Europe is solidifying its status as a hub for exciting skateboarding contests, and we are here for it. Eschewing traditional scoring and judging, these events emphasize the raw passion of skateboarding, allowing fans to witness incredible skills, connect with their favorite pros, and celebrate the culture.
Following the success of events like HELride in Helsinki and CPH Pro in Copenhagen, Oskar Rozenberg stepped up to host his own contest, the Oski Blast, in Malmö, Sweden. This event offered a refreshing take on competitive skateboarding, featuring a series of “challenges” where Oski and his crew showcased their talents in a jam-style format. The best part? It was completely free for the local community to come and enjoy, turning the whole thing into a massive block party. It was a fitting end to the summer, and hopefully, this will become an annual tradition.
While we couldn’t make the journey ourselves, we teamed up with the talented Tor Ström, thanks to SKF’s help. Tor provided us with a fantastic recap. His recent project on Place, “Is This The Place?”, is also worth checking out. He delivered some great content, making us all wish we’d been there.
The Oski Blast: More Than Just a Skate Contest
The Oski Blast wasn’t your typical skate contest; it was a celebration of skateboarding culture, community, and the joy of riding. The jam-style format meant skaters were encouraged to express themselves creatively, rather than being constrained by rigid rules. This approach brought a unique and vibrant energy to the event, creating an atmosphere where both skaters and spectators could have a great time.
The contest format was designed to be inclusive and fun. With no entry fee, it removed barriers and encouraged participation from a wide range of skaters. The “challenges” added an element of surprise, pushing skaters to think outside the box and come up with innovative tricks. This approach fostered a friendly competitive spirit, focusing on fun and progression rather than strict competition.
A Look at the Skateboarding Action
The skateboarding action at Oski Blast was nothing short of spectacular. The skaters, including some of the most talented in the scene, delivered an impressive display of skill, style, and creativity. From technical flatground tricks to massive air over obstacles, every run was filled with something impressive. The informal jam format allowed skaters to push their limits, try new things, and feed off of the energy of the crowd.
One of the key highlights of the event was the sense of community. It wasn’t just about individual performance; it was about coming together to celebrate the sport. The skaters and the crowd showed great support for each other, creating an incredibly positive environment. This sense of camaraderie was what made the Oski Blast so special and why it stood out from other events.
The Future of Skateboarding Events
The success of Oski Blast and other similar events in Europe signals a change in how skateboarding contests are perceived. By focusing on the fun, community, and the raw energy of skateboarding, these events offer a more authentic and engaging experience for both the skaters and the audience. This approach seems to be gaining popularity, and it’s clear that this trend will influence future skateboarding events around the world. It’s a welcome move away from the often strict and impersonal format of traditional competitions.
The Oski Blast was a perfect example of what a skateboarding event can be— a chaotic, fun-filled celebration that brings people together through a shared love of skating. The event perfectly showcased the vibrant skate scene in Malmö, and it sets a high standard for future events.
In conclusion, Oski’s new contest in Malmö was a resounding success, highlighting the best of what the skateboarding world has to offer, from the skill of the riders to the unity of the community. Hopefully, we’ll be seeing more of this style of event in the future.
