There was never any question that Ben Raemers would not go on to travel the world on a deck following the day he turned up aged 15 at one of our jams. He has repped every event, always left with dough, and also left most people’s jaws on the floor with his amazing skateboarding and his ability to see things differently to others.
Thrown in the back of the van and taught the hard way by his Essex buddies Mark Munson and Carl Wilson, the then miniature Raemers was taken to every jam, comp, bowl, vert ramp, bank, curb and pool that the trio could find – and flourished fast. Backed by the grit and determination of Munson’s take-no-prisoner’s personality, Ben grew into one of the finest skateboarders in the UK and graced the front cover of Thrasher in March 2011 (the first of his generation from the UK to do so), but his stupendous bag of tricks on all terrain has also been featured in many others, including that incredible Kingpin cover from Victoria Park. (Footage at the end of this)
Aside from his ability to skate everything like a fucking champ, his character is one of a kind. Kind being the operative word here too, as he is certainly one of the most caring, thoughtful and intrigueing skateboarders you are ever likely to meet – one who lives somewhat in his own world. This unique approach to life has made his whizzplanking skills something of a luxury to watch, and has gained him friends worldwide, so we are proud after all of these years, to finally catch up with him to chat about his life in what could possibly be his most memorable skateboarding year yet. – Zac
You living back in the UK now?
I’m not living anywhere really. I have just been injured so I was chilling in the UK whilst I healed up and now i’m back in the USA!
I guess it can be tempting to party when you have downtime right?
I stopped myself from partying a lot. If you drink on an injury it doesn’t heal good. I was taking it easy just hanging with my Mum and family. Getting surgery back then was so scary!
Did you see much of Mark Munson back in Essex?
Not as much as I would like to as he is very busy at the moment! I see home every now and then so it’s all good!
What was the most valuable piece of advice he gave you?
Have a good time and travel as much as possible!
Before we go any further, is there a particular song that defines the moment for you right now?
Probably ‘Gold’ by Spandau Ballet. Classic stuff right there!
Ha! Good choice mate. Hold on, let’s ask the viewers to listen to that song whilst they read the rest of this.
What countries did you see last year on the road then?
I visited America, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Paris, Poland, Spain and Germany! Good times!!
Does your Mum get postcards or emails?
I try to send postcards, she doesn’t have the internet so I just email my sister and she shows my Mum!
Any particular country that inspires you the most?
China is my favourite place! Just has the best time there and I can’t wait to go back! I went on a trip to Taiwan at the beginning of the year with enjoi which was the best trip of last year. Was amazing. Taiwan is just such a crazy place was such a great experience! And every trip with the enjoi geezers is a laugh!
Which country (outside the UK) has the tightest scene from your experiences so far?
Got to say America. San Jose is a really fun city. I’m happy I have a lot of friends there so I spend a lot of time there!
With so much traveling going on, you must get tired and confused. Tell us about the shark you saw from the plane on the way to Marseille?!
I was looking out of the plane window and the reflection literally looked like a shark! When I found out it was the shadow of the plane I felt like a right fool!! Hahahah!
That’s next levs Ben. What about skate flicks, do you watch much skating? Any that stood out for you recently?
I really liked the emerica ‘Made’ video! Brandon Westgate is beast! He is literally the definition of next level!!! I’m a massive fan!
Photo: Backside wallride anytime, shot by Dave Chami.
Any particular trick or a line that you saw that blew you away the most last year?
Cairo Foster did a trick in Taiwan that was insane, but you’ll have to wait for the enjoi video to see it!
What was the most satisfying battle you personally won lately?
It was in Taiwan again. It took ages and I broke my board! Then me and filmer and photographer went back there at 6am a few days later and it worked out!
Is there a trick that got away?
A lipslide down this rail! I slammed like a sack of potatoes on the ground that ended up wrecking my ankle for ages!! That was the worst slam from last year.
What was the best time hanging with Barney Page of late?
Probably the time we both got drunk and then got tattoos in San Jose! Was a funny time.
Photo: Stylin’ a sweet sugarcane shot by Seu Trinh.
And the best part of being on enjoi?
The team are literally like my family!
Are you living with Jerry again now you are back in the US?
I am staying at Jerry’s apartment, but he lives in LA now. Me and my mate Carson rented his room.
Now Jerry has left enjoi, does this mean the brand will go through big changes?
I’m not too sure, we will have to wait and see! I’m gutted that Jerry left as he’s one of the funniest people in the world and one of the world’s most talented skateboarders, but I’m super excited to see his new footage as he is the best!
Is there a new enjoi video in the works to follow ‘Tweak The Beef’?
We are working on a full length video now! I’m super-stoked as it’s my first major project I have been involved in! The deadline is late August so until then I am just going to be traveling around and skating every day! I am super motivated and want to make it as good as I can. I feel so privileged to be in the same video as my favourite skaters!!
How is your part looking so far?
I am quite happy with how it’s looking but it still needs a lot of work!
Have you seen footage of other team riders for this so far?
I know a lot of the guys have some mind blowing footage!
Who do you think will blow everyone away?
Zack Wallin!
Who do you think should have the last part?
Hard to say, but I know Wieger has some ridiculous footage, so probably him!!
When is it likely to drop?
Not 100% sure, but at the earliest it will be at the end of this year.
If you had to pick one person, who would be your MVP of last year?
Caswell Berry should get it every year! He’s the best!
Did you conquer any new tricks for the bag lately?
Back in December I finally figured out the technique for straight no-complys on flat! They are so hard! After watching Pontus Alv skate it inspired me to learn them!
Photo: Louie Barletta & Ben Raemers Doubles (Backside Crailslide & Frontside Melongrab) by Dave Chami.
What skaters should we look out for, any upcomers on your radar?
Blue Turner is a beast! He’s been rolling with the enjoi crew recently! And in the England I’m going to have to say Tom Tanner from Liverpool and Sam heelflip from Mile End.
Are you looking forward to having a pro deck in the future?
That would be crazy!! I haven’t really thought about that to be honest as it doesn’t seem real! If that happened I would be the happiest geezer in the world!!!
Any ideas on what you would choose for your ideal first graphic if it happened?
Not really! I would love to have a bird of some sort! A penguin perhaps?!
Lastly, we hear you have a new video part filmed in the UK coming out soon, spill the beans.
Yeah, I have a shared part with Horsey that is going to be in a new video made by Ryan Gray and Kevin Parrott! Stoked! Always fun skating with Horsey. It will be out soon!
Thanks Ben, enjoi life geezer.
Ben rides for Indy, Ricta, Enjoi, Converse, Volcom and Lost Art skate shop.
Photo: Boneless of death! Shot by Dave Chami.
