SKATE BALTICA 2020

Photos by Nauris Dollins/ Edvard Gaba

Last Saturday 18th of January we attempted to combine some of our favorite cultural things in skateboarding into one day event. We also aimed at involving skaters from all Baltic states, hence the name Skate Baltica.

The program included: a discussion on Baltic skateboarding, a photo exhibition, video presentations, RajonTV Skate awards, and a DJ party.

Discussion on Baltic Skateboarding

The day started at 12:00, which is early for a skateboarder’s Saturday. The first event was a discussion on Baltic skateboarding over the Spot center. As we never tried anything like that before, it was a bit scary. Is there a lot to talk about? Will it be interesting at all? Nevertheless, the discussion turned out way better than we expected.

Edvard Gaba – chairman, Arts Amoliņš – Clockwise skateshop, Siom Sonkinas – Commune DIY, Justinas Ivoška – president of Lithuanian Skateboarding federation, Liidia Maier – Tartu Skateboard school

The main overall topic was the development of skateboarding in the Baltics. We started by defining what is a developed skate scene to every member of the panel, and from that we went into more details regarding their work and experience within their scenes.

It was great to see some next gen representatives in there

It was quite interesting to see how the whole thing unfolded. At first we had huge doubts about this endeavor, but it was soon obvious that there are a lot of people willing to speak up and more topics to address. The biggest complaint everyone had about the talk was that it was too short. We sat for two hours, and it wasn’t enough. A great lesson for all of us that events like these are needed and that skaters have ideas and opinions they want to express. There is always a room for improvement, but before you get there you need to start with something. This discussion was a micro step forward a stronger skateboarding community in the Baltics and we hope that this trend will continue.

To give you a better sense of what was the discussion like, here is an audio extract from the second part of the talk. We apologize for bad quality!

Photo Exhibition/ Video Screening

After we the discussion and a little skate session at the Spot center we headed to KKC (Kaņepes Kulturas Centers) where the photo exhibition was waiting for everybody.

Guests observing photos of Rainer Kaur and Andres Kõljalg
Riga scene veterans Marcis Ruiķis and Egons Avots. Marics also put out some of his finest photos

In total we had six photographers showcase their work. Nauris Dollins, Artūrs Bogdanovičs, and Marcis Ruiķis from Latvia. Andres Kõljalg, Rainer Kaur and Liidia Maier from Estonia. The exhibition was installed for one evening, so you had to observe everything carefully. The way printed photos look compared to online instagram stuff is like day and night. The exhibition reminded us the value of print and real physical copies.

Liidia Maier and Nauris Dollin. Two awesome Baltic photographers.

Siom observing Liidia Maier’s photos

Fricis and company.

Fricis made a poster with VEF DIY story and a donation box. There is a rumor that VEF DIY might get torn down. So Fricis wants to use the donations to clean and renovate the spot to show that skaters care and need that place. Check the VEF DIY insta and make sure to donate. The donation box is now at Boards.lv shop, and then it will travel to the Spot Center and later to Clockwise.

More guests enjoying the day. Eneli, Siim, Kris and Julia came all the way from Tallinn and Tartu.

KKC being an amazing place has everything one’s heart can desire. It just took five steps for all the guests to get in the small cozy cinema literally the next door from the exhibition. That was the time to start the next step of Skate Baltica – video screenings.

Arturs Nesaule showed his solo part and Roberts Krums is big fan of skate videos. These two made a good match.
Some more front row shenanigans.

All Baltic states shared a glimpse of their scene: Fully Ghetto Gang from Vilnius presented their Promo video, Riga’s Clockwise skateshop showed their trip video to Daugavpils (article on that coming soon), Arturs Nesaule presented his first street part, and RajonTV also screened a short video called Doodle. However, the biggest premiere of the evening was Siim Sild’s movie called KAIFUUN. Tallinn boys filmed through out the whole year and put together a really good piece. KAIFUUN is going online some time after screening in Tallinn.

The cinema at KKC is so small and a lot of people didn’t make it in, but don’t worry all videos are obviously going online soon. However, the tiny space of the cinema creates a close friendly atmosphere. Everybody is sitting shoulder to shoulder, you can talk easily, exchange laughs and cheers for good skating.  And this is the best part of the video premieres. KKC cinema staff is always happy to host skate videos, as the excitement of the crowd is unmatchable.

