Fabio Martin
June 2021
There is obviously a lack of pools in Switzerland left alone ones you can skate in.
However this is no reason for Fabio Martin to still be one of the most skilled pool skaters in Europe.
We have a quick chat about Drop Ins, Santa Cruz to Welcome and the Olympics.
Photos by Soerfi
You’ve been nominated for the Olympics . In the US, they have to have a certain ranking for that. Are you without competition?
That’s all changed. Only 4 people from Europe can participate, which becomes impossible for me. In addition, you have to do several qualifying contests, which is not possible with a 100% job. The rankings are already up and running and there is no Swiss among the TOP 10 of Europe.
Sorry. I didn’t know that. How did you react to the news?
Nothing special. It is what it is.
You’ve been nominated for the Olympics . In the US, they have to have a certain ranking for that. Are you without competition?
That’s all changed. Only 4 people from Europe can participate, which becomes impossible for me. In addition, you have to do several qualifying contests, which is not possible with a 100% job. The rankings are already up and running and there is no Swiss among the TOP 10 of Europe.
What’s your name/nickname?
They used to call me Bandito or Shorty, now it’s mostly Fabio.
When did you start with skateboarding?
When I was about 11, that’s about 12 years now.
Why did you start skating in the first place?
There was a course in the summer holidays where you could skate and I wanted to try it. After that Patrick Sturzenegger and Lars Eugster fixed me and since then I’m on the road!
What was your first skateboard?
My first deck was from SHAKA, phahaha, a Termite kids board.
What is your first skateboard shoe?
I always wore Vans from day one, except for a few dropouts. 😉
What was your first trick ever (ollie doesn’t count)?
I think Shovit’s…
“I like the flow and the unexpected. Every transition is different when you approach it differently.”
Which pro skater inspired you the most?
I always had different pros that I followed. In St. Gallen all the Saintcity guys were my idols when I started.
What is your signature trick?
Sal Flip (Fingerflip to tail) that works everytime. 😉
Which trick is/was still on your wishlist?
Real Japan’s.
Favourite skate shop?
SKATE.CH, because they made and make about the most for the skate scene!
Proudest skateboard moment?
When I did my first airs over coping.
Less proud SB moment?
Cruciate ligament rupture in practice at a contest in Milano. It was a collision with another rider!
Sounds very unfortunate. What happened to the other guy?
Nothing.
“For a long time I could not do any Drop Ins and when the park was built, the party really started”
How has skateboarding affected your life so far?
I think it’s helped me with a lot of things. Skating has never had a bad influence on me.
Why did you pick pool and not vert as your favourite skate spot. There
are not too many skateable pools in Switzerland.
I like the flow and the unexpected. Every transition is different when you approach it differently. like high, low, fast, slow, steep, flat whatever.
Fortunatly your local skatepark has a pool too. I am sure this helped you
form a passion for it.
Yes it did. Fora long time I could not do any Drop Ins and when the park was built, the party really started. You just give it a go because it is available.
You already have several sponsors. Did Soerfi’s distribution help with
that or how did you get it?
It all started with DOODAH in St. Gallen, where I also did my apprenticeship. After that I came to Sörfi. He helped me extremely here. THANKS to Sörfi and Pädi from the ex DOODAH!
Who are your sponsors?
Vans, SKATE.CH, Welcome, OJ, Bronson.
Were there also sponsor requests that you turned down?
Yes, there were.
Why did you turn it down?
Because I couldn’t stand behind the product or people annoyed me (laughing).
If you were approached by a company that had nothing to do with the SB, say Audi, would you still accept?
Totally depends on the deal, what the consideration is and what their demands are.
I gotta say I’m rubbing my eyes. Natas Kaupas inspired me in the late 80’s with Santa Cruz Wheels/Streets on Fire. You were on the road for Santa Cruz for a while. How did it come to the change to Welcome?
It didn’t fit anymore and Welcome suits me totally! Cool team, good designs and great shapes.
If you want to become a pro, you should concentrate on the USA, Soerfi said in his interview. Don’t you have this dream too?
Of course, everybody would love to do his passion every day. But it’s a bit difficult in Switzerland and I have a too nice life here and just do what I like.
We didn’t have social media in the past. That can be seen as a blessing or a curse. I can imagine that there is a pressure to stay present with current posts over all these channels at any time.
No, not at all. I post when and what I want. I post on downhill videos or motorcycles. I don’t really care what people want or think. I do and post what I enjoy.
Do you still work for the Insurance company? If so how are they supporting you as a passionate and talented skater?
I am no longer on the insurance. Now I have my own baby. I founded ACTION – PUNKT GmbH last year and create image and video material for various brands and companies. It’s a lot of fun and I’m on the road a lot. I currently skate about 3/4 times a week and otherwise build motorcycles, am on the bike with my girlfriend or at my parents for dinner. (laughing).
I guess I need to prepare better for my interviews. Speaking of. How do you prepare for a contest? Do you have a rehearsed run that you ride down or do you do it more spontaneously?
I just ride what I feel comfortable with. I ride the bowl and then quickly realize which tricks go where and then perform them that way.
How do you think skateboarding will develop in the future?
I think it will be a bit like snowboarding. It will function as a recognized sport and the level will get harder and harder.
