10 Questions For: Deçio Lourenço

Most well known as the daredevil skater who set off the Kloof Nek Road speed camera, this gifted downhill boarder is breaking rules and pushing boundaries at every turn

1. How would you describe what you do for a living?
I studied at Red & Yellow to be an art director/graphic designer, but now I work at Rouxmour Productions, a production company that Andre Roux and I founded after producing our Kloof Nek video. Our main goal this year is to travel the world to compete in the downhill skateboarding circuit organised by the International Downhill Federation.  We plan to document the journey and expose the ins and outs of the scene, focusing not just on the skating but also on how our experiences and relationships have brought us all together to follow our passions.  

2.  What is your most vivid childhood memory?
When I was seven years old, I got a fishtail skateboard from my uncle Christopher for Christmas – I didn’t know it yet but that plank would change my life.

3.  If you could invite any three people, dead or alive, for dinner, who would they be and why?
My dad, my mate Alejo Puente and the big boss of Red Bull. I’d love to see my dad because it's been years and I’m sure he would dig to see me. Alejo is always good for conversation and there would be plenty of laughs. And the big boss of Red Bull, well, I have an idea that I would like to share with him.

4. If you ever found yourself auditioning for a music reality TV show, what song would you sing and why?
‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis, because it’s easy and I know the lyrics, so I wouldn’t look like such a tool. Otherwise, ‘Killing me Softly’ if I just wanted to take the piss.

5.  How would you complete this sentence?  
The South African cabinet should include a Minister of _______.
…Skating. It’s not even a registered sport here.

6.  What would you say is the biggest misconception about you?
That I got paid for the Mercedes Silver Slipstreams short film – it was not an advertisement.

7.  What is your (honest) opinion of Cape Town?
There are pockets of potential, you just need to find them. The whole world is f**ked by the system – at least South Africa is more real and transparent than other countries. I love the diversity here!

8.  What's the greatest fear you've had to overcome to get where you are today?
I’ve had to realise that I can stand alone and still survive – my life's journey is created by my choices.

9.  What's the one thing you'd like to achieve before you die?
 The idea I have for Red Bull.

10.  Which well-known South African personality would you, without a doubt, be able to beat in a street fight and why? 
President Zuma. I have better stamina and balance. If I got knocked out, I doubt anyone could count to 10.

Watch Deçio Lourenço set off the Kloof Nek Road speed camera on a skateboard

Image courtesy of Andre Roux

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CapeTownMagazine.com’s 10 Questions project gets to know some of the Mother City’s most creative and inspiring people. From television personalities and musicians to politicians and entrepreneurs, we find out more about well-known and up-and-coming Capetonians. You can follow #CapeTownMag10Q on Twitter and Facebook to track recent interviews or read more here about our other awesome 10 Questions candidates. 

A FEW OF OUR OTHER 10Q CANDIDATES:

10 Questions For MasterChef SA Winner, Food-Writer and TV Host Kamini Pather

10 Questions For La Colombe Restaurant at Silvermist Wine Estate Head Chef Scot Kirton

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