Sahtel # 10 / Simpel Session special by Sahtel Magazine

Arhiveeritud linnakaja — ISSN 1736–2199

Simpel Session special – Winter 2011

Chris Pfanner Chris Haslam Achim Kujawski Nate Wessel Ed Zunda Drew Bezanson Michael Beran Rasmus Paimre Summer Session Oliver Kurbas Rain Lindemann Paul Oja

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BICYCLE FILM FESTIVAL kinoseansid ÜHISSÕIDUD / SEMINAR & TÖÖTUBA / rattanäitused RED BULL MINI DROME / BMX street JAM PEOD & KONTSERDID / rattaturg Skoone bastion / NO99 Põhuteater / Kino ARTIS / F-Hoone Vabaduse väljak / linnatänavad / MEREÄÄR www.tallinnbicycleweek.ee

Tallinnas / Tartu mnt.35 ja Rocca al Mare Kaubanduskeskus P채rnus / Port Artur 2

Solaris Rotermanni

www.exitsport.ee facebook.com/dcestonia

Rulafilmide s端nopsised

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Rulafilmide s端nopsised

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20th of August 2011 Helsinki Finland Narinkkatori

International BMX contest by the makers of Simpel Session! Free for spectators. One of the highlight events of European summertime BMX! www.session.fi

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Intro

Photos: Brett Astrid Võmma

Jussile! 2003–2011 RIP!

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Bartek Gorka â&#x20AC;&#x201C; bs smith. Photo: Wojtek Antonow 8.

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— Publisher: Sahtel Kirjastus www.sahtel.ee sahtel@sahtel.ee

10–15 16–19 20–21 22–25 26–29 30–34 35–37 38–41 42-43 44 45 46–47

CHris pfanner CHRIS HASLAM NATE WESSEL ED ZUNDA DREW BEZANSON ACHIM KUJAWSKI MICHAEL BERAN SUMMER SESSION RASMUS PAIMRE OLIVER "KASS" KURBAS RAIN LINDEMANN PAUL OJA 9.

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Chris Pfanner

The life of a travelling man mr Chris Pfanner Photos: Percy Dean & Anthony Acosta

Chris in China. Photo: Percy Dean

So, Chris, what have you been up to? At the moment, I am in Nigeria with my family to spend the Christmas and New Year’s here. Apart from that, I’ve been travelling and skating a bunch! To get it over with: are you a pro now or still an am? It’s not official yet, but the guys at Deluxe have talked about giving me a pro model in the beginning of the year. I am really excited about it and can’t wait to hold it in my hands! I heard you moved to the US for some time this year. How was it and are you planning on moving there more permanently in the future? 10.

Lately, I have been spending a lot of time over in the States, and in the beginning of 2010 I stayed in San Francisco for a couple of months. I really had a good time and I enjoy spending time over there, but I don’t think I am going to move over there permanently. I am really happy with my situation right now. I live in Barcelona, which in my opinion is one of the best cities to skate in, the climate is perfect and it takes me two hours by plane to go and visit my parents in Austria. If I lived in the States, I wouldn’t get to see my family as much and for me, family is one of the most important things in life. You told a few years ago that it’s difficult for European

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Railslide. Photo: Anthony Acosta

I am a pacifist and I despise violence! I believe in love, peace and happiness skaters to turn proper pro, as all the coverage is based in the US. Has it changed in any way in your eyes? It is definitely easier to have a skateboarding career if you live in Southern California, because that is where the biggest part of the skateboarding industry is based, and that is where the most media attention is. But in the past few years, with the presence of internet media, it has gotten a bit easier for skaters around the world to get noticed. Lately a lot of amazing European and Australian skaters have been traveling more and more to the United States and have been getting noticed. So I think, that in the near future we will be seeing more skaters from all over the world getting up to the pro ranks, who will be able to make a decent living of skateboarding. You have been around. What have been your favourite ’faraway’ places and why did you like those spots and countries? I can’t really say I have a favorite place. Everywhere I have been so far has been unique in its own way. I am just glad to be able to have witnessed so many different countries, people and cultures. There has always been something to learn from each one of them.

Chris in Cali. Photo: Anthony Acosta

You’re from Nigeria but moved to Austria at an early age. What was it like to grow up in Austria? I was born in Nigeria and stayed there until I was 10 years old. Due to the unsteady situation in the country, 11.

Chris Pfanner

my parents decided to move me to Austria, where my father is originally from. I was without my family for the first four years in Austria. During that time, I attended a boarding school and on the weekends I would either stay with my grandmother or friends of my family. In the beginning it was a bit difficult to be so far away from my family, but now I understand why my parents took such a decision, which wasn’t easy for them either. But it was for my own good and I don’t think they could have done anything better for me. I got the chance of a good education and a perspective in life. Who knows what I would have become if I had stayed in Africa and I might not have even discovered skateboarding. Now my family is all together again in Austria. When was the last time you went to Africa and how often do you get a chance to go there? The last time I was in Nigeria was 11 years ago and my memories have begun to gradually fade. The most important thing about this trip for me is to see family that I haven’t seen for a while, to see my roots and refresh my memories. If you don’t forget where you are from, you will know where you want to go in your life. I also took my skateboard along, to see if there are any possibilities to skate. So, what can you tell us about skateboarding in Nigeria? There is no skateboarding out there at all! If you find a paved smooth surface, the traffic might either be insane or it would be packed with so many people that it is impossible to skate. Since I came here, I have been keeping my eyes open for a spot or just a nice piece of flat ground, but so far without luck. It’s announced that Nigeria is the third fastest growing economy in the world. How is life going over there for your friends and relatives? The economy is definitely growing really fast, but the only problem with it is that the people of the country are not really benefiting from it. Their leaders are really selfish with it, which is also causing a handful of people getting richer and the majority getting poorer. You can basically say that there is no middle class, like we know it in the Western world. The gap is clearly visible. Life is a real hustle out here, because things that we don’t even have to think about, such as electricity, water, transportation, etc are scarce. If I see what people have to deal with in Nigeria, just to get through the day, makes me sad if I think about what we complain about in Europe. We have everything, but we are still not satisfied. I have a lot of respect for the people in Nigeria, because they still manageto be happy and laugh, although they have to hustle.

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I know you’re into coffee, how is Nigerian coffee compared to what you can get in Barcelona or Vienna or San Francisco? That is a really interesting question, because for a country with so much natural resources and the most fertile soil, you can’t find anything apart from instant coffee. Except if you go to the Marriot or Sheraton hotel. The coffee culture like we know it in the cities you mention, doesn’t even exist here. So, let's talk about Simpel Sessions. If my calculations are correct, you’ve been here four times so far. What keeps you coming back to Tallinn? Definitely not the cold! I’m just kidding! It is a really nice event, with an amazing atmosphere at the Saku Suurhall and the organizers try to bring something refreshing into the event year after year! All the skaters participating in the event are all friends from all over the world, so it is also always a good opportunity to hang out with them and have a fun weekend! You placed second at the Simpel Session 08, just after Peter Ramondetta, who had a really sick run that year. There were quite a big bunch of other heavy hitters present that year as well. Where does this silver medal achievement place in your overall standings? I was really happy to end up in second place behind Peter Ramondetta, and as you said, there were a couple of heavy hitters present, which made it even more special. It definitely feels good to place well in a competition, but they are not the most important things for me. I am likewise stoked if I have a good session skating on the streets with my friends! I know we had some pretty ridiculous looking glass shaped trophy scultures instead of medals that year. We’re sorry about that. Did you keep yours? They were surely strangely shaped and I don’t really want to mention what they were comparable with, ha-ha. I think I still have it laying around at home somewhere. You don’t need medals to prove anything to yourself. It is the memory of moments you carry along with you that is important. What place do contests have in your opinion in today’s skateboarding? Are they even necessary? I am really not a competitive person, but I enjoy participating in various events, because it is a good opportunity to meet up with friends, as I mentioned earlier. I think competitions are in some sense like demos and that’s how you present skateboarding to people that have no idea about it. This way kids get to see what it is and that

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You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need medals to prove anything to yourself. It is the memory of moments you carry along with you that IS important Ollie drop in China. Photo: Percy Dean

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Chris Pfanner

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IT MAKES me sad to think about what we complain about in Europe. We have everything, but we are still not satisfied.

is how it will keep on living and growing, if more and more people get into it. I can imagine skating big contests can make one pretty nervous. What goes in your mind when you roll down the ditch in front of a big audience? Being nervous is not a bad thing, but I always try to stay as calm as possible! But as soon as you start your run, you are so focused on what you are doing, that you don’t even notice the crowd anymore until you are done. We’re screening the VANS video at the upcoming Simpel Session film festival. Can you bring some insights what went into making that film? The whole video was filmed in a time period of one year in various countries all over the world. A few of us even got to visit one of the production factories of the shoes, where we filmed bits of the intro. The idea behind the movie was to show the whole life span of a shoe and the various eras of skateboarding till today. I don’t want to spoil it for the viewers, so I will not leak any more information. They will have to go and see it for themselves. I can only say that we all had a great time working on the project and the end product, consisting of the DVD and the book that comes along with it, is a great remembrance of the fun times we had together on the road! We’re also having a small photo exhibition at this year’s Simpel Session. I’ve seen some really amazing photos of you shot for ads and magazines. Do you have a photo 14.

you’re really proud of? At this point, I would like to thank Percy Dean, for all the amazing photos he has shot, they all turned out really good. It is always great to have a nice shot of a trick you busted your ass for. It captures that moment forever and you can always look back at them and relive that moment in your thoughts. So, to start some shit – if you could punch one skateboarder in the face with no consequences, who would that be? I am a pacifist and I despise violence! I believe in love, peace and happiness. That is why I can’t think of anyone I would like to punch in the face other than myself. So I would have to say myself, ha-ha. Does that count? How can all your Estonian fans get in touch with you? Do you have a Facebook account? That’s not an easy one, you would have to get in touch with my manager and then get past my bodyguards, and if you are lucky, you could catch me inbetween my very tight schedule, ha-ha. Any last words? Thanks to my family and friends for all their support, my sponsors Anti Hero skateboards, Vans, Volcom, Spitfire, Thunder, Nixon and Eastpak. Be true to yourself and others around you, and you will achieve everything you dream of. Peace!

