India, a land of vibrant chaos and profound spirituality, presents a unique travel experience. For those seeking adventure beyond the typical tourist trail, it offers a landscape ripe for exploration, even on a skateboard. This is the story of Jan Schiefermair and his crew, who embarked on an unconventional skate trip through India, breaking all the “rules” and encountering the unexpected at every turn.
Their journey wasn’t about finding perfect skate spots; it was about immersing themselves in the culture, embracing the chaos, and discovering the underlying order within it. They navigated crowded streets, rode chaotic trains, and even sampled the Ganges River, all while capturing the essence of their experience. This trip was about the spirit of exploration, the thrill of experimentation, and the occasional brush with danger, a true testament to the skateboarder’s adventurous heart.
Jan Schiefermair skateboarding in Jaipur, India
An Unplanned Adventure
The motivation wasn’t to film a skate video but rather to experience India with good friends. They carried a small camera, and the skating was incidental to the journey itself. The lack of skate spots was apparent, leading to a lot of time spent on trains and navigating the chaotic streets. This chaos, initially overwhelming, eventually became part of the experience. They embraced the madness, hitching rides on Tuk-Tuks and motorcycles, finding their place within the vibrant landscape.
Jan was surprised when reviewing the footage, realizing that they actually skated more than he remembered. Much of the film, however, captured the everyday scenes of Indian street life, providing a window into the reality of the country beyond the usual tourist lens. It was this raw and authentic perspective that eventually shaped their video.
Holy Water and Wandering Cows
One of their most memorable experiences was a sunrise boat trip in Varanasi, near the corpse-burning ghats. Fueled by the previous night’s festivities, Jan and his friends took a sip from the Ganges River, a river known for its pollution. This act, while seemingly foolish, was a testament to their willingness to fully embrace the local experience. The absurdity of the moment, compounded by a bloated cow floating by shortly after, perfectly encapsulated the surreal nature of their trip.
Cows, sacred in India, were another ever-present element of their experience. These animals roam freely through the cities, a striking sight for Western eyes. They were seen in train stations, in the middle of traffic, and everywhere in between. The freedom they enjoyed was a stark contrast to the structured environments the crew was used to.
Jan Schiefermair taking a photo in Varanasi, India
Street Food and Language Barriers
Despite travel guides warning against it, the crew found street food to be the best culinary experience. They discovered that the freshest and most flavorful meals were from local vendors, where the constant flow of customers ensured the quality of the food. Their experiences contrasted with a fancy restaurant, where the food was both underwhelming and questionable. This was just one of the many ways they discovered the importance of embracing local customs and avoiding tourist traps.
Communication, despite the language barrier, was surprisingly easy. English and gestures proved sufficient for most situations, allowing them to navigate the country and interact with locals effectively.
Alex P taking a photo in India
Train Adventures and Unexpected Encounters
The Indian railway system provided a unique experience, where long journeys became an adventure in themselves. The train cars were packed with people, vendors selling everything from chai to socks, and even impromptu musical performances. The crew met up with Australian friends in New Delhi, and without a set itinerary, they traveled south towards Mumbai, letting their curiosity and chance encounters guide their way.
A visit to the Kama Sutra Temples in Khajuraho, with their ancient carvings depicting sex scenes, was one of the unexpected destinations, demonstrating the blend of historical and cultural richness that India had to offer. The trip itself covered over 3,000 km, a testament to their commitment to exploration.
The Skateboarding Experience
Despite India not being known as a skate destination, the crew managed to find opportunities to skate. The local reaction was always positive, with crowds gathering to watch, sometimes enjoying the slams even more than the successful tricks. The crew found themselves performing for an audience, bringing a unique form of entertainment to the local populace.
Even in the slums of Varanasi, where they were initially warned not to go, they were welcomed by the local kids and engaged in friendly games of cricket. Their presence wasn’t just a cultural consumption experience, they also introduced their culture to the local people, who seemed captivated by the unfamiliar sight of skateboarding. One Sadhu even likened their skateboarding practice to yoga, highlighting the balance needed in both, both physically and in life.
Callum skateboarding in Varanasi, India
Alcohol, Gutkha, and a Cultural Clash
Alcohol was available, though it felt somewhat clandestine, but was often expensive compared to other goods. They noticed the prevalence of cigarettes and Gutkha, a chewing tobacco that left red stains on the streets. These observations provided a glimpse into the daily habits of the local population.
On their last night in Mumbai, their adventure took a dangerous turn. After sharing drinks with local breakdancers, they ended up on the roof of an unfinished structure, only to be attacked by a group of men armed with bamboo sticks. The situation escalated until they were informed that the building was an unfinished mosque and their presence, drinking and urinating on the roof, had caused deep offense. This experience served as a potent reminder of the cultural sensitivities that they needed to be mindful of.
Callum skateboarding in Varanasi, India
Lessons Learned
The crew was taken to the police station but ultimately released. Their experience, though frightening, reinforced the importance of cultural awareness. The biggest takeaway from the trip, according to Jan, was to “watch out where you pee.” This seemingly simple lesson reflects the reality of navigating a foreign culture and understanding the deeply held beliefs of the local population.
The crew in Jaipur, India
This trip through India was an unconventional skateboarding adventure, one where the skating was incidental to the immersion in a culture vastly different than their own. It was a journey of exploration, discovery, and the occasional brush with danger. It highlighted the power of skateboarding to bring people together, even in the most unexpected of places. This experience proves that a skateboard can be a vehicle for adventure and a unique way to understand the world.
