Words by Josh Zickert
The AriZona crew ventured out on another expedition to the Far East to skate the hidden gems of Taiwan’s largest cities: Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung. A few of skateboarding’s elite travelers Anthony Claravall, Michael Mackrodt and Patrik Wallner all shared secret pins from prior voyages to make the Jackpots and Bullet Trains Tour such a success.
Bonestalone, Juan Pablo Velez, Caroline Duerr, Eugenia Ginepro, Leo Heinert, Yiyo, JJ Colõn, Richie Löffler and JZ spent ten full days hittin’ the streets with Taiwanese videographer FIVE and photographers Blair Alley and Rodrigo Cabrejas.
The squad traveled to each city via high speed trains hitting 185 mph, which was incredible. Highlights included epic sessions at Taipei’s famed ribbon sculpture, the infinity tiled transitions in Taoyuan City, the roller coaster launcher along the Dagou River in Kaohsiung and the golden shell on Cijin Island off the South China Sea.
Related: Dream Skate Spots in Taiwan | The Photos
In Taichung, local rippers Jay, Vic, Isun and Charly surprised us with an opportunity to skate the indoor cement Wan Bon Bowl. It was such an amazing session.
Rodrigo Cabrejas
The pace of this tour was fiercely rapid with countless meals spent at 7-11 or Family Mart eating Seaweed Maki Rolls. Hearing the Family Mart Jingle (as the door opens and closes) over what felt like 100 times a day really starts to grow on you. I found myself hummin’ the tune all day. A little research showed that the famous doorbell chime was created by the Japanese composer Yasushi Inada in 1978. This could be the most famous jingle ever produced.
On our final night of the trip Brandon “Bonestalone” Bonner nailed a massive gap ollie in Kaohsiung from a skinny rooftop to a stage. It was the perfect way to cap off the trip.
Rodrigo Cabrejas
We hit Kaohsiung Central Station straight from that sesh to catch the 5 am bullet train back to Taipei and then directly to TPO International Airport. The Taiwanese people are so kind and welcoming. The skateboarding community is rich with talent and filled with surreal spots. This was truly one of the best adventures of my life.
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Check out AriZona Iced Tea’s Germany tour video below! This crew stays globetrotting!
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