Richard Zelinka: Beef between skaters and scooter riders is a myth

We’ll start with the obligatory, what are the best sneakers for scootering?

I’ve always liked the Nike SB, but I’ve recently switched to adidas. I like to ride in the Superstar and I have a new favorite in the form of the adidas adi2000.

How has the scooter community developed in the Czech Republic over the last 10 years?

Incredibly much. You can see it at a first glance when there used to be only a few of us in skateparks and now every skatepark is full of scooterists.

Can this development be compared to the situation in the world, or is it specific to us?

It seems to me that it’s similar almost everywhere where these sports operate. The big boom started especially between 2013-2017, and it’s more or less all over the world – in America, Australia, or Europe.

What is the difference in the possibilities of a 10-year-old scooterist today compared to when you were 10?

Probably the biggest difference is that we, who have been riding for ten years or more didn’t have the boundaries set so high from the beginning. Nowadays, everyone has an Instagram where they see other people posting crazy tricks, so those kids have something to look at and they set a high bar for themselves. That’s why they’re already doing some pretty awesome rides after two years of training.

What about sponsorship opportunities and the general interest of companies in young riders?

It is not easy to get sponsorship and support from a company even today. You have to be different and also have some kind of following to break the ice. To be honest, I don’t know how companies feel about kids now, but maybe in my younger days, they didn’t want to pay much. I’m a fan of small riders anyway. Kids are the future, they learn fast and if they can do it, you can tell.

Do you still perceive a beef between skateboarders and scooter riders?

Not at all the last two years. I know a lot of pro skaters personally and we’re friends. At the same time, most of the hate on scooters comes from skaters who can’t even ride. So I think it’s a myth, but I understand that some people may still encounter it.

Which of the countries you’ve visited with your scooter did you love the most regarding the environment and the people?

It would have to be either Costa Rica or Mexico. It has beautiful scenery and cities that are great to ride in. At the same time, I love the mood of the Latino people. They’re full of great energy and just exude positive vibes.

What would you recommend to Czechs to look at the world more positively? Or do you have your own recipe for this positive vibes mindset?

I would recommend going somewhere overseas. And if that’s not possible, at least realize that we are not here forever, that time flies. In short, smile and love yourself, I think that’s the basis of a good mindset.

Which country did you like the most in terms of opportunities and the community around scooters?

That would have to be the USA. It has the best street spots, the best skateparks, and the best community too.

And if you had to name one state in the US where it works the best?

Definitely California.

Do you have any other projects coming up, like your mega ramp? What are your dreams for the future?

First and foremost, I want to continue to host mega ramp races. One of these will hopefully be a really big show, like an extreme sports festival, so I’m focusing on improving what I have now rather than new projects.

Who would you most like to see your ramp surpass?

I’ve had a lot of big names here, like Nicholi Rogatkin, Corey Funk, and Roomet Säälik. I would love to see scooter legend Ryan Williams here, that would be awesome. He has a ramp in Australia and he and I are the only two riders who have a replica of the original Nitro Circus mega ramp. I’ve already visited his, so it would be cool if he visited mine. Hopefully next year at Rich Paradise v.4.

Thanks a lot! Now you have room for a few words in closing.

Thanks for spending time reading my story! Keep smiling, keep loving yourself and keep moving because sports are the next step to a good mindset.

@risazelinka
@richparadise_cz

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