The scent of awesomeness led Adrenaline Sun all the way to Trinidad, where we had heard about a guy soaked in passion for sports of all kinds. It didn’t take us long to sniff him out. A karate fighting, roller-blader  who knows his way around a BMX bike. Oh yes, and he skates too. Let’s meet Frank Burns, shall we?

Frank, many sports that you seem to be involved with are quite non-traditional.  How  would you say they compare to traditional sports, like football or cricket?

Firstly, with team sports, you have to depend on your team mates. They, or their performance, will ultimately decide your success. With sports such as skating, you are the only person that will decide that. However, the real kicker is that you can skate at any level and still be called a skater and accepted by a groups of skaters based on your determination and passion, and not your skill level. That fact is worldwide. Also, getting equipment for more traditional sports is easy-peasy here. There are many huge stores that carry top quality gear. But try to buy a pair of skate shoes. GOOD LUCK! Far less a board!

I heard you were the go-to man when you had your skate shop. What was its name?

We started out as Liberty Sk8 shop, but when we moved it became 868. It was on the main road of Ariapeta Avenue  in Woodbrook. I had the shop for about three years and it closed about four years ago. Having the shop was truly one of the most satisfying, positive things I have done. It affected so many people, even skaters in Barbados. We carried the best clothing, boards and shoes ever sold in Trinidad. But apart from that, it was the vibe in and around the shop that I truly had an appreciation for.

Okay, so on the wall of 868 was there a Loitering or No Loitering sign?

Loitering was definitely allowed. As well as skating the shop, judo classes courtesy of Paul Wyatt, and random acts of stupidity courtesy the skaters and sketch customers. There as skating in the shop, between the displays, nose stalls on the bench and no speed manuals to face plant when you hit the grout line between the tiles.

What was the most cool thing that you had in your shop, whether to be sold or otherwise?

One supplier had a reissue of some 80’s boards. Everyone who was an old school skater that walked in could identify with the boards and it always was a talking point. I still have the boards and I hung them up in my office at work. Most people that come to see me at work will look at them and ask “I didn’t know you was a skater”, followed by “How much buss ass you get already?”

So how much buss ass DID you get already?

Buss ass, sprained and inverted my ankle too many times to count. Dislocated both shoulders, buss head and road rash like “iz normel”. And the thing I hate the most- most Trinis that skate with me will attest to this- I hate to hit my shins! Last time I skated I busted open my shin to the shin bone! Then refused to get stitches so two months later it’s now healing up.

I think that veterans have a major role to play in the development of any sport. If they didn’t push the boundaries, then up-and-comers wouldn’t have any boundaries to break. Also, the veterans should be there for support and guidance for the younger generation. A great example that I have seen first hand is Irie Wilson! Somebody from Barbados’ Ministry of Sport should give him a medal. That dude needs to be recognized.

That was great. Some of the best skating I’ve seen in the Caribbean. The Trini crew had a great time. I think that skating in Barbados has picked up some real momentum and I would like the skaters in Barbados to know that if they need anything from me, I am always available.

Pressure flips. (laughs) Not many people can do them and in a game of skate it usually gets a “Nnnooooo! Not that!”

You can see Burns and his boys in action here on