Rikk Fields, lofty, no-frills frontside air...is there any better way? Photo: Rybo.
Text: David Arnold.
TWENTY YEARS? Twenty years deep into the existence of Yoyo’s Pool. That time has passed in the blink of a (Kats) eye. Even now, I still have to pinch myself when I look out of the kitchen window and gaze upon a backyard utopia.
I guess you could regard the commitment to the construction as either a frivolous folly or an inevitable necessity. I like to think it was a bit of both. It wasn’t undertaken lightly, actions have consequences and the things you choose to do in your life can have a lasting impact, and they're hopefully positive. In the very early 2000’s, after several years of growing a good reputation for designing and building wooden skateparks with my company Uniform Skatepark Construction, I started getting enquiries from councils about providing concrete parks. They were big wheels to get rolling, but councils were finally starting to see the benefits of outdoor, concrete facilities with minimal upkeep. However, I’m a joiner by trade who had virtually zero experience of working with concrete. Undeterred, we decided we had to prove ourselves by creating something that would showcase our ability to work in concrete. Now I guess we could have just built a small quarterpipe in order to tick all the boxes. However, an all-consuming desire to create something that had been a recurring fantasy since I was 11 years old took over my thought process.
2002 build photos: David Arnold.
The work diary was cleared and in September 2002 the construction of the pool was scheduled to be carried out. Back then, there was very little source reference/methodology on how to go about building such a complex structure, but we didn’t let that overwhelm us. Sometimes you just have to trust your gut, not knowing exactly what the outcome will be. Those times can be scary but in this instance, making the commitment moved me closer to where I felt I was meant to be. At this time Uniform Skateparks had a very tight and committed team, comprised of friends and family. With a strong work ethic and a very DIY approach, we just applied ourselves to the tasks ahead. All aspects of the project were taken care of by us, apart from the actual concrete spraying. We were prepared to give it a go, we’d hired the equipment but then realised there was a lot at stake. There was a hefty risk of a fine if we damaged the expensive equipment should the concrete start to set in the pipework. So, I think we made a wise decision to bring in some expert help, finding a local company willing to work under our instruction.
Garry Woodward, textbook ollie over the hip. Twenty years on and he is still banging them out. Photo: Wig Worland.
The pool itself was completed in two weeks, with the surrounds and wooden decking built over a further two-to-three weeks whilst the concrete cured. Regardless of the cost and effort invested, we outwardly sat on low expectations, but inwardly, I had quiet faith that we could do this. It turned out pretty damn good. As part of the curing process we filled it with water and our cat, Yoyo, would come out and drink from it. We joked that it was, “the biggest cat bowl in the world!” so we christened it Yoyo’s Pool. When we poured the pool surrounds, Yoyo inadvertently walked through a section of it whilst it was drying, clearly leaving his footprints. Back then I was bummed out, but with the passage of time, and the fact Yoyo is no longer around, I appreciate that he left his mark, much like on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Spanish ripper Emilio Arnanz hucks a tuck-knee frontside air over the hip the hard way, shallow to deep. Photo: Wig Worland.
I put considerable thought into the actual design and dimensions of the pool. I chose the peanut shape as it is symmetrically functional, not favouring a regular or goofy foot stance as a kidney-shaped pool would. I also had some unfinished business relating to the similar-shaped, wooden bowl I had previously built at a skatepark where the dimensions had to be compromised due to space restriction. I wanted to put that right. As I was already approaching 40 years old, I also had the foresight to future-proof it by not making it overly deep and too gnarly. I was sorely tempted to go with much tighter transitions and give it some vert. I’m so thankful I didn’t because nowadays, as I approach 60 years old, I still feel comfortable skating the pool.
Mike 'Pike' Pardon, squeezes in one more frontside smith grind before bed time. Photo: Wig Worland.
In October 2002 we held an opening Pyjama Pool Party that was featured in the December issue of Sidewalk Magazine #75. The magazine came with a fold-out poster of Andy Scott doing a ridiculously high kickflip melon grab that would have adorned many a bedroom wall.
Under threatening rainy skies, the ever elusive skateboard folk hero Andy Scott barges an impossibly high kickflip melon. Photo: Wig Worland.
