The art of skateboarding has seen something of a renaissance in recent years, harking back to the glory days and skate tours of the mid 90s covered by the likes of MTV and beyond.
Debuting at the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2020 after a decades-long push for the sport to become officially recognised by the global sporting community, skateboarding arguably stole the show. Onlookers and lifelong fans watched on as competitors as young as 13-years-old took to half-pipes in the most stylish sporting outfits the world has ever seen.
Leticia Bufoni was there, of course, representing her home country of Brazil – but it was certainly not her first rodeo. The first female boarder to sign with Nike Skating, Bufoni has changed the game for girls and women in skateboarding across the globe throughout her illustrious career – which began in São Paolo at the age of 10.
Now 30 years-old, with five X Games gold medals and a World Championship under her belt – to name a few of her achievements– what hasBufoni got her sights on next? Alongside her partners over at Red Bull, the team managed to come up with something mind-bending.
Ever a boundary-breaker and lover of all things adrenaline rush-inducing – whether it be through her profession, or her leisurely skydiving trips – Bufoni has always wanted to create a skating project that reflected this. Bufoni was given the opportunity of a lifetime to skate in and around the National History Museum in London, finishing off the performance with a kick-flip over one of the most valuable and well-known exhibits: a dinosaur skeleton. Like we said, mind-bending.
We caught up with the professional skateboarder after completing this incredible feat to find out what she can’t live without.
What have you been up to recently?
I have just created a really cool project with Red Bull that has never been done before. For the first time ever, we got to skate inside the Natural History Museum and it was amazing to be able to do so in such an iconic place. I never thought in my career that I would get the chance to do something like this and as a skater, these locations are just totally impossible to skate, so I couldn’t believe we had this opportunity.
My favourite part of the project was kickflipping over the dinosaur. I’ve obviously never jumped over one before, and I just had to do it - I was really stoked with how the trick turned out!
Red Bull skate athletes Lore Bruggeman, Aldana Bertran and Margie Didal also joined me. We had a lot of fun together and were just so excited to be skating inside the museum - we couldn’t believe it was happening.
What are your pre-competition rituals?
I don’t have any strict rituals and keep things pretty simple, but the main thing is that I can’t eat just before a competition. Even though I’ve been competing for 20 years now, I still get nervous because I put a lot of pressure on myself and get scared that something might go wrong. I like to really prepare myself - not just in the actual skateboarding form itself but by physically training too. I go to the gym everyday leading up to a competition except on the day of it.
What are your pre-competition preparation essentials?
I don’t have many essentials, but if anything, I always have a hat or bandana with me - it’s something that’s mandatory! I also carry a Red Bull in my bag too before I compete to help keep my energy levels up and focus, especially if I’m nervous - I’m liking the Juneberry flavour right now.
How do you unwind after a hectic day?
I’m not the best at relaxing, even on my days off I like to keep busy - from surfing to skydiving and driving cars. But after a competition I mostly eat and sleep. I’m really good at sleeping and can get about nine to 10 hours every night. I go to bed super early.
What are your favourite pair of sneakers to wear while skateboarding?
I love the Nike SB Janoski and have been carrying them around now for almost 10 years. I also have my own Nike collaboration that I designed a couple of years ago, called the Verona x Leticia Bufoni. It fits perfectly and feels like you’re skating barefoot, so it’s one of my favourites.
What is your advice to aspiring skateboarders?
Just follow your dream! Don’t let anyone say that you can’t do it. Skate every day and don’t give up.
What’s always in your travel bag?
I always have exercise bands to use when warming up before I skate or go to the gym. A Red Bull for on the go, wax for my board, bandanas, hats, skate shoes and, of course, my skateboard!
What are your go-to beauty essentials for traveling?
I always carry my makeup bag with me but there’s actually not many beauty products in there because I don’t know how to use them properly, so I like to keep it super simple. I never forget to have sunblock with me because I have lots of tattoos and need to have extra protection when skating out in the sun.
What are your wardrobe essentials?
Leggings and tank top, simple! Nothing with pockets to get in the way, just leggings, shoes, tank top and my bandana. I have to feel comfortable and free when skating.
