This past year, I’ve been on a mission to slow down time. The journey with Jenkem has been amazing, but it’s flown by, and I often found myself caught up in the business side of things. To combat that, I’ve been actively seeking novel experiences and connections within the skate community. This summer was a whirlwind of travel and contests, and I’m excited to share some highlights with you. This isn’t for the masses, it’s for the real heads who appreciate the culture – just you and me.
Ian Michna's summer travels
In May, I found myself in Paris, finally meeting Pontus Alv in person. After years of texts and interviews, it was great to connect face-to-face. Pontus seems to be enjoying life in Paris, and he even did a little doodle for me, which now hangs in our office. He also casually mentioned he could retire any day, a testament to the success of Polar Skate Co.
Meeting Pontus Alv in Paris
Just a classic Parisian scene. On the Jenkem front, we’ve been debating creating a “Required Viewing” list for new interns, featuring classic skate videos such as Eastern Exposure 3, Destroying America, The House Vid, Illigitimate Bastard Child, and Horny Mom Busts a Phat Tre Flip. However, I’m realizing that might not be the best idea. Diverse influences are crucial for creating unique content, and relying on the same source material could quickly lead to monotony.
A classic Parisian street scene
I also met Vitoria early in her US journey. Her English was limited, but her bright personality was undeniable. Later, at the Vans Huntington contest, she was fully integrated into the scene, as if she’d been around for years. While staying local can create mystique, like Casper Brooker or Tom Knox, skaters wanting broader exposure and financial opportunities often find it beneficial to spend time in New York and Los Angeles, where global budgets are accessible.
Vitoria, a skater making her mark in the US
Billy Rohan, a true mad genius, always has an idea. He’s been on the verge of several game-changing breakthroughs, from skate shoes with Clarks to skatepark materials in Iraq and Afghanistan. Billy embodies the original New York spirit of “anything is possible,” a stark contrast to the city’s current corporate-dominated culture.
Billy Rohan, a visionary in the skate world
Tompkins Square Park is like the pre-fab park in your hometown, but smack in the middle of NYC. It’s a melting pot of stoners, passersby, and kooks, where any new obstacle is quickly worn out. Locals often repurpose the obstacles, like this drop-in that resembles a wrestling ring more than a skate feature.
A repurposed skate obstacle at Tompkins Square Park
This is a photograph by Charlie Samuels, a photographer who captured Harold Hunter skitching on a classic yellow taxi, with the Twin Towers in the background – an iconic moment in skateboarding history.
Charlie Samuels' iconic photo of Harold Hunter
In Helsinki, we maximized our footage, filming every single day for a week. Despite being burnt out, we produced videos for Eetu and Marius, a Helsinki recap, and a social media post that reached 5 million views. This proves that a motivated two-person team can achieve a lot, as long as they can control their partying habits.
Helsinki Skate Trip
We also celebrated Nicole Hause going pro at the Wheels of Fortune event. Nicole’s “drunk” appearance was a sight to behold, and her family and teammates had to remain hidden until the announcement. It was a great moment of joy and celebration within the skate community.
Nicole Hause's Pro Celebration at Wheels of Fortune
Skateboarding is unique in its accessibility to the best in the world. You can easily encounter top skaters at any popular street spot. Unlike other sports or artistic pursuits, skaters interact directly and organically with their idols. This open accessibility is a unique quality of skateboarding culture.
Skateboarding's accessibility to pro skaters
Myles, or @lilshirtbigpantsgirl, was surprised with the cover of the newest issue of Mess Magazine, a new print publication dedicated to underrepresented skateboarding scenes. Mess is doing great work by highlighting rad individuals often overlooked by mainstream media. Check them out if you’re looking for something outside the usual fare.
Myles featured on the cover of Mess Magazine
Sheezy is someone I can’t praise enough. Her humor, kindness, and Australian perspective are a breath of fresh air in the American skate scene. She’s incredibly grateful for the opportunities she has, which is not always the case in an industry where some people don’t even know how to book their own flights.
Sheezy, a fresh perspective on the skate scene
Sheezy and I went to a shooting range, an experience both of us found somewhat disconcerting. The ease of access to guns was surprising, and I can now understand, in a way, why some Americans are so attached to their right to own them. They’re like a deadly security blanket, an idea that is, inherently, very American.
Sheezy at a shooting range
Kelly Hart invited me to his birthday, which was a pleasant surprise. Instead of a big industry party, Kelly opted for a small gathering of close friends, which made the invite feel more meaningful. It was refreshing to be around genuine people with no ulterior motives.
Kelly Hart's birthday celebration
This summer has been a whirlwind of experiences, from meeting legends to celebrating new talent. It’s clear that skateboarding is more than just a sport; it’s a community that embraces individuality, creativity, and a shared passion for rolling. And I’m thankful to be a part of it.
(Photos and captions by: Ian Michna)
