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Everybody knows that skateboarding is one of the catchiest extremesports. You need a lot of skills and talent to be on top. The 28 year old Stefan Bircher is one of the most known skateboarders in Switzerland. Stefan started with skateboarding in the age of 12. We talked with Stefan about his life and his fervor skateboarding.


Hey Stefan, tell the guys out there something about your place of birth and your current residence.
I'm was born in Baden, Switzerland. That's also the place of my current residence.

First time you ever rode a skateboard and when did you start riding contests?
About 16 years ago (1st rob roskopp promodel from santa cruz)
1st contest about 12 years ago

Who did inspire you to do skateboarding?
Some friends of mine inspired me to do that.

How important is skateboarding for you in your life?
On a scale from one to ten it used to be nine, today I’d say it’s a good solid seven and a half.

Tell me something about the actual skateboarding scene in your country ... how many pro-riders and how many hobby-riders are there?
A hand full of pro’s, hundred’s of very talented amateurs and just as many hobby-riders.

What would you change to give the skateboarding sport a better perspective?
More sunshine <--> less snow

Is there a combination between the lifestyle of other extremesports for example Skateboarding or Freestyle Motocross?
Maybe some kind of a rock’n roll “I don’t give a fuck” attitude.

Is it important for you to ride with your buddies and is there a good cohesion between the global riders?
Yes, it’s really important to ride with friends.

Which value have contests for you?
I’m supposed to say “not much”, right? I like to see the stuntmen doing their show for the crowd!

What do you like more Contests / Funriding?
Was there really anybody answering that one with “contests”?

What are your goals for the future?
Learn handplants

Favorite location to ride?
changes often, right now it’s the turbinenplatz or the landiwiese in zürich.

Does music push you to go bigger? What kind of music do you prefer?
Sometimes. I like all kinds of music, depends on what mood I’m in.

What is more important for you - the sport or the industry?
I get in touch with the industry more and more, I used to think it sucks but found out it’s interesting. Still riding is way better then talking about it!!!

What do think about the current situation of the global and the European skateboarding scene?
It’s bad when you’re in barca and everyone’s stepping onto each other’s feet still not even saying hello, but it’s o.k. here in Switzerland for example.

Do you know some Links to interesting Websites that support the skateboard sport?
www.skateboardeurope.com

Any other comments or do you want to say something to your fellows, sponsors & fans?
Thanks for the support!

Last words … please give the kids some basic tips, how they could start with skateboarding easily, if they want to?

Stop asking,
start trying,
start learning,
stop crying!