Book of Swag had the opportunity of being invited to attend the ‘Once a month Skullcandy movie knights’ this past Wednesday.
Being new to Cape Town, the team felt it would be good to see what happens in this hip and creative city. Off I went to to Aces n Spades, one of Cape Town’s alternative and popular bars. Ambience was great, the bar was set up to make feel like you were still in a bar, but comfortable enough to see all the action.
The feature for the month was a celebration of McConkey. I want to steer away from a documentary because the film was exactly that, a celebration of his talent, his visionary and innovative mind and how he touched so many lives.
So there the film began. A recount of his childhood, his personality and family and how his life changed for ever when things fell apart.
We were shown how Shane refused to give up on his talent because he didn’t qualify to complete his education and having had his mom turn her back on him during that time. Because he didn’t adhere to social norms, Shane became a pioneer and innovator of free skiing and ski-BASE jumping.

Every new development in his life, or growth or build up was inspiring. He as an individual wasn’t comfortable with doing things the way they have always been done. What got him hungry was trying to push the bar, elevate what people thought was figured out. But most importantly, he had life in him. He didn’t take himself too seriously. Every person who had the opportunity of knowing him would tell you that he enjoyed being alive. He knew that his talent was not without risk, but he kept pushing regardless. He always stayed true to himself.
Sadly he left this world at a young age of 37- leaving behind his wife and only daughter, but he also left the world in awe of his contribution, his tenacity, his courage, his zest for life, and also making people realise that you should always want to change the way the game is played and enjoy it while you are playing it.
He made me realise that there is no such thing as failure. Who judges what failure is? Who writes the requirements of failure? Everything boils down to how you see your world and what you are capable of doing. You either settle or you find what works for you.
The life of McConckey definitely left me asking myself some important questions.
If you ever find yourself in Cape Town and needing a night out that doesn’t just involve drinking, but being pleasantly moved and inspired with a drink in hand and some popcorn, do follow @SkullcandySA as well as follow Aces n Spades facebook page for more details.

See the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afDYEtQmC6I
“You have one life to live. If you are not living it now, you are wasting time”- Shane McConkey

Katiso Maarohanye
@traveliscolour
www.traveliscolour.com