K2 Skates Ambassadors

Location

Boston, Massachusetts

Occupation

Ride for K2 Skates! But, outside of skating, I produce, engineer music, at 1k Entertainment, I work/curate at an art gallery called Gallery Six Thirteen and part time delivery driver.

Story

My older brother, Fro$t had gotten some Sabotage skates and my close friend Remo DiTullio picked up some old K2 Skates that were non aggressive when I was 10 yrs old, and they would always leave and go to the skatepark. Eventually I felt left out even though they were 2 yrs older than me, and finally, I had to join them and grabbed some Salomon St1's and the journey began at good old Everett Skatepark. I then met local OGs such as Karl Peters, 540 Fill, Smokes, Hogan, Andy Leiterman, AOB, Tom Ferrante, Kevin Phan, Tim Kelly, Ercaderk, and many more! Skating has introduced me to so many amazing people and places that I would not have been exposed to if it wasn't for skating and I couldn't be more thankful.

Accomplishments

Hmmm I made it to 24 years old alive and healthy! Graduated from Tufts University. Traveled to some incredible places such as Colorado, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, and more. Filmed and edited several projects. Bought my first car. Produced/Engineered 2 mixtapes. 1st place at Cambridge Skate Fest 2016. Met Montre. Started riding for K2 Skates!

Goals

My goal is to bring the fun, swag, and good energy of skating to light and get as many young kids to try K2 Skates! I want to travel internationally this year, I've never been outside the U.S.. I want to film, produce, and be a part of several projects! I want to eat big and stay healthy and in shape.

Location

Minneapolis, MN

Occupation

Faculty, U of MN (Nutrition) & Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics

Story

Born and raised in St. Paul, I now live in Minneapolis. I grew up alpine skiing, and am currently teaching for 2 ski schools. I'm also a PSIA national examiner and proud K2 Women's Ski Alliance member.

I also play ice hockey on 2 teams in the Women's Hockey Association of MN, the largest women's hockey association in the country. Inline skating is the basis for my training, enjoyment, and camaraderie during the "warmer" Minnesota months.

Accomplishments

Ran a 3:17 marathon

Summited peaks on 5 continents, some over 22,000 ft

PSIA level 3 and examiner for central division and K2 Ski Alliance Member

Among 1st in nation to pass CSSD test. I've served as the Sports Nutritionist for professional Sports Teams (Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves, Twins and Lynx)

Season Goals

Map out and inline skate every paved trail in Minneapolis.

Spend as much quality time with my 9 year old son as possible. His passions also include inline skating, ice skating and skiing - so that should be easy.

Enlighten other women to the fun, friendship and fantastic feelings around exercise on inline skates.

Location

Cleveland, OH

Years

Skating for 14 years

Occupation

Bartender

Story

Northeast Ohio born and raised, bought my first pair of aggressive skates with my first paycheck, been on blades since.

Wheels on my feet = smile on my face.

Accomplishments

I've taken many first, second, and third place trophies but I'm not much on bragging. I would have to say my largest accomplishment is supporting my inline habit.

Goals

Create positivity in the inline community through attending contests, organizing events, influencing youth, maintaining a strong/genuine presence in the industry.

Location

Hilton Head, SC

Occupation

Fitness Instructor

Story

I'm a nationally recognized fitness and wellness professional. I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science and a Master’s degree in Health Promotion. As the former aerobic trainer for the University of Kentucky Women’s Gymnastics team, I hope to continue to inspire health and wellness at any level.

My passion for mind- body wellness is vibrant, creative and unmatched. I even have developed a SUP Yoga Program at Hilton Head Island’s premiere outdoor outfitter, Outside Hilton Head. My philosophy is simple - whole foods and holistic fitness - of which inspire complete and sustainable mind body-spirit wellness.

I'm excited to be joining up with the K2 Team for another year and helping people get K2 Inline Fit.

>h5>Accomplishments

Certified ACSM Fitness, Wellness and Health Coach, Certified Advanced Personal Trainer, 200- RYT, AFAA Group Fitness Instructor and Examiner, Balanced Body Certified Instructor, ACE Stand Up (Paddleboard) Fitness Instructor, TRX Suspension Trainer, Indoor Cycling Trainer, as well as holding a Primary Nutrition Certification.

