When was your first skateboarding experience, and which was the most intense since you’ve been riding?
I had my first experience with skateboarding when I was really little, probably like 5 or 6 years old. My dad bought me a skateboard as a toy and I immediately started going down the hills in the neighbourhood, and jumping off those little ramps for cars. Overall it was fun. I treated it like a toy, putting it down and picking it back up. At 12 I started taking it more seriously (tricks, etc) and I bought my first pro model board. So from 12 to 18 (present) I’ve spent most of my time on my board.
So many experiences…
I think I can remember every specific day that I would go about the spots in my town. All the years I spent skateboarding has been one long, intense experience.
You just turned 18, have you thought about what you are going to do now? Study, for example?
A lot of thoughts have crossed my mind…They sent me to enlist in the army, and now I’m in the process of getting relieved from duty. I’m going to do whatever I can so that I can go to university (for film-making most likely) but it’s going to be tough financially, and I’ll probably have to work a job as well. What’s troubling me a little is the time I’ll have left to skate. So I’ll try to get out as much as I can and hope that it works out. Hopefully my job will have something to do with skateboarding, not something irrelevant. I’ve also been toying with the idea of getting out of Cyprus and not coming back. It’ll be hard, but nothing’s impossible.
How would you describe the skate scene in Cyprus? if you had the chance to change something what would that be?
The skate scene in Cyprus is constantly changing. I remember 5 years ago when I would go to Pallouriotissa Plaza, and there was no room for us to roll. We’d be crashing into each other. And it was even better 10 years ago when I didn’t skate. After that the scene started to droop more and more. People were quitting for various reasons (injuries, money, army, studies, work) and it got to a point where I couldn’t find people to skate with, and would find myself out at spots alone. Many times I remember I’d set the camera and film myself. Now it’s heating up again thanks to some new parks that opened up in Lemeso, and Larnaca. If I had the chance to change something, I’d make a proper skatepark that would motivate the skaters to practice there. I’ve also always imagined opening the first skateboard company in Cyprus.
How are skaters seen in your city ? What is your behaviour towards them?
Personally I don’t have any sort of “problem” with the way people treat us skaters. They can’t say anything when we’re in public spaces, and usually no one cares. I understand why private spaces are a bust, but if it’s for a trick on film we’ll do anything and everything to get the job done.
Which skater do you admire the most? Do you have any idols, or a favourite video part ?
David Gonzalez is one of my favourite skaters with his crazy style. Nyjah Huston, who’s just a “skate video game” in real life. Dustin Dollin, Tommy Sandoval, and Felipe Gustavo. I got to see Felipe up-close when he came to Cyprus a few months ago. I don’t have a role-model because, thanks to my Mom’s upbringing, I see and judge every issue independently. All the famous people that look super cool in videos and advertisements, no matter how good their style is, we have no way of knowing who they really are. One of my favourite parts these days is Gonzalez’s “Possesed to Skate”.
If you were given 1 million euros, name the 3 first things you would do?
First off, I hope that happens, haha! The first thing I would do is pay off the small debts my Mom and I have, that would help her out. The biggest thing I’d do would be to travel to different countries (for skating, of course.) I feel like I deserve it, because for the past 7 years I’ve been skating, I’ve never had the chance to go abroad – and it was the last thing I had in mind. Maybe I would start a small business, something to do with skateboarding. Like a small shop/skatepark combination here in Cyprus.
How long have you been painting ? Have you ever thought of doing that professionally ?
I’ve been drawing since I was a kid. They said I had talent at school. The past 5 years I’ve been doing it more seriously, putting in more time, and advancing my craft with more materials and different methods. I’ve thought that I could do it professionally many times, but I don’t have any plan per se. I don’t think I’d go to school for it either. But if there’s an opportunity I will seize it.
Which city would you like to live and skate in?
Ever since i was a child I have always wanted to leave Cyprus and live somewhere else, in another country. I had in mind Burgas in Bulgaria, where my mother comes from but I don’t see that coming since they are financially in a bad situation and I have no place to stay. The first time I get the chance to go abroad i’ll do it. I am willing and open to all chances. I would love to live in Melbourne, Australia, I don’t know why but I have heard that their lifestyle is good and I have seen that skating there is awesome.
Which is your favourite genre of music? What do you listen to when you skate?
Whatever I enjoy. For skateboarding mostly rock, heavy metal, and punk.
Would you like to thank someone? Any final additions ?
I’d like to thank my Mom who’s always been by my side, and who raised me on her own for so long. Also all the guys that I skate with, and especially Christo Yiannaki for being a great filmer. He’s filmed most of my tricks! What I want and hope for is to keep pushing for as long as I can, and for opportunities to open up along the way.
