A short film trilogy about skate comps in Europe
- Text by Shelley Jones
For the last couple of months we’ve had the pleasure and pain (DP John Fisher achieved a particularly howling shinner at the Bodega Hammer in Copenhagen) of following Nike SB skater Casper Brooker around the Copenhagen Open and the Nike Euro Series – three events consisting of the Barcelona AM, the London Am, and the Berlin Open.
We wanted the series, now available to watch in full below, to offer a sort of outsider’s eye into the life of a skateboarder on his way to a pro career. Comps, like the ones featured in the series, are a sort of level playing field for skaters everywhere to go and prove themselves in front of the industry’s watchful eye – especially those outside major cities who can’t get as much coverage.
But for many who don’t skate, or aren’t in the industry, there’s a certain amount of mystery shrouding the riotous events. So this is our three-part deconstruction. We hope you enjoy.
You might like
Leticia Bufoni is one of the greatest skaters ever. Now she’s tearing up asphalt.
Vamos, Leticia! — The Brazilian trailblazer helped rewrite the rulebook for women in skateboarding – and now she’s setting the pace behind the wheel for Porsche. For Huck’s 20th Anniversary Issue, she reflects on shredding stereotypes, building a career in male-dominated spaces, empowering the next generation, and the lessons that defined her journey.
Written by: Tracy Kawalik
Dropping in at Lahore’s first ever public skatepark
Skate Pakistan — Set right in the centre of Pakistan’s capital city, the free-to-use space has started a mini youth revolution in the country. Z. Raza-Sheikh tracks how it came to open its doors.
Written by: Z. Raza-Sheikh
The concrete skatepark oasis in the Navajo Nation desert
Diné Skate Garden — Opening in 2023, the Two Grey Hills spot is getting people of all ages on the reservation onto boards. We spoke to those behind the project about its impact, its growing importance as a community gathering space, and their ambitious vision for expansion.
Written by: Tyrone Bulger
Inside the London rollerskating scene’s fight for space
Chop & shuffle — A new, young generation is skating with a style unique to the UK’s capital, but they’re up against security guards, dog units, and padlocks. Sunny Sunday reports on the community’s search for a home.
Written by: Sunny Sunday
In Palestine Skating Game, rollerblading is resistance
Inline protest — Blending influences from Jet Set Radio and Tony Hawk Pro Skater, the psychedelic video game sees players move through the West Bank and tag occupying soldiers with spray paint. Amaar Chowdhury speaks to the team – some living in Gaza – who are currently developing it.
Written by: Amaar Chowdhury
Brick rattling memories of San Francisco’s skateboarding golden age
EPICENTER — In the early ’90s, the city’s scene revolved around the Embarcadero Plaza, or EMB as it was lovingly known. Now, with the area facing redevelopment, a new book by Jacob Rosenberg immortalises its heyday.
Written by: Isaac Muk