september-2010

BARCELONA BOARDERS
harm, skateboarding on pavements where it is
forbidden or damaging public property you’re
unlikely to run into any trouble.
If MACBA is the best place in Barcelona
to practise your ollies, kick-flips and slides,
then out by Barceloneta beach is undoubtedly
the best place to go for a cruise, especially
now that the Passeig Maritim stretches right
up to the sailing ship glass facade of the
W Barcelona hotel. This kilometres-long
coastal boulevard is a favourite hangout for
just about everyone – from holidaymakers
taking a seaside stroll, to rollerbladers, bikers,
and runners tuned into their iPods. Weaving
between them all – on traditional style or,
in increasing numbers, long boards – are
Barcelona’s omnipresent skaters. As Paulo
from Argentina explains, these stretched out
boards are much faster and easier to propel
than their shorter cousins, and are ideal for
getting around quickly.
“I prefer the long board to a skateboard
because I have to make a lot of trips,” he says.
With this you just push off two or three times
and then you relax. With a skateboard you’re
working all the time.”
Tricks aren’t so easy but, as Paulo
demonstrates, using the old sole of a
flip-flop that he finds on the floor (you are
supposed to wear special gloves), if you
gather some speed you can sit on the board
and use your hands to pull off assorted
dangerous manoeuvres.
“THERE’S A GOOD VIBE HERE. IF YOU’RE
SKATING DOWN THE STREET AND
PASS ANOTHER SKATER, YOU JUST
GIVE THEM A LITTLE NOD. IT’S NICE.”
FLY TO BARCELONA (EL PRAT, GIRONA AND REUS) FROM 70 DESTINATIONS, INCLUDING PORTO | ROME (CIAMPINO) |
CAM, 22, ON HOLIDAY, AUSTRALIA