RajonTV Awards

While the crowd was still warmed up from all the yelling and screaming in the cinema, we started RajonTV awards ceremony. The goal was to look back at 2019 and give out couple of trophies to people who excited us the whole year. In some cases the choices were obvious. In other cases, we had to think more and even debate. We hope everybody understands that this whole thing was completely new for us and it might not have been perfect. However, it is just the start of a great tradition that we will repeat again. Hopefully next year we will be able to give out more awards to more Baltic rippers. 

Here are the results:

Trick of the YEAH: Raul Urberg – Fakie flip Viru 9
Park Rat award: Andris Kaldvee
Photographer of the year: Nauris Dollins
Rookie of the year: Kernius Trakymas
Skater of the year: Inguna Skujiņa
Skater of the year: Fricis Štrauss

Fricis giving his SOTY speech – “Keep it skating”

Thank you everybody for coming and keeping skateboarding alive. We definitely need more events where we can get together and celebrate skateboarding culture.

HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

 

 

WHO WILL GET BALTIC SOTY?

The results of the vote are in. Thank you everybody for voting and sharing. We are happy to see your picks, and we are ready to take a closer look at your favorites. The decision who gets the trophy will be made by a RajonTV commission consisting of associates from all Baltic countries. Results will be announced on Saturday during Skate Baltica at Kaņepes Kulturas Centrs.

And here are TOP 5 riders according to the internet vote with some info from the homies and from them selves.

Siim Sild

@koeraelu

I know Siim since 2004. That year winter was dry and we skated flat ground. Since those days I can say that Siim was always giving 100 and extra 1% every skate session…

Last 2-3 years was a real roller coaster for me. Family issues and couldn’t handle them. Skateboarding was kinda bothering my mind and I wanted to quit. Then I spoke with Siim and he helped to get my mind back on track and my feet back on board. Since that day he is a brother, but from a different mother.

But let’s stop talking emotional and let me put a few reason why Siim Sild is 2019 Baltic’s SOTY. He is a leader. I am blessed to skate with him and witness his will and power. You just want to follow him and skate on a same level. Never stops learning. Always on a grind to get a new trick and again. I saw and filmed many of them. Very active. I mean he is always down for a skate session and as I said above: he gives 100 and that extra 1% every skate session. This motivates, this gives energy and most importantly a skateboarder like Siim Sild drives skateboarding… you can’t drive a car without a driver. Make sure he is the best driver. – Aleksandr Hablov

Siim in R.USH HOUR project. Siim’s Koidu Plaza edit. Siim was also often seen in our monthly top 10 edits. Besides skating, Siim is also involved in Loigu indoor park crew, and can be seen filming his friends in the streets with a VX. Siim’s new edit KAIFUUN is going to premiere this Saturday during Skate Baltica, so come over meet the man and watch his work. -rajontv

Fricis Štrauss

@fricis

If you don’t know who Fricis Štrauss is then you probably don’t skate and don’t live in Europe. Which is sad… 2019 has been a busy year even for the laziest people like me, but for Fricis it’s been just like every other year – super busy like he said himself – “Just another year gone and thousands of projects done”.

Fricis is more or less the most dedicated skateboarding thinking person ever, dude got his first job of the year as a pool shaper, of course to build some new grounds for the youth and get some money to travel and also to get knowledge of how the concrete works. He has used this knowledge in Latvia by creating DIY spots. Lads at the BARAX are stocked on Fricis’ concrete creations. Fricis also fixed up some old and crusty spots in other parts of Europe.

He also helps at a skate school, and I bet that he is the best mentor of showing how to have fun, use your imagination and of course enjoy skateboarding with your pals. He helps RajonTV too with organization of Around The Block event which became an annual thing in Riga.

Dude had a the sickest video part in one of the best (probably the best) videos in Baltics in 2019 (VISS SAFE). and that was just the tip of the dick (iceberg). Fricis also had the opening part in “Pis Taisnāk” video, which was also inspirational. I witnessed and filmed most of the tricks in that project. And trust me dude is passioned about his shit! Just check the speed, check the technique, the slams he takes. He’s a unit. A TANK!

