Proskate brings world's top skateboarders to Helsinki

Winning is secondary for Brazilian Nilton Nevers

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By Juha Merimaa
     
      Nilton Nevers kicks his board into motion and gathers speed quickly. He rolls up the ramp and leaps over an obstacle in a flawless performance.
      This is not a particularly surprising achievement. The 26-year-old Nevers is one of the world's best-known skateboarders, and is seventh in the world rankings.
      Proskate is what brings Nevers to Helsinki. Organised for the sixth time, Proskate is an invitation tournament involving 60 top skateboarders from Finland and around the world. Last year Nevers finished second - not that the high ranking really interests him.
      "I don't think about this as a competition! I just go out there and skate as well as I can. I don't need to win or be number one in the world rankings," Nevers exclaims.
     
Nevers feels that the main purpose of skateboarding competitions held in different countries is to inspire local skateboarders.
      "Skateboarding is getting more and more popular all over the world. You can do it anywhere, alone or with other people. I believe that seeing us pros gives young skaters enthusiasm and courage to develop their own style."
      Nevers says he has been skateboarding for twenty years.
      "I was inspired the first time I stepped onto a board. Since then I have been practising every day."
     
He turned professional at age 13. His first sponsors were Brazilian, but later he signed deals with larger, international brands. A few years ago Nevers moved to the US.
      "I have separate sponsorships for my shoes, clothes and for all the different parts of my skateboard," Nevers explains.
     
In return for advertising, Nevers receives a monthly paycheque and all the equipment he needs from his sponsors.
      It is no small benefit, since Nevers wears out a skateboard in a matter of days.
      He does not hope that skateboarding would become any more competitive, even if it meant a larger cheque.
      "Look at formula one driver Rubens Barrichello for example. He has dreamed of victory since his childhood and he still has to give up winning if his superiors tell him to," he says, lamenting the fate of his countryman.
      "I hope and pray that nothing like that will ever happen in skateboarding."
     
Only the top skateboarders are allowed to compete in the Proskate event held at the Helsinki Ice Arena. Over 8000 spectators are expected to show up.
      "Taking part in the competition are all of the Finnish top skaters who are in good health, as well as young talents and legendary skaters from abroad," explains Mikko Kaukonen, producer of the event.
      Among the living legends is skateboarding pioneer Paulo Diaz, who is amazed at the rapid growth of the sport.
      "When I first started out, skateboarding was the hobby of a small group of enthusiasts. Now you can hear the clatter of skateboards anywhere you go."
      Diaz wants to remind people that it all boils down to the basics.
      "Young skaters nowadays don't seem to understand that you need to learn the basic tricks well before you can try to learn more difficult ones. For example the basic jump, the Ollie, needs to be learned well."
      Diaz emphasises his point by demonstrating a series of Ollies on a skateboard he borrows from a young boy standing nearby. The boy's eyes widen as he recognises the man who is jumping on his board.
     
Helsingin Sanomat / First published in print 5.6.2004


Links:
  Proskate (in Finnish)

JUHA MERIMAA / Helsingin Sanomat
j.o.merimaa@gmail.com