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Slalom in California. Photo: Percy Dean

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Chris Haslam

THE ONE AND ONLY MR CHRIS HASLAM Photos: Tuukka Kaila Interview: Janar Ilves

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Hi Chris! I saw a photo of you wearing a cast around your leg on Almost website. What happened? I just had to get some bone chips removed, because they were starting to get in the way, ha-ha! Just years of skating and hitting them.

Are you originally from there? Have you lived anywhere else? I am originally from Niagara Falls, Ontario, the East coast of Canada. And I have lived in a few places: England, SingaÂpore, and the States for a bit.

How is your leg now? Is it all right, or does it need some more care? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting better and it will be good by the time of the contest, I think.

They told me that you were going to skate in Simpel Session in 2011. If you should make it here, then it would be your second time in Estonia, and also second time participating in Simpel Session. How do you feel about that? Do you have any special memories from the last time, about Simpel Session and Tallinn? I feel good about it! I just remember the BMXers getting super wasted and being super noisy. That and how cold it was, ha-ha. And the girls obviously.

Where are you right now? I am in Vancouver. Tried to go see my parents in Bahrain for Christmas the other day, but got snowed out and slept in the Chicago airport instead. So I just came back here.

Hang wallie in London.

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Chris Haslam

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How did you do in the competition here in 2008? I can't even remember. Not as good at Peter Ramondetta, though! [Ramondetta was skate winner of SS08 – editors]

think. We just want to play shows and see where that takes us, you know. No real massive plans for it yet. After all, skating comes first for me anyway.

What is your opinion on skateboarding competitions in general? I know that some skateboarders do not compete at all, but what about you? Do you like them, or do you only go if you have to? I like going to them because I see people I haven’t met in a long time. The actual contest part is what it is. It can be fun, and it’s way more fun when you’re not expecting to win.

We’re screening the film “Riding the Long White Cloud” at our film festival. It’s a great film capturing a self-sufficient skate tour, cycling and camping all across New Zealand’s North Island. You said you were done with cycling for good in the end of the movie, so you guys seemed to have had pretty hard times there. What memories does that trip bring to you? It was awesome! Hard at first, but got easier closer to the end, so I was able to enjoy myself a little more. I rode my bike a few times after that, but never with all that stuff on the back. Looking back on it, I liked the freedom we had. Just camping with friends and shit like that. So I would do it again for sure! While I am on it, I would think I am dying, but afterwards thank whoever it was that got me on that trip. Because it was awesome. Good group of people went, although the video makes it look like we were all a bunch of pussies, ha-ha. But it was the first time for all of us to be doing something like that, so I guess we were. I think Keegan and Dylan have been riding non-stop since then. It will be embarrassing the next time I ride with those though guys.

Looking at your video parts in Cheese & Crackers and United By Fate, you seem to have a diverse selection of tricks: from transitions to flat ground to rails and gaps. Where do you take inspiration for those? Everywhere. Everyone else’s skating, spots. That’s why I find it hard to make video parts these days, because usually I have to wait for the spot to tell me what I want to do on it, ha-ha. What terrain do you like the most? I like just doing flatground tricks. Is there a trick on flatground, that you cannot do at all, or that you bail more often than the others? Switch 360 ollies – can’t even come close. Have you considered Powerbalance? The rubber bracelet seems to be quite hot today with many athletes and skaters. No, I think that’s full of shit. In a few weeks time you will be in Estonia, on the other side of the globe. How do you like traveling? I keep going to Berlin and Madrid a lot. I like the people I know there. They get me inspired to go skating and stuff. Traveling is pretty fun when you’re into it. But when you get over it, which happens now and again, it can be the worst thing ever too. What kind of music do you like and is music somehow connected to your skating? I like heavy metal. Skating is always connected with music, but I don’t ever listen to it while skating. Tell us a little about your band Kobra Triangle. I am sure people do not know too much about it. Based on the song that is up on the band’s Myspace page, it is some pretty hard stuff. We play heavy metal stuff. We started two years ago, I

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Haslam at Simpel Session 08. Photo: Jack

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Ollie in Berlin.

We hAD A Good group of people ON THE “RIDING THE LONG WHITE CLOUD” TRIP, although the video makes it look like we were all a bunch of pussies

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Nate Wessel

Wessel getting ready for some work at the Simpel Session 08. Photo: Klauberg

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MAN & MACHINE MR NATE WESSEL Tell us a bit about what you have been building in the past year. Probably tons of cool stuff all over the world. Last year I did the Woodward Beijing, built ramps in Guam for shows for the Navy, also ramps for a Target commercial for Shaun White. Then went to Iraq in June, built five ramp set-ups there and did shows for the troops in the army for the Bikes over Baghdad 2 tour. Then did some clinics and how-to builds for the Craftsman Experience store in Chicago, helped put on some demos at the Anaheim Film Festival, built ramps and did demos at the Harley Davidson Museum. I also designed ramps for the Nike 6.0 Barcelona jam this year, designed and built stuff at the X-Games, collaborated with California Skate Parks and designed Travis Pastrana’s new ramp at his house – which came out outrageous! Later I went back to Iraq again in the beginning of December and did Bikes over Baghdad 3. Then designed the Simpel Session 2011 course, and now I am working on a design for my friend’s parkour and free running gym he is going to be opening up in L.A.

Compound moto spot, The Seventies Warehouse and the second Little Devil warehouse bowl.

That’s a lot of projects! What have been your favorites? I would have to say some of the art pieces I designed for X-Games, like the huge-ass coffee cup! Sorry, Van Homan, for making a blur out of your weekend, and probably Travis Pastrana’s house. What could I say other than it was a dream job! I just want to go back and ride it now. Simpel Session is crazy for me, because it is very hard to try and come up with a concept, that is new every time and one that will work for two disciplines: BMX and skate. I know everyone is not always happy and some times it slants a bit towards BMX, but give me 5,000 more square feet, and that would be a little different. Or if it was a street contest only, or a park for that matter. But for this reason it is probably my favorite design I do every year, and probably the one that takes me the longest. [Nate Wessel designs Simpel Session courses since 2007]

You haven’t been to Estonia for the past few years, but you were here in 2007 and 2008. What do you think of the Session Ramps crew? I really did not get to hang out with them that much, but everyone seemed awesome. I would love to come back, because I have wanted to come every year, but I always have some crazy job that overlaps it. My apologies.

If you could pick some of the craziest and coolest things you have built during your career, which would those be? The original Chenga World skatepark in Ohio, Wood ward at Copper indoor ski and snowboard training facility, Woodward Beijing skatepark, Travis Pastrana

Who do you admire in ramp design and building? Guys on my crew of past and present, and anyone who builds something different. Tim Pain and his Ginsu carpentry was a huge inspiration to me when I first started building. I have always wanted to be able to do what he did with his circular saw. With your travel and work schedule, how much time do you get to spend at home with your family? That is the biggest bummer of my job, being away from my family. I love what I do, but being away from my girls just kills me. Some of my jobs are nice ones, that they can come along to, but that’s coming to end soon, because one of my daughter’s will be going to school soon. I can’t stand being away from them, but at the same time I need to provide for them, and all of my work is out of town.

So we’ve got shitloads of snow everywhere. How is it in your home base? Does it look like winter sport jobs are getting more important? No snow yet, but I can’t wait! I really want to snowboard right now. All jobs are important to me and my family. I would really love to do some more snowboard and ski jobs, I have tons of ideas. What does 2011 hold for Nate Wessel? I would love to be with my family a lot more, the rest is in the works now. Hopefully some of the projects that are being thought out will get off the ground. Ask me again half-way through the year, and I will let you know how it’s going.