And that’s not it! He’s been traveling a lot too. Been to Spain where he met up with the homies and of course got some footy there thats probably gonna be used for Klavs’ personal project or something. He has been Sweden. Been filming some bits and bobs with his crew over there.  Hopefully a part is coming out this year. Been in Berlin. Crazy. His connection got him a free ticket just to get him there and get some clips for a project… damn. Can’t wait to see all of this. As we all know his unpredictable in and out of skateboarding.

Lets leave it at that…there’s a lot more to add, but I guess you get the picture. Fricis being Fricis! – Roberts Krums

Rokas Ignotas

@rokiskas

So I spent lot of time this year with Rokas, because we’re team mates on Boardsports. He’s riding for Vans at House of Marster too. Rokas got on Jart skateboards flow team at the end of 2019 too. He’s getting packages straight from Jart team manager. Kind a big move! He’s on of two Lithuanians who qualified to Simple Session’20. He won TO MANY various contests around Lithuania last year. As well as he was shredding Baltics Skateboarding League finals in Riga & he won Aizkraukle park opening event. He’s a total park shredder, but he collected some crazy street footy last summer for the upcoming Boardsports movie. – Einius Žiūkas

Niklāvs Vetra

@niklavsvetra

Niklāvs Vētra a man that needs no introduction. Combining huge pop, gnarly and creative tricks and style, he has made quite a name for himself in the Baltic skateboarding scene. He got a chance to showcase his skills in 2019 video “Viss Safe” as well as completely killing it with Clockwise Skateshop crew in the team tour video “Daugavpils 19” and not even mentioning the competition scene – Niklāvs had 2019 in the bag! – Arts Amoliņš

Ma G, brat Niklavs Vetra had a productive year! Spicily mixed studies, work with a little falafel beside them and a banging skate performance on top of it. Won few contests around the Baltics, filmed here and there, showed tricks in “Viss Safe”, Clockwise Daugavpils video, wrestled against the heavyweight flatground champ MIKS (master level of any game of skate), put him 3 letters, ironically, ended the whole RajonTV second GOS tournament 3rd. Currently trying not to eat the Earth, fitnessing, 720 shoviting to infinity and BEYONCÈ. Ankt toch var! – Arturs Nesaule

Romario Siimer

@romariosiimer

He’s very eazygoing, chill and funny guy! Always good times only when he’s around. – Meelis Erm

Romario is the kinda guy you can have your car break down in the middle of the night, in Australia, with no phone reception and just laugh about it because with him you know everything will work out and you’ll have fun while it does. He’s the most positive guy ever.

When it comes to skateboarding Rommi is competitive and his dream trick is probably bs 360 flip lipslide nollie tre out or something. Skating with him is even more fun than having your car break down. You can always count on him being down for a skate sesh. I had a few weekend trips to Brisbane with him and I can tell you Romario is a guy you want to have on a skate trip with you. No worries for life!

A perfect skate session includes Romario’s bluetooth speaker, a nice summer evening and a few beers. I can’t wait for the next one. Keep on keeping on Rommi!!! You are the best! – Raul Urberg

My 2019 started in Australia with Filipinos but that’s another story. Half of 2019 I spent in Australia with a lot of skating with Brisbane’s local skatecrew, unforgettable times. A lot of epic spots and skaters. We did some street filming during weekends as well.

In June I landed to Zyrich to meet up my friend who showed me local spots and parks. It was 12 days nonstop skating for me. In mid summer I finally made it to Estonia. My arrival was rapidly followed by King of Tallinn which our team 42010 won. Next skate contest was Sindi cup where I have never competed. Managed to win that too. I had the opportunity to participate in the European championship in Nizhny Novgorod. Felt blessed to be there since I got like 1 week notice, super good times!

Vilnius got new indoor skatepark and they had a competition there as well. I got second place there. I think with that the year was pretty much over. I’d like to thank everyone who made it awesome, legends! – Romario Siimer

 

BALTIC SOTY 2019 WOMEN

Women skateboarding in Baltics is a steady growing movement. Everything from women skate nights to skate crews is taking place throughout the Baltic countries. The past year has shown the women skate scene getting stronger and larger, therefore, we want to highlight the most productive skaters this year. Here are the contenders for RajonTV SOTY 2019.  

No vote this time. See you all at Skate Baltica on 18th of January where we are going to announce the results.

