Freerunning, Explained.
We’ve been making some bold claims about our new Flex chinos. But sometimes it’s better to show than tell.
So — we let them loose on professional Parkour practitioner (and bona fide ‘UK Ninja Warrior’) Ruel daCosta.
And then we sat him down to ask the sort of questions you’d ask of a man who makes a living hurling himself off bits of urban architecture.
Ruel, let’s cut to it. Parkour looks like fun. And also a serious health hazard. How and why did you end up making it your thing?
Well, like most kids, I liked learning tricks. Maybe you had the ‘Running Man’ down pat. Perhaps you taught yourself to ‘Moonwalk’. I just got carried away. Mine was running on a wall like a character from the Matrix. And then in 2001 Parkour arrived in the UK, and gave a name (and a lot of encouragement) to something I was already doing.
Where do you do it? Where’s your playground?
Places that to most look run down and dirty are typically the most beautiful places in the eye of a free runner. Older furniture tends to be easier to access. And shiny, new surfaces aren’t great for grip. So I love the Barbican and the South Bank. Those are my stomping grounds.
OK — Talk us through your near death experiences.
Look, I’ve had many minor injuries, no question. Dislocated both ankles a few times & cracked my head open once. But, honestly, nothing too serious. Is that so different from a season snowboarding? Probably not. And i don’t have to worry about avalanches.
Is there a text book. Do you all have a foundation of basics, or do you make it up as you go along?
There are obviously some foundational moves that we all use all the time. You need to know how to ‘kong’, ‘pre’ and ‘roll’. But there’s no doubt that the fun really lies in improvising a bit, and inventing new tricks. I look to animals for inspiration — when they move in their own habitat it’s beautiful. The answer is to turn off your adult brain and listen to your inner child. Sorry to sound like a hippie, but it’s true.
OK, we’re sold. Where do we start?
Well, you don’t have to jump from buildings on day one. If you want to learn ‘hard’ skills. Gymnastics, Trampolining and Acrobatics, are all great places to lay a foundation. Anything that teaches you to jump and fall in a controlled way. Better still, come along to Paramount Parkour gym — the first purpose built indoor Parkour gym in the UK. Here, we take urban environment and condense it into one room with mats and skilled coaches to teach you in a safe way.
Finally — crucially — how do you like them Flex chinos? Time for a quick review?
Can i keep this pair please? As an athlete with big thighs, most trousers I wear just don’t fit right — but these are awesome.
And on that note … If you too want to free your inner child (not to mention, travel in comfort and style), book yourself and acrobatics class, and then check out our range of Flex chinos. Built for movement.
