Name: Evelien ‘Evie Cakes’ Bouilliart

Age: 18

From: Aalter, Belgium

How did you get into skating?
When I was around the age of 10 they were building a skatepark close to my house and close to my school. So I saw all the guys that used to rollerblade getting into skateboarding. As I was young and looking for something to do in my life, I decided I really wanted to skateboard. I asked my mom for a skateboard and she was like, ‘Ooohh it’s dangerous’. But she said if I counted out all the little 1-cent coins from our change jar and I had enough, I could buy one of those shitty skateboards from the toystore. So I counted out all of the coins and I was so happy that I had enough. So I went to the store and walked proudly back to my house with the board in my hand.

When did you decide to start skating full time?
It started when I realized that I actually skated well for a girl, although I never really envisaged travelling and earning money doing contests all over the world. I think it started at a contest when people started talking to me about sponsorships and stuff. So I made a ‘Sponsor Me’ tape and sent it to a skateshop and they hooked me up with some stuff. The Belgium distrubution brand Transind was also interested to get me on their team.
A while later I had a picture in a magazine of me doing a kickflip over a bump; the team manager of element Europe saw it and he got in contact with me, which is how I got on the element team. Around the same time, I got on the etnies Europe team and they sent me to the World Cup in Germany which led to being invited to the X-games. I was stoked, being so young and getting invited to go to LA! For us in Europe it’s a big deal to be invited so I’m always really stoked when I get invited to go to contests in California. The team manager of etnies took care of me. I got 2nd place at the X-Games that year and that’s how I got on the etnies US team. I guess that’s when it got big time.

Did you find it pretty hard to break into a male-dominated sport?
No, I grew up with guys, so I don’t mind being around guys and I’m not scared of them! I know generally the guys will always be better than me, but I don’t care. I hate the fact that a lot of guys are always competitive like ‘I’m so much better than this guy or that girl… blah blah’. I just love skating around guys because they are hardcore and that’s the kind of adrenaline I want.

Do you consider yourself to be an adrenaline junkie?
I always get mad at myself when I’m being a pussy and when I’m scared of doing a trick. But it’s still a real kick to go for it. I just love throwing myself down stuff. I guess I’m an adrenaline junkie. I just love it when I get pumped and just go for stuff.

Can you give us a run down of your average day?
Well, school (boo) during the week… but weekends and vacations are always spent skating. I’ll wake up after partying hard, take a shower, have breakfast, burp, feel shitty, look to see if the sun is out, call my friends, grab my board, go skate all day, chill with my friends, then sleep… zzzzz.

And if you could have the perfect day, what would it include?
It would include sexy time – ha ha! – skating and my friends. Good vibes.

What are your plans for this summer?
First of all I’m going to Prague for the Mystic Cup, after that I’m heading to California for the Maloof Money Cup. I might go to NY in between Maloof and X-Games, which is the next big event on the agenda. After the X-Games I’ll go on to Basel, Switzerland, for an etnies skate camp. I might go to a festival when I get back home, and then school will be starting again.

What’s your favourite place to skate?
Somewhere in the sun – not too hot with a perfect breeze – with my friends, music, and of course something nice to skate. That’s all I need for a perfect skate place.

Do you still get nervous before a big contest?
Of course man! I always feel so small and I just can’t believe I’m part of some of the best skateboarding women in the world. I always get over-excited when I see the others skate. I don’t mind getting last place, I’m always so stoked just because of the adrenaline and seeing the other girls kicking ass!

What is the atmosphere like behind the scenes?
I guess lots of skaters do drugs but I’m not getting into that. I love drinking, dancing a lot, trying to keep under control! Ha ha! But I’m crazy enough without drinking! I just love chilling and watching movies with friends. A nice mix of crazy and chilled out time.

You must travel a lot in your line of work: what are your suitcase essentials?
Well I coloured my hair as I wanted something new, so now I need to use hair straighteners, so I have to carry those around. Yes, I’m a girl! I also love to have some perfume with me… I like to smell good. My colourful pants and wifebeaters are also a must.

What have been your biggest career setbacks?
Well I get really sad about it because right now both my wrists hurt like hell. I had surgery for my left wrist and I fell on it again, so now it’s swollen up and I need to go to the hospital to get a scan. I also have lots of suckie times with my ankles… roll them here… roll them there. Ah well, I always say, it’s part of the job! If you’re scared of falling, don’t start skating.

What have your greatest achievements been so far?
Well just being invited to X-Games was a big achievement for me. And just being able to travel and earn money to do something that I love is amazing.

Who or what are your inspirations?
My friends who supported me from the start, pushing me to learn new stuff, keeping the fun into skating. And not letting me get down when I get injured.
Right now my hero is definitely Marissa del Santos. She’s amazing, she kicks ass, she’s badass and she rocks on the boardddddddd!!!

What affect does your career have on your personal life?
When I miss school to go skate I have to do all the work when I get back, which can be tough. Almost all of my spare time goes into skateboarding, but I don’t mind. I’ve just got to try and keep in contact with my mates that don’t skate, as when I’m gone in summer I miss them very much.

How do you relax when you get the chance?
Well I love being lazy, with soda, chips and a movie. I also enjoy doing BBQs with friends and talking about memories and things like that.

What’s up next for you?
It’s my last year of high school so I have heaps of exams coming up. If I pass I’ll have my diploma – whoop whoop – and a BIG party! If not… I don’t want to think about that!