Season Goals

Get Outside, Get Skating, Get Fit, Get Happy.

Location

Dallas, TX

Years

2nd year as an Ambassador

Occupaton

Senior Petroleum Analyst

Story

Growing up in a small town in West Texas meant that I was active in all the common sports like football, basketball, baseball, and track in addition to working on farms in the Summer and hunting in the Winter. Transplanting to Dallas and a desk job promptly and solidly landed me in a chair. As a means to offset this sedentary lifestyle, I discovered a new found interest in the sport of inline skating.

Having started off with a pair of bargain skates, I decided to see if investing in a true high quality pair of K2 Skates would compel me to exercise more and for longer periods. After 7 years, still skating in a K2 Softboot, I now volunteer on the Board of Directors for the DFW Inline Skate Club in Dallas.

K2 Skates have kept me active and interested in an activity that offers a journey as exciting as the destinations and goals my skates take me.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Founding member of the Board of Directors of DFW Inline Skate Club, est. 2014

Dozens of friends who have now learned the joys of skating

Cardiovascular health beyond years past

Thousands of miles of pavement in the rearview

Season Goals

Place in the top 10 in the Sprint event at a skate race (Pro Level)

Establish an annual skate event in DFW to be attended by skaters across the nation

Attend the national skate events in Boston, DC, Miami, and NYC

Compete in the Northshore Inline Marathon

Location

Los Angeles, CA

Occupation

Photography/Cinematographer

Story

Born and raised on the beach in Cali. Ive been skating for 24 years of my 34 years on this earth. Capturing images, and skating are my two biggest passions, aside from being a Dad (I have an 8 year old named Jaxon)

Skating has had such a huge impact on my life. I got my start with cinematography through skating. In turn, I toured all over and shot the best skaters in the US. Through skating, I helped create footage for biggest companies, events, and skaters. It gave me my start, and I'm super grateful for it.

Accomplishments

Every goal I set for myself in skating, I achieved. For me skating wasn’t about becoming a “Pro” it was more of “being a Pro” with what I do and living the lifestyle. And thats what filming skating gave me. best of both worlds.

One of my goals though was to be in Daily Bread (best magazine ever). I have also made my way on to a few edits, but really I just feel honored to have gotten the opportunity to do what I love.

Goals

My goals for skating these days...I want to help re-generate a snowball affect, with inline skating. its such great way to get around, its so much fun, and its an awesome work out. I want to share it with as many people as I can.

I also want to travel around and skate, just like the old days. I've got a few skate edit ideas in mind so stay tuned. I really just want get up and Go Sk8!

Location

Beautiful Boise, Idaho.

Occupation

I work at our local co-op, providing health foods and hard-to-find items to the town. I also work at Powderhaus Brewing, a local brewery that was started by a blader!

Story

My brother got me into skating 20 years ago. It's the only thing I have cared about for that much of my life. I can't get enough of it. From leisurely skating bar to bar to heavily filming for video parts....I love it all.

Accomplishments

I have helped promote companies I truly believe in (like I'm doing right now!). I have filmed and edited several skate videos that have done quite well internationally. I have put out a handful of parts that I am proud of and some folks seem to like 'em. I started The NDN and it has become a huge group of pals that I'd do anything for. Most of all, I feel accomplished in knowing that I can go anywhere and have a buddy to hang with.

Season Goals

I want to get K2's on everybody's feet. Doesn't matter if it's transportation, fitness, speed or ripping spots on the streets. I've spoken to a couple schools about how great blading is...I plan on making that happen more often. I want to continue to film parts, shoot photos, and progress...it's what keeps me sane!

Location

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Occupation

Video Producer for stupidDOPE.com

Story

I wouldn't be where I am today without the people and places I have met through blading. Skating is, and will always be my favorite route to a life with less stress and more smiles. Growing up here in Atlanta is a huge inspiration, with great talent that is recognized worldwide. I owe so much to the close friends and connections in the South. Now, at the ripe age of 30, I just feel so blessed to represent such a long-standing company like K2 in my hometown. I love all the chill spots, and nothing is cooler when we get a dope session going with some tunes bumpin' from a Bluetooth speaker.

