Interview and photos by Luke Brown

Intro and editorial by Shannon Farrugia

*Front Feeble off the shark fin released into the wild.*

Josh Stanley is one of those kind, empathetic souls whose resting facial expression is a contented half-smile. One of those guys who has no problem being the first to shake your hand if he’s never met you. He advocates for mental health awareness, he openly talks about his feelings, is a doting dad, and he won’t say no to the opportunity for a roll-on nose grind if it presents itself.

A staple of the Canberra skate scene, affectionately known as Ranga by the crew, Josh’s disarming lack of ego sits in stark contrast to just how good he is on a skateboard.

Luke Brown fired a few short interview questions at him recently for the Ranga appreciation piece you didn’t know you needed.

So Ranga, what’s your favourite quote right now?

“Absolutely not”.

What’s hot about living in CBR?

We are surrounded by beautiful national parks. You can skate multiple spots across town in one day. All of our big skateparks have lights. Kingsley’s chicken and Belco Bowl Jam!

What’s not?

It’s so hard to get a good coffee after 5pm. Everything closes early. Summernats. Oh and winter shit is rough!

*Kickflip over the dogs, Canberra City.*

“…drink water, tell your mates you love them, apply sunscreen…”

Where do you get your endless supply of energy and enthusiasm?

ADHD baby.
Also my friends and people close to me. They give me the enthusiasm and energy I need.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Skate like GT or Gabbers.

If you could do any skateboard trick in the world, what would it be?

Frontside inverts.

*Frontside lipslide bigspin out at Watson.*

My daughter wants to know, what’s your favourite colour?

Let her know I’m team purple!

Any advice for Skate Dads out there?

You might not be able to get out as much, or skate to the level you want to but please do it for your physical and mental health! I can assure you, it will help with family life. Just find the balance.

Who’s your fave Aussie skater?

I don’t have just one, here is the list:

The homies in CBR are number 1

Shane Azar

Dean Parsons

Adam Davies

Patty G

Chima

Rob Pace

Gabbers

*Rough back blunt on the Jersey Barrier, Curtin.*

What’s the most random interview / appearance you’ve had?

First time I ever went to hang out with Patty G we shot a bunch of stuff for Totally Wild (Kid’s TV show) that was pretty rad!

Any closing comments mate?

Remember to drink water, tell your mates you love them, apply sunscreen. If you have supported me in anyway, on or off the board, I appreciate you so much! I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you!