An interview with Russian rider Vika

Interviewed by Chema Rec Ready http://sanvicentedownhill.blogspot.com/

3 years of riding include 2 years of freestyle practice. During this years I'he been filmed in two Russian atb videos: 'Hard Times' and a new one 'Still Friends?'

What's the best of atb for you?

It's just a part of my life.

Where do you practice it normally? Do you ride daily?

I normally ride in Orehovo, there is boarder-x track and a few freestyle jumps. Rare in town, on our jibbing spot in Victory Park.

I have learned at Alexander Pavlov 'Pal Pal', Pavel Peshin, Alexey Potapov '2Netz' and Andrew Yenin.

Do you think it's better for our sport to be 'underground'? Do you think it will ever be a real popular sport like snowboarding? Would it be good?

To my mind, our sport is very particular, and it can be the same popular like snowboard. It's a question of time.

Does mountainboarding develop friendship? Has it happened to you?

Of course, people who ride together must become friends.

What is the best way for you to develop a good atb technique? What do you recommend to people who are starting with this sport?

Daily riding is the main deal. Water jumping also helps to improve technique. For people who just start boarding, I'll advice to learn how to power sliding.

Have you ever been hurt because you didn't wear safety protections?

Unfortunately yes, a few times, but I'm always riding in protection especially when jumping.

Do you practice other sports? Wich ones?

Only snowboarding.

How do you feel when you make for the first time a difficult trick?

I'm always worrying before a decision to make a new trick.

Do most people in your country accept this sport or they look at you like an extra-terrestrial creature (like happens to us).

From year to year m-boarding become more popular and much more people around know about this sport, but sometimes they still ask: 'What's this?'

What do you recommend to all the kids that are starting with this sport right now?

Don't be afraid.