Extreme rollerblader, Alan Mak
Alan Mak discusses the pains and gains of extreme rollerblading with Sean Kong Aicardi.
HK Magazine: How long have you been skating?
Alan Mak: Six years. I just wanted to do some exercise with friends, but then I got hooked.
HK: Any bad injuries?
AM: Scrapes, scratches, hairline fractures, concussions, you know, standard stuff. When you play extreme sports, you expect to get hurt. I really like the sport, so I’ll keep playing even if I lose a leg. But you got to be careful, I got most of my injuries from not wearing pads, there’s nobody else to blame.
HK: Skateboarding, rollerblading and BMX riding - which is the coolest?
AM: Well, I’m a skater, so I say blading, but as far as popularity goes, skate boarding is still ahead. I guess that’s because it’s become something of a fashion craze. Even people who don’t skate wear the T-shirts and use the lingo.
HK: Does it get you girls?
AM: Hell no. You can do a cool trick they’ll give you the “ooos” and “ahhhhs,” but they won’t bat an eye the second time round. It really comes down to looks. If Daniel Wu were sitting there, the chicks would be all over him, even if he was unconscious - especially if he was unconscious. Reality is harsh.
HK: Where’s Hong Kong’s rollerblading scene going?
AM: Rollerblading is a part of the Asia Indoor Games now, and the Hong Kong government is building more and more facilities for extreme sports. I think we have a chance to catch up to players on the international level.
