BIRTHDAY: February 27, 1989
HOMETOWN: Molde, Norway
RESIDE: Oslo, Norway
Kristina Westad Interview (March 2009)
How were you introduced to skateboarding and what got you started?
All the guys in my neighborhood started to skate, so I just had to try it. I was playing soccer at that time and realized that I was sick of the coach pushing me around. I felt liberated and decided this is what I wanted to do!
Do you remember what your first setup was?
A-Team board with Invader trucks and Pig Wheels.
Were there any early influences on your skating?
No. I just skated and didn’t mind anything that happened in the skate scene. Then, in 2005 I went to a Girl Skate Camp in Trondheim, Norway, hooked up with Etnies Norway who sent a promo-video of me to Etnies Europe. All happened so fast! In 2006 I went to an Etnies European Open in Munich and finished 2nd.
How is the skate scene in Norway?
I love it! We’ve got a lot of great skateparks to skate during the winter, and in the summer its 20 degrees Celsius and rarely raining. Oslo is the best city in Scandinavia for street- skating. We never get busted at skatespots, at least not by the police, old ladies are the only ones complaining!
What is the best and worst thing about your hometown?
Its a beautiful town to settle down in when not skateboarding. There’s a lot of cultural happenings like the worlds biggest Jazz-festival, its called “The City of Roses” so its packed with those, we have a hotel identical to the “sailboat-one” in Dubai and the people are really nice. When it comes to skateboarding it sucks! And thats the vital part which made me move to Oslo.
Besides skateboarding, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Eat – skate – sleep – repeat.
What is your typical day like?
I get up at 10 am, eat breakfast, watch some Seinfeld and run errands. I usually start work at 1pm at a Promotion-company where I’m at a stand and give out samples for 6-hours. After work its me and my board!
Do you prefer to skate with guys or girls?
In Norway I prefer guys cause I get more stoked to skate with people at my level. The girls here aren’t pushing me like the boys are. I think competition is the best way of progressing!
Where do you like to skate?
Right now Arena Bekkestua, an indoor skatepark 15 min by bus from where I live!
Who do you like to skate with?
My teammates all over the world; Karsten Kleppan, André Nilsen, Tobias Lien, Louisa Menke, Sarah Meurle, Evelien Bouilliart….. Basically everyone who’s nice at the skatepark.
NO HATEBOARDING!
What kind of music do you listen to?
Every genre except trance/techno and country. My favorite artist is Johnny Flynn!
So far, what have been the highlights of your skateboarding career?
This year I got a full-length video part in the Norwegian Element-movie, “Ardent Element”. Check it OUT!
What do you have planned for this year?
To skate as much as possible, get footage/coverage and do well at International contests! I’m also going on tour with “the norwegian bank” DNB, skating a micro-ramp at schools to show the kids how cool skating is!
Shout outs and thanks?
Thank you Oli Buergin and Sole Technology !!!!
Some lead, some follow and some change everything!
Sponsors: Etnies, Element and Aloha Hemp.
