[English] GRIPSKIN CEO Emanuel Oberle interview

Interview by @platinumstefano
(Will delete if any issues arise)

1. Hello, Emanuel. It's an honor to have you here. Could you introduce yourself to the fingerboard fans in Korea?

 

Emanuel: Hello! It's great to be here for this interview. It's really empowering to see so many people appreciating my work. My name is Emanuel, but most people call me Manu. I've been into fingerboarding since 2003. My first fingerboard was a Tech Deck, and back then, I didn't know if this little piece of plastic could do actual skateboard tricks. But my interest grew, and I learned how to make boards myself, along with pursuing my other hobby, photography and videography. It started out of passion, not for profit, and I continue with that same spirit.

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2. How long have you been making decks, and what are the advantages of your decks? Also, I saw your Instagram live, and your workshop looks amazing. Do you live there, or is it just for work?

 

Emanuel: I probably made my first deck around 2005. Some people started even a few years earlier, and makers, including myself, shared everything on forums held in Germany. As many may know, the first wooden deck was Berlinwood, which was a big inspiration. The origin of griptape can be traced back to the first board made by Peter Wolff (who later passed on the technique to Emanuel), which was based on the Berlinwood deck. At that time, even Berlinwood struggled to find suitable metal molds, so they put two Tech Decks into iron casts to make molds themselves.

In 2005, I found some thin lumber in my grandfather's workshop. It was in pretty bad shape with mold in places. Even the truck holes were drilled with nails instead of a drill. It was all about a hungry spirit—try things out, experiment, enjoy it. That's what drives you.

As time passed since making my first board, I improved technically. Around 2011, I got my first metal mold, which helped create more consistent decks. At the end of 2018, I finally had the environment to make molds of my favorite shapes. From then on, I started thinking about sharing my experiences with more people, giving away and selling decks at various fingerboard events, expanding my reach gradually.

As for the advantages of my decks... I like to compare my boards to musical instruments or handmade furniture. Everything is crafted, not factory-made, so they carry a soul. I mostly use natural materials. Recently, I've been experimenting with new adhesives, all made by blending raw materials from Switzerland.

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Emanuel and his workshop.

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My workshop is in a village in the Alps. I don't live there; it's just for work. I converted my great-grandfather's furniture workshop for my use. I spend more and more time here in the Alps. It's an inspiring place close to nature.

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3. Many people are curious about the Bottom Fly coating. Without divulging trade secrets, what coating method does Gripskin use for decks, and what are the advantages?

Emanuel: My deck finishes all use natural oils and waxes. It's very simple. Sometimes you see companies finishing decks with natural materials, but the advantage of my method is the long process of applying layer after layer. This way, when the deck gets dirty later, you can clean it with different oils or waxes, and it also gives a unique pop.

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4. How many decks can you make in a day?

Emanuel: Hmm, it varies, but I'd say around ten to twenty. Maybe more once I become more skilled and efficient?

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5. You've been making decks for quite some time, and there must have been many challenging moments. Despite that, what keeps you going?

Emanuel: I still find making boards fun. The biggest drive is seeing other people enjoy my decks. My ultimate goal isn't grand. If what I do can contribute to expanding the reach of fingerboarding, that's enough for me. The toughest moments... well, it's a bit disheartening when you see cheap fingerboards sold in places like Amazon. But I know the value of my decks, so it's not too disheartening. Value is precious

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6. We're planning the 2nd Video Street League in our café soon. If it's not too much trouble, could we invite you as a special judge?

Emanuel:  Oh, that's fantastic news! Of course. I'm already curious about how many hidden talents there are in Korea. It's virtual for now, but I definitely want to visit Korea later and meet the fingerboarders in person..

 

 

 

Thank you for your time

Emanuel: It was a pleasure. Let's stay in touch!