Dear Scorum community, today I have chosen to write about Skateboarding and an a skate-boarder friend, because is amazing how this sport has taken him to many places and the experiences that this has led him to live; for this reason I did a little interview and research.
Skateboarding has existed since the 1950s. At first was as an alternative to surfing when the water was flat but it eventually broke off and formed its own and unique subculture, based around the act of performing tricks on a skateboard. Initially, it was all about riding in backyard pools, later in the 80s it moved out into parking lots, where skateboarders used the parking curbs to perform tricks as if it were the edge of a pool; it was all about creativity. Actually skateboarding has evolved the use of many different kinds of architecture and terrains, by great popularity. With the pass of the time, more and more teens and young adults are beginning to skateboard over traditional sports, thus Skate parks are seen popping up all over the world.
Salef Ouedrago, Civil engineer of 29 years old, was born in Kiev and actually lives in Ecuador. He has practiced skateboarding since when he was 15, meaning more than a hobby, a truly passion. He started to practice it because some neighbors used to do it, at first Salef started to practice in his home terrace and once He felt confident went to park; He did it and he loved it; since that day he never stopped, learning new tricks, meeting new people and traveling to different places.
Next I will quote my favorite questions about the interview:
What does skate mean to you?
For me, skateboarding is everything. Legally it is a sport and it has helped me to maintain a healthy life. But beyond any sport skateboarding for me is an urban culture. If you do it with passion, no matter where in the world you are. Other skaters will welcome you with open arms. I always remember when I once lost my job 2 months earlier than planned in Waukegan. For my luck I had friends skaters there and they welcomed me as a brother, those 2 months were the best I've had outside of Ecuador.
How do you combine your profession with skateboarding?
My parents have always taught me to organize my time, so that I always have space to do what is important to grow professionally and not stop doing what I love. So I've always done my best, in order to do not stop skating through college, university or work. And to this day it has worked for me and I think it is not necessary to stop doing what you love for no reason. Or else it does not make sense to live. Either you love what you do or you learn to love what life puts on you.
Who are your idols?
I have many Idols. As for skateboarding, I must mention Steve Caballero. It's amazing how it keeps rolling to this day and it's one of those that has changed the skate scene from what it was to what it is now. I also love what Steve Berra and Eric Koston has done with "THE BERRICS" or Rodney Mullen has invented so many tricks that are the basis of all the tricks in skateboarding. In the country there have also been and always continue to appear new skate players that make the skate grow and are so many that I could not mention them without forgetting some. With which I have been working hand in hand is with Broken Bones Skateshop and Strucktural shoes that are two companies that not only focus on their own growth, but always promote events and support the continued growth of skateboarding. (From skateboarders to skaters)
In what championships and skate tracks have you been?
My participated in my first contest when I was 16 years old. And it was the first prize I had. And the last contest in which I was awarded was when I was 24 years old in Tulcán. From there he has participated in several competitions and I continue to participate. As for the contest that I liked the most was at Bethlehem Skate plaza in 2011. I had the best trick in the quarter and the shot appeared on the Berrics page. When I saw the shot, I had an unforgettable feeling. Until now, I remember the emotion. And about the Skate tracks, I can not remember all of them, well there are many: in France, Czech Republic, Usa, Canada and in Ecuador; and many more. Personally, the best indoor park I've been to was Mystic skatepark in Prague and the best Outdoor was P-rod in Los Angeles.
Scorum, gives us the opportunity to share many stories of athletes, sportsmen and sportswoman that are not necessary too famous. Lets keep sharing amazing info and stories.!
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