You will, we hope, remember how back in July of last year, World Skate’s International Skateboard Judging Commission announced the launch of our Judging Certification programme, designed to bring through the next generation of judges capable of overseeing skateboarding contests held under World Skate auspices and criteria.

National Federations each registered their candidates as the first important step on their pathway to becoming involved as judges in national and then international skateboard events, with eleven passing the first phase of accreditation.

Passing the certification with flying colours in both Street and Park was France’s David Lestrade, so we thought we would start introducing you to our new inductees over the coming year by beginning with the lifer from Giroussens!

Hi David- can you introduce yourself to us, please?

Hi! I'm David, 37 years old, I live in the south of France near Toulouse; I have been a skateboard judge for four years and recently Head Judge for the French Championship.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background in skateboarding?

I started skateboarding quite late when I was thirteen, back in 2001, in the French countryside of Saint Sulpice. I had a few skateshop sponsors for around ten years. I later obtained my CQP, which allowed me to give skateboarding lessons to children, and now I'm focusing only on being a judge.

You grew up in Toulouse in the same skate scene as Lucas Puig, what was it like witnessing him progress first-hand?

At the time I got to meet Lucas he was already a renowned pro skater. It was quite intimidating at first, 'cause for me it was like meeting my hero. He's actually a really chill guy, but his mastery on a skateboard is really unmatched. You have to see it to realise how good he is.

Ph: Poissonnier

You are a keen photographer as well as skater- who are some of your favourites?

I would say Fred Mortagne for sure, Clément le Gall, Arto Saari also has some pretty sick black and white photographs.

How do you see the national development of skateboarding in France compared to neighbouring nations?

I'm actually not sure of the differences between France and the other nations, since I don't travel often, but I hope to, soon! France has a lot of really good young skateboarders for sure, some of them are really good and I see them competing in the regional circuit which I am also judging- so I'm looking forward to see them competing at a higher level in the future.

The support for the French skaters during the Paris Olympics was unreal- did you expect it to be that way?

Yes, France has a history of being really supportive with their French athletes. Even though that's not really my case- I mean I'm not gonna support someone just because he's French, but rather because I like his style or trick selection. 

It was great to see the cheers of the French crowd though, I wish I was there to see it, I have yet to see a big competition like this.

Where in your opinion are the most vibrant skate scenes in France today?

Every big city has a really good skateboarding scene in France- but I would say Marseille and Bordeaux are my favourites.

Judging skateboarding is a thankless but important task if we are to create opportunities for skateboarders to progress and grow- what are your thoughts there?

For sure, judging is really tough and almost no one wants to do it. If you do it good enough that no one complains that's already a win, you know ? But it's hard and almost impossible to satisfy everyone and their expectations. My goal as a judge and head judge is to have the most overall precise vision on a said event and give the most accurate ranking that day, but it's never easy to do, especially when you watch heat after heat for seven hours a day. Experience is key in that regard, to have a clear vision all day long and give the most fair ranking you can give. Also the fact that now you have to give live results really quick gives you almost no margin for error which I kind of dislike- it adds stress to judges and riders. But that's a way for competitors to adjust their runs in that particular setting. 

That's why I like regional contests in which we don't use live-heats, cause in the end the ranking is more accurate- and you have that aspect of surprise in the end when you announce the rankings ! 

Who are your all-time favourite skateboarders?

Louie Barletta, John Cardiel, Jimmy Wilkins, Mark Appleyard- and Mike Carroll.

Any last words?

Thanks for the opportunity, I'm looking forward to attend and watch a World Skate event, wherever it will be, and meeting you guys. 

Cheers !