Any skateboarder passing by the RN2 (National Route 2) , going to Toamasina in the town of Moramanga has noticed “ La Pagode”. The little “Plaza” made by Chinese as symbol of Love and Brotherhood between Malagasy and Chinese people. As any “Plaza” or park, it has potential to be a skatespot ! And the looks and purpose reminds the “Korean Friendship Bell” spot in Los Angeles, U.S.A . But the fun fact is that the place is just in front of a Police Office !!!
Back in 2008 or 2009 though, myself has the chance to stop by Moramanga for an Hour before Travelling to a nearby village. Having a video camera and a cousin around, we decide to go to “ La Pagode ” and document what we could there. And what we filmed there would be the first introduction of this spot to Malagasy Skateboarder, as I used the Footage in a full length skate video called “ Moov Xtreme Next Episode”. And that sequence also was the spark starting the now Moramanga Skateboard scene…
Fast forward 9 years later… Had the chance to go back in Moramanga, has heard that Skateboarding and “Action Sports” are doing good in town and there is a healthy Scene !!! so had to check out . My source of information is Brothers of mine (Cousins to be honest). They have skated with me when they were in holidays . And brought what they saw in Moramanga, and the result is amazing. They now have 5 true core skateboarders in town, and living great with other dudes doing Bike Trial and Roller blades. Strong and Independent scene, they rely on each others passing around boards, trucks and everything to keep a fellow skateboarder rolling… and they had already made skatepark project suggestion to the Mayor of the town !!! unfortunately Political stuff is so f***ed up in Madagascar. Therefore it didn’t came true yet but still on the way.
Proof of a Living scene, what we went there for is to do a Demo at Razafindrabe Victorien High School , part of “ Journée des écoles” celebration, the Action Sport section was hosted By Mpiantra , the Trial Biker and he brought on board the homies !!! They are doing a lot of demo and anything to make the scene alive. Unfortunately I got no recording of that particular Demofor some reason. But instead we got footage of every spot we shredded that 2 days of stay.
But before the stunts, I have to Introduce to you Rinah (Hasina Rinah Razanaparany). The little dude who start skateboarding after seeing his brother Briel having a part in the “Moov Xtreme next episode” video and light up the fire of the scene after passing his passion to his friends… since then they check everything Malagasy and Foreign Skateboarding on Youtube and Facebook and Skate on their on path and Style. Speaking of Style, watching him skateboarding is such a pleasure, got that unique vibe. The dude is proud to fly his S.M.E.G Colours !!! He knows every good spot in Moramanga and is the best guide to take if he is in town… but recently High School Graduated, he is now in Antananarivo to pursue College but still move between Moramanga and Antananarivo time to time.
Elischuah is a Skateboarder living in Ambohibary, a “Suburb” of Moramanga. He found that Middle school Spot where we used bench and tables as a spot on the video coming with this article. The Guy to hit if you want to reach that spot !
Last But not least, have to be with the locals to ride Bezanozano Hotel or famously called in the Street as B.Z or you will be kicked out as fast as lightning. And for Razafindrabe Victorien High School, we took advantage of the Demo to shred the place but I don’t know if it is aivalable on normal days. At the trainstation, you have to speaks to the Security officer first then they will let you skate.
End of talking , hope you will like our little video :) Peace !