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Ed Zunda

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MR LAID–BACK LATVIA EDUARDS ZUNDA Photos: Kaspars Alksnis

So Ed, you seem to be getting proper amount of media coverage lately, and have a nice set of sponsors going – Simple, Vans, Carhartt. Could you elaborate on how all that happened? Was Niels Thanild from Simple the first to pick you up? Yes, Niels was the first one who hooked me up, I think it was five years ago, around when the distribution started in Latvia. I was so stoked about my first Simple Debut frame. Till that time I’d only been riding some weird bikes. You are the first rider in the Baltic States to receive your own signature frame. How did that happen and could you tell us the story behind the frame? Everything started two or three years ago, when I went on a Simple trip to Denmark, where Niels hit me up with an idea of making my signature stem – the EZ stem – but

after some time we decided to make a signature frame instead. It took a while to make it, but it came out really good. I am riding it now and it should be officially out really soon. Thanks to Niels, Jimmy and Aivars for their effort and for helping me. I’m really stoked on it! What’s it like to have Niels as a team manager and trip host? Everyone who knows Niels, would say it’s a pleasure to be around him. He’s always got some good jokes, never has any problems, and he’s pretty laid back. Thanks Niels! You’re being really cool! You’re also part of the Vans team. How did that turn up and what is your status in the team? I would say Niels again, with Andy Zeiss. I’m really glad

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Ed Zunda

to be on the team. It’s always good to ride for a brand who’s products you like, and Vans is definitely one of my top favorite brands. I’ll be riding for Vans Pro team in 2011. Thanks Andy! You guys have your own parts company in Latvia called Mental Parts. How did that get started and what’s the idea behind it? Yes, we do have a brand called Mental Parts. Janis Dreimanis and his brother started the brand. They had some ideas and the first prototypes five years ago, but they started making real products just this year. It’s not really that big at the moment, but they have a few riders on the team from Latvia, France and Russia, and a couple of first parts. I think the products are great. I would say the idea behind it would be the love for the small two wheel thing. And trying to be creative in making parts.

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What was your first Simpel Session like, any funny story from there? The first time I went there, I didn’t know what BMX was like. I was just a kid, still riding a rainbow coloured bike. I used to be in the audience, just looking at all the crazy things happening on the course. I didn’t know it was possible to do so many different things with a bike. I remember wanting some autographs from the riders, but I was super shy, so I had to ask my friend to get them for me. I’m sure they are still lying somewhere at my parents house, ha-ha. What is it like to ride with all of these guys from over the world at the Simpel Session now? It’s a lot of fun, because once you get there, you see so many friends coming to the event from all over the world. And it gets better and better every year.

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The first year I went to the simpel session I didn’t know what BMX was like. i was just a kid riding a bike with all the rainbow colours on it

Whose riding were you the most stoked about at the last SS and who are you looking forward to be shredding the SS11 course? I would have to say that everyone rode very well. But it’s Lacey’s tooth-360 that I remember the best. You’ve seen the new course design. What do you think of it and do you already have any ideas? The course looks really-really interesting. A lot of different things to do for everyone. Definitely a good mix of everything. I’m looking forward to it, but I never plan anything before I get to the place. You seem to be getting quite a lot of travel miles under your wheels lately. Where have you been during the last year? Yeah, I guess the year 2010 was one of the best years for me with all the travelling. This year I went to the

USA, Japan, Portugal, Spain, Germany, France, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. I’m not even sure if that’s it. Bruno Hoffman told me that you chilled pretty much the whole Vans France trip. Are you mostly laid-back or do you sometimes go into the mission-mode, pulling as much stuff as possible at any spot? Ha-ha-ha-ha, no comments! What’s the riding situation in Latvia right now? Where do you ride when it’s snowy outside? Any new spots opened up people should know about? It’s definitely getting better than it was a year or two ago. I mean, the weather still sucks – loads of snow and cold – but there are some good people trying to make riding happen in the winter. So right now we have two indoor parks in Riga: one just opposite to the other one. It’s interesting to ride parks from time to time.

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Drew Bezanson

Photo: Crispin Cannon

ALL-ROUND NICE GUY MR DREW BEZANSON 26.

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What made you get into riding? I always rode a bikes. I lived out in the countryside, so it was my means of transportation, and I’d do the odd jump here and there. When I was very young I wanted to race motocross real bad, so I would pretend my bike is a dirt bike – I started jumping, skidding, and doing wheelies. I ended up racing motocross from the age of eight to twelve. Then one day, when I was eleven, my friend invited me to the skatepark to ride BMX and I’ve been hooked ever since. What type of BMX do you mainly ride these days? I mostly ride park and street. I love to ride dirt, but don’t get the opportunity to ride as much as I would like to. Who are the people you normally ride with? I just usually ride with whoever is around. It’s usually with my friends or people that are just psyched to ride. Tell us where your bike has taken you after last February’s big win at Simpel Session? Geez, where do I start? I haven’t been in one place longer than a week and a half since Simpel Session in Tallinn. It’s been amazing! BMX has taken me all over the United States, Canada, France, Kuwait and Iraq this year. If BMX was a person, I could never repay him. What has been your favorite travel destination so far and whar are the places you definitely still want to go? The last trip I went on was to the Middle East, which was probably my favorite travel destination so far. Just because not too many people get the opportunity to go over there and especially experience what I got to experience. I was invited to go on Bikes Over Baghdad 3 tour, where we traveled to five different army bases, doing shows for the soldiers. On top of that, we got to have an inside look on all the positive things they are doing over there, because you always just hear the negative side of things from the news. Aside from that I still really want to go to more places overseas – to Europe, Asia, and hopefully Australia. Tell us a bit more about the Bikes Over Baghdad Tour.

I haven’t been in one place longer than a week and a half since Simpel Session in Tallinn What was it about and why did you decide to go? Very briefly put – because I could go on all day about it – Bikes Over Baghdad tour is a group of about ten riders along with Nate Wessel and Ron Kimler, who go over to Iraq and do shows and entertain the troops. Nate and Ron would show up at a base and build ramps there within a day or two, where we would later do a show for the troops, to help take their minds off where they are and show them support. I went because a few of my good friends had been on the previous trips, and I had heard their wild stories and life-changing experiences over there. That’s why when I got the opportunity to go, I didn’t pass it up. How do you compare the riding and comps in Europe and in the US and Canada? I would have to say that contests in Europe definitely have more energy to them. But they are also less common over there compared to North America. So I think when there is an event happening, no-one is going to miss it. Were you popular in high school? Did people know you rode little kids’ bikes? I don’t know if I would say I was popular, but I knew everyone and was cool with them. I just kinda did my own thing in high school. I just wanted to ride my bike, so I would go to class, then dip out and go to ride. People at school knew I rode, but didn’t care. I was just another kid riding bikes. What goes on in your mind when you ride these big comps in front of all these cheering people? It’s crazy first off and amazing. Getting that kind of support from that many people for doing what I love is simply amazing. It makes it just that much more fun. Makes me want to push myself and try things I might be a little scared of, and put on a good show.

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Drew Bezanson

What particular song would you like the DJ to play to give you an extra boost in the contest? When it comes to music when I ride, then just anything goes that’s fast and has a good beat. Music like that always gets people pumped up. Do you have a favorite trick, maybe something you’re working on at the moment and would like people to see at the Simpel Session? I don’t think I have a specific favorite trick, but I love to do barspins and mess around with footjam variations. As for working on new stuff, I’m just focusing on having fun riding and the rest will fall into place. You seem to be getting quite a lot of coverage after last year’s Simpel Session gold and other comp wins. Do you remember the first coverage that you ever received? I’m pretty sure my first real coverage was from the last Vancouver Metro Jam. It was my first pro contest and I remember getting some coverage in Props and a photo in Ride UK. I was so psyched!

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Over the years, Simpel Session has been attended by quite many legends in BMX – Joe Rich, Dave Freimuth, Dave Mirra – to name a few. Did you have any role models or heros when you were growing up? I’ve had tons over the years. I pretty much have respect for everyone. Growing up I definitely looked up to guys like Corey Martinez, Van Homan, Danny Hickerson, Dave Mirra, and I could go on all day. I still look up to all the same dudes today and have had the opportunity to meet them. Now I’ve just added some of the younger guys that have come up kinda recent. Guys like Dennis Enarson and Garrett Reynolds. Love watching them ride and riding with those dudes. What is it like to have Catfish as a (DK) team manager? Does he manage you at all or is he busy trying to manage himself? It’s seriously amazing. He’s gone from being my team manager to being one of my best friends, and I get the opportunity to travel with him quite a bit. It’s awesome. He does as much as he can with being as busy as he is,

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All eyes on Drew – back railing fufanu at the SS10. Photo: Vincent Perraud

and just wants what’s best for us and BMX. I don’t know if he manages anything, though, ha-ha. So we showed you the new SS11 course. How does it look? The new course for SS11 looks amazing! It’s gonna be a good one! Nate Wessel designed it, so you know it’s going to be wild! It looks like Simpel Session 11 BMX line-up will once again show who-is-who in BMX. Who should people look out for, in your opinion, besides yourself of course? Everyone that goes to Simpel Session is an absolute shredder, so it really just depends on who’s having a good day. Now having Red Bull on board as well, you seem to be have the biggest sponsor possible in BMX. Is riding still the same for you or have you started to feel the obligation to deliver? Being on and being a part of Red Bull team is amazing and an honor. A dream come true. If anything, it has

made BMX even more fun for me with all the opportunities that Red Bull provides. This week, I’m riding a skatepark built on a barge, while it floats around Florida. Red Bull delivers the fun. What advice would you give to the kids that are pretty good at riding, who want to get better at it and maybe even make a name for themselves? So they wouldn’t have to work in pizza joints and could concentrate on riding their bikes. Seriously, just have fun. Don’t try to force anything and just let it happen. If it was meant to be, its going to happen. Just do what makes you the happiest while riding your bike, and people will pick up on that. Who has helped you the most on your way to where you are in your career right now? That’s if you choose to call BMX riding a career in the first place. I just have to thank my family, my friends and sponsors. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.

