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How has the Rayssa Leal phenomenon changed the image of skateboarding in Brazilian society?

How has the Rayssa Leal phenomenon changed the image of skateboarding in Brazilian society?

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How has the Rayssa Leal phenomenon changed the image of skateboarding in Brazilian society? Well, let's start off with this... In 2022 there are more girls than boys in skateboarding schools in Brazil.

Don't miss the second part of this conversation with Marcos Hiroshi, former Brazilian professional rider, where we tried to understand how Brazil turned into a massive player in the world of skateboarding.

How do you explain the evolution of skateboarding in Brazil?

We had ups and downs, but at one time skateboarding started to appear frequently on TV and city halls all around Brazil started investing in skateparks. We had this mayor in São Paulo who started building a skatepark in each community youth Centre (places with schools, specialized courses and sports equipment, including, of course, skateparks). In São Paulo around thirty skateparks were build and the city became a reference in skateboarding. Most of these skateparks were built in the city’s outskirts, in poorer neighborhoods and many good riders came out of those initial skateparks.

Mainstream media helped, too…

Indeed. It was when the X-Games appeared. Suddenly, skateboarding was on TV all the time and we had our ace, Bob Burnquist, who became a true ambassador. Many others came afterwards: Sandro Dias, Rodrigo TX, Tiago Lemos, Luan Oliveira and the most recent of all, Rayssa Leal, who at the age of thirteen years old won the silver medal in the Olympics.

Photos credit: Julio Detefon / CBSk

What was the impact caused by Rayssa Leal in Brazil?

A tremendous impact. Every child wants to ride now. Parents are being pressured by their kids to put them in skateboarding schools. The Olympics showed that a little girl can ride and have fun like if she was in a playground. I can even tell you more. In Brazil now, we have more girls than boys in skateboarding schools!

Photos credit: Julio Detefon / CBSk

You have accumulated a lot of experience in skateboarding events in Brazil…

Yes, we acquired a lot knowledge in the last two decades. The CBSK (Brazilian Skate Confederation) exists for twenty years and has many skillful people. We have associations, federations, statutes, projects connected to schools, you name it. They are also many social associations that take kids from streets through skateboarding. All this know-how resulted in big events and we have created a whole group of specialized people along the way.

The image of skateboarding in Brazil has changed…

For sure. It became mainstream and less marginalized. Several years ago, parents didn't want their kids to skate. And a girl? Never! But now that all changed overnight. The general public now understands something about skateboarding because the Olympics and all the Brazilian "skateboarding" idols. Now we have public money allocated to skateboarding, to prepare the Olympics, because skateboarding is an official sport. This money is also used to build more skateparks. The CBSK has an agreement with local and central government to act like an official advisor with skatepark builders to prevent bad constructions.

Photos credit: Julio Detefon / CBSk

How many skateboarders do you have in Brazil?

A search made in 2015 by Data Folha (data platform from newspaper Folha de São Paulo) concluded they were about 8,5 million skateboarders in Brazil, but I can say for sure that we have now more than ten million, after the Olympics in Tokyo.

Instagram Marcos Hiroshi See all skateparks in Brazil

By Manu Silva

Vila Nova De Gaia deserves a better skatepark than this

Does this really count as a skatepark?Vila Nova de Gaia, commonly known as Gaia, is a prominent city in northern Portugal, situated directly across the Douro River from Porto. As part of the Porto metropolitan area, Gaia is renowned for its rich history, cultural attractions, and significant role in the production of Port wine, and its skatepark. Just kidding. It's known for everything before the skatepark part. We were traveling during the Kirk storm and the crazy rains and wind made us change our plans a bit. It didn't make sense to film Ramalde or Maia so we decided to look for a skate-able place when it's raining non-stop. All excited we arrived at the skatepark in Vila Nova De Gaia that serves 304,149 residents: a "miniramp" under a bridge. Unfortunately it was also wet, but even if it would have been dry, it still sucks. Our evaluation of this park? It falls under the better than nothing category. It's shit, yeah, I hate saying a park is shit, but this one really is. The community in Vila Nova De Gaia deserves more. Visit Vila Nova De Gaia skatepark on our map and rate the park!

