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Rollfest 2008

The seventh edition of Rollfest went down. Although the weather wasn't very good, it can be easily said that the event was a success, and we managed to do everything that was planned.





Each year everybody brag about making the Rollfest even longer (usually it takes a week) so this time the biggest polish gathering of rollerbladers was started with „Before Party” on Hel peninsula, prolonging the whole event with two more days ( 9 in total).





The 'Before Party' was organized by OGR crew, which conducted a Mini Ramp Jam on the beach. The small ramp near the crowded beach bar was a perfect spot for such occasion. Quick session, than swimming and finally beer at the relaxed bar – what more do you need from a summer trip? The Jam itself brought about 10 contestants, from who the best were Elekrtyk (OGR, Emblema, Cubeskate), Wąsu (2nd ) from Częstochowa and Marcin Pośpiech (3rd) from Katowice. After the comp we all started the very first party which officially began the Rollfest`08.





By Monday people moved to TrioCity – the biggest polish seaside resort to chill, find spots, get clips or whatever. Unfortunately the weather had a different plan. For the first two days it was raining all the time, so skating was limited to short skateplaza escapades, where thanks to Emblema crew and some obstinate bladers we managed to have nice, night photo sessions.





Wednesday brought some sun, everybody unanimously went to check the place where huge skatepark was being built. It was prepared specially for the weekend Baltic Games. Those who were sober enough tested the park carefully and said that it was something that polish comps always needed – huge street course with large obstacles, great for lines and big stunts. In the background Djs and bands having a try-out shows, the vibe was really good. We came back to the hotels late where after quick shower, we went to Sopot`s biggest pier – it remained our meeting spot for the evening destruction till the end of the Rollfest.





Thursday was a day of street contest. Until now street event was the climax of Rollfest, but having Baltic Games as a final we decided to conduct it during the week. After picking up Chaz Sands and Ene Stefan from the airport we headed to the first spot where people were already warming up. About 25 contestants, elimination round was at the long, double plaza ledges. Few guys stood out from the very beginning: Piotr Combrzyński, Przemek Górczyk, Mateusz Radziszewski who did crazy switch ups and cleared the whole ledge every time. Soon after smaller group of stunt skaters gave up grinding in the traditional way and started disaster session to the ledge near by. Some serious bails, but also some good landed tricks.







The second spot was quite demanding. Three steep, line rails with the kinked ledge next to it, gave plenty of options to impress the judges. Andrzej Bonder darely started a session with few quick lines, clearing all three rails which made everybody juiced. Chaz Sands ans Ene Stefan showed great skills doing difficult tricks on each rail. Riviera used the kinked ledge to do a roll to disaster backslide or ended lines with 540 on the last stair set. Przemek Górczyk (Wrocław) had a high effectiveness – he did the most different lines. About 40 minutes later there were only few who left to skate - Husky (Łódź), Gufi (Infinity Clothing, Jastrzębie) who destroyed the spot with super tech lines: True Cloudy to Hardspin Topsoul or True Cloudy followed by Full True Mistral.





Again some serious falls, but the final spot excluded the most. The steep, stair rail with no so good landing. Few 'safe' tricks and the real deal started. Gufi with half cab tricks, one after another - missed full true mizu, injured himself and won 3rd place. Przemek Górczyk amazed everybody with full true savanah first try and got 2nd. The winner of Rollfest`08 – Hubert Kołodziejczak consequently skated on every spot and with final landed tricks – full true cloudy, full true mizu he got the podium. Prize giving, late dinner and again celebrating till dawn at the beach.



Another few days was reserved for Baltic Games event, yet the weather again failed so the comp started in Saturday. Skatepark contest is a topic for different article, but to sum it up I can only say that it was worth to be a part of it. Concerts, shows, exposure etc rollerblading needs events like this – let's hope that Rollfest`09 will bring even more attractions! Basza