Accomplishments

I don't have much in the way of tangible accomplishments, but to date, I have created a few full-length videos with friends. I find it most rewarding when I can let someone who doesn't blade appreciate the complexities of rolling, grinding and all around flowing. This can happen at a local skatepark or out in the streets, but nothing makes me feel more accomplished than letting more people know that rollerblading is alive and kicking.

Season Goals

I really hope to continue traveling around the globe making money & friends. Thanks to K2's really comfortable boot system, I also hope to document some cool moments grinding down your timeline.

Location

Annecy, France

Occupation

Geek/Traveler/Webmaster & Pro Rider

Story

I started rollerblading at 13. I spent all my days on my skates, and I quickly started to travel for sessions, contests or road trips. I met way too many amazing people, and rollerblading became my second family. Events are an excuse to see the world, meet friends and party! Rollerblading is much more than a sport for me, it’s a real lifestyle.

Accomplishments

1er : Pannonian Challenge (osijek, Croatie) 1er : MTL Classic AM (Montreal, Canada) 2eme: FISE X-perience (Avoriaz, France) 2eme: FISE X-perience (LeHavre, France) 2eme: 2013 Word skate Cross Series (LaPlagne, France) 3eme: LSBC 20011 (Lausanne, Suisse) 3eme: 2013 Word skate Cross Series (Rome, Italy) LG ASA Dallas Championship (Dallas,USA) Woodward Final ASA (USA) Street Invit’ 2010 (NYC, USA) Bulle International Contest (Bulle, Suisse) NL Contest (Strassbourg, France) Winterclash (Allemagne) FISE (Montpelier, France)

Season Goals

More travel, more skating, more fun!!

Location

Seattle, WA

Story

My folks bought me some K2 Extreme Flight Inline Skates, then a year later I discovered Aggressive Skating and bought some original K2 Fatty's. It's been one of main passions since.

Other interests: Photography, hiking, biking, skiing and snowboarding.

I love bombing hills, skating fast and skitching (Safety first! Always!). My skating buds keep me motivated to push myself when it comes to tricks and stunt skating. The best of times are when you skate all day and let the wheels take you places.

Location

Barcelona, Spain

Occupation

Professional Inline Skater

Story

Skating is the best therapy to forget problems and stay focused. Street spots and skate parks open my mind. Watching the video Hoax II hooked me on the sport. After two years, a second place in a contest gave me my first sponsor. I kept skating, filming, doing demos and recovering from serious injuries as well. I studied PI to train others and myself into skating. Moving to the UK and Belgium was a home run because of the fast pace of skating improvement. There is an easy connection among skaters worldwide.

Accomplishments

I won contests in Spain , United Kingdom and Portugal. I completed other international contests. I worked with other skating companies and some made products with my signature. I also made several video parts.

Accomplishments

Always looking at new spots for doing better tricks. Having fun while improving my skating. Get more people involved. Filming, editing, traveling.

Location

Toronto, Canada

Occupation

Accounting/ Sub-Chef / Skater

Story

I am from Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela and I’ve been an aggressive skater for almost 16 years. I got in this passion after I saw a few kids grinding a rail and jumping stairs, it was amazing. So, I decided to save money for a while and months later I got my first pair of aggressive skates. The funny thing is that at that moment it was a pair of K2 skates hehe. From that moment on, skating has been part of my life.

After I got my Bachelor's Degree I decided to move to Canada to improve my English and continue skating. Now I am in Toronto, and I want to help motivate the new generation of local bladers in the city and keep traveling and attending contests around the world.

Accomplishments

Since I started in aggressive skating, I have been travelling around the American continent while skating in different cities, competitions, exhibitions and making videos. My last competition results in South America were:

• Playas International World Fest - Ecuador 2010 – 1st place open at the street competition.
• I Love Roll Ccs – Venezuela 2011 – 2nd place open street competition.
• Santander Xtremo - Colombia 2011 – 1st place pro at the skatepark and 3rd place pro at the Street. 
• Anniversary of Sixteenzone Zoo park – Venezuela 2012 – 2nd place open skatepark. 
• Roller Competition Hugo El Duro – Venezuela 2014 - 2nd place pro skatepark.

