For the 73rd daily installment of Big Wheel Blading’s Inline Skating and Life During COVID-19 series we talk to Kalléo Hipolito. Kalléo is a 32-year-old Brazilian inline skater living in Leeds, England. He is a filmer, photographer, sewer and develops products for his brand Bobik Lee.
What steps did England take to battle COVID-19 and how are things there now?
Even with cases continuing to grow, there are still a lot of people on the street who don’t seem to care, despite all the precautions the government asks for. I have seen people argue over the right of way if the path or pavement was narrower than 2 meters and both people thought they had priority. It happens! However, we continue to take care of ourselves and hope that everything will improve.
Were you skating during the COVID-19 lockdown?
Since the quarantine started I skated a few times in a small skatepark. Always in a groups of two people to avoid crowding and also skating in some neighborhoods far from the city.
photo by Vinicius Martin
Where are you skating now?
Most skateparks are open and this makes it easier to skate. I try to go at different times to avoid contact with children. Typically I am skating on the bike trails that are in parks far from the city. I’ve logged many kilometers of skating across the land or in places that are not really favorable. I like adventure and also rollerblading! The important thing is not to be lazy, but to give value to what we have.
Is there anything that would make you stop skating?
Certainly, if I had symptoms I would go into self insolation and take care of myself. I am glad nothing happened!
photo by Humberto Tahara
Are you doing any cross training?
I’m just doing some morning workouts and speed skating training. I really want to keep my body able to skate for the rest of my life.
What other activities are you doing to occupy your time?
Spending most of the time Studying, reading and editing videos and for my YouTube channel and producing new content for my brand Bobik Lee. Also I have created a VOB and magazine called “100MIRÉIS”. The purpose of this project in order to raise funds for new designs and collection. It’s been a great time to put all the plans into action.
How has COVID-19 affected your normal everyday life?
The biggest thing was not being able to travel and having to stay indoors.
What are your major concerns right now and looking into the future?
I am concerned about the rest of the world, many people have suffered losses, such as family members and jobs. So I am wishing for positive energies so that everyone can overcome and that we humans learn appropriate lessons from everything that is happening.
How is your local skate community responding?
Here everyone is respecting the restrictions very well. The vast majority are at home and avoiding skating.
Do you have anything you’d like to add?
I just wanted to say that I am very grateful for staying healthy and being able to take this terrible situation and get the best out of it. I wish everyone can do the same. It is a great time to share lessons and experiences to create a more positive environment. We’ll get through this and come out stronger than ever before.
100MIRÉIS a video by Kalléo Hipolito
“100MIRÉIS” is an 8-minute video and magazine project that Kalléo made in December of 2019 in Brazil. It features the skating of Kalléo Hipolito, Jimmy Ferreira, Pietro Mario, Lucas Fernandes, Erick Varela, Duda Flores, Greg Tawell and Matt Keating. To find our more about the video and magazine and to purchase it go to 100mireis.myshopify.com.
The 100MIRÉIS limited run magazine is 48 full color pages that take an in depth look into their lifestyle and the process of filming for the video.
Links
- Check out Kalléo Hipolito’s YouTube channel for lots of excellent video content.
- Follow Kalléo on Facebook and Instagram.
- To find our about Bobik Lee brand visit bobiklee.com.br and follow them on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
- Go to Inline Skating and Life During COVID-19 to read more interviews from skaters from around the world.
- Go to Essential Workers – Inline Skaters on the Front Lines of COVID-19 to read about inline skaters from around the world who are considered Essential Workers.
- For our full COVID-19 coverage go here.
- Contact Big Wheel Blading for any questions, suggestions, story ideas or to contribute content.
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