What is your name/how old are you?
Josinah Makotoko, 27.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Arnprior, Ontario, but have been in Windsor, Ontario for quite some time now.
How long have you been skating/Why do you skate?
It’s been roughly 12 years on a board give or take some injuries. Skating is a mental and physical challenge and a great teacher of balance in a few regards. I love it. I originally wanted to BMX to be like my brother but he thought I’d really like skateboarding so we went and picked one out. From then on out, it’s just all I wanted to do.
What was your first setup? Where/what did you skate first? Who did you skate with first?
My first setup was an all blue Top of the World shop deck, silver Indys, I can’t remember what bearings, and Powell wheels. It was honestly my favourite thing in the world when I got it. I remember going to buy my first skate mag (Big Brother) and when I opened it up, I had no idea what was going on but I knew i wanted to do what they were doing.
I started out skating flat in my basement on the carpet but progressed to the road, then to the skate park. I skated alone a lot but aside from my brother (who rode bmx) Chris Rutt and Corey Shuker were the first ones who started hitting me up to go to the park. They both still skate, and we still all skate together.
How did you find GRO?
A friend of mine sent me a Michigan GRO flyer and I went to check it out. I always saw flyers for sessions too far away for me to make, so it was really exciting to finally be part of one.
How has GRO impacted you?
GRO has been such a positive outlet for me! You never leave a session with a frown and I’ve realized thats a major key to progression. We really are growing together, and it’s always hype! When I help someone with a trick, and they finally get it, i get super stoked and inspired. It’s really all I’ve ever wanted and now that it’s happening, I couldn’t be happier.
Any personal goals for you in skating this year?
Just to go for whatever I feel! Skate hard, meet people and have as much fun as I possibly can
Any other projects that you’re currently involved in?
I’m always working on art and have a collaborative show coming up. Check my instagram out! @Josinahm_art
Also, my friend Sarah and I started Grindstone Collective about a year or so ago and we are opening our Etsy store very soon! Our style is unique, and we have a lot of fun with it! We’ve got a few cool recycled skateboard accessories as well! You can check us out on Instagram @xGrindstonex
How long have you been a part of the Windsor crew?
I started the Windsor GRO chapter about a year and a half ago with a friend of mine (Taylor Haludek) and for a while it was just us at the session but in true GRO fashion, more people are coming out and all the guys still come and show their support. I love it!! ?
Any plans/goals for the coming year with the crew?
My main goal is to get girls to come out to the sessions and hopefully they’ll be inspired to keep pushing! It’s so awesome to see friendships form so easily and quickly. Windsor doesn’t have an indoor park and winter has its harsh moments so we may join forces with Michigan GRO!