Schianta

For those of us that don’t know you – introduce yourself.

My name is Schianta, I’m 24 years old from Lugano in Switzerland. I’ve been skating for Vans for four years now and just got on the European team this year.

How’s the vibe in Lugano in summer?

It’s great, it’s the place to be in summer. We’ve had so many people come through, the Vans EU team came through this summer, we’ve been going on some missions. There’s nice weather, concerts, the lake… some events. It’s the best time of year.

How would you describe the wider Swiss skate scene?

In Switzerland there are so many good skaters honestly, but we’re a little in the background in terms of the wider European scene. I feel the market is a little small and I guess people don’t get as much attention as maybe they deserve. It’s more underground. However there is a DIY movement coming through, there’s a bunch of little crews doing their own thing – Colourgroup crew, OG.2000 or us in Lugano with the Warriors - we’re all trying to make it happen – trips, videos etc. We also have a ton of street spots. People don’t really come here as it’s so expensive but when they do they are always impressed with the possibilities.

Where is your favourite place to mission to outside of Switzerland?

In the summer, the Nordics – Finland, Copenhagen and all that zone is amazing. I also find Hamburg such a great place. In the winter I love to go to Barcelona, my girlfriend lives there so I’ve spent quite a bit of time there - the amount of spots they have is incredible and the weather is usually amazing.

Talk us through your journey in skateboarding so far?

I started pretty young, around 10. I never thought about getting sponsored or anything like that – I just did it every day for the love of skating. I was studying at art school and as soon as I finished, I was invited by my good friend Martino from Lugano - who’s also on Vans - to meet with Max Pack, the Vans EU filmer. We went to Cologne and spent a month there, met Chris Pfanner for the first time and the Europe team were there at the same time. We got on really well, and I guess after that I feel like the crew really backed me up. I was on the Swiss team for a while and after a couple more trips with the Europe team, I’m officially on. I’m very hyped it turned out like this.

And what are your goals now?

Skate as much as I can, see as many places as I can and enjoy it. Give it my all, give something back and not taking my position for granted. I’m all in!

What and who inspires you in skating?

My friends are a huge inspiration. Skateboarding as a whole is a huge source of energy for me. Travelling around and seeing different scenes and approaches. Everyone has such a different take on it, it really pushes me to keep going and progress.

As a specific scene, the Nordic skaters have such a high level it’s insane as they only have a few months a year to make it happen. The Greek scene is also amazing as they don’t have the same set ups as Northern Europe, but still reach such a high level – I think both scenes are driven by such inspirational passion.

And outside of skating, what gets you fired up?

Nothing in my life takes the place of the importance of skating. Of course I love music, art, drawing, going to concerts, taking photos – anything creative. But none of it takes away from my deep love of skating.

Any favourite trips?

The last trip I did was my favourite – to Helsinki with the Vans Europe team. We had a huge crew, about 30 of us with Chris Pfanner’s mum cooking for us in a big house. The vibe was electric, we got lucky with the weather – people were skating their asses off – the spots were insane.

Memories for a lifetime.

How would you describe the vibe within the Vans EU team?

All of them are the best, I’ve known them for a few years now. Everyone is so motivated to skate. Chris is the best TM out there, he really motivates us all to skate our best whist making us feel comfortable and ourselves. Davy the photographer and Max the filmer are amazing at what they do and it’s a real pleasure to hang out with all these guys, doing what I love.

Favourite Vans shoe to skate in?

Good question! The Half Cabs and the old Mike Carroll shoe.

Any last words? A message for the internet? A message to your former self?

Have fun, be yourself. Be the best version of yourself that you can! Respect the scene and try and make skating a better place.