For the 47th daily installment of Big Wheel Blading’s Inline Skating and Life During COVID-19 series we talk to Peter Kallio. Peter is a 33-year-old inline skater and personal assistant living in Sandviken, Sweden.
What is the current situation with COVID-19 in Sweden?
It seems like the hysteria is calming down a bit. People are living more or less like normal here again, at least in my small town. It’s worse in Stockholm and more crowded cities.
Are you still skating? If so what precautions are you taking to stay safe?
Lately I have been skateboarding at the local skatepark and at The Dome in Gävle. When skating I’ve been wearing kneepads and using antiseptic gel. I actually haven’t bladed for a year, I felt like I needed to take a break because I was too obsessed with it. I was constantly thinking of tricks and edits I wanted to make, but rarely had anyone to film and skate with. So I thought I’d try something else for a while, get a new perspective and evolve. But now after a year and during COVID-19 I got the itch back, but with no pressure. My Them 909’s should be here anytime now and I am stoked!
What other activities are you doing to occupy your time?
Collecting records, DJing, learning to play guitar, reading and drinking beer.
How has COVID-19 affected your normal everyday life?
Well I was sick for three weeks and social distancing was weird. But now I’m good and will start working again soon.
What are your major concerns right now and looking into the future?
I’m worried about the health of my friends and family. I hope after this bullshit is over, it will bring people together to be thankful for what we have and keep looking forward!
How is your local skate community responding? Are they self-isolating or are they still getting together and not social distancing?
I see people all over Sweden still blading on Instagram. The local outdoor skatepark here is always packed but the indoor parks have a 50 person limit or are even closed in some cities.
Do you have anything you’d like to add?
Wash your hands.
Links
- Follow Peter Kallio on 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.
Follow Big Wheel Blading on YouTube // Instagram // Facebook
Join the Big Wheel Blading Facebook Discussion Group
Patreon
If you enjoy our articles and content at bigwheelblading.com please take a moment and visit our Patreon page. Your patronage will help us continue to create content in our quest to unite all of inline skating and help the sport grow as a whole. // patreon.com/bigwheelblading