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Achim Kujawski

THE INDUSTRY TALK ACHIM KUJAWSKI Photos: Kay Klauberg, Timo Toots & from Achim's private collection

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Sahtel nr. 10

What first sparked your attention about BMX, and what keeps you into it today? I started rolling around on my first BMX in 1983, but got really hooked up in ’89. In the early 80s, we had the first wave of BMX coming over from the USA. “E.T.” was in the movie theatres and a lot of kids around me – the cool kids – got into it. We had a fun scene where I grew up. We built jumps in the woods and had a little track in our town. So we started to ride on regular basis. Some people stopped riding shortly after and started skateboarding. But for some reason I got hooked on BMX. I always liked the freedom that you have with riding. Everything you do is up to you. If you want to try something, ride your bike in a certain way – just do it. Even today, getting on my bike and just rolling around is the greatest thing to me. It’s always been like that, and still is. What kind of activities you are involved in these days? I am the European team manager for Nike 6.0 and also work on Nike 6.0 BMX events, such as Tunnel Jam and BCN BMX Pro. I am running a BMX distribution in Germany and have been working on different BMX events such as the Telekom Extreme Playgrounds series, the Worlds and some Red Bull BMX events. What are some of the most fun parts of what you do for “work”? I was lucky enough to find a transition from making a living out of riding to still living off things that are all riding related. Trips are always a ton of fun. I enjoy working with everybody in the BMX industry. BMX is still a really small and familiar scene, which I really like. Working on projects like Tunnel Jam is great! What does the team manager job for Nike riders in Europe involve and how crazy is it to manage a wild bunch of young BMXers? There are lots of different things involved. The list is endless: making sure that the riders get products, planning trips with them, organizing photo and video shoots, working on web edits, finding new talent, working with the guys on their ideas and projects etc. Just to name a few. And yes, it can be crazy to manage the guys. A lot of interesting characters are on the team, which always makes it fun. You have been involved with Simpel Session for many years now, judging the BMX street comp and actually winning our vert comp in 2005. So you’ve seen the event from both sides. What side seems better to be at? Being on the bike as a rider, of course. You can’t beat that. But it’s great to be at Simpel Session, even without the

“E.T.” was in the movie theatres and a lot of kids around me – the cool kids – got into BMX riding. The vibe, meeting everybody, going out and seeing some amazing riding. That’s definitely one of the comps that I am looking forward to the most, year after year. You had one of the hardest and least deserving jobs at the last Simpel Session – judging the 110 riders in the BMX contest. How difficult was it and what are you looking for in riders? There are not many things harder than judging a comp like Simpel Session. The course offers something for each type of riding, so you have a huge number of different styles, from trick oriented park riding to burly gaps and creative technical street riding. To reflect all that in one score is just crazy, but that’s also the beauty of BMX. Every judge and every rider got his own opinion, and if you have such a high class field of riders, then no matter what, the judges will get shit. What am I looking for? I would say a good mix of everything. Fast and creative lines, style, use of the whole course, technical and big tricks, doing back-to-back tricks with a lot of variety – those are the main aspects for me. To quote Steve Bancroft, the editor of Ride UK magazine: “The Simpel Session is a celebration of everything that is amazing about BMX. The world’s X Games Champions are pitted against the world’s best street riders, the course is an ideal compromise between the streets of New York and the ramps of the Dew Tour.” Do you think this kind of format has a place in BMX and should we go forward with it or should we have different categories? I think that the format works great for Simpel Session. Eventually, we will have more street oriented events, but bringing all aspects and different riders together on one course is the way to go for Simpel Session. It’s really the beauty and the vibe of the comp. I wouldn’t change it.

Every judge and every rider has got his own opinion, and if you have such a high class field of riders, then no matter what, the judges will get shit 31.

Achim Kujawski

Sahtel nr. 10

you could argue about what a mega ramp event has to do with BMX, but some riders are into it and it definitely brings BMX to a bigger audience

There has been a development in BMX to get the World Cup series going. It hasn’t really happened yet. Could you give us an update about what’s the status of it? There has been talk since the IBMXFF (International BMX Freestyle Federation) has been founded. The idea behind it is to create a more organized contest circle – mainly for Europe – to draw more attention to BMX. But it’s not an easy project. You need a number of people working on it constantly. And since there is no money to finance a group of people yet, the World Cup series has been on hold.

There are really different kinds of contests and events going on out there. There are the mega TV contests like Dew Tour and X Games, and then there are the mellow events such as Rebel Jam. Of course we have those local rail jams in your local skateparks and whatnot. What do you think, what kind of role do the contests have these days in BMX, and do all of them have a place there? To me, everything got its place. Of course you could argue about what a mega ramp event has to do with BMX, but some riders are into it and it definitely brings BMX to a bigger audience. X Games, Dew Tour, Rebel Jam or a small jam at your local park – they all reflect BMX. Of course you have people hating one and loving the other. But that’s the same for everybody. You have a group that likes going to big comps and there is nothing wrong about it. They do what they are into and so should everybody else. At the end of the day – people are riding bikes and that should be the same motivation for everybody. Everybody on their own level and on the platform they’re choosing. That’s BMX – do what you are into. There are definitely things that I would argue as well. Do we need this? Is this progression or just somebody trying to come up with the next big thing? But things that are done by the right people are good for BMX and have a place for sure.

BMX freestyle was supposed to be in the 2010 London Olympics. It didn’t end up there, but it’s quite likely that some parts of BMX are moving towards the ultimate mainstream. What do you think, is it good or bad? I think everything has got its place, just as we have many different styles of riding in BMX and events on different scales. It all helps BMX at the end of the day, if it’s made right and that’s the responsibility of everybody involved. Getting BMX into the Olympics would help it get more public attention, which would help everybody in the sport. If it’s done right. More media coverage will help event organizers to get sponsors for their events. More attention will mean more spots to ride as well, which I don’t see being bad for BMX.

Rebel Jam has introduced a new system for judging, with style, creativity and hard tricks judged separately. I think it’s pretty awesome and honoring to all the different riding styles. Do you think all contests should be judged like that or do you like to see different kind of approaches at contests? I like the idea of different approaches for different contests. BMX can be so different and that should reflect in different events as described above, and formats as well. So I like to see a format like Rebel Jam, but I wouldn’t like to see this format at all events. It’s different and it’s one contest that focuses on different aspects of riding that are just as important as every other aspect. That gives a certain category of riding a chance to make the podium that normally wouldn’t.

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How organized should BMX Freestyle be in the first place? BMX has always been about the freedom; this is why we are what we are today. Getting organized can help in some ways but many times a really well organized structure cannot react quickly enough anymore, which can make it weak. There’s a really fine line but as long it’s about riding not people dictating what to do and just trying to stay in their positions and remain in their power – then it could be a good thing. But as I said, it’s a very fine line there. You have been involved in BMX for quite a while. How do you feel about the current state of BMX and where would you like to see BMX going? BMX has changed a lot and is still in a constant movement. I really like the fact that BMX is not too focused on contests anymore. If you are an amazing street rider, then you can get the same attention and credit than a top contest rider. The quality of bikes and parts is definitely better than ever, and so are the events and video productions. People are always trying to raise the bar, which is a good thing. For me it’s interesting to see how kids are into riding today – how much is involved in it now and how easy the access to everything is. If you come from a

Sahtel nr. 10

Sometimes I think people should step back and take BMX for what it is

Airing at the Session 05 in Tallinn. Photo: Timo Toots

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Sahtel nr. 10

Achim Kujawski

background were there was absolutely no money and no internet involved – just a VHS tape, if there ever was one – and to get bike parts, that you can easily pick up at the bike shop around the corner these days, was the hardest thing, then it’s an interesting change to see. The level of riding is just insane and the progress is faster than ever. Younger kids are involved and killing it. It’s hard to say where I would like to see BMX going – I think it is going in a good direction in general. A lot of good people and creative minds are involved. Sometimes I think people should step back and take BMX for what it is, not getting too much politics involved. But I guess if a scene is growing and more money is around, then the politics are just around the corner... After riding and working in BMX for so long, has it changed the feeling you get from riding your bike? It has definitely changed over the years. Of course, riding feels different if you have just started riding and doing it after work or school, from actually making a living of riding and travelling the world. But riding still is a very special thing to me. You were involved in the Barca Nike 6.0 course buildup? Tell us a bit about that and your ramp building life. Can’t really call it a ramp building life. Today it’s more about getting the best people involved, to get something built like the BCN BMX Pro park. For a project like that I am more the director, working with Nate Wessel on the design and putting the best crew together for the

job. Which doesn’t mean that I can’t bring out my tool bag and get shit done myself! When I started riding, I was lucky enough to have a crew that was unbelievablly motivated about getting things done. So we rode and built parks together. We built a bunch of ramps for the Worlds in Cologne in ’94 and ’96. So building what we wanted to ride was just part of our BMX culture. Being really passionate about what I do, I tried to learn as much as I could. Riding is one thing, but learning how different dimensions on the ramps can influence what you do or maybe make certain things easier, is something that I learned there. It definitely helps if you know how it is to ride a tight transition or a certain size deck on a wall. It’s another really fun aspect of what I am able to do today. You’re coming to the snowy Tallinn this year for the 5th or 6th time already. What keeps you coming back and what do you like about Simpel Session? I remember getting in touch with you for the vert comp at Simpel Session. Back then the riders at Simpel Session were more based on the Western and Eastern European scene. It’s the beginning of the year, it’s super cold, the city is amazing, and all my friends are going – of course I am going make the trip! The vibe of the comp, the riding and everything around it has been great since the first trip that I made to Tallinn. So it’s not really a question to me to come back. Sometimes a comp looses attraction over the years, but I think Simpel Session really sets a point year after year. It’s hard to keep that going, but you guys are doing a great job. Looking forward to Simpel Session 2011.

