When Cape Town’s streets turn into a living skatepark, magic happens. On 9 November 2025, Red Bull Spot Check made its highly anticipated South African debut, transforming the Mother City into a playground of creativity, culture, and raw talent. The energy was electric as local hero Ethan Cairns skated his way to victory, earning not only the title but a ticket to compete at an international Red Bull skate event in 2026.
From City Bowl Park through The Company’s Garden and Thibault Square, hundreds of fans followed the action, cheering on local skaters as they battled through the “tricks for cash” jam format. The event built up to an unforgettable finale at Civic Centre, where Cairns’ smooth, consistent performance sealed the win.
“I honestly didn’t expect it. I just tried to skate every spot the best I could and have fun with my friends. Skating with the pros was amazing—the energy was crazy from start to finish.”
said Cairns after the final session
When Pro Power Meets Local Heart
The international lineup was a dream come true for fans—Ryan Sheckler, Jamie Foy, Zion Wright, CJ Collins, Chloe Covell, and Gavin Bottger joined South Africa’s own Brandon Valjalo to push boundaries and showcase what modern street skating is all about.
At City Bowl Park, Sheckler—the youngest X Games gold medallist in history—kicked off the event with a daring rooftop line he’d visualised since landing in Cape Town.
“When you’ve got that many people who love skateboarding in one place, the energy is infectious—you almost feel unstoppable,”.
he said
The spirit of unity carried through each stop, peaking when local skater Byron Rhode landed an ollie over a massive double stair set after multiple attempts. Sheckler hyped him up alongside the roaring crowd—an unforgettable moment of pros and locals standing shoulder to shoulder.
“The South African energy was top-notch. The kids were killing it—it was just good vibes all around.”
said Foy
A Defining Moment for South African Skateboarding
For Brandon Valjalo, seeing the global skate community converge in Cape Town was deeply meaningful.
“It’s probably one of the biggest street skate events we’ve ever seen here. To have legends like Ryan Sheckler and Zion Wright skating our spots—it was iconic.”
he said
Valjalo believes Red Bull Spot Check goes beyond spectacle—it’s a bridge between South Africa’s local scene and the international stage.
“Events like this give our skaters visibility and opportunity. It proves that if you put in the work, you can skate with the best in the world.”
he added
Community, Progression, and Legacy
Red Bull Spot Check wasn’t just about tricks—it was about community, creativity, and connection. Each stop showcased the heart of South African skateboarding: fearless, inventive, and built on unity.
As the sun dipped behind Table Mountain, pros and locals celebrated side by side, proving what makes this culture so powerful.
For Ethan Cairns and everyone who witnessed it, 9 November 2025 will be remembered as the day South African street skating took its place on the global map. And judging by the fire that burned through Cape Town’s streets, this is just the beginning.