Supported by:

RAJONTV GAME OF SKATE CHAMPIONSHIP 3 – ROUND 1/ GAME 15

Young gun Artis Strazdiņs from Cesis is playing a mysterious tall individual that goes by the name of Aleksis Sokolovs. They both have a pretty good chance of getting the win. Artis trained hard all summer in his high tech outdoor training facility in Cesis. Aleksis, on the other hand, has recently spent some time in Barcelona where he polished his flat ground skills. Aleksis has long legs that help him make semi amazing tricks, and Artis has this young skater energy that most of either never had or lost a long time ago. Anyway, the game promises to be nice! Enjoy!  

p.s.

We are proud to announce that we are entering a new era of RajonTV Game of Skate Championship. Let us introduce you the Smart Interactive Score Board™. This device allows us to track the score in real-time, which means no more miscounts by our refs. Our analytics predict 98% less score related disinformation during matches. This innovation was made possible by our handy engineer Fricis Štrauss.

Smart Interactive Score Board in its full glory

BALTIC SOTY 2019

Here are the contenders for Baltic Skater of The Year! Cast your votes below. We are going to announce the results on 18th of January during Skate Baltica event.

Who should be Baltics Skater of the Year?

  • Romario Siimer (18%, 271 Votes)
  • Niklavs Vetra (16%, 248 Votes)
  • Rokas Ignotas (11%, 176 Votes)
  • Fricis Štrauss (10%, 157 Votes)
  • Siim Sild (9%, 133 Votes)
  • Artūrs Bogdanovičs (7%, 115 Votes)
  • Kelvinas Litvinas (7%, 109 Votes)
  • Žygimantas Rudys (3%, 50 Votes)
  • Dovydas Jucys (3%, 40 Votes)
  • Raul Urberg (3%, 40 Votes)
  • Kristofers Ozols (3%, 39 Votes)
  • Meelis Erm (2%, 31 Votes)
  • Domantas Antanavičius (2%, 24 Votes)
  • Lukas Matusevičius (2%, 24 Votes)
  • Andris Kaldvee (1%, 23 Votes)
  • Rūdolfs Rorbahs (1%, 16 Votes)
  • Linards Viksniņš (1%, 12 Votes)
  • Kristo Õismets (1%, 11 Votes)
  • Marks Voroņenko (1%, 10 Votes)
  • Toomas Seppänen (0%, 7 Votes)
  • Mantas Vaškelaitis (0%, 6 Votes)

Total Voters: 1,542

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UPDATE: THE VOTE IS CLOSED. WE WILL DECIDE FROM TOP 5 GUYS WHO GETS IT!

Make sure to vote for Trick Of the Yeah as well. More nominations are coming. See you all at Skate Baltica on 18th of January.

Supported by:

Just Tell Me

Welcome to 2020 everybody! Seems pretty nice so far and nothing different really. Like before, the Vilnius next generation is on a constant production (of course with that spot overload how could you not be). The boys deliver the first edit of 2020 under the camera and editing of Vilius Jagminas.  Enjoy!

Favorite tricks of 2019

It is the end of the year and the time is right to make some conclusions. RajonTV would like to give out awards to the people in Baltic skate scene who worked/skated the hardest in 2019. And to help us decide we would like to hear your voices.

We have seen some exceptional skating in 2019. Some tricks made us laugh, some made us wonder, but more than anything, there were tricks that made us happy and excited. Here is a list of RajonTV’s favorite Baltic tricks from 2019.  All of them except one are from our monthly Top10 lists.

Cast your vote in the poll after the video for the trick you think should be awarded RajonTV’s Trick of the Yeah!

2019 TRICK OF THE YEAH

  • Raul Urberg Fakie Flip (28%, 76 Votes)
  • Fricis Štrauss Bs Noseslide (23%, 61 Votes)
  • Armands Baumanis Blunt 360 Shove-It (9%, 24 Votes)
  • Domantas Antanavičius Nollie Bs Heel (8%, 23 Votes)
  • Kristofers Ozols Death Drop (8%, 23 Votes)
  • Siim Sild Crooks Nollie Heel (7%, 18 Votes)
  • Kelvinas Litvinas Bs Tail (6%, 16 Votes)
  • Linards Viksniņš BS 360 (6%, 15 Votes)
  • Andris Kaldvee Bs 360 Kickflip (3%, 8 Votes)
  • Rain Lindemann Cab Flip (3%, 7 Votes)

Total Voters: 271

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Happy New Year to all of you! We wish you more tricks, more spots and more good times with friends!