Icepick at the Session 05 in Tallinn. Photo: Klauberg

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Sahtel nr. 10

Michael Beran

CZHECK UP WITH MICHAEL BERRY BERAN Photos: Daniel Vojtech

Who has been your biggest influence in BMX? In the beginning, it was Scotty Cranmer. But for some reason, after a couple years, it has changed to Drew Bezanson. This guy knows how to ride bikes and how to be a real pro. Such a cool guy! I was saying for a long time that he should be a Red Bull athlete, and now I see him being a team rider of mine. Yes! God bless you! What is your best memory from Simpel Session? Simpel Session is like a tradition for me. It really changed my outlook on BMX and life overall. I was there first time when I was 14 years old, and I had never been to a contest. We made a trip by car with friends to Estonia. It took almost three days, and after that we saw people like Josh Harrington, Chase Hawk and Ruben Alcantara. Awesome! Who is the best rider or the best newcomer in BMX in your opinion? There are a few talented riders, but still it’s hard to say. I mean, there is a bunch of good riders: Garrett Reynolds, Dennis Enarson, Daniel Dhers. And Maddog and Alex Coleborn as newcomers. But really the “it” BMX rider seems to me is Drew Bezanson. When you look back at the years you've been riding, is there one period that stands out as the best? Or is it now? I think the year 2007 was one of the best, but we will see what 2011 will be. Looking forward to it! 35.

Michael Beran

I was at the SIMPEL SESSION first time when I was 14 years old, and I had never been to a contest. Simpel Session really changed my outlook on BMX and LIFE overall

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Sahtel nr. 10

Do you have a dream competition you would like to take part of? Yes, I do. This year I would like to go more to contests in USA and try out some Dew Tour stops. One of my dreams as a kid was to take part of the X Games. It still is my dream. How do you train in the winter and do you miss the asphalt and outdoor parks? Like every BMX rider, I love riding outside way more. In Czech Republic there is only one small indoor park, so I'm more often in the gym, because it is freezing outside – about -10C°.

There are many kids who want to know how to get sponsored or how to get paid to ride a BMX bike. What would your advice be to them? Being supported by some BMX or clothing company is not just about being a good rider. It's about how good of a person you are. Of course you need to have good results – that's the beginning, but not just that. Co-operation with media is important – magazines, internet, TV outputs... Also contacts make a big part of it. What are you doing these days when you are not riding your bike? Actually I've got the same problem as last year – my spine is blocked again. So not riding much, more often I'm in a gym with a sport fitness specialist, and studying. I started going to a university and the exams are getting close. Do you have any interesting projects going on right now? Yes, as matter of fact, I’m doing one pretty cool one. It's called “True Life of Michael Beran” and it's getting pretty close to the end. Everything is in Czech language, because it’s more of a Czech project, but it’s gonna be with English subtitles on web by the end of February. Tell us about an average day in Michael Beran’s life? I wake up, do some work on my Mac: working with sponsors or friends' projects. After that I go to the gym or riding. One day I ride, the other go to gym. Then spend the whole day philosophizing about meaning of life here on Earth and everywhere. In your opinion, what are your favourite, the most impossible and best looking tricks in BMX nowadays? I liked the more difficult tricks back in the day. Now I love to go as high as I can. I'm still trying to put myself forward with new tricks like 360 whip to whip, frontflip whip or some other kickass combination. There are a lot of Red Bull riders coming to Tallinn this year. Are you guys also friends outside of competition halls ? When I started to ride for Redbull, I felt like I was adopted by a new family! I have good bros in this family. What is the best BMX website in your opinion ? First I visit FatBmx, after that VitalBmx and then BmxOnline. What are your expectations for Simpel Session 11 and Tallinn? MACHINEGUN! Thanks Michael! Thanks, see you soon! 37.

Sahtel nr. 10

Summer Session

NORDIC BMX THE SUMMER SESSION Words and photos by Mats Kahlström

Winter is progressing and the snow lies thick all over northern Europe. It’s quite hard to imagine that just six months ago, Simpel Session threw down a summer BMX contest in the heart of Finland. While Risto and the crew have organized summer contests for some years now, this was the first time they took it outside the borders of Estonia. Helsinki now acted as host to what would become a smaller version of the famous Simpel Session. Riders from all over Europe gathered up at Narinkkatori Square, including many local riders from Scandinavia and the Baltics, all giving their best in the blasting 30-degree summer heat. With the course designed by Nate Wessel and a couple of thousand local Helsinki-people watching, it was bound to be good. But it was a serious job for the judges as the contest acted as a qualification round for the Simpel Session 11.

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So this was a perfect opportunity for unknown riders to show off their skills. German rider Bruno Hoffman took home the win after a couple of solid and technical runs. Ben Hennon placed second killing the course with insane airs and a huge tailwhip gap and Sergio Layos grabbed the last medal finis hing third. After a full day of action the list of qualified riders from the Baltics and Scandinavia was done. 20 riders including Estonian rider Andres Lainevool were now invited to compete at the Simpel Session 2011 in Tallinn. The event was really successful and the afterparty lasted long into the night. Hopefully, we all get to go to Helsinki next summer when Stadi Summer Session returns. Just imagine – take all of the crazy action that is being thrown down at the winter Session but also mix in some warm weather and a few cold beers. That’s exactly what you will get.

Sahtel nr. 10

Jens Kahlström – truckdriver in Helsinki.

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Summer Session

Photo: Hendrik Osula

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Sahtel nr. 10

KICK-ASS! BY HENNON Summer Session was an insanely good time! I got to Helsinki really late the nite before the competition, but waking up there was so good! The city was such a beautiful place. Rolling around on my way to the event, which was in the centre of a crazy looking square, was sick! The setup for the event was rad – from tech grind stuff to big quarters, and some really fun lines. I don’t know, if it’s normal, but I expected it to be cold there. Instead, the weather was so good – really hot, and not a cloud in the sky. I always like it when qualifications and finals are on the same day. Some crazy riding went down in the qualifying, together with some stuff I really didn’t expect. A good mix of riders from all over Europe were there, which is always going to be the case with the rep of Estonia’s SimpelSession. Finals were around dusk, which created a great atmosphere together with all the city lights. The finals went down with Bruno Hoffman taking the win. Well done mate! But for me, the highlight was seeing Leon Perkins boosting out of the big 14-foot vert quarter at the back of the park. Top three got sweet trophies that we were stoked on. After prize-giving, it was all wrapped up with a kickass party. There’s definitely something about the people up there in the North – they sure know how to party. I bailed out early, because I had a crazy flight to catch, but altogether had a blast at the Summer Session. Can’t wait for the next time, hopefully I’ll get to hang out there for more than just a day. But what a day! Thanks to everyone who made it happen. Easy, Hennon 41.

Sahtel nr. 10

Rasmus Paimre

EESTI BMX RASMUS PAIMRE Oled 20-aastane. Millal BMXi sõitma hakkasid? Esimese ratta ostsin, kui olin 14. Esimesel aastal sõitsin sellega niisama küla vahel. Korralikult sõitma hakkasin 15-aastaselt. Mis nende aastatega praeguseks sinu arvates Eesti BMXskenes muutunud on? Parke on juurde tekkinud, seega talved saab paremini üle elada. Varem ei olnud talvel kuskil sõita ja pidime selleks Haapsallu, Tartusse, Tallinna või Valka minema. See võttis aga palju raha ja aega, niisiis käisime enamasti vaid nädalavahetustel. Nüüd saab Tihemetsa sisekas käia, mis on oluliselt lähemal kui teised. Pärnus asub ka Che, kus kahte quarter’it sõita saab. Üldiselt on aastatega palju vanu sõitjaid eluga edasi läinud ja ratta sinnapaika jätnud. Mis küll ei ole küll eriti tore, aga samas tuleb noori pidevalt peale. Soovid sa, et midagi oleks teisiti? Eestis võiks olla üks korralik suur sisepark, kus saaks aastaringselt sõita. Samuti võiksid kõik sõbrad, kes sõitmise pooleli on jätnud, seda edasi teha, mitte klubisid vallutada. Kuidas hetkel Pärnu skenega on – kellega koos tavaliselt sõidad ja kus? Pärnusse on just viimaste aastatega tekkinud palju noori sõitjaid. Suvel käivad kõik Munamäe välipargis või täna vatel sõitmas, kui miskit huvitavat leidub. Talvel sõidan tavaliselt Tihemetsas, mis on Pärnust umbes 50 km kaugusel ehk nii 35 minutit autoga. Käime seal enamasti oma kaadriga: Jaanus, Ott, Ets, Marko, Mikk ja mõned veel. Veetsid sel suvel aega Hispaanias, kus osalesid isegi võistlustel ning said tulemuse kirja. Ehk räägid täpsemalt? Osalesin Barcelonas toimunud võistlusel Bike Show BNC, kus sain pro-klassis teise koha. Läksin sinna täiesti suvalisel ajal, et lihtsalt striiti sõita ja puhata. Võistlusest

