Features

FIRST LOOK: NED THOMAS

Words, Photography & Video by: Scott Connor

Since Moving to Brighton in June, I just knew I had to film a project with Ned. His riding is a perfect blend of style and technicality. He’ll lay a difficult grind combo with ease and then go send something big and scary that same afternoon, just to balance things. He’s constantly driven to one-up himself and that always makes for something great – Scott Connor

Full Name: Ned Thomas
Age: 23
Occupation: Window installer / glazier
Hometown: Brighton
Current City: Brighton
Years riding: 6
Top three riders: Garrett Reynolds, Dennis Enarson, Dillon Lloyd

Ned, it’s winter and it’s dark outside. What are you doing right at this moment?

“Currently I’m taking it easy resting up my wrist as I had a bit of slam a few days after we finished filming, but any usual day I’d be braving the cold and riding the Level.”

You ride with seemingly effortless bike control. When did you first begin riding and what got you started down that path?

“For me it all started just being young messing about doing dangerous, stupid kid stuff. I always could ride bikes kind of well (as well and any chav can popping wheelies and skids haha ). But it got serious when I moved to the other side of Brighton and met people who were properly into bmx, it’s had me hooked ever since.”

Did you realise right away that it was going to be something that would become a big part of your life?

“No not at all, it just kinda happened to be honest.”

You’re on the team at Brighton’s local shop, Brighton BMX Co, how’d that come about then?

“Well I’ve been good friends with Bob for quite some time now having always got my bike stuff there and occasionally working for him he always helped me out , then around a year ago he said he wanted to put me on the team.”

So, what do you do for work, what’s your 9-5 grind?

“My job mainly consists of fitting upvc windows and doors but occasionally I’ll do other building work like carpentry and plumbing.”

OK, the age old question, Street or Park? The new Level skatepark seems to be ever popular, but do you get more satisfaction from a good street session?

“I definitely prefer riding street it’s much more rewarding as I push myself more. With riding parks sometimes it’s hard for me to get into a session when it’s busy, and let’s be honest, the level is rarely quiet as is such a good park.”

Brighton is a well known city for riding. With two full-length Brighton Ain’t Ready DVDs being filmed there, along with many other video parts and clips, some would say the spots have been rinsed hard. Would you agree? Do you think there’s still plenty of original riding to be had around the city?
“I would definitely agree but I don’t think it matters how many people have rode a spot before you, because everyone has different ideas, so there’s always something new to be done. There are still many un-used spots, but they are just harder to find now and you have to travel out of town a bit more.”
We filmed this edit over a week or so. Considering the short time and crazy wind, it came together nicely. How do you feel about video parts, do you prefer shorter web edits or something more substantial like a full length part?

“Well I’ve not done a proper part of any kind, just the odd edit here and there. I do really enjoy filming. It pushes you to try things, and there is nothing better than when you watch the footage of something that took time or was difficult.”

Any plans for the year coming? How about a longer video part? I know there’s a load of people who’d be stoked to see one.

“I want to get on a riding trip of some kind somewhere hot I’m totally over winter already. No proper plans for anything yet, but I guess you will have to wait and see.”

Finally, any shout-outs, thanks or words of wisdom?

“Haha, I guess my only words of wisdom are have fun, ride hard and keep it real.
Firstly a shout out to Brighton BMX CO for always keeping the ride sweet. All the Brighton locals and Scott over at Subvert, peace.”