This week, we caught up with Russian Nikita skater Vika Safronova to find out what skateboarding is like in the eastern realms of our continent

Interview by Anna Langer, photos by Nikita

How long have you been skating for?
About 7-8 years

When and how did it all start?
It started in the school years. Boys from another class were always skateboarding on our local spot and I wanted to try this too and I really liked it!

Can you remember your first time?
After I learned to just ride straight, I started to try manuals – I don`t know why but I always tried to do manuals and soon the tail of my deck wore off…

Is there a big skateboard scene in Russia?
Yes of course!! But what I see now is that a lot of people prefer longboards, cruisers… I don’t like that, I just like my deck and a bit softer wheels for riding on the streets. So I don`t know what will be like in future…

What about girls?
There aren’t that many girls who are riding, but again I see a lot of girls on longboards.

How did your relationship with Nikita come about?
I began to work for Nikita almost straight after they came to Russia and Moscow. I really love the brand and I don’t only ride for them but also manage their team and help the office to promote the brand.

Is it difficult for skaters in Russia?
Probably, yes, because the only skatepark we have is closed over winter, so it’s difficult to still be skateboarding in winter. As for me this, is one of the reason why I`ll be snowboarding! And soon on the slope will be covered complex of batut

We googled your name and came across a website selling “beads with soul – artisan lampwork beads and jewelery” – is that your hobby?
Hahaha I don’t know what is it but it isn’t me! Just the same name and surname… My hobbies are skateboarding and snowboarding!

What’s the best and the worst thing about being Russian?
Emmm, not good or bad like any another nation… But I can say what’s bad in Russia: the unpredictable weather and worst traffic, it’s getting worse and worse every year!!!!!

Anything else you wanna get off your chest?
I hope that I’ll go skateboarding somewhere with my friends next summer and that I go riding some European slopes with my boyfriend this winter! Au revoir 😉