pro Part. “Jack is incredibly fast and 100% commitment constantly. The look he does when he stares down a spot is quite terrifying. I would hate to be a spot he skates, you’re in trouble”.

Across five and a half minutes, O’Grady attacks locations like no tomorrow. From kick-flipping into treacherous banks to grinding rails high above Martin Place Station, there’s seemingly no fear. If you’re a Sydney-sider, you may recognise some of the spots skated, with the majority of the clip shot in the harbour city. Hang around until the final trick, it’s just plain gnarly. So much so, it landed Jack a recent cover on the acclaimed Thrasher Magazine.

Jack is bold and talented. For a skater, that’s a perfect recipe. For Pass~Port, the future looks pretty neat as well. A crossover into the music world is on the horizon, as they prepare a vinyl compilation jam-packed with artists whose records have featured in their skate films. While on the gallery front, Trent tells me they’ve “got so many gifted creatives exhibiting plus a little feature during the VIVID Festival in Sydney this year”. Take a trip to their Store & Gallery at 16 Oxford Square Darlinghurst, to suss it all out.

Mr O’Grady and Pass~Port are just getting started. Keep it locked.

Writer

Will Bentley-Hawkins

Loves Dance, Film Photography, Ocean Pools, The NY Knicks & Campari Sodas.

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