Jason Vanporppal and his friends in South Africa after he skateboarded across Africa so they build a skatepark in Uganda.
Image: Supplied
In an era where travel is often defined by luxury itineraries and curated experiences, Jason Vanporppal is rewriting the narrative - one push of his skateboard at a time.
Currently in Johannesburg, Vanporppal is travelling across Africa on a bold, purpose-driven mission: to help build what could become Uganda’s largest skatepark and create a safe, empowering space for young people.
Arriving in the city as part of a larger journey stretching from East Africa to South Africa, Vanporppal’s story is not just about endurance - it’s about community, culture and using skateboarding as a force for good.
Vanporppal’s journey began with friendships. Inspired by his close connection with Ugandan skaters Isaac and Ephraim, he was drawn into a world that extended far beyond his own.
“I got inspired to do this project because the guys that I originally started pushing with, Isaac and Ephraim, they’re from Uganda and they shared a lot about it with me,” he explains.
“When I went there and saw it with my own eyes. I realised the skate community lacks resources.”
What he witnessed was both raw and motivating - talented young skaters navigating rough terrain, often skating on dirt or in spaces where they were not always welcome.
“These kids are skating on dirt sometimes they get kicked out by locals because they’re too loud,” he says.
“So we decided - let’s build a really big skatepark, not just for those kids, but for all of Africa.”
For Vanporppal, Uganda has become more than just a destination - it’s personal.
“Now I consider it like my second home. Isaac and Ephraim are like my brothers, wherever they’re from, I feel like I’m from.”
While the project centres on skateboarding, its impact reaches far beyond the sport itself. Vanporppal believes skateparks can transform communities.
“Once you build a skatepark somewhere, crime rates and drug use go down,” he says. “It gives kids something to do, a purpose.”
Having experienced the positive influence of skateboarding in his own life, he sees it as a powerful tool for redirection and hope.
“Skateboarding changed our lives. I was once in those kids’ shoes, but skating always led me away from bad things.”
The vision is clear: a space that nurtures talent, fosters belonging, and inspires future generations.
“The kids skating now - they are the future. If we lead them in the right direction, they’ll keep building the culture.”
Travelling across multiple African countries on a skateboard is no small feat - and Vanporppal is candid about the challenges.
“It’s definitely risky… you feel every emotion,” he admits. “You worry about things like getting hit by a car, or worse, but those ‘what ifs’ are in your head.”
From navigating muddy terrain in Tanzania to enduring hunger and difficult sleeping conditions, the journey has tested both physical and mental resilience.
“We suffered a lot, but we always kept a smile on our faces. We pushed with faith over fear.”
His unwavering mindset, supported by belief and purpose, keeps him moving forward.
“We all believe in God, and we trust that we’re protected. No matter what happens, it’s part of the story.”
Before embarking on this journey, Vanporppal admits he had a limited understanding of Africa, shaped largely by media narratives.
What he found instead was something entirely different.
“Everyone back home told me it was a bad idea, but I wanted to see it for myself,” he says. “And it blew my mind.”
From Rwanda to Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and now South Africa, the journey has been defined by human connection.
“The people have made this trip what it is,” he reflects. “We’ve met skaters, families, entrepreneurs - people who welcomed us like family.”
He recalls moments like being hosted by a skate community in Rwanda and connecting with young entrepreneurs in Tanzania.
“These are friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Now in Johannesburg, Vanporppal is embracing the local culture while preparing for the next leg of his journey, which will take him through Durban and along the Garden Route to Cape Town.
“We don’t just want to pass through - we want to experience South Africa,” he says.
His message to South Africans and potential supporters is simple yet powerful:
“We’re raising money to build skateparks across Africa, starting with Uganda. This is about helping kids and showing what skateboarding can do.”
He’s also calling on brands, organisations, and individuals to get involved.
“If you believe in what we’re doing, you can be part of this journey. It all starts here.”
Vanporppal’s journey is more than a travel story - it’s a movement rolling across continents.
With every kilometre, he’s not only challenging perceptions of Africa but also building something tangible for its youth.
In a world often divided, his mission reminds us of the power of shared passion, purpose and the simple act of showing up - board beneath your feet and a vision ahead.