For the 49th daily installment of Big Wheel Blading’s Inline Skating and Life During COVID-19 series we talk to Nick Kouros. Nick is a 37-year-old inline skater living in Athens, Greece. He works as a director in both photography and in film/video. Nick also run the annual Athens Blade House event and recently launched Syeahskate clothing.
What is the current situation with COVID-19 in Greece?
Greece took early measures and was not hit hard by COVID-19, at least compared to other parts of Europe. I think Italy, being so close by, was a wake up call. Since last week distancing restrictions are looser and it is now cool to go out. It is recommended to wear a mask inside stores and public transportation, and a lot of people are keeping their distance and being more alert. Groups of over 10 people are fined, and restaurants, bars & theaters are still shut down. The financial hit on the country will surely be great, but let’s see what happens in the more immediate future.
Are you still skating? If so what precautions are you taking to stay safe?
Yeah, I skated quite a bit during the quarantine, just rolling around in my area at night, super empty streets and amazing to skate really. We just recently started filming street with my friends again, since we can now all meet up.
What would make you stop skating?
I fear whatever I answer will haunt me and happen for real :)) Here’s to another decade of skating at least!
Are you doing any cross training?
I climb indoors and train at a gym to support my bad back. Also I do quite a bit of pilates.
What other activities are you doing to occupy your time?
During the 50 days of quarantine there was much to do at the Blade House, like working on personal projects, exercising, skating the roof, cleaning, and watching an immense amount of films. We kept busy.
How has COVID-19 affected your normal everyday life?
Besides not having work at the moment, the bladehouse feels empty, whereas it was usually bursting with life. Friends, colleagues and travelling visitors would come and go throughout the day, to work, skate, relax or watch films in our weekly film club. So that is very slowly getting back to normal.
What are your major concerns right now and looking into the future?
As most here, our lives and work was disrupted by the virus. I had upcoming shoots cancelled, and all my artist friends, especially those working in film, theatre and musicians are uncertain of their future. Also Greece relies heavily on tourism, which will be at super low levels this year, I’d imagine. Our country will feel empty this summer.
How has your local skate community responded to the pandemic?
Most kept indoors, although we had a few rebels that just couldn’t handle the isolation and were skating in groups or meeting up. We joked about it to be honest, but we now know who will not follow the rules in the possibility of a second lockdown.
Do you have anything you’d like to add?
Love to all my syeahskate crew and to all bladehouse friends from throughout the globe. Miss you!
Links
- Follow Nick Kouros on Instagram.
- Visit nickkouros.com to check out Nick’s photography, film and video work.
- Follow Nick on Vimeo to watch some awesome skating and see more of his work.
- To find out about the annual Athens Blade House event visit athensbladehouse.com.
- To find out more about Syeahskate clothing visit syeahskate.com and follow them on 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 and questions, suggestions or ideas.
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