While New York City has been a skateboarding hotspot for decades, it’s undeniable that the scene has become somewhat saturated. With countless brands and skaters flocking to the same iconic locations, it’s rare to discover fresh, skateable spots. This is why we were particularly excited when our friend Ollie Rodgers, a former intern, proposed an exploration of Hong Kong’s less-traveled skateboarding terrain.
After returning to Hong Kong from New York, Ollie reconnected with old friends and began freelancing. This aligned perfectly with our goal to showcase the global skateboarding community, moving beyond the usual American hubs. We hope this feature is just the start of more Jenkem Asia coverage.
Ollie collaborated with Mikey Silva, who recently relocated from San Francisco to Hong Kong for a restaurant job. Together, they used their knowledge of the city’s hidden gems and challenging hills to demonstrate that Hong Kong offers much more than just perfect marble plazas. This exploration reveals the unique and “crusty” terrain that makes skateboarding in Hong Kong so distinctive.
Hong Kong Skateboarding Crew
The featured skaters in this exploration include:
- Mikey Silva (https://instagram.com/mikey_silva)
- Josiah Wuthier (https://instagram.com/josiahwuthier)
- Dan Leung (https://instagram.com/danleung_)
photo: elton fung
The skaters navigate a spot with a rough and uneven surface, highlighting the unique challenges of skateboarding in Hong Kong.
photo: owen yu
This image captures the intensity of skateboarding down a steep, crowded Hong Kong hill, showcasing the adventurous spirit of the skaters.
photo: elton fung
This shot features a skater executing a trick on a gritty street in Hong Kong, highlighting the raw and authentic skateboarding experience.
The video was filmed and edited by Ollie Rodgers (https://instagram.com/ollierodgers1), with additional filming by Patrik Wallner (https://instagram.com/patrik_wallner). The photography is courtesy of Elton Fung (https://instagram.com/freedomgum) and Owen Yu (https://www.instagram.com/owenyu/?hl=en).
This project underscores the diversity of skateboarding and the endless possibilities for exploration, even in seemingly well-trodden locations. Hong Kong’s skate scene, as showcased here, offers a fresh perspective and unique challenges that differentiate it from the more familiar skate destinations.
Conclusion
This exploration of Hong Kong’s skateboarding scene reveals a world beyond the typical marble plazas and well-known spots. Through the lens of Ollie Rodgers, Mikey Silva, and their crew, we see the potential for discovery and adventure in a city brimming with unique, “crusty” terrain. This feature is a testament to the global nature of skateboarding and the constant search for new and exciting places to ride. It’s a reminder that the spirit of skateboarding thrives not only in the polished skateparks but also in the raw, untamed streets of cities like Hong Kong.
