My Way: Jayden Hallows

For skateboarders in the north-west of Europe, indoor parks are absolutely vital to maintaining throughout the rainy season- which is to say, around half the year.

As evidenced by the ‘We Thrive On Cold Winters’ segment in Blueprint Skateboards’ Waiting For The World’, indoor skateparks have been a vital part of British skateboarding’s continuity from Radlands onwards. Nowhere is that more true than in Sheffield, a city not famed for its Mediterranean climate. The House Skatepark is, alongside other grand old dames like St Albans’ Pioneer Club and London’s Bay 66, a British skateboarding institution. For Sheffield skaters like Jayden Hallows, having somewhere to continue progressing throughout the year has been instrumental to his steady blow-up as the word on this observer’s lips. With the park’s recent spot renovations courtesy of Subway, Jayden has been taking full advantage- and on top of taking sixth place there at our 2025 National Championships, he has also secured himself a spot on Skateboard GB’s Talent Pipeline Pathway alongside 59 other young UK rippers who are looking to make moves. We thought now was an opportune moment to find out what’s up with the man known to Instagram as @chocolate_kickflip!

Hi, Jayden- can we begin with the super-basics- who you are, where you come from, and all that good stuff?

My name is Jayden Hallows; I’m 17 years old and I’m from Sheffield. I’m currently part of Skateboard GB- and skateboarding has been a huge part of my life for most of my childhood and teenage years.

What was your introduction into the world of skateboarding?

I actually started out riding scooters at my local indoor skatepark when I was younger, being there often and watching the skaters naturally drew me towards skateboarding. When I was around twelve I asked my mum for a skateboard, and from that point on I fully switched to skating. The more I skated, the more I fell in love with it- and it’s been a big part of my life ever since.

How important are indoor skateparks for the UK?

Indoor skateparks are massively important in the UK, especially with the weather we get- they allow skaters a place to train consistently all year round; without them, progression would be a lot harder- especially for younger skaters just getting into it.

Who are your personal favourite skaters?

I’m inspired by a mixture of skaters- both UK, and international.  Mostly international skaters such as Anthony Rare, Cordano Russell and Lazer Crawford… I admire skaters who’ve got good style, consistency and dedication.

Events like the National Championships provide not just a community get-together but a chance to feed off the energy of other skaters: is that experience something you relish, or is it daunting?

I most definitely relish it. Of course, I sometimes feel nervous at comps whilst skating around so many good skaters- but that just inspires me to ride better. The energy is unreal, and it’s great being a part of that community.

You’ve been selected as one of sixty skaters from across the UK to join the Skateboard GB Talent Pathway- what do you hope to gain from it?

I hope to gain experience, structure and guidance to help me progress as much as possible; being surrounded by talented skaters and coaches pushes me to improve!

Where would you like skateboarding to take you? Would you like to join the World Skateboarding Tour like Joe Hinson or Lilly Strachan are currently?

I’d love skateboarding to take me as far as possible. Joining the World Skateboarding Tour would be an amazing opportunity- it’s something I’m definitely aiming for and I believe with hard work, dedication and progression I can achieve it.

More than most activities, people quit skating early as soon as they realise it is both hard and painful- what can we do better to keep people involved?

Making skateboarding more welcoming and supportive is the key. Encouraging progression at your own pace- and focusing on fun rather than pressure will help people to stick at it. Good facilities and positive skate communities make a huge difference.

What would you like to see happen in British skateboarding in 2026 and beyond?

I’d like to see more opportunities, improved facilities, and continued support from young skaters. Seeing more British skaters succeed internationally would be amazing and really inspire the next generation.

The floor is all yours, Jayden- any last words or shout-outs?

Big shout out to my Mum for supporting me, everyone at my local skatepark, and Skateboard GB for the opportunity and continued support. And to anyone just starting out- don’t give up, even when it’s hard!