An ode to Tinik’s: the first “official” Game of Skate in Antananarivo.
Game of skate is a people’s favorite in skateboarding. No biggie , just 2 skateboarders and a flatground and it is on. As simple as that. The fact that it is a 1-on-1 reminds those old cowboys duels and who doesn’t love that? It is a easy way to show who is the boss in town ! Indeed it is in a game of skate also that one would pull off every trick on his bag, especially if the opponent is hard to beat. Therefore a contest in that format is used by the fans as a trick-o-meter, and even classement to find out who is the best. What they forgot usually is that psychology, strategies and nervousity plays in those game, and that could ruin the classement if it is just looking at “pure talent”… TiNik’s is one of these Contest and was the first one on this genre in Antananarivo. A simple initiative but had revive the skate scene who hibernated in that period. Here is a lookback on the events.
TiNik’s : the begining
Back to 2009, a year when Madagascar is passing a severe politic crisis. Riot was daily routine and Antananarivo is living in a “chaos”. Everything was troubled. So is Skateboarding, Tv show that animated the scene was slowly loosing it fame. Therefore skateboarding started to be quiet and cold. Before that , all the event happening valorised more Roller Blade. Everything from spots to contest where based on it, and skateboarders has to adapt with that, “sidekick” style. That spirits feed up the show, but Skateboarder felt exploited. The “Chaos” in town was almost the last nail on the coffin, skateboarders had to stay in their streets respectively for safety and only the hardcore one was still into the game. Tinady Andriamas and Niki Ravelomanatsoa, two O.G’s of Malagasy skateboarding, couldn’t stand for all those situation so they found the perfect way to revive the scene. A game of skate contest, not only easy to organise because all what they need is flatground, a blankboard, A wisthle and skateboarders; But also it’s really accesible, who doesn’t do flatground tricks. A good way to bring back skateboarders together again. And in awhile it was an event 100% Skateboarding, by Skateboarder and for Skateboarder. Getting rid of all that “exploitation” ruled by Tv Shows and “public fame”! So they had to find a cool name for it: “TiNik’s”. The source said that it is a fusion of the name Tinady and Niki. And as the first edition happened at Andohalo, their home, it’s where from there that the “ ‘s ” come. Can’t deny that “battle at berrircs” had an influence on it, which is at their 2nd round back then. It was a full mission succes ! it solidify and confirm the strengh of Skateboarding scene who became dominant till this day.
1st Edition :
the first edition ever was April the 11th, 2009 at Andohalo, Antsahatsiroa parking lot.They struggled to find out 16 Competitors . But made it happens, Rollin was the first Flatground king of Antananarivo. Defeating the host Tinady on the Final. Lofo got the 3rd place. It was the only edition that the host took part of the battle.
2nd Edition :
The second Edition still took place at Andohalo , September 4th, 2010. This time the 32 competitors was filled easy-ka-peasy and they even had to limit the entry ! Rollin kept his throne and is the back-to-back Champs when the very young Tsiky Imanoela took the 2nd place with a notable packs of Body Varial tricks. While Rado kely get the 3rd Place. TiNik’s became an annual Family reunion.
3rd Edition :
The 3rd edition took place in May the 28th, 2011 this time organised with K-ro skateshop. First TiNik’s out of Andohalo, It was in the “Palais de Sport” Mahamasina. With a slippery flatground.One of the year that a lot of new generation came to join the contest. I would never forget that sandwich we had for lunch that day, given by the host. Haha!
Rado kely took the win on this edition, with a lot of pressure tricks, defeating Rollin. And Tsiky the former Champ was the 3rd. Out of as usual 32 competitors.
Since it’s in the Social media era, we got more photo archive this time, thanks to Nomena Rakotomanga for documenting.
And my personal favorites ! photo of “crew” by streets back then !
The 3rd one is the last to date, and many Game of skate contest took place after that but as every First love, we will never forget it! And who knows, maybe there is more to come !