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Vagos skatepark in Portugal - perfect park to unblock and learn some new tricks

Want to unblock and learn some tricks? Vagos skatepark is the place to beThe Vagos Skatepark, located in Vagos, Aveiro, Portugal, is a compact flow park spanning approximately 250 square meters. Designed and constructed by Wasteland Skateparks, it caters to beginners and enthusiasts of surf-skate and Carver skateboards. The park's layout, inspired by Evergreen Skateparks' Hillsboro project, offers a seamless and enjoyable riding experience. Situated within a residential area, the Vagos Skatepark serves as a community hub, providing a safe and engaging environment for skaters to develop their skills. Its design emphasizes smooth transitions and flowing lines, making it particularly suitable for those new to the sport. So planning a skate road trip in Portugal? Drop by Vagos skatepark and enjoy the park.Visit Vagos Skatepark on our map

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The Mystery of the Belmonte Bowl

Quandary in the Quarry - The Mystery of the Belmonte Bowl. The village of Belmonte (population: ca. 3500) lies towards the northeastern part of Portugal. It’s head of a rural municipality where you can find about 54 people per square kilometre and where they’re highly likely to be advanced in years, as the ratio of elderly to young people is close to 3:1. Towards the northeastern part of the village, not far from the local Intermarché supermarket, there’s a small residential neighbourhood facing an abandoned quarry. Inside this quarry sits one of the biggest skate bowls in the world. It’s a kidney shaped bowl, wrapped around a half-pipe that leads to a fullpipe ending in a cradle. The pictures should help make this clearer. It’s close to 4 metres deep and has almost a full metre of vert all around. There are oververt extensions over a metre tall. It’s a beast of a thing, especially when you consider the standards of skateboarding and skateparks in Portugal. Anyone that sees it immediately asks himself “What the hell is this doing here?” And it seems to me to be a fair, reasonable question. Anyway, when faced with a Portuguese skate-related mystery, there’s always one thing you can do, and that’s call up Luís Paulo. This dude was the first Portuguese skater ever to get sponsored, one of the few to have met Tony Hawk and the only one to have done an aerial over him, so he’s been in the game for a bit and knows his shit. I thank him for giving us the lowdown on this one. Apparently the whole idea came from the Belmonte Municipality. They are close to Serra da Estrela, the only ski resort in Portugal, where there’s also quite a bit of downhill biking and hang gliding going on in the summer, so they figured a skatepark would attract some of that crowd and get some more visitors to come to the village. Not a bad intuition. However, as it often happens, they didn’t consult any skateboarders before diving into the project. At the time, the largest skatepark in the world had just been built in Shanghai (SMP Skatepark – it’s since been surpassed by the one in Guangzhou) and the architects hired to do the job in Belmonte decided to take inspiration from one of its sections. They did an impressive job: the bowl is nicely tucked inside the quarry walls, the transition is good and the full pipe and cradle look amazing. The only problem is that vert skaters in Portugal are thin on the ground. They did build a street section above the bowl, but unfortunately they didn’t study this subject as well as the transition bit, and it’s just unskateable. As it is, the Belmonte Skatepark, which was inaugurated in April of 2011, is about to celebrate its tenth anniversary with a still pristine coping. We have seen examples of what can go down at that bowl when the right people find it, but they’ve been few and far between. In 2012, Jake Phelps and the Thrasher crew (P-Stone, Rhino) came by and brought Peter Hewitt, Pedro Barros, and Grant Taylor for some serious ripping. One year later the Carve Wicked team (Sam Pulley, Alex Perelson, Sam Beckett, Rob Smith, etc.) also dropped some hammers. But the place can take it. In fact, it’s begging for it. If you’re into big walls, start planning that trip and type this into your GPS.

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Almeirim skatepark tour in Portugal

Nestled within the town of Almeirim in Portugal, an inconic spot awaits skateboarders seeking an authentic and gritty experience. Almeirim Skatepark, known for its raw charm and challenging terrain, isn't a park in mint conditions. It's golden days are over. But we gathered the right crew together, who like it rough, met up with some locals and made some memories to last a life time. Almeirim Skatepark may wear its rough edges with pride, but it's precisely this unrefined character and the locals that made this session one to be remembered. Beyond its skateboarding allure, Almeirim offers a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With a population of approximately 12,000 residents, this quaint town is rich in history and culture. Known as the "Capital of the Soup" due to its famous gastronomic festivals, Almeirim invites visitors to indulge in traditional Portuguese cuisine. Exploring the historic center reveals architectural marvels such as the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Almeirim Castle ruins. For those seeking leisurely pursuits, the tranquil banks of the Tagus River provide an ideal setting for relaxation. Extra tip: don't bring a broom, but bring shitloads of them. You are going to have some cleaning to do. Crew of the day: Tiago Miguel, Rodrigo Russo, Rodrigo Simão, and Haroun Cherif Visit Almeirim skatepark on our skate map

