Youssef Abaoud from Brussels

WHAT IS IT YOU DO, WHATS YOUR THING?

My friends and I are Byrrrhbang. We built an indoor D.I.Y skate park, and we organise events, birthdays, skate camps and art shows. Events that promote skateboarding and rock and roll bands from Belgium. We try to keep it simple. Like, not a big contest. Just make it fun and keep everything cheap, things like the drinks, entrance price and food. The latest event was so good; we had 10 bands playing from punk rock to metal, and for the skaters, we organised a skate contest with an old car – non-sponsored – the best trick, open to anyone. And we had some fun games like the Wheel of Fortune. It was handsome.

Youssef1b-compressor — Photography throughout by Marcela Tapia

HOW HAS THE PASSING OF TIME INFLUENCED YOU?

Time when you’re busy passes so fast… but when I look back over my time, I am happy that after so many years, I am still skateboarding. I am 40 years old, but keep on skating and have been having fun with my friends since day one.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON HEROES, AND IF YOU HAVE ANY, WHO ARE THEY?

I think heroes can be anyone who fights for an idea or a dream that is Utopian. I will say, my sister. She was in a regular good job in a big company, and one day she says stop; I want to make my dream happen, so she opened a small restaurant called Cocotte. And now, after only one year, she is doing good, and she is happy.

WHAT GETS UP YOUR NOSE?

Those dudes always complain about this and that, but they don’t do anything about it or change things. Also, those who say I will do it… but don’t do it.
What are you no good at, and do you have vices?

I am no good at a lot of things. One thing I have to learn is to be more diplomatic when something goes wrong. Vices? I will say smoking too many cigarettes. Partying with my friends, dancing a lot at some good show.

HOW DO YOU HAVE FUN, AND WHAT SPOILS IT?

I will say those dudes who are only there to make trouble and not to have fun are the ones who spoil the party.

DOES ONE QUOTE OR SONG SAY IT ALL?

One song?!!… I like so many kinds of music… music is a big part of me. It would have to be one that has been a part of skate culture for a long time. I discovered so many good songs by watching skate videos. OK, so I chose this one from The Gladiators. We Are the Warriors not only for me but for all my friends who fight in the right way.
And quote;
If you can change the world, change it back around.