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Fotod: Fernando Rodriguez Marmolejo

kuulsin ühelt kohalikult. Järgmisel hommikul läksime seda üle vaatama ja nii ta läks. Räägi, mis on Pirate BMX ja kuidas sa sellega seotuks said? Tegemist on noore Barcelona rattafirmaga, mille sain edale sponsoriks päev pärast Bike Show BNC võistlust. Rääkisin ühe korraldajaga ja hiljem selgus, et ta on Pirate BMXi omanik. Järgmisel päeval pakkuski ta mulle diili, et saan neilt juppe ja muid asju. Tegemist on väga lahkete ja sõbralike inimestega. Neid Barcelonas ikka jagus. Kes veel Pirate’i tiimis sõidavad või ettevõtmisega seotud on? Tiimis on neid päris palju, kuid ise olen sõitnud vaid kahega – Nil’i ja Noe’ga. Praegu on tegemises ka nende koduleht piratebmx.es, kus end kõige toimuvaga kursis saab hoida. Fotondusega tegeleb neil Fernando Marmolejo, kellega koos pildistasime ja hängisime ka Barcelonas. Sõitsid suvel ka Gdańskis, Poola Baltic Games’il. Räägid ehk, kellega selle tripi ette võtsite ja kuidas üritus oli? Käisime seal Neuga [Ingvar Neumann – toim.]. Tripp oli väga rets – autoga sinna ja tagasi, kuumus oli ka veel nendel päevadel põhjas. Õnneks toimus võistlus õhtul. Kõik läks hästi, mina sain seal seitsmenda koha ja Ingvar üheksanda. Kas Poola on ikka veel sketshy? Mõni road-story, mida tahaksid meiega jagada? Poola esmamulje oli nagu alati, kuid Gdansk oli küll täiesti okei linn. Sinna sõites pöörasime korra valesti ja läksime mööda õudukateed, mille ääres kasvasid puud, mis ulatusid tee kohale ja moodustasid tunneli. Täielik “wrong-turn” .Lõpuks jõudsime sealt siiski välja ja pärast 30-kilomeetrist ringi jõudsime kohale.

Sahtel nr. 10

Minu andmetel on see su kolmas Simpel Session tulemas, mis tunnetega peale lähed? Jah, kolmas. Ootan seda julmalt, sest sõitjate nimekiri ja park on erakordselt head.

muutis mu reaalsust oma quarter-to-quarter whip’iga. Aga jah, mul läks seal päris kenasti, kuid mitte nii kenasti kui kvalifikatsioonis. Finaalis olin rampväsinud, sest päev oli pikk.

Mis mulje siis park täpsemalt jätab? Meeldib väga! Läbimõeldud park, mis pakub kõigile võimalusi. Just selline nagu vaja. Kahju ainult, et Eestis nii suuri parke ei ole, kus harjutamas käia.

Olete koos Reigo Alpiga olnud üsna aktiivsed veebi videote meisterdajad. Kes on Reigo ja kas kevadel on ka midagi uut plaanis? Reigo on minu hea sõber, kellega jagame Pärnus korterit. Temaga on chill filmida. Talvel sõidab ta lumelauda ja seepärast ei jää tal kuigipalju minuga filmimiseks aega. Peab tõesti kevade ära ootama, eks siis näeb.

On sul oma lemmikuid, kelle sõidu nägemist ootad Sessionil rohkem kui mõne teise oma? Ootan väga kõikide sõitmist, kuid eriliselt tahaks näha Tom Duganit ja Dakota Roche’i, kes on esimest korda siin. Lisaks kõiki Eesti sõitjaid, kes kohal on. On sul 2011. aastal plaanis ratta seltsis ka reisida? Plaane on palju, kuid kõik nendest kahjuks ei täitu. Kindel on vaid see, et lähen jälle Hispaaniasse trippima ning sel korral kaugemale kui Barcelonasse. Sevillasse ehitati uus betoonpark, mis on sealkandi üks suuremaid. Mis muljed sulle Summer Sessioni Helsingi versioon jättis? Sõitsid finaalis 12. kohale. Üks parimatest üritustest sellel suvel. Ben Hennon

Õpid Mainori ettevõtluskõrgkoolis. Kuidas sellega läheb ning kas ettevõtlus võib ka kuidagi rattasõiduga seotuks saada? Koolis läheb suhteliselt hästi ja kõik on kontrolli all. Õpin seal turundust. Saab näha, kas seda tulevikus ka ratta sõiduga siduda õnnestub, kuid loodan seda väga. Ja lõpetuseks, mis on sinu TOP 3 veebisaidid, mida külastad? Thecomeupbmx.net, Sahtel.ee, defgrip.net Tänud, Sessionil näeme!

Barcelonas, footjam nosepick. 43.

Kass Q&A

Sahtel nr. 10

KASS Q&A Küsimused ja fotod: Ravel Tammeleht

Q: Kui vana sa oled? A: 21 Q: Käid sa tööl või õpid? A: Õpin esimest aastat Tallinna Ülikoolis bioloogiat. Q: Miks sa just selle eriala valisid? A: Tasuta saab, koolis olin ka reaalainetes tugev ja huvitab selline asi. Poleks ka midagi selle vastu, kui minust kunagi õpetaja peaks saama. Q: Neoonroheline, kroom, must või veripunane? A: Must on hea, ei väsita silmi ära. Q: Kuidas sa BMXiga tutvusid? A: Hüppasin käiguka veljed kaheksasse ja siis tundus, et oleks midagi asjakohasemat vaja. Q: Kes sa oleksid, kui poleks BMXiga tutvunud? A: Raske küsimus. Võib-olla ei tegeleks üldse spordiga, tüdruksõber oleks keegi teine. Aga oleks on oleks ja iialgi ei saa teada. Q: Mis on sinu arvamus hetkeseisust Eesti BMXis? A: Oleneb linnast. Tartus käib trenn, Tallinnas on sõitjad laiali valgunud – osad on pargis, osad linna peal ja hoitakse pigem omaette. Q: Tahaksid sa välja tuua mõned Eesti sõitjad, kes sinu arvates vajaksid rohkem tähelepanu või feimi? A: Johannes on väga heaks saanud lühikese ajaga, teda võiks rahvas näha. Q: Kas sa eelistad sõita pundis, üksi või kuidas? A: Pundis, kuid mitte igas pundis. Omadega saab ikka sõidu kõrvalt maailmaasjadest rääkida ja nalja teha. Q: Ütle meile, mis on sinu unistuste sõidukoht? A: Sellises kanalis nagu USA videotes näeb, tahaks küll sõita. Q: Kas sinu meelest on Eestis head sõidutingimused? A:Kindlasti mitte nii head kui riikides, kus on meie mõistes aastaringselt suvi. Samuti on pargid üksluised ja väikesed, mis kindlasti hoiab mõnda inimest arenemast. Q: Tehnika, stiil, sport või chill? A: Tahan teha midagi sellist, mida teised pole veel teinud. Ja jutt ei käi viiekordsest saltost. Omad liinid ja sujuv sõit on kõige parem vaatepilt. Vahepeal meeldib teha ka midagi suuremat. Üldiselt olen viimasel ajal rohkem hakanud tehniliste asjade ja “stiilse” sõiduga tegelema, aga samas parimad sõidukorrad pole seotud sõitmise, vaid seltskonnaga. Q: Mis loomaga sa enda sõidustiili kirjeldaksid? A: Nokkloomaga. Q: Sellisel juhul - miks sind Kassiks kutsutakse? A: See hüüdnimi pandi mulle juba alguses, enne nii öelda “stiili” tekkimist.

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Q: Odyssey, Mutiny, Metal, Eastern või Fly? A: Fly on mugav, aga mõni nende toode on nõrk. Need asendaks Ody’ga. Q: Sul on treili raam, aga ise sõidad striiti. Miks nii? A: Treili raam on kiire reaktsiooniga ja teeb täpselt seda, mida ma tahan, aga väiksema vaevaga. Pole eriti mõttetu jõupingutuse fännaja. Q: Mis jupp sinu rattal kõige parem on ning mida usaldad kõige rohkem? A: Hannese tehtud lenskuotsad on kõige kauem vastu pidanud, aga eks ma olen ratta ikka nii valinud, et kõike saab usaldada. Q: Mis juppi sa oma rattal kõige vähem usaldad? A: Stem on selline nuhtlus, mis vahepeal otsustab lõdvalt võtta. Q: Paljud arvavad, et sulle ei sobi kitsad püksid. Mis on sul neile vastu öelda? A: No eks nad siis arvaku edasi. Mulle ei meeldi Justin Bieber ka, aga see teeb ikka “muusikat“ edasi. Q: Internetis on levimas kahtlase väärtusega videomaterjal nimega “Beef Jerky”. Kuidas sa seda kommenteeriksid? A:See on osati nagu WikiLeaks, aga see mis tuleb Beef Jerky-lt, on kindlalt tõsi. Q: Sinu sõidumuusika? A: Rokk ja klubimuss. Q: Ütle meile midagi, mida paljud sinust ei tea? A: Mul on pintsak. Q: Kaua sa veel sõita plaanid? A: Kuni aega on ja luud-liigesed vastu peavad. Q: Millega sa veel peale sõitmise tegeled? A: Kooli ja tüdrukuga, vahepeal töö ja mõni peoke. Q: Millise auto sa omale võtaksid, kui sul oleks võimalus see tasuta saada? A: Mustang, sest see näeb nii boss välja. Q: Oled sa rahul sellega, kes sa oled? A: Jah. Ei lase siin tühja, on olemas visioon tulevikust ja üritan seda saavutada. Q:Mida on sul öelda oma fännidele? A: Stay varja! Q: Kui ütleksin sulle, et “nii, nüüd läheme teeme väljas paar pilti”, siis kas oleksid sa nõus seda tegema? Arvestades, et väljas on hetkel väga külm ning tormine ilm. A: Kui sellest keegi kasu saab, siis võib, aga muidu lumi ja külm pole minu teema. Q: Aga davai, vaatame, mis puust mees sa oled siis. A: Ega ma Pinocchio pole, luust ja lihast mees ikka.

