Back in October 2015 Freestyle Now squad members Shaun Jarvis, Paul Chamberlain and Lee Kirkman traveled to Japan to attend Flatark, the final stop in the flatland world series of contests. Shaun and Lee competed in the competition and placed quite well considering the level of competition. Shaun placed 31st out of 46 riders in the expert class and Lee placed 52nd out of 68 riders in the open class. The three riders started their 10 day journey in Tokyo for a few days then took the bullet train to Kobe, the host city for Flatark and then finished the trip off in Osaka. Shaun made a video from every day showing all the rad things they did, saw and rode and had made it into one long video. Its worth watching to get a scope of the fun that a trip like this can be and to see some great riding from Shaun, Paul and Lee and a bunch of other riders.
These three guys above Paul, Shaun and Lee sent in a few words about their travel experience read on and be inspired to venture outside of your city. This year Shaun Jarvis and Paul Chamberlain are confirmed to be venturing off to Kobe to once again experience all things Flatark.
Shaun Jarvis put together a video from each of the 10 days he was away in Japan and then put them all into one long journey video. Check it out to see Freestyle Now rolling out the rad in Japan.
Flatark contest footage from Lee Kirkman and Shaun Jarvis
Shaun Jarvis
This was my second time attending Flatark and venturing out of Australia. Again it was so great and can’t wait to go back. To see all of the international friend again in person (not via facebook) will be great. The trip was so awesome, making a video of each day’s radness was kinda hard but I think I managed to get it all in there. I know it long but there was just so much we did it had to be included. It will be great memories to look back on in the next 20 years for sure. I was really stoked on my contest run, it was a bit sketchy at the start but I sorted that at the end. Im really looking forward to heading back to Kobe and riding Meriken Park, it’s such an inspiring location. For 2016 it looks like I will be travelling with more Australian crew which should make the trip another great experience. Watch the video I made to see how much fun we all had.
Shaun Jarvis in the middle of his contest run at Flatark, check the contest video for his full run.
Paul Chamberlain
I go to Japan every year for FlatArk. It’s the biggest competition in the world right now. I love Japan, and not a single day goes by that I don’t think about riding at Meriken Park in Kobe. It’s the best spot, the best crew and the best vibe. The contest goes off too. That all sounds cliche, but whenever I’m tired at home I think about going back there and it motivates me to ride more. I don’t even enter the contest, but it makes me want to focus on riding and see what’s possible. Amongst all of the busy busy here right now it’s easy to lose sight of that and FlatArk on the calendar helps me sustain that purpose. Thanks Ucchie!
Paul Chamberlain captured at Meriken Park mid combo by Omar Lammers
Lee Kirkman
Wow what can i say about Japan it was a experience never to be forgotten what an eye opener the people there the hospitality is next to none i have never met so many nice people willing to go out of their way to make you feel welcome by far my favorite trip i have ever been on.
Lee Kirkman mid run with a no hander stick B- photo by Marcio Abe
Shaun Jarvis getting rubbery armed at Meriken Park with a X up endo – photo by Omar Lammers.
Lee Kirkman rolling at Meriken Park in Kobe.
Lee, Paul and Shaun at Nara deer park in from of a 1000’s year old temple on the last day in Japan.
More photos form the adventure can be found in Shaun’s facebook photo album here
