I was born in Volta Redonda, in the interior of the state of Rio de Janeiro, where the city's first skate park was built in 1979. This famous and feared spot, known as the Bacião, features a gigantic bank connected to an even crazier bowl. I have memories of going there as a child with my parents, but it was so high that I saw more bikes riding the park than skateboards, and the ground was already in terrible condition back then.
When it opened, skateboarding was still very new in Rio and in the city itself. There were a few skaters riding down hills and using the roller rinks of the time, when there was a craze for roller skating in the 70s. Soon after, skateboarding gained momentum, with skateboard trucks and wheels being repurposed from roller skates and attached to wooden boards. The bowl was eventually filled in after a motorbike accident involving a daredevil rider who died there.
Volta Redonda has always had a strong skateboarding tradition in the state and the country, with major competitions since the 80s organized by the Ponta Pé store, followed by great events held by the Overall store (where I was sponsored from amateur to Pro), among other shops like Fire On Board and Roots Boards. The ASKVR era followed with the Circuito Volta Redonda, featuring various actions in peripheral neighborhoods, best tricks, and relaxed street sessions. The city has even had up to three skateboard shape factories and local brands for clothing, etc.
(
watch video >>
We also had our first skate video released by the Overall store in 2003, filmed by the master Rodrigo Torturella, a.k.a. Makarrão, and edited by Wilborr and 021 Studio here in Rio. Subsequently, VR released its first independent street video, Caos Skate Video #01, in 2004, with the "little help of friends by me" at the end, where I had a camera. The Caos Skate Video #02 was entirely made by me. Caos Video #03 was directed and edited by Cadu Azevedo and friends. A hybrid production, and may the next generation of skate videomakers in the city continue the saga.
André Mishilin na exisnta pista do Aero Clube.
This is just a brief summary of a documentary I’m finishing about VOLTA REDONDA, focusing on the events that VR has always hosted, but of course with many VHS rescues and rare videos of the city’s excellent talents, and it should be released soon. If we don’t film, produce, and record, the history won’t be told and passed on.
Brazil, in general, struggles to recognize our skate idols. Do you know who Rui Muleque, Beto Or Die, Mauro Mureta, Fernandinho Batman, Nilton Urina, Marcio Tarobinha, and André Mishilin from VR are? Here’s a reflection—let’s prove otherwise! Skateboarding is always family. That’s what it’s about.
I am Mauricio Nava, a journalist, videomaker, drone pilot, and skateholic.
#SKATEHIVE #HIVEBR #OCD #SKATE #SPEAK #PROOFOFBRAIN #APPRECIATOR #DIY #PALNET #ARCHON