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I am Rakotonirina Finoana Anick, from Madagascar, and I currently call Antananarivo, the capital city, my home. My journey into skateboarding began in 2018 when a friend introduced me to this exciting sport. As time went on, I had the pleasure of meeting some incredible friends who became a great source of motivation for me.
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Do you have a crew you usually skate with?
Yes, I´m a member of a crew known as ´THE GIRLY WAY,´ consisting of 10 girls who skateboard together every weekend. Overall, it´s been a great experience. Skateboarding has taught us valuable life lessons: when we fall, we get back up; when it hurts, we take a break; when we take risks, we can succeed. Learning tricks isn´t easy, and life can be challenging, but when we focus on the positive, everything falls into place. Never give up because, sooner or later, everything will turn out fine.
What´s your most memorable skate memory so far?
The best time was in 2022 when there was a competition in all categories: skateboarding, rollerblading, and BMX. It took place in Antsirabe, and our entire team was there. We gathered, filmed each other, shared meals, water, and more. We celebrated together, and the best part is that we returned home with trophies.
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What challenges do your local scene face?
Having numerous spots and access to equipment is crucial. With these spots, we can nurture our talents and knowledge. In Madagascar, skateboarding supplies are relatively expensive, and replacing our boards immediately when damaged isn´t always possible. We often need to save up to get a new one.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans include building skateparks, establishing a skateboarding school, and helping the federation in Madagascar to take part in international competitions
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Where do you see women skateboarding in Madagascar in the next few years?
I´m not entirely sure because sometimes there are girls who are hyperactive at the moment, but after a few years, they disappear. Girls tend to be less patient when it comes to learning, which can be demotivating for them.
If you could change one thing, not just in skateboarding but life in general, what would that be?
What I would like to change for everyone are their mentalities, the structure of the streets, the rules regarding pollution, and create more opportunities for young people.
