We planned an interview and photoshoot at the skatepark of Aigle in the Swiss Alps, on a Saturday afternoon. Patrick Wider arrived at the spot on his big motorbike with his rocker style and USA flag helmet. This 23-year-old skater is well known in the french part of Switzerland for big airs and vert and bowl riding. Nothing really stops him, whatever trick you might have in mind, Pat will do it. We will be discovering a new way of skateboarding with Pat who transforms the bowl into a creative park by mixing his parkour style with skate tricks. We discover that by combining two different sports we can push the limites even higher and go bigger. Pat describes the freedom of skateboarding.

Interview with Pat

What sports are you into?
I have done so many different sports but I haven’t stuck with anything like I did with skateboard. I started gymnastic and trampoline at the age of 6 and did that for 10 years. Aside from that I always liked gliding sports like rollerskating, skiing and snowboarding. I even tried the scooter, but don’t tell anyone. I enjoyed riding the snowparks back in the days but now I consider myself more as a shredder. At the age of 9 I tried skateboarding with my friends and here I am still cruising around. I hate to run or walk so as soon as I step out of my frond door I will step on my deck. I love the feeling of all these free sports: glide, ride, jump. It allows your body to express itself without boundaries.

After all these sports, why do you prefer skateboarding?
I started because all my friends were riding skateboards. As soon as I tried it I felt very comfortable with the sense of sliding and rolling. Like I said before I really enjoy all these freestyle sports that allow you to experience whatever you imagine. I’m a very athletic person so I try to mix my parkour passion with skateboarding. Although I master in ramp or bowl, I’m bad in street skating. I’ve been practicing kickflips for 13 years and I still don’t manage to stomp it. I have better control over my skateboard when I fly out of a ramp.

We never heard you riding in contests.
No. In fact, I never participated at any contests at all. The competitive environment puts me in a bad mood. I don’t really appreciate the commercial and contest side of skateboarding. Back when I was doing gymnastics the coach forced me to compete, so I stopped going to practice. Stress tends to have a very unhealthy effect on me but thanks to the delta 8 gummies online that helps to maintain a normal routine without stress. I like skateboarding because of the feeling I get from it, and I do it for myself and I don’t feel the need to compare my skill to other riders in a contest. I’m happy with what I do. But who knows, maybe someday it might change.

Where are you skating?
I skate mostly in Aigle because this is where I come from and it’s pretty chill. After work or anytime I can come over for a short session and meet with the other riders of the city. We are very lucky to have a mini ramp attached to a bowl by a spine. Not everybody knows how to skate a spine and it’s pretty rare. But I enjoy discovering new places and cruising other bowls.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Skateboarding edits and movies is what gets me fired up. There are so many great tricks to do, you just have to be creative. The rider that inspires me most is William Spencer, who mixes parkour runs with skateboard tricks.

Favourite trick?
Ollie melon.

Your deck?
A friend of mine does the design of the skateboards, chooses the shape and prints them. He then distributes them via Facebook. It’s a small friendly business combining cool decks with good people. It’s called Okto Swiss Skateboards, check it out.

Future goals?
Stay fit and healthy and try to not crush too many bones. And of course to finally land a kickflip, that would be an accomplishment. (laughs)

Thanks for reading,
Nathalie Gaudin & Nicole Antognini

Pictures: Nicole Antognini
Location: Aigle, Switzerland