After I moved to Canada I started to go to bigger competitions in other parts of the world, like the Winterclash 2015 in the Netherlands and the Blading Cup 2016 in the United states.

Finally, I feel so proud to have 2 pro model wheels with my name on it. One in 2013 and the other in 2016 with the brand Zeus Wheels.

Season Goals

My goals are to keep skating as much as I can, make blading videos around the world; in addition, I want to help the new generation of skaters through supporting events, contents, exhibitions and everything that helps this sport grow stronger, while working closely with K2 Skates to achieves these goals.

Location

Miami, FL

Occupation

Flight attendant

Story

I have been skating for as long as I can remember, definitely more than 15 years! I started off skating with roller skates (quads) and then moved on to inlines in my high school years. I get on my skates almost every single day & love using them as one of my main sources for fitness. I also use my skates as a means for transportation, opting out of driving or taking public transit. It's always fun to get somewhere by means of my own personal efforts! I'm a huge fitness skater and love incorporating challenging movements in my skating to keep my heartbeat up and the creativity flowing. I also like to throw hula hoops into the mix which makes for quite the combination and a sight to see!

Accomplishments

• Being a brand ambassador for K2!
• Certified yoga instructor 200-hour
• Sponsored hula hooper for Hoopologie & The Texas Hoopsmith

Season Goals

I definitely want to gain more speed on my skates, get more comfortable skating fakie, and add more jumps, tricks and rotations to my routines. I also want to add movements to my routine that create an element of body work and add more fun to fitness skating. I love to inspire others to get outside and I want to continue to inspire others to get a pair of skates and get going!

Location

Minneapolis, MN

Occupation

Teacher

Story

I have been skating for 25 years and racing for 19. I love the social aspect of both racing and skating. Minneapolis area has over 100 miles of pristine trails that are great for training. I enjoy learning from Pro skaters and love teaching new skaters!

Accomplishments

I have competed in more than 30 marathons, many ½ marathons, and countless 10k, 2-time finisher of the 38 mile distance at A2A. I have completed 18 of 19 Northshore Inline Marathons and have been top 3 in my age group many times.

>h5>Season Goals

To keep skating and racing for years to come. I hope to find myself on the podium at the 20th annual Northshore Inline Marathon in September 2015.

Location

Republic of San Marino

Story

I began skating in June 1999 after a serious injury to my knee during the World Alpine Ski Championship in Sestriere 1997. In 2006 I joined together with the Fardamatti Crew, a group that was working to help spread the interest in skating and legitimize it even more for competitions.

In 2009 I entered into the European Professional Half-Pipe Athletes circuit.From 2008 to 2011 I was member of the U.S.D. Team Italy.

I've been part of Team K2 in Italy since 2013 and am stoked to keep rolling with K2.

Accomplishments

• King of diga (ita) 1st (2009)
• GladiatorContest, Nantes (Fra), 2nd (2012)
• Kia World Extreme Games, Shanghai (China), 9th (2013)
• Fardamatti Vert Invitational (Rsm), 2nd (2014)

Season Goals

To keep learning new tricks and continue to get more people involved with this sport that I love, especially getting more youth into it.

Location

Italy

Story

I started to skate in 1996, and was immediately drawn into the world of aggressive of skating (although I did dabble in some fitness and race slalom skating as well).

In 2001, I began a personal training company while also working with athletes of all ages as a skating coach. By 2006, I started skating for show demos, which is now my main occupation. While I have worked with different brands and shops, my main one since 2012 has been K2 and I look forward to continuing that as a K2 Skate Ambassador.

Location

Liverpool, England. UK

Occupation

Support Care Worker

Story

I grew up in Wales UK and got into Skating when I was 11. I started playing Inline Hockey for a local team and then ended up playing for Wales. Whilst out one day, I saw this guy doing some crazy tricks and I thought "I want to do that." that guy was 'Richard Taylor'. He completely inspired me to turn to aggressive inline skating and he became my friend as well as an inspiration. I looked for and took any chance to skate thereafter. My dad reminds me how I would skate the rail down the stairs!

