Valentine’s Day often brings to mind fancy dinners and awkward dating app encounters. But for Miami-based skaters Adrian Jimenez and Tiara Maranon, romance takes a different form: a shared passion for skateboarding. This Valentine’s Day, we’re diving into their unique relationship to explore the romantic side of skating and learn about their collaborative skate video project.
Adrian Jimenez skating
Adrian and Tiara have been together for three years. They’ve discovered that skating together can actually be romantic. More than just skating partners, they’ve embarked on a unique journey: filming a skate part together. Tiara steps behind the lens, making them a dynamic duo.
We at Jenkem HQ, are always interested in exploring relationships within skate culture. We reached out to Adrian and Tiara to learn more about their experiences.
How did you guys first decide that you would film a skate video together?
Tiara: Adrian wanted to film a part. Originally, he was going to work with our friend Kyle, but Kyle got a girlfriend and a full-time job, which made scheduling difficult. Then, we took a trip to LA with our HVX camera. At the time, I had only filmed iPhone clips but I wanted to learn how to film properly. We went to a spot, Adrian showed me how to use the camera, and we got our first clip together.
Adrian approved of my filming [laughs]. After that, we set a goal to film Adrian’s part together. We’ve been together for almost three years now, and I started filming about six months ago.
Adrian: Even before she learned how to film, we were always skating together. Wherever I went, Tiara always wanted to come, and we live together, so it was natural. We pushed each other to get better. So when it came to filming, it was the same thing, just with a heavier camera.
Tiara, what is your background with filming and video work in general?
T: I used to be an aspiring YouTuber before I started skating [laughs]. I never expected to get as many subscribers as I did. I started posting videos in middle school and continued into the beginning of high school. Through that, I taught myself the basics of editing and filming. Skating really pushed me to want to learn more about camera work because I was filming Adrian with our phones, but getting a real clip is so much more satisfying.
Tiara filming Adrian
Is the sex better after you get a clip together?
T & A: Wouldn’t know. We have a serious sexphobia.
Adrian, do you get jealous when she films with other guys? Or Tiara, when he skates with other filmers?
A: Nah, of course not, she films a lot of my friends too.
T: When Adrian films with other people it’s always guys, so I don’t care. But, if it was another girl filming him…
Tiara, were you really ready to get run over by a golf cart so Adrian could get that ollie in, kickflip off of The Triangle?
T: Security at that spot just does too much, so if me getting run over means getting the clip, I’m down. I’ll definitely step up at any place, anytime. That’s just me.
Valentine's Skate GIF
How does the creative collaboration on a project like this work?
T: Since it’s Adrian’s part, he had more creative control because it’s his vision, but I helped with every step of the process and had input with song choices or what clips blend into each other.
Do you ever disagree on the filming and editing stuff?
T: The fact that we’re boyfriend and girlfriend has definitely intervened while we’re filming because Adrian can sometimes get a little frustrated when he’s trying a trick, and I’ll feel some type of way about it [laughs]. But we always resolve our problems at the end of the day.
Who are some filmers/editors that you like and want to learn/take things from?
T: Justin Castillo and Omar Massiah, local filmers and friends, because they’re putting on for Miami and make great projects.
Tiara portrait
After the two of you go out skating, are there any post-skate rituals?
A: It depends, because sometimes there’s a bet behind getting a clip. Like, “Dinner on me, this try” or, “I’ll buy you an eighth.” We do stretch together after skating when we aren’t being lazy [laughs].
How crucial is it to be interested in your partner’s hobbies?
T: I think showing interest in things your partner is passionate about is very important. It’s nice to know your partner cares about things you’re interested in – not just skating-wise either, but other interests or hobbies we might have like shows, art, Pokemon, and so on.
Is there anything romantic about skating?
A: When we push each other to do new things in skating it’s pretty cool because you know you were the reason why they did it. You also feel connected to the other person when they do something out of their comfort zone, you know?
Valentine's Skate GIF
Why are skaters notoriously bad boyfriends?
T: Because they have cheese grated socks and boxers, and they spend all their time at the skatepark.
Besides usually having a mattress on the floor, what are some benefits to dating a skater?
A: Having a filmer [laughs]. Nah, but just having someone to grow with in skating and all aspects of life.
T: Building fun memories every day, having something to do together every day no matter what, watching shows and skate videos together, being each other’s designated filmer, and having someone to back you up on tricks.
What if Adrian proposes to you at a skatepark? Would that be a dealbreaker?
T: Any normal person would call it a dealbreaker, but for our relationship, it would be super fitting. Adrian and I met at a skatepark, and we had our first “date” at the skatepark where he taught me how to drop in. Getting proposed to at the skatepark would be a cute full-circle moment, even though it’s super corny.
For Adrian and Tiara, skateboarding is more than just a hobby, it’s a shared passion that strengthens their bond. Their story shows that romance can be found in unexpected places, even at the skatepark.
