Like finding $20 in your pocket when you haven’t eaten all day or when your boss says you can have the afternoon off, with full pay because he or she is feeling good, or, when your teacher says you have to watch movies for the days’ class; moments like these don’t happen very often. The same rarity applies to finding riders like Trent Bucknell. A little ray of sunshine that brings light and joy to the often plain and boring local skate park. While most of the kids on their BMX’s are playing on the varied selection of rails, ledges and other peg enticing obstacles, Trent is spending his time in the air occupying the space above the ramp transitions. When he lands, generally as smooth as butter, and rolls up for a chat, it becomes apparent that he is something not found in modern life too often anymore. A kind hearted, well mannered young man, determined to forge his own path in life and only too eager to help others do the same.

When I noticed the new Noble Park skate park nearing completion, the bowl twisting and turning around the edge, hips and corners making for an alluring destination, I immediately thought of Trent Bucknell. Trent is the kind of rider that goes faster, higher and with more flow than most riders around today. Teeing up a time to get together, we spoke of potential tricks and images we could shoot, something I was already more than excited about shooting, and we settled on a toboggan as the sun disappeared behind the horizon. Setting up my rig while Trent effortlessly showed me his lines and I snapped a few ‘test shots’ that halted almost all movement around Noble Park as it seemed everyone there wanted to watch him ride, and for good reason, he goes higher than almost anyone I’ve seen before. A truly humble noble man, embracing the BMX spirit whole-heartedly. A delight to ride with and a thrill to photograph. Thanks.