In 2005 I took the chance to move to Liverpool being sponsored by Rampworx skate park and getting a job as a coach. I ended up coaching Skating there for 10 years. That year I came 2nd in the British Inline Championships & won the Richard Taylor Memorial trophy the following year.

'Life' then took over with needing to work and moving around the city bringing me to today - settled once again in Liverpool - with a focus back on my skating.

Along the way, I did some big tricks, learned to always wear a helmet, started my own clothing line 'That Rolling Brand' with my business partner and sponsored my own riders. I coached at roller disco, appeared in a TV programme demonstrating how to Skate (The Science of Stupid, UK) and worked in a skatepark at a youth centre. 10 years on it was time to focus back on my skating and hopefully, with my passion for the sport and K2, bring a whole new generation into inline skating.

Accomplishments

British Inline Championships 2005 - 2nd.

Richard Taylor Memorial Trophy 2006 Winner.

Slam Jam Kings Own Street 2008 Winner.

Ipswich Jam Competition 2016, Best Trick Winner.

Location

Česká Republika - Ústí nad Labem

Occupation

Student

Story

I come from a sporty family and as I kid, I was able to try a bunch of different sports, of which I was most intrigued roller skating and longboarding. First I skated recreationally with friends, but in 2008 I started to skate professionally. In 2012 we decided to establish a civic association InlineSkating.cz , which organizes full-day courses for beginners, an advanced winter training camp in Morocco and even camps for kids.

Accomplishments

I serve as vice-chairman of the civic association InlineSkating.cz . I am also an inline skating instructor with am accreditation by the Ministry of Education. One of my biggest achievements was the 3rd place in my category ( junior ) at the National Championships in Racice in 2011. I have also competed in the Berlin Marathon many times y with a personal record of 1:22:24 . Since 2012, I have been actively involved at night skated in Dresden, which is sponsored by K2 and where my main task was to take care of the participants.

Goals

My vision is to share my skate experiences with beginners and advanced skaters not only in Usti nad Labem but abroad as well. Once we achieve both broad base of skaters and also an Inlineskating.cz professional team I hope to help get the inclusion of inline skating into the Olympics.

Location

Gargazon, Bolzano - Italy

Occupation

Teacher

Story

I started skating when I was 16 years old. At the time, I was skateboarding but one day I saw what was possible with inline skates and from that moment I knew that is what I wanted to do.

The inline skate community was very small in my hometown, it was just my brother and I and there were only small skateparks around. So by age of 17 I was traveling every weekend for about 250km just to meet some friends from Bologna and Parma so we could skate together.

Every year we did a little tour going to Austria, Germany, Swiss, France and so on. Even today, skating still has me traveling and meeting old and new friends from all over Europe having fun and blading together.

Accomplishments

I'm part of the BLADE is better! Team since the beginning. It consists of a little team of friends going around Italy doing demos and showing our sport to the public. In the last 3 years we have built the biggest inline indoor skatepark of Italy in Bologna.

Goals

Traveling, meeting friends and having fun that is what I love about this sport. I hope I will be able to do it for many more years to come and inspire some new generation to do it as well. It's awesome to be able to show some kids in the skatepark what is possible with Inline skates and make them wish for a pair of skates for Christmas instead of something else!

Location

Warwickshire, England

Occupation

Professional inline vert skater, athlete mentor and personal trainer.

Story

I started skating when I was 10 years old with my brother and it quickly took over my life. We were skating at every opportunity and went to extreme lengths just to get our fix. By age 15 I was traveling over 460 miles per week by train in order to skate vert as much as possible. In 2004 I qualified on to the ASA Pro Tour by finishing 3rd at the World Amateur Championship in L.A. I have spent the last 11 years since then traveling and skating all over the world performing in displays, competing and riding with like minded people! So far I have spent my life on skates and hope to keep it that way for as long as possible!

Accomplishments

Triple European vert champion (2011, 2012, 2013)

Asian X-Games silver medallist

Season Goals

To keep improving my skating and having fun in the process.