Photos by Alan Carvalho, Gabriel Sousa & Guilherme Isoppo
Interview by Jonathan Hay
Photo: Guilherme Isoppo
Where are you from, how old are you, and what’s your full name?
I’m from Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. I’m 28 years old. My full name is João Fernando Gasparotto — aka Jonny Gasparotto, Splifadelic, or Meatball.
How did you first discover skateboarding?
My older brother was a surfer and had an old skateboard he’d ride sometimes. He slowly introduced me to it. I learned how to surf first, but since there’s no beach in Porto Alegre, I ended up skating more. He’d have mini ramp sessions with his friends, and I’d always tag along—riding around and getting in the way.
My dad used to walk at Parque Marinha in the mornings. On weekends, I’d go with him and we’d always pass the snake run. One day we saw the son of one of his friends skating. My dad pointed and said, “That’s my friend’s kid.” I looked and just saw him flying through the snake, fast, ending with a roll out.
After that, I asked for my first board and never stopped.
When was the first time you skated the Marinha Skatepark in Porto Alegre? Is it really the oldest skatepark in Brazil?
I started skating when I was seven, around 2002 or 2003, at the Marinha skatepark. There were just a few kids like me—everyone else was older and kinda wild. No one was “normal.” Everyone had their own style. From the first time I stepped on a board, I couldn’t stop. Like something bit me. It’s one of the oldest skateparks in Brazil and it’s still alive today. Loved by some, hated by others. Only those who’ve been there know the vibe.
What was the skate scene like for you growing up? Were there a lot of skateparks or was it more street?
Porto Alegre always had a real scene, from the beginning of skateboarding in Brazil—both transition and street. I only started to understand that later. I was always influenced and inspired by the older generations I shared sessions with.
Do you like living in Brazil? What’s the best and worst part of life there?
I love living in Brazil. It’s a good place—great food, real fruit, and a strong, true skate scene. I make it a mission to keep it alive here. The worst part is the corruption and taxes.
How are the police there? Do they respect street skating and DIY spots or are they against it?
A.C.A.B.
How did you get on Creature?
I’ve always been a fan. I watched Hesh Law and Black Metal videos with my friends.
At some point Creature started distributing boards in Brazil. The crew here hit me up saying they were building a Brazilian team, and I started getting boards. I think after the Splifadelic part on Thrasher they saw me more clearly. They’ve always supported me, in Brazil and outside. I’ll always be grateful. Much respect.
Who were the skaters you looked up to growing up, and how did you discover them?
Jay Adams and Tony Alva were my early heroes. Later I got into Natas and Gonz as I started to understand skating more. I watched a lot of P-Stone too. But the ones who inspired me the most were my friends—pushing the level and growing together naturally, still today.
Favorite type of terrain?
Anywhere.
Did you help build Entulho?
Yes — Entulho concrete crew.
Photo: Allan Carvalho
Which countries have you traveled to for skateboarding?
Australia, USA, Portugal and Argentina.
What’s your favorite spot you’ve skated in Brazil and abroad?
FDR, Burnside, and Washington Street have my heart. If I lived nearby, I’d be local.
In Brazil, the Paraibuna pipe in São Paulo is one of the most insane spots I’ve skated. The Class D pool is a classic too.
Brazil is huge and full of spots. You just gotta go out, find them, and make the missions happen. The problem is a lot of people don’t want to get dirty.
What’s your current setup?
Creature board, Bones wheels, Indy 149 trucks.
What do you like to do besides skating?
BBQs, graffiti, painting, hunting for new spots, digging vinyl, building DIYs, going to as many shows as possible, learning new things.
Top five songs you’re feeling right now?
Fulerall –Sk8 Destruição
Lobotomia – Donos do Sistema / Mosh to Die
Santana – No One to Depend On
Black Uhuru –Big Spliff
The O’Jays – Back Stabbers
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Alive and skating.
How do you see the world ten years from now?
More digital, faster—but maybe more divided if we don’t change the system now. Tech will take over, but what really matters is what we build today—ideas and actions. The planet is screaming for help and too many ignore it. I hope culture, skateboarding, and everything from the ground up gets more respect. Skateboarding is more than tricks. If we use it right, the future can be real—not just an illusion.
Any last words?
Whatever happens, keep skating.
(which ended uo being the cover of Confusion Magazine issue 38).
Photo: Allan Carvalho
Session with the homies at the spot they made skateable together