Sahtel nr. 10

Rain Lindemann Q&A

RAIN LINDEMANN Q&A Küsimused: Kris Luigend

Q: Tutvusta ennast. Mis on sinu nimi, vanus ja kus elad? A: Rain-Silver Lindemann,17-aastane, Tallinn. Q: Kaua oled rulasõitmisega aktiivselt tegelenud? A: Umbes neli ja pool aastat. Q: Miks sa rulatama hakkasid? Kas kellegi eeskujul või juhtus kõik iseenesest? A: Sest kaks parimat sõpra hakkasid sõitma ja mul ei jäänud muud üle kui ka sõitma hakata. Q: Kas sa kohvi jood? A: Ainult hommikuti. Q: Mina näiteks mäletan väga selgelt oma esimest sõitu rulaga ja isegi oma esimest kompliiti. Sina? A: Esimest sõitu ei mäleta kahjuks, aga minu esimene kompliit oli "Sugar". Q: Kus sulle Tallinnas kõige rohkem sõita meeldib? Salaspotte ei pea avaldama. Oled sa üleüldse rahul pealinna spottidega või hakkab sul pikapeale ikkagi igav siin? A: Bastion ja Tallinna spotid hakkavad juba natukene üle viskama, aga igale poole pole veel jõudnud. Kogu aeg ehitatakse midagi juurde, on midagi avastada. Q: Kes on su lemmik Eesti rulataja? Kes välismaalt? A: Minu lemmik Eesti rulataja on Erki Lastik. Lemmik välismaasõitja on David Gonzales. Q: Kes on Eesti kõige alahinnatum sõitja? A: Janek Aasa. Q: Mida arvad hetkeseisust Eesti rulasekenes? Kas puhuvad helged tuuled? A: Kõik sõidavad paremini kui varem. Jah, progress käib. Vanad panevad hullu ja noored panevad hullu ning neid tuleb kogu aeg järjest rohkem peale. Q: Nii naljakas kui see ka pole, on paljud rulamehed enne olnud usinad rulluisutajad. Kui see ei ole saladus, siis kas oled sinagi neiupõlves rulluisutamisega tegelenud? See pole häbiasi. Ütle ausalt ära. A: Mina õnneks ei ole sellega tegelenud. Q: Miks õnneks? A: Ei kommenteeri. Q: Millist trikki sa ei oska või kardad teha, aga teised oskavad? A: Switch flip’is ja hard flip’is olen täielik null. Q: Kas noseblunt on uus crooked?

A: Võib ka nii öelda. Q: Kas nollie heel nose on unustusse vajumas? A: Jah, umbes nii. Q: Kus sa välismaal sõitmas oled käinud? Soomes. A: Kui sul oleks valida ükskõik mis paik maailmas, kuhu saaksid minna sõitma, siis kuhu läheksid? Barcelona, muidugi. Q: Milline on sinu lemmiktrikk? A: Frontside flip ja tre. Q: Peale rulatamise on maailmas veel palju huvitavat. Kas muusikat kuulad? Mis meeldib? A: Kuulan AC/DC’d ülimalt palju. Q: Lemmikfilm ja lemmiknäitleja? A: Pirate Radio. Lemmiknäitlejat ei ole. Q: Kas sulle meeldib sõita muusikaga või ilma ja mis on su lemmik sõidumuss? A: Meeldib ikka rohkem muusikaga sõita ja lemmik on AC/DC terve “Highway to Hell” album. Q: Mis trikid hetkel moes on? A: Bs smith, back lip, noseblunt. Frontside bigspin’i tehakse palju. Q: Kas sulle võistelda meeldib? A: Natukene ikka. Q: Kas filipiga sisse või flipiga välja? A: Ikka rohkem sisse. Q: Kas iPod või minidisc? A: IPod. Q: Viimasel ajal filmite usinasti. Kas on oodata ka tervilikumat klippi? PS. Viimane Haiglas filmitud lühiklipp oli väga hull! A: Jah, filmime hetkel ühe Londoni kutiga sisepargi videot, aga see on natukene pikem protsess. Q: Milline on sinu lemmik Eesti rulavideo? A: “Hallo Vä?” ja “Lõuend”. Q: Oled sa varem nii suurel võistlusel nagu Session võistelnud? A: Ei ole. Q: Kas sa kaitsmeid kannad? A: Ei kanna. Q: Millal oli sul viimati väga hea sõidupäev ja milliseid vigureid lukku panid? A: Siis, kui Alexiga Haiglas seda videot filmisime.

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Paul Oja

SESSIONI IHU-DJ PAUL OJA

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Sahtel nr. 10

Photo: Kertin Vasser

Sahtel nr. 10

Nii, Paul, mis teoksil? Palju asju korraga. Lähima paari kuu jooksul peaks ilmuma üks suurem miksteip, EP jagu originaalloo mingut ja mõned remiksid. Lisaks tavaline nädalavahetuse meelelahutusprogramm. Ei kurda. Lõbusad ajad. Millal ise viimati rulfi kätte või jalge alla võtsid? Äkki oli Haiglas möödunud suvel mingi ürituse ajal... Selline sümboolne värk, aga vähemalt korra kuus saab mõne skeidisõbraga kokku lepitud, et kindel sõitma minek. Viimased paar aastat on ainult jutuks jäänudki kahjuks. Enamik noori kutte ei tea, et olid eelmises elus ikka kõva rulataja... Südames sõidan siiamaani. Sellist asja ei saa eelmistesse eludesse jätta. Kas mäletad, mis lood Sessioni äftekatel kõige rohkem käima on tõmmanud? “Smells Like Teen Spirit” ajas ükskord kellegi nii elevile, et mu “Nevermindi” vinüül sai sahmaka jooki ja läks mahakandmisele. Oleks siis õlu või viingi olnud, aga ei – mingi kleepekas oli. Mis värk selle Überblingeni peo ja Guns’n’Roses’iga oli? Ah, ei olnud seal midagi. See oli a la kolmas päev pidusid eelviimaste aurude peal ja keegi oli buukinud sinna mingisuguse lollaka välismaa DJ, kes täis peaga oma laptop’i kasutamiskõlbmatuks pillas ja siis ülejäänud aja mängimise asemel inimeste ajusid komposteeris. Lõpuks, kella viie paiku hommikul tuli mul tahtmine G’n’R’i plaat “Appetite for Destruction” algusest lõpuni ette mängida. See oli üks normaalsemaid asju selle õhtu jooksul. Ma mäletan, et pidu ise oli siiski päris hea. Aga jah, see UK jope oli Überblingeni Heleni buukitud, ma olen õnneks süüst puhas, hehe. Critikal reastas eelmisel talvel SS-i juubelipublikatsiooni jaoks oma Simpel Sessioni TOP 10-ne. Ehk nimetad sinagioma meeldejäävaimad hetked? Okei, here we go... • Pärast tunnist ööund Saku Suurhallis võistlustele taustaks mängimine. Mike Vallely tahtis punki. Mul oli ainult räppi ja megahalb olla. • Pühapäevased peod. Poole kaheksani kestis möödunud aastal? • Neli-viis päeva lõbusat ajaveetmist, mõnedel aastatel päevasele üritusele hetkekski jõudmata. • Aga niipalju kui olen jõudnud, siis see park on ikka eriti muljetavaldav olnud. Ma arvan, et seal oleks täitsa vahva

sõpradega konjakit juua ja rulaga sõita. • See naljakas kontrast, et päevane programm muutub iga aastaga järjest sportlikumaks ja tõsisemaks ning õhtune siis vastavalt teises suunas. • Pidutsejad, kes ei saa aru, et muusika ei hakka valje mini või paremini kõlama, kui DJ-tehnikat ühel või teisel moel rünnata. Samas ei mõista kedagi hukka, eks igaüks pidutseb nii kuidas heaks arvab. Lihtsalt see keiss, et kui muusikamasina katki teed, siis ei saa keegi enam pidutseda. See ka jama ju. • Tom Penny! • Kuidas Sessioni vaib levib Suurhallist ja peokohtadest üle terve linna. Maagiline värk! • Veelkord Tom Penny! • Kõik, kes on käinud, pidutsenud, hänginud, mänginud, toetanud, korraldanud, asjatanud! Liiga palju toredaid inimesi, et eraldi üles lugeda! Good times! Sa oled kaua tegev olnud ning siiani tuleb päris mitu üritust nädalas portfooliosse juurde. Kuidas Sessioni peod selles tohuvapohus eristuvad või silma paistavad? Kui paistavad. Paistavad muidugi, miks nad siis ei paista. Tore, et saan endiselt olla osa sellest hullusest, mis igal aastal toimub. Nagu jõulud, aga veidi teistmoodi. Bert (DJ Critikal) on mänginud igal Sessioni peol, 2000. aastast alates. Sa oled peaaegu sama teenekas mees ning plaati nühkinud pea igal Sessioni eel- ja järelüritusel alates aastast 2004. aastanumbrist. Korralik maraton – ega väsimuse märke märgata ole? Kindel, et 2004? Ma kogu aeg mõtlesin, et varem juba. Väsinud? Millest? Nalja teed? Kahjuks vist ajalooürikud ei valeta... 2004 aasta Simpel Session oli esimene üritus Tallinnas ja Krahlis. Aga räägime millesti muust ka. Check One Two saab tuleval aastal kümneaastaseks. Kuidas käsi käib? Maikuus kukub tõesti kümme aastat. Check One Two on Eesti siiani vanim kestev räpiüritus ja mingeid äravajumise märke pole märgata. Mai teisel laupäeval on tulemas midagi suurt ja uhket, nii et linnuke kalendrisse!

