Six European skateboarders paid a lightning visit to Malta this week to check out the scenario and film the best rides to be had around the island. They are six of the best who tour Europe to participate in European and international competitions. Their names are Petr Horvat from the Czech Republic, Marcus Gomez, Damien Tesorero and Sem Rubio from Spain, Andy Wetter and Christoph Wildgrube aka “Willow” from Germany. Tuesday saw them trying out stunts in Pretty Bay Birzebbuga, while on Wednesday they were enjoying the sunshine and the attention of a growing crowd of Maltese skateboarders at the Msida subway – a popular skating spot.

Petr says, “We have met some 30 skateboarders here so far and they are all very interested in what we are doing. Basically we are here on holiday but taking the opportunity to film some jumps while we are here. Sem is our photographer and Damien is filming and obviously they are both seasoned skaters themselves.”

In fact, Petr who is 22 years old has been skating for the past 10 years and his skill as well as that of the others, has attracted the attention of various sponsors who support their sporting activities.

They voiced their disappointment at the lack of skating facilities in Malta. “We are asking the skaters here to advise on the best sites to skate, but there do not seem to be any. In Prague, where I live, it is very different. There are a lot of skate parks, practically one for every neighbourhood. It is important for the children, and the council mayors all realise this, so they invest in creating these spaces for youths. We have two major ones – the Stalin Plaza and the skate park at Scena. They are both really big.”

The visit has sparked off a considerable amount of energy and attention from Maltese youths who are interested in skateboarding. Since they were on their Easter holidays they could follow their “idols” from one site to another.

“We are not filming our stunts for any specific reason, but since we all skate for different companies, we are preparing material that can be used possibly for publication in video form or to be included in a feature on the skateboarding magazine Kingpin.”

When asked what he thought of the local scenario and the fact that Maltese skateboarders have been waiting and hoping for a good number of years to see a decent skate park set up somewhere for them to train safely and professionally in, Petr showed visible disappointment.

He said, “It is common to have a situation where youths are forced out of places where they are not welcome to skate. It happens everywhere, but it can be dangerous when they start skating near the roads. It is a pity there is no professional skate park here.

“Perhaps your authorities do not know that there is such a strong interest in this sport or do not believe it exists.”