Red Bull’s “Greetings From” series highlights skateboarding scenes around the world, and one episode focuses on Santiago, Chile, a rising force in South American skating. To delve deeper, we spoke with Nicolas Garay, who has been documenting skateboarding in Santiago and beyond for over a decade through his Fuera de Foco project. He shares his insights on South American skate culture, the relevance of print magazines, and what the American skate industry could learn.
Nicolas Garay leaning on a ramp while filming a skateboarder.
Why do South American skaters seem to have so much pop?
It could be the challenging skate conditions in Brazil. The ground isn’t great, and there are rocks everywhere. So, when they find a smooth surface, they can really unleash their pop.
But wouldn’t that mean New York skaters would have incredible pop too?
[Laughs] Maybe it’s genetics. They excel in various sports, and their diets are generally healthy. My Brazilian friends eat plenty of fruit, protein, beans, and legumes daily, which likely gives them the energy for that pop. [Laughs] Perhaps the US lacks that healthy food culture. Also, Brazil has longer summers, allowing for more skate time. New York’s rain and snow might be a factor.
How easy is it to find popular American brands in Chilean skate shops?
We have access to everything here. It’s very easy compared to places like Argentina and Peru, where they often ask us to bring stuff. Brazil has its own thriving industry and focuses on local brands. Visitors often take advantage and buy everything they can here. Chile and the US have a favorable economic relationship.
Nicolas Garay looking at the camera with a skateboard in the background.
Is filming skating your full-time job?
No, but all my work revolves around video. I create music videos, restaurant promos, film contests, and work with Vans and DC. I’ve always worked within the skating and film industries.
Which filmers and videos inspired you to start filming skating?
I was inspired by Chilean filmers such as Dario Covarrubias, CAF Prod, Yair Barrios, Juan Quintana, Francisco Arteaga, El Paparazzi, Obrero, José Parra, and 80 Films. I also enjoyed foreign films, Lakai videos, Stay Gold, and Kids in Emerica.
Currently, I appreciate New Balance videos and Ty Evans’ work. I’ve started focusing more on the cinematography than just the raw skating. Of course, skating is the priority, but I appreciate the cinematography, the landscapes, and all those elements. It’s a 50/50 balance.
It’s surprising you like Ty Evans’ work, as many skaters find his newer work too artificial.
I enjoy both skating and film, while some skaters prefer the focus to be on tricks and difficulty, finding Ty’s videos too artificial. My appreciation for his work comes from a cinematographic standpoint, considering the different cameras, gimbals, and gear he uses. I’m referring more to his filming techniques than the actual skating.
Nicolas Garay sitting on a bench with filming equipment next to him.
Your videos have a distinctive cinematic style compared to typical VX or HPX filming. Does this help you secure other types of jobs?
Definitely. That camera allows me to take on jobs that wouldn’t be possible with other skate cameras.
You wouldn’t film restaurant promos on a VX1000, would you?
[Laughs] No, they wouldn’t accept that. Although some places appreciate that vintage, raw aesthetic for a unique touch. It’s also effective for events.
Nicolas Garay walking on the street with a camera on his shoulder.
What do Chilean people generally think about skating and skaters?
It’s similar everywhere. Some people dislike the noise and the fact that we mark up walls and break things. They don’t understand us. Only a few understand and appreciate a photo of someone jumping over a rail instead of just using it as a support. There are those who like it and those who don’t, like everywhere else. But there aren’t many haters here.
We released a video from a Japanese crew who said it’s difficult to street skate there because it’s often illegal…
In Chile, there aren’t any laws against skateboarding. If the police arrive, you just tell them you’re only skating, and they’ll kick you out. They’re not usually aggressive unless someone is provoking them or has a bad attitude.
Can you bribe the police in Chile?
No, it’s extremely difficult. You can be arrested and fined if you try. Once in Bolivia, we were filming, and the owner claimed we damaged the paint. The police demanded $250 for damages, or we’d go to Bolivian jail. It was a Friday, so we paid up to avoid spending the weekend in jail. The police then divided the money among themselves. That doesn’t happen in Chile.
I see you can sandboard in Chile. Have you ever tried it?
I’ve never been sandboarding, but it’s possible in other parts of Chile. There’s a spot near Santiago where people do it.
You also run a magazine there. What’s the size of each issue, and how long does it take to produce?
We publish one issue per year, and we’re on our eighth edition. We started our own publication because of issues with other magazines in Chile. We felt that our filming and shooting were appearing in mediums that didn’t share our perspective. The magazine is 56 pages, filled with our content, art sections, music sections, all related to skating. We print 2,000 copies in Santiago, which are distributed throughout Chile.
Does the magazine generate revenue, and can you live off it?
It’s difficult to live solely off a magazine. The magazine supplements our video and photography work. It serves as a reference to show brands that we’re serious and comprehensive. We pay photographers and editors, but it’s not enough to live on.
Do you think print is more in demand now than a few years ago?
When we started, we were already in the transition from digital to tangible. Instagram was popular, everyone used YouTube, and VHS players were obsolete. People liked having a tangible item on their coffee tables. We started at the right time.
Nicolas Garay holding his magazine in front of a graffitied wall.
South America’s influence on skating has grown significantly in recent years. It’s time for you to have your own outlets instead of relying on US publications. You can tell your own stories in your own way.
I agree, and I discuss this with my friends and colleagues. More mediums and projects benefit everyone and expand the skating community. If someone wants to make a living skating, they can because we’re all working towards that goal. Waiting for Thrasher or Berrics to publish our tricks online won’t get us anywhere.
Who are the next big skaters coming out of South America?
In Peru, Renato Silva is incredibly talented, around 20 years old. I met him in Lima in 2016, and he was already doing impressive tricks. In Brazil, Marcelo Batista has incredible pop. His heelflip is incredibly high. He’ll be featured in our next magazine. In Chile, Ronald Ramirez, Carlos Chilet, Juan Carlos Liste, and Bastien Nunez are ones to watch. Francisco Pietroboni, who lives in Barcelona, has an elegant style. Mario Luraschi, also in Barcelona, has a clean style. Jose Cantillana, Matias Arraño, Ian Varas, Valentina Petric, and Charlotte Reyes are also promising skaters.
Nicolas Garay with a group of skateboarders, with one doing a trick on a ramp.
What aspects of the skateboarding industry need improvement?
Rather than the industry itself, some personalities need adjustment. During my travels, I’ve encountered skaters who are not humble, unfriendly, and closed-minded about contests and competition. We should focus on becoming better people, which will gradually improve everything. Positive thinking leads to positive growth.
Interview by: Alexis Castro
Photos by: Andres Navarro