Pictures: ©Nicola Debernardi – visit his website dobermaniprod.biz!

The article you’re about to read is kinda epic. You’ve already seen the works of Nicola Debernardi in the Amsterdamn Am reportage, and this time he’s taking us overseas, in the dreamland of almost every guy on the planet, Venice Beach. You’re gonna be amazed by the incredible views and magic lights that Nicola shows with its amazing works. Dobermaniprod.biz

In Venice Beach it seems that time stood still and it feels like being in the 60s. Along the broad walk, tens of Hippie-like vendors sell their handmade products to the tourists that hang around. Muscle beach is there as well, so also a copious number of Schwarzenegger wannabes are present. But to me, the most impressive thing is the number of people cruising around with their skates, longboards and all what is possible to ride.

In the central part, right on the beach an impressive skatepark grab my attention! During the day a huge amount of skateboarders are keen to be found here. From the old school ones, riding larger and heavier board from the 90s, to the younger ones, riding on more recent and smaller models. In addition, a large number of tourists take pictures around the park. The skaters are a fair mix of locals and tourists. In the early morning, it is easier to find more space and avoid the crowd that can be present during the day.

At 7am, I have a meeting in the park with Jesse Martinez, former pro skater and now president of the VSA (Venice Surf and Skateboard Association, http://venicesurfandskateboardassociation.blogspot.com). VSA is an organization that in the past has renovated the skatepark and now is taking care of it. So when I arrive, Jesse is cleaning there together with Victor, another VSA member, and some volunteers. They do this every morning between 5am and 7am, trying to give a good example, to prevent that it becomes a mess. They do their best to keep the place clean, safe and ready to do great skate tricks! Every skater knows how annoying and dangerous are, cigarette buts, small rocks or glass, on the skating surface. So that’s why this surely contributes to the safety of everybody who skates in the park. Safety is one of the main concerns of the organization.

Venice Beach is a great place to visit, definitely a skaters paradise and also for the ‘general life-enjoyer’ there’s a cool and positive vibe hanging around.

Pictures: ©Nicola Debernardi – visit his website dobermaniprod.biz!