Access to the pool has always been invite only with the understanding the location is not openly disclosed. It just has to be that way. Over the years we have had some amazing visitors including Tony Trujillo, John Cardiel, Chet Childress, Jason Adams, Adam Alfaro, Ben Raemers and Duane Peters.
2018 - after some years of neglect, Yoyo's was looking dilapidated. Photos: David Arnold.
Let’s fast forward to more recent times. Unfortunately, sometime around 2012, my wife became increasingly ill and the entire backyard was neglected and fell into disrepair as it was no longer a priority. It pretty much stayed that way until winter 2019 when my young niece discovered skateboarding for herself. I was thrilled to support and encourage her with her skating, and very quickly she had a couple of friends that skated too. This was the catalyst for the formation of Yoyo’s Pool Kats, a support network for local, female skaters centred around the pool. It gave them a collective identity, regardless of age or ability. This had a profound effect on me and prompted a much needed renovation of the pool in particular, and the backyard in general.
Covid shut us down for a while but we soon had a solid group of kids feeding off each other and learning to skate transition. Collaborating with my skate buddy of almost 40 years, Doktor Baz, our manifesto was to preach the fundamentals of pool skating. Not so much trick tips, rather more embracing the fabric of what skateboarding is and what it can teach you. Two years down the line, Yoyo’s Pool Kats has become a wider-reaching idea and no longer purely focused on the initial core gang. We help out with mentoring/coaching at local girl’s nights and take trips to events and other skateparks. If you are female and skate or want to learn to skate, then you can be a Pool Kat in spirit too. All we ask is you show some real passion for skateboarding and we’ll support you in your endeavours. It’s amazing how rewarding being around the Pool Kats can be.
As I get older and my own ability to skate inevitably declines, guiding these kids is a fantastic way of staying connected and relevant in a scene I cannot imagine not being part of. Skateboarding has been so good for me and I have found a way for it to continue to be a positive aspect of my life. It’s a real lifeline for my own mental health when other areas have become somewhat darker. I love giving something back.
Kids are the future. Little Ava (aged 5) getting schooled by Gracie (aged 9). Photo: Johnny Mallinson.
Nine year old Gracie pushed herself during the jam and made her first airs above the coping. Photo: Johnny Mallinson.
Ruby-Scooby, early doors rock fakie in the deep end. Photo: Doktor Baz.
Young Molly Seed adds The Sweeper to her 80's-influenced trick bag. Photo: Doktor Baz.
Photos: Jammy Dodger, Doktor Baz, Johnny Mallinson and James Taylor.
Archie Close, edgy frontside '4 out' tail-tap. Photo: James Darcy
A couple of weeks back, almost 20 years to the day, we threw a 20th Anniversary Jam. For me it was an emotional evening, with skaters from all around turning up, including both new and longstanding friends, some of whom were present at the opening party in 2002. I loved the fact that everyone skated together and supported each other. The Pool Kats were not intimidated and the rad skaters made time for the kids. In turn the kids had their minds expanded by being exposed to gnarly skating in such close quarters. There is something really intense about skating in a backyard setting. Yoyo’s is currently in better shape than it has ever been, and considering its age, that is such a wild gift. I’m so grateful for the new scene that has grown organically since lockdown ended. These days, I view the pool as a blank canvas that is only filled with colour by the people that inhabit the space. Here’s to another 20 years. Not sure where I’ll be, as I will then be pushing 80 years old, but I feel sure some of these young kids will be lifelong skateboarders and that fills my heart with joy.
Logan Wilkinson, hazed invert to fakie. Photo: Rybo.
Kirils Sevcuks, frontside layback grind. Photo: Rybo.
Logan Wilkinson, hippy jump to fakie slider over the pool steps. Photo: Rybo.
Rikk Fields, precarious frontside blunt on the hip. Photo: Rybo.
I’d like to thank these people for having some faith in me and allowing themselves to become intoxicated by my blind enthusiasm. My family: Louise, Diane & Joe Crawford, Garry, Trevor and Alison Arnold, Diane, Jake and Shea. Also my friends: Doktor Baz, John Lee, Tim Stamp, Mike Pardon, Whitey and ‘Doug The Hole’.
Yoyo's Pool provocateur/owner/builder David Arnold, still rolling at approaching 60 years old with a deep-end double-trucker. Photo: James Taylor.
Yoyo's Pool - 2022 - Photo: James Taylor.