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Santarém skatepark tour in Portugal

Nestled in the heart of Portugal, the vibrant town of Santarém boasts an extraordinary gem for skateboarders and enthusiasts alike—the Santarém Skatepark. This urban oasis is more than just a place to ride; it's a masterpiece inspired by renowned skateboarding spots around the world. The ingenious design marries elements from iconic locales like the Hubba Hideout in San Francisco, the Brooklyn Banks in New York, and the Las Olas de Besós in Barcelona, resulting in a skatepark that's a true homage to the global skateboarding culture. The homage to these legendary spots isn't just a mere replication—it's a celebration of the spirit of skateboarding that transcends borders. The Hubba Hideout's legendary stair set, the Brooklyn Banks' urban feel under your board, and the flowing lines of Las Olas de Besós' waves have all found a harmonious home in Santarém. This park isn't just a spot; it's a testament to the universal language of skateboarding. Beyond the skatepark, Santarém has much to offer curious explorers. As you take a break after a session, immerse yourself in the town's rich history and culture. Wander through its charming streets to discover medieval churches, gardens, museums and charming restaurants. The imposing Santarém Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, is a must-visit, offering panoramic views of the town. Santarém isn't just a skateboarding haven; it's a multifaceted experience waiting to be explored.   Santarém Skatepark stands as a testament to the boundless creativity that define skateboarding. As you navigate its inspired features, take a moment to appreciate the artistry that went into blending these legendary spots into a single, awe-inspiring playground. In Santarém, skateboarding and exploration unite, promising an unforgettable day in Portugal. Crew of the day: Rodrigo Russo (local skater), Tiago Miguel and Rodrigo Simão behind the camera. Visit Santarem skatepark

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Torres Vedras skatepark tour in Portugal

Welcome to the next exciting stop on our mission to skate and film every skatepark in Portugal! Today, we find ourselves in Torres Vedras, a city steeped in history and a vibrant skateboarding community. As we explore this charming place, we can't help but notice the rich heritage that blends seamlessly with the modern skateboarding culture. While the skatepark itself may be in need of some love and attention, the abundance of high-quality street spots makes Torres Vedras one of the best places we've visited on our skateboarding journey. Historical Charm Torres Vedras boasts a captivating history that dates back centuries. The city was strategically fortified during the Peninsular War, earning it the title of "Lines of Torres Vedras" – a defensive system that successfully halted the French invasion in the early 19th century. Today, visitors can still explore remnants of these fortifications and gain a glimpse into Portugal's past. The blend of old architecture and modern influences creates a unique backdrop for our skateboarding escapades, giving us a sense of connection with the past as we ride through the streets.   Places to Visit Beyond skateboarding, Torres Vedras offers a plethora of attractions for everyone to enjoy. The historic city center, with its narrow cobblestone streets and picturesque squares, is perfect for leisurely strolls. As we explore, we stumble upon quaint cafes serving delicious pastries and local delicacies. For a touch of culture, we immerse ourselves in the city's museums and art galleries, where the work of talented Portuguese artists is proudly displayed. Population and Community With a warm and welcoming population, Torres Vedras embraces its skateboarding community with open arms. We find like-minded individuals eager to join us in our mission to revive the skatepark and celebrate the sport we love. The locals' passion for skateboarding is evident. As we bond over shared tricks and tips, we discover that skateboarding has become a powerful unifying force in this charming city. Conclusion In conclusion, Torres Vedras captivates our hearts with its rich history, charming streets, and welcoming community. While the skatepark may be in need of renovation, the abundance of high-quality street spots compensates for it and makes Torres Vedras a must-visit destination for skateboarders of all levels. As we continue our journey across Portugal, we're grateful for the experiences and connections we've made in this extraordinary city. So, join us as we ride the streets, embrace the past, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Skate on! 🛹✨ Stay tuned for more skateboarding adventures and follow our journey. Visit Torres Vedras skatepark

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