SKATEBOARDS & MOJO “ISLAND VIBES”
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish - the squad all lined up. | p: Matt Kienzle
Often it seems everything happens so fast. One minute the team is kicking around ideas, the next we’re on planes flying across the world to meet up in foreign places. For awhile, we had been discussing the possibility of going to the small Canary Island of Tenerife. Shortly after the conversation begun things started to fall into place. Matt K. and Emma Daigle were already going to be in Madrid, Spain (relatively close to “The Island”), Axel Serrat lives in Barcelona, and Ali Nas lives in Norway, both also reasonably closeby. This and the fact there was the Big Mountain Skate Arico Freeride coming up made it all seem more and more of a sensible plan to get the crew together for an island adventure.
“WE LOADED UP AND MADE OUR WAY TOWARDS THE LITTLE BEACHSIDE RESIDENCE WE WOULD CALL HOME FOR THE NEXT WEEK OR SO....”
Upon arrival, we collected our bags and picked up our rental car. Ali Nas was not impressed with my choice arguing that the vehicle I had chosen for the trip would not even be able to make it up the hills we were going to be skating. Regardless, we loaded up and made our way towards the little beachside residence we would call home for the next week or so.
Ali and Ricker, all about dem curves. | p: Matt Kienzle
The next day we met up with Spanish local, Christian Rosillo and quickly began our nonstop exploration of the island. We scouted roads, found new spots, and enjoyed incredible scenery as we skated far and wide. We were snapping pictures as fast as we could (Axel shooting film took a bit longer) doing our best to capture everything we could. At dinner, we were introduced to “Mojo,” a special Canarian spicy sauce that we were instantly hooked on. From there on out all we wanted was mojo with every meal. It was just too good!
"AT DINNER, WE WERE INTRODUCED TO “MOJO,” A SPECIAL CANARIAN SPICY SAUCE THAT WE WERE INSTANTLY HOOKED ON."
The team’s trucks of choice, Paris Savants. | p: Matt Kienzle
As we explored and learned more about the island our project began to develop. The island is very unique and consists of a number of different temperate and environmental zones. The north, painted with lush forests and enormous trees, while the south is dusted with rocks and desolate roads. On the wall of our apartment, there was a large chalkboard that Emma went to town on documenting our plan of attack. We decided each rider would film their respective part in a different climate zone.
Does this count as getting pitted in the green room? | p: Matt Kienzle
We hashed out the details, getting everyone’s input for the parts. With Rosillo as our guide and behind the lens, we skated incredible roads and collected our shots. The volcanic pavement was smooth, sweet and buttery, but ate urethane like a delicious treat. We all torched countless wheels leaving our mark en-grained in the asphalt while Rosillo documented it all.
Friends...that’s cool. | p: Ryan Ricker
The entire crew was extraordinary, all bringing their own talents and personalities to the project. Axel: lively and entertaining, always making the team laugh. Ali: calm and focused, would stay up until 4am before our 6am dawn patrol missions. Emma brought her warmth and loving attitude, and was constantly on the hunt for tasty fruits to snack on. And Matt K. kept things on track and focused, but with a light heart and positive attitude. Laughing and smiling, he was just as stoked as the rest of us!
It was an incredible journey, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. The island is magical, and having Rosillo along to not only share his local knowledge, but also capture incredible imagery was a total blessing.
If you haven’t seen Paris Truck’s,“Skateboards & Mojo”yet, you’re missing out. Thanks to everyone that made this trip happen, and to all of you for taking time to enjoy some of the moments caught during our time spent in the Canaries.
