Always Pushing" vol. 8, a new story built by Vans. skater Hina Maeda connects to the world.

Always Pushing. Always pushing, always more. Recognizing this, Vans riders repeatedly challenge themselves to push the boundaries of what they can do. This article is part of a Series that explores the mindset and drive of Vans riders who are always seeking to improve their skills. This time, we spoke with Hina Maeda, who has been active in international contests and events and has appeared in many of Vans' skate videos. We take a closer look at the mindset of this globally active skateboarder.

Text_Shogo Komatsu
Edit_Amane Yasuda

---

What I gained and learned abroad .

-What has changed significantly since you started participating in international contests and events?

Maeda:My attitude toward skateboarding has changed. More than the competition results, the biggest change is that I now want to convey the joy of skateboarding to everyone. Before, I think I was too eager to win and had a hard expression on my face, but the best thing is to skate like you are having fun. . Since I started thinking that way, I can now compete in competitions with an easygoing attitude.

-. Nowadays, you are not only competing in contests, but also skating on the streets, aren't you?

Maeda:The videos are cool, and there are people you can only meet on the streets, so I started skating on the streets to expand my connections. I made friends with skaters from overseas that I would never have met if I had only competed in competitions, and I made a lot of friends. Also, when I was practicing in the park for competitions, there were moves I wanted to capture on film on the streets. It's easier to complete a part on film after many attempts, and it's fun to be able to try again and again, unlike competitions where you only have to try one move.

-. In July of this year, he participated in "The Bunt Jam 2024" hosted by Vans in Toronto, Canada.

Maeda:I was able to skate with people I had seen on Instagram and YouTube, and we were able to go out to dinner together, which was amazing! I was always thinking, "Wow!

-What was particularly memorable?

Maeda:I was happy not only to ski with Lizzie (Armant), but also to go out to eat, take the bus, and spend time with her. My English is not good, but even though I couldn't speak it well, she was friendly with me. I felt sad that I couldn't communicate well, but I also felt that it wasn't that important.

-It's an experience because it's overseas.

Maeda:. It had a great influence on me. . I was also happy to meet Una (Farah), who I had been watching since before I joined " Vans. I like her skating style and fashion. She talked to me in a very friendly way. . I was able to reaffirm that the way you skate, the way you attract people, and the way you dress is also important.

-In terms of clothing, you are wearing "half cabs". What do you like about them?

Maeda:I think they fit the style I am aiming for. They feel like they are gradually becoming comfortable on my feet , and they are easy to wear. I also like that they are not easily broken in.

. friendships that extend around the world.

-I understand that you were injured in March of this year.

Maeda:Two days before I left for the U.S., I was shooting in Tokyo . I went into the down rail thinking I could do it, but I hurt my knee. It wasn't that difficult, and it wasn't a big spot, but it was a bad idea to go in there so lightly.

-Skateboarding is dangerous, but why do you keep trying?

Maeda:I don't think that deeply about it, just because it's fun and I like it . I want to leave good images, so I find myself heading for the spot. Even if I get injured, I never hate it because I am doing what I love. I also feel strongly that I have to move on to the next step.

-I think you may have trouble with it because you like it.

Maeda:Whenever I feel down or injured, I take it as an opportunity to take a break and keep my spirits up. I only do the things I enjoy, forget about the things I don't like, and ski a lot when I am healed. . Even if I have fallen hundreds of times, the sense of accomplishment I get when I am able to ride is a feeling that I cannot experience anywhere else.

-What else do you find attractive about skateboarding?

Maeda:Before skateboarding, I never thought I would have friends in Tokyo or overseas. . I think the appeal of skateboarding is that you can connect with the world and expand your friendships.

-. that skateboarding has brought you more friends. Isn't that a big part of your existence?

Maeda:Yes . . I can enjoy that trip abroad because my friends are there to support me. Skateboarding is something you can get better at as an individual, but I think it is also important to have friends to skate with, so they are necessary for your progress.

-You have good influences through skateboarding, such as your way of thinking and your friends.

Maeda:If I hadn't been skateboarding, I would never have had the way of thinking I have now, and sometimes I would suddenly decide to go on an overseas trip a week in advance, which would never happen under normal circumstances (laughs). (Laughs.) I like the fact that I can have that kind of experience. You can make friends anywhere in the world, and there is no limit to the scope of your activities. There are people who create their own tricks, and I think skateboarding is really free.

-What are your goals for the future?

Maeda:. while competing in competitions , I will leave footage on the streets. I've only just started skating on the streets, so it will take time to get used to it, but I want to take as much footage as I can and someday get my part out there.