A group of skateboarders translates forms of expression through unexpected mediums, reasserting that the desire for sincerity and passion is truly a path worth taking, as pieces from the Ermenegildo Zegna XXX Spring/Summer ‘22 collection — the Chore Jacket and Triple Stitch sneakers — reiterates that very mission.

Clockwise from top left to right: Tristen, Rezza, Ami, Christina, Zilhanz.

It was not until the early 1990s that skateboarding bloomed in Singapore. Back then, the social and cultural stigma surrounding the scene hindered its progress, outlawing teenagers to form closely-packed communities determined to perfect the craft. The scene has painted bits of mischief, and at times a rebellious streak, into the ordinary landscapes of the city and suggested compelling insights into the experience of Singapore’s teenagers during the turn of the new century.

But after a considerable amount of time, skateboarding was regarded officially as a sport first at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games followed by the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics. Five skateboarders discuss the age of acceptance and embracing skateboarding in singapore as it becomes more visible and inclusive.

 

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Tristen Tio and Christina Lai on the skateboarding scene today:
Tristen: “I would say the skateboarding scene in Singapore has grown a lot in recent times, however, with the pandemic, there’s been a pause button being hit within the community. Before COVID-19 hit there were many skate events and skateboarders hanging out but with the various restrictions, they have presented themselves as obstacles for us to overcome. In a conservative country such as Singapore, skateboarders already have a hard time navigating boundaries so I’d say the scene is very resilient when most of these people are just trying to have fun.”

 

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Christina: “The skateboarding scene is pretty diverse, there are a lot of different races coming together to enjoy skating as one. I feel there are a lot of cliques inside of skateboarding, as there are in any other sport, and in that aspect, it may not be as inclusive as everyone thinks because everyone has different personalities and all. At the end of the day we all share the love for skateboarding and that’s all we want to do.”

 

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Zilhanz Affendi on dispelling stigmas associated with skateboarding culture:
“Society views skateboarders as the rebellious sort and implements that generalisation toward anyone associated with skateboarding. I feel people shouldn’t be quick to judge others they do not know and perhaps not be as narrow-minded especially when times are changing in many ways. We as skateboarders know our dos and don’ts as well and I hope they will understand where we’re coming from.”

 

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Ami, also known as Nur Amirah, on allowing future generations to partake in the sport:
“Parents these days are more modernised in their thinking and allow their kids to try any kind of sport let alone skateboarding. I didn’t have such support during my time until my parents realised how good I was at skateboarding. Anyone should have the chance to do anything they want as long as they are passionate about it, don’t let anyone stop what you’re enjoying but of course with all due respect to your parents.”

 

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Muhammed Rezza on the change of perception as skateboarding is now recognised as an Olympics and Asian Games sport:
“Yes, the perception has changed a lot with both events. Working in a skate shop, I noticed more people taking up skateboarding after watching the Olympics and Asian Games. Another gauge is how more brands are willing to sponsor skateboarders and various competitions.”