Enjoy “Spring Riders”, a video showcasing Dutch playgrounds!.

We have all come across a public playground at some point in our lives and been drawn to a seemingly perfect rail, thinking it would be fun to skate on it. However, the reality is often quite different, with obstacles like no run-up, rubber ground, and sticky metals making it challenging to skate. Despite these challenges, a video showcasing playground spots where skaters are actually enjoying themselves has caught our attention.

Named “Spring Riders” after the wooden toy horses of yesteryears, Charlie Lanceplaine’s latest video is a vibrant, light-hearted, and playfully childlike compilation filmed in various public playgrounds in Amsterdam. It offers a unique perspective on skateboarding and captures the joy and creativity of the sport in an unconventional setting.

One of the unique features of this video is the focus on playground spots, a concept that Charlie Lanceplaine attributes to his fascination with videos centered around a specific theme. Upon moving to Amsterdam five years ago, he noticed the prevalence of small playgrounds scattered throughout the city. In fact, there is a regulation in the Netherlands stipulating that a child should not live more than 300 meters from a playground, highlighting the importance of play and recreation in Dutch culture.

While playgrounds can be found across Europe, the Netherlands seems to have an abundance of these spaces, contributing to the overall happiness and freedom experienced by children in the country. Skating at playgrounds presents its own set of challenges, with the soft rubber ground posing a major obstacle. The difficulty of rolling and popping tricks on such surfaces is likened to skating on grass, requiring skaters to adapt their technique and equipment to navigate these unconventional spots.

Despite the challenges, skating on playgrounds offers a unique and playful experience, reminiscent of the carefree days of childhood. The soft ground may cushion falls, making the experience more enjoyable and less painful for skaters. As Charlie Lanceplaine reflects on his motivation for creating this video, he acknowledges the nostalgic appeal of revisiting playgrounds as an adult and capturing the essence of fun and camaraderie associated with skateboarding.

In a skateboarding culture often focused on performance and competition, videos like “Spring Riders” remind us of the simple joy and spontaneity that drew many of us to the sport in the first place. Skateboarding is, at its core, about having fun, pushing boundaries, and celebrating the freedom of self-expression. By embracing the childlike spirit of skateboarding, Charlie Lanceplaine’s video encourages skaters to appreciate the lighter side of the sport and to revel in the sense of community and camaraderie that it fosters.

Inspired by classic skate videographers like Ty Evans and Spike Jones, as well as contemporary filmmakers like Patrick Wallner, Charlie Lanceplaine aims to evoke a sense of camaraderie and inclusion through his work. By capturing the spirit of playfulness and creativity inherent in skateboarding, videos like “Spring Riders” offer a refreshing perspective on the sport, reminding us of the inherent joy and camaraderie that make skateboarding such a unique and beloved pastime.