Sun, fun and nothing to do?… Nope, Saturday the Swiss Vans Off The Bowl contest was held in Sarnen. A neat bowl settled in one of Switzerland most beautiful regions, blazing sunshine with temperatures around 34° and a line-up with some of the best bowl skaters of the country and some international guests made this contest one to remember. The level of tricks was intense… And we think we got almost all of them. Here’s a rough summary.
First things first… Young Italian Ivan Federico placed first!.. An incredible stand-on run with two Flip-Grabs and Judo to Indy on the extension made it fairly easy for the judges to decide. However, if Spain’s Alain Goikoetxea wouldn’t havebeen fighting with cramps in the final it might have been a tight one for Ivanino. Alain was clearly skating on an other Level. He went higher and further than anybody else. 3rd place went to Lukas Halter. His first final run included his signature Melons over the hip, a Ollie to Fs Lipslide on the extension and a first try Feeble Grind to Fakie through the extension corner. From left to right; Alain, Ivanino and Lukas…
One more of those tricks that we’re not sure how to call… A Wraparound?.. A Judo to Indy? In any case; Ivanino did it every single time in every single run. What will happen to that kid once his muscles start to develop???
Alain Goikoetxea’s Backside Air and Invert were shot right after each other. His qualifying run was extremely powerful. Once in the bowl that guy brings a force with him that you can almost feel. We hope that next time he’ll have a bit more magnesium to avoid the cramps. It was a pity not being able to see what tricks he would have pulled out for the best trick contest…
Lukas Halter’s last trick of his final run was this Ollie Up to Lipslide on the extension. Now… Either that guy on the right was praying for Lukas to stick it or then he already knew that Lukas would have a flawless run and gave his eyes a little rest. Oh… And that’s a nice shirt you’re wearing, Lukas!
Who else was on the course? Moritz Greber? Doing Backside Crails? Yes, sir. Always a grin on his face, always positiv. It’s great to see how the young Swiss bowl generation is actually only about to reach their best skating. Give ‘em two more years and they’ll be some of Europe’s finest.
The kids had their fun…
..and so did Fabio Martin. A bit further up we asked what might happen to Ivanino when his muscles start developing. Well, Fabio here is right on that doorstep. So far he had an incredible flow and control, but now he seems to be stepping it up strong. His physics are changing from those of a boy into those of a man. This Madonna to tail was only one of many tricks he blasted out of the vert corner.
His growing strength might also be the reason why Fabio won the best trick contest. He blasted a straight Indy Nosebone over the whole wobble settled in the middle of the perfect little Sarnen bowl.
No Vans Off The Bowl without Micky Iglesias. One of Switzerland’s finest bowl skaters. Tech master. Doing younger tricks even though being the oldest participant of this contest. Heelflip Nosetap? Try doing that one at that spot…
This guy showed up late, started skating his qualifying run without warm up and struck everybody with his style and Frontside Ollies. Cedric Oosterhoff blasted Melons like these all day long and held up the Flag for Lausanne!
Second guy from Loz-Town; Kevin Kohler got some extra points for the shirt and the socks. The 5.0s through the corner were a make every time.
Yes guys… It was hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooot!!!
This might be the best combo of the weekend. Federico Boldini Grinds up and into a Tailblock during the best trick contest. He wasn’t rewarded with a price, but he did get some beers in the evening.
Marc Flückiger was the absolutely fastest guy in the bowl. Mach 2 wherever he went. Once the contest was over he eased down for a last run and grinded this barefoot smith grind through the corner.
Schumi surprised us all with this Backflip. He was skating consistent all day long doing every Fs transfer possible. And he was quite easy to spot, wasn’t he?
South Africa in the house! Will Twala here decided to come and blast his Fs Melons far away from his home country. With a big smile on his face and no fear on a skateboard this guy is for sure a welcome addition to our scene here in Switzerland. Welcome Will!
Igor Fardin had been skating, filming and shooting for three days straight before coming to Sarnen. No wonder his legs were a bit wobbly during the afternoon. After a little rest he stepped back on board and enriched the best trick session with these two specials; Around The World and straight into a Double Disaster.
Did we mention?… It was hooooooooooooooooooot!
He was actually speaking the contest while DJ Machete was on the 1′s and 2′s… But that didn’t keep Yari Copt from skating his run. No warm-up? That’s what you got your basics for… And who said old man!? Let me see your Tucknee!…