See on eriti äge, kuidas Sessioni vaib levib Suurhallist ja peokohtadest üle terve linna. Maagiline värk! 47.

Photo: Kay Klauberg — Bikes — Simpel Session

Arhiveeritud linnakaja — ISSN 1736–2199

Sahtel nr. 10 — Simpel Session eri

Film Festival Riders Statistics Contest rules Locations map Course design Photo exhibitions & more

5–6 February 2011 Tallinn Estonia

€

Simpeliga on pilet 5 eurot soodsam! Vaata veel simpel.ee/session ja v천ida tasuta pileteid ning vingeid Samsungi auhindu.

速

VERSA

Simpel Session 10 skate winner Adrien Bulard / Photo: David Ransom

HEI SIMPEL SESSIONI FÄNN!

SimpeL SessionI piletiga Sulle Vapiano restoranides terve nädal -10%! Kampaania kestab 31.01 - 6.02.2011. Soodustuse saamiseks esita kassas Simpel Sessioni pilet või NÄITA SIMPEL SESSIONI toimumise päeval KÄEPAELA.

WWW.VAPIANO.ee

Red Bull Project X Shaun White Reedel 04.02 Solaris Kinos kell 20.00 www.filmfestival.session.ee www.shaunwhite.com/projectx www.solariskino.ee www.redbull.ee

TEVIE WILLIAMS, SKATER, FOUNDER DGK

EWERACAP.COM/FLAGBEARERS

TEVIE STEVIE WILLIAMS, WILLIAMS, SKATER, SKATER, FOUNDER FOUNDER DGK DGK

EWERACAP.COM/FLAGBEARERS NEWERACAP.COM/FLAGBEARERS

Simpel Session soft goods! Simpel Session tâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;shirts designed by Travis Collier, Soy Panday, Risto Kalmre & Jan Tomson shop.session.ee Shipping worldwide!

Also available: Simpel Session New Era caps!z

Simpel Session 11

Intro

Photo: Fat Tony — Rider: Andres Lainevool — Trick: whip over the channel — Simpel Session 10

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Simpel Session 11

SIMPEL SESSION 11

Prepare for a week full of amazing BMX and skateboarding at the most talked about event in the action sports calender, kicking off on 5-6th of February in European Capital of Culture Tallinn 2011. Having started out as just a local jam, Simpel Session has worked its way up to become one of the biggest and best contests in the world of BMX bikes and skateboarding. And not because of its massive media coverage or hefty prize purse, but more for its ability of attracting the biggest names in the business, a mind-blowingly impressive new course each year, and the laid-back vibe with a feeling of a giant BMX and skateboard party. Simpel Session is a celebration of everything that is amazing about BMX and skateboarding. Simpel Session 11 is one of the most anticipated international highlight events of European Capital of Culture Tallinn 2011 program. This means there will be several side events to the festival this year, such as film screenings and photography exhibitions. The contest course will be once again designed by the well-known skatepark designer Nate Wessel, and the event will be hosted by the devoted announcers Zack “Catfish” Yankush and Dave “Double D” Duncan. For the first time ever, Simpel Session is a part of the World Cup Skateboarding 2011 World Tour and point series.

Aasta oodatuim rula- ja rattapidu on taas kohal! Euroopa kultuuripealinna Tallinn 2011 programmi üks suurimaid rahvusvahelisi tähtsündmusi Simpel Session 11 toimub sel aastal 5.-6. veebruaril ning toob endaga kaasa ka kolme päevase filmifestvali ja fotonäituse. Maailma üheks rulasõidu ja BMX-i tippvõistluseks peetav Simpel Session paistab tänavu eriliselt silma skeidis, osaledes esmakordselt rula maailmakarikasarjas World Cup Skateboarding (WCS). Simpel Session on aastatega kasvanud kohalikust võistlu sest skeidi- ja BMXi kultusürituseks, meelitades igal aastal kohale järjest meeletumal hulgal välisvõistlejaid ja kuulsamaid sõitjaid ning jõudes veebi, televisiooni ja trükisõna vahendusel sadade tuhandete, kui mitte miljonite vaatajateni üle maailma. See on elamusterohke nädalavahetus täis enneolematut vaatemängu ligi kahesajalt tippratturilt ja rulatajalt igast ilma otsast. Nende seas saab Simpel Sessioni uhiuuel ning massiivsel võistlusväljakul kaasa elada rula- ja BMX-i absoluutsete tippude, aga ka Eesti ja lähiriikide parimate meeletule sõidule. Nagu ikka, saadab võistlust sütitav meeleolu ning mõnus atmosfäär, mis õhtuti sujuvalt metsikuks peoprogrammiks üle läheb.

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Simpel Session 11

CONTENTS & TICKETS 1–16 17 18–19 20 22–27 28-29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37–47 48-49

SS PARTNERS SS SOFT GOODS INTRO CONTENTS & TICKETS SS FILM FESTIVAl SELECTED RIDERs/SKATERS FESTIVAL SCHEDULE RIDERS LIST CONTESTANTS FESTIVAL LOCATIONS MAP SS COURSE DESIGN SS STATistics KAI KUUSISTO EXHIBITION SS EXHIBITION CATALOGUE SS PARTY PROGRAM

Simpel Session 11 festivalipassid on müügil EMT esindustes üle Eesti! EELMÜÜK Kahe päeva pilet 24 € Simpeli kliendile 19 € FESTIVALIL KOHAPEAL Kahe päeva pilet 26 € Esimene päev 17 € Teine päev 20 € www.session.ee/2011/tickets

Simpel Session 11 event passes can be purchased Worldwide through Piletilevi (Estonia), Bilesuserviss (Latvia), Bilietupasaulis (Lithuania) and Tikketti Online (Finland). In Finland passes are also on sale in LippuRex (Lasipalatsi Film and Media Centre) and Kamppi service point (Kamppi shopping center). Two day ticket from presale costs 24 €. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Two day ticket: 26 € 1st day ticket: 17 € 2nd day ticket: 20 € info@session.ee www.session.ee

20.

Simpel Session 11

Photo: Tuukka Kaila — Rider: Peter Ramondetta — Trick: backside tailslide — Simpel Session 08

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Simpel Session 11

Film Festival

SIMPEL SESSION FILM FESTIVAL 2–4 FEBRUARY in ARTIS FILM THEATER & SOLARIS CINEMA

Simpel Session Filmifestival on pimedates kinosaalides toimuv vaimusoojendus ekstreemspordifestivalile Simpel Session ja väärt vaatamine kõigile neile, kes kunagitundnud rõõmu ratastel veeremisest. Sest just sõidurõõmust sündinud hetkedest Artises ja Solarises kolme päeva jooksul ekraanile jõudvad filmid koosnevadki. Sel aastal moodustavad lõviosa festivali programmist rula- ja rattateemalised dokumentaalid, sekka mõningaid lühifilme ja uuemaid sõidufilme, kus astuvad muuhulgas üles ka mitmed Tallinna võistlema saabuvad ratturid ja rulatajad.

Piletid filmiseanssidele maksavad 2 eurot ning on müügil Artises ja Solaris Kinos ning võrgulehtedel www.kino.ee ja www.solariskino.ee

www.filmfestival.session.ee

All films are in original languages or with English subtitles.

22.

Kõik filmid on originaalkeeles või ingliskeelsete subtiitritega.

Tickets to screenings cost 2 Euros and are available in film theaters and websites www.kino.ee and www.solariskino.ee

Simpel Session 11

WEDNESDAY / KOLMAPÄEV / 02.02 / ARTIS 16:00

Travis Collier “Night riding” / short / Canada 2010 / 2 min Woozy – Stefan Lantschner / short / Germany 2010 / 6 min “I Love My Bicycle” The Story of FBM Bikes / USA 2010 / 74 min

17:30

“The Diffusion” / Lithuania 2010 / 24 min

SKATE

18:00

“Inside Kenk” / short / USA 2010 / 11 min “Empire Begins” / USA 2010 / 45 min

URBAN CYCLING FIXED GEAR

19:00

“Stoked: The Rise and Fall of Gator” / USA 2002 / 80 min

SKATE

20:30

“Dogtown and Z-Boys” / USA 2001 / 91 min

SKATE

BMX

THURSDAY / NELJAPÄEV / 03.02 / ARTIS 15:00

“10,000 Kilometers” / Hungary 2010 / 45 min

SKATE