We were excited to receive an adidas shop visit last week. It’s definitely refreshing to see companies getting behind trips again. We took this opportunity to check in with some of the team via a series of short interviews…
The adidas squadron outside our East London Shop. From Left To Right – Shin Sanbongi, Silas Baxter Neal, Dennis Busenitz, Jenn Soto, Sam Narvaez, Jack Fardell, Maite Steenhoudt, Vincent Milou, Tom Snape, Niels Bennett & Gustav Tonnesen. Ph: Zander Taketomo
The adidas Skateboarding team were recently in London for a short time and came by to see us ahead of going to skate the newly revamped Stockwell skate park. Their quest was to buy a grip of complete skateboards which they could give out on the day to kids without one. We are pleased to have been a destination on their itinerary, and glad the three stripes have directly kickstarted some new skateboarding journeys during their brief stint in town.
It was great to have these legends pass through the shop and to connect with our old friend Paul Shier who was TM and tour guide for this mission. Thanks to Paul we managed to pose some quick London-centric questions to the team in the interviews below and received awesome photos of the crew courtesy of Zander Taketomo. Enjoy some insights about their impressions of London and the UK, and maybe add some new tunes to your playlist…
Maite Steenhoudt
First thing you think of when you think of Slam City Skates?
I’m pretty sure some of my homies work there.
First skateboarder you think of when you think of London?
Lil Sol.
First time you visited London?
Summer 2020.
Anything you want to see on this visit to London?
My bbi Stockwell skatepark and also my bbi.
Favourite thing about the UK?
Mushy peas.
Most played song of the last ten days?
Pinkpantheress ft. Willow – “Where you are”.
Favourite adidas shoe and why?
Adimatic cus it the best skate shoe ever and looks insanely sicky.
Sam Narvaez
First thing you think of when you think of Slam City Skates?
OG.
First skateboarder you think of when you think of London?
Tom penny
First time you visited London?
2 weeks ago haha.
Anything you want to see on this visit to London?
More spots
Favourite thing about the UK?
Fish and chips.
Most played song of the last ten days?
Steel Pulse- “Your House”.
Favourite adidas shoe and why?
Pro model- a nostalgic shoe that is comfortable and classic looking.
Jack Fardell
First thing you think of when you think of Slam City Skates?
Nick Jensen.
First skateboarder you think of when you think of London?
Paul Shier.
First time you visited London?
August, 2016.
Anything you want to see on this visit to London?
I’m excited to skate Stockwell.
Favourite thing about the UK?
Royal Birkdale Golf Club
Most played song of the last ten days?
Midnight Oil – “Power And The Passion”.
Favourite adidas shoe and why?
Adiease.
Silas Baxter Neal
First thing you think of when you think of Slam City Skates?
My first memory of Slam City Skates was from my first trip to London in 2004 or 2005, it was a very classic shop filled to the brim with the best skateboard and skateboard culture products.
First skateboarder you think of when you think of London?
Chewy Cannon
First time you visited London?
In 2004 or 2005 I went on my first international skate trip to London, Sheffield, Milton Keynes and Leeds. It was Kerry Getz, Pete Eldridge and myself. It was my first time meeting Pete. Really rad trip and it secured a good place for the UK in my heart.
Anything you want to see on this visit to London?
Dry pavement.
Favourite thing about the UK?
I think the people are my favourite. Lots of strong personalities and unique individuals.
Most played song of the last ten days?
Dr. Dog – “That old black hole”.
Favourite adidas shoe and why?
The Marathon. Classic silhouette and comfy.
Dennis Busenitz
First thing you think of when you think of Slam City Skates?
Good interviews.
First skateboarder you think of when you think of London?
Tom Knox.
First time you visited London?
For the Real to Reel premiere in spring 2001.
Anything you want to see on this visit to London?
Nothing in particular. I always like seeing Southbank.
Favourite thing about the UK?
That cars run you over if they have the chance. Keeps you on your toes.
Most played song of the last ten days?
Elizabeth cotten – “Freight train”.
Favourite adidas shoe and why?
I like my vulc shoe the best. It’s nice and clean and breaks in fast.
Gustav Tonnesen
First thing you think of when you think of Slam City Skates?
Skateshop in London.
First skateboarder you think of when you think of London?
Chewy Cannon.
First time you visited London?
2006
Anything you want to see on this visit to London?
The Photographers’ Gallery.
Favourite thing about the UK?
Red bricks.
Most played song of the last ten days?
Secret
Favourite adidas shoe and why?
Aloha super. Simple shoe that looks good and has a grippy sole
Jenn Soto
First thing you think of when you think of Slam City Skates?
The community of skaters behind it! So sick there’s a shop that’s been holding it down as long as they have.
First skateboarder you think of when you think of London?
Paul muddafucking Shier.
First time you visited London?
I came to London for the first time back in 2018. I was here for SLS pro open. It was tight.
Anything you want to see on this visit to London?
Legendary spots with legendary people.
Favourite thing about the UK?
I really love all the cafes and just being able to cruise around to get somewhere.
Most played song of the last ten days?
Blue – “Eiffe 65”.
Favourite adidas shoe and why?
Forum for life. It’s clean, looks good, and feels good.
For more adidas related reading check out: First & Last: Jarrad Carlin, Paul Shier Interview, Daewon Song Interview, Mark Suciu Interview, Tyshawn Jones Interview.
We would like to thank Jascha Muller, Julien Schwing, Paul Shier, Al Boglio, and the team at the three stripes for their support. We also want to thank everyone on the team for the visit and for entertaining these questions despite their busy schedule. Thanks also to Zander Taketomo for the photos. Shop for all the latest products from adidas Skateboarding