Från arkivet: Stefan Hauser, skateparksdesigner
Stefan Hauser, foto: Nils Svensson
Artikel publicerad 2004.
1. Name:
Stefan Hauser, age: 31, background: grew up in Portland, Oregon, USA. I design and build skateparks for a living. I am president of Placed To Ride, inc.
2. How long have you been skating and why did you start?
I have been skateboarding over nineteen years and I am not sure exactly why I started. It seemed cool. My bicycle got stolen. I received a bit of insurance money from that and I replaced the bike with a skateboard; Oh ya and my brother got a skateboard for Christmas…. I think I couldn’t resist.
3. How come you’ve started building skateparks?
I was skating and involved during the formation of Burnside. It was such the best thing of Portland and still is. It always seemed my idea to do something more with that. The park was way more advanced and creative then any other I had ridden, my skateboard heaven was close at hand. In late 1998, I moved back from the coast to Portland and found the opportunity to start something. Public skateparks were starting to be built and I wanted my vision to be there. I also didn’t´t want anyone else controlling the design and construction of my local parks. The new skateparks being built thus far did not meet the par. It was sort of a coming of age.
4. What do you think of the skate scene in Malmo?
First, I am certain I have not met all of you. From what I have experienced it seems to be a progressive scene. As every individual has another passion other than skateboarding and they bring it to the collective. I think it is pretty tight around here and can’t believe so many skateboarders can find work in the skate field, Bryggeriet. The skaters I have met thus far seem like nice and well-behaved people. I became stoked on this place the first time I received photos of the savanna project. Concrete is king and the underground shall live!
5. How many parks have you built and which one is your favourite?
I have built parks in Lincoln City, Newport, Newberg, Aumsville, Redmond, Donald, Astoria, Brookings, Port Orford and Kalamath Falls. All in Oregon, USA. As well I have worked on a few parks out of state, including The Cradle Skatepark in Brixlegg Austria, and some private bowls. My favorite one can be any for that moment, but I do prefer the parks I have ridden the most. So many memories, so many lines. I think somewhere in this interview might be listed my favorite?
6. What is important to think about when building a skatepark?
So many details…..Everything that will make it work right for the skaters, the city and the community. I think one should do there homework, not rush through it, stay persistent and hire the right people. In planning a skatepark the population of local skateboarders, the land issues and the budget are very important.
7. What plans do you have for the skatepark in Malmo?
I want to make it all-time, as much varity as possible. I hope it blows some peoples minds.
8.
What do you do besides building skateparks and riding them?
I like to surf and do artwork, sometimes I even play a little guitar. I will dabble in other things like nature and travel, but I am always looking for a way of self-expression. I spend a lot of time thinking (maybe too much) and beside myself.
9. Last Words!
You only have your youth once so best you enjoy it. Keep with the things you love the most and hope for a bright future. And try and respect others.