Dick Heerkens is about to hit 30, becoming a father, still manages to skate on a regular base and skating for most of his life. You might know him from his attendance at the Winterclash as a grommet or videos that released from Amsterdam in the last decade. Dick is a talent full skater who’s got some serious tricks up his sleeve. His p a t s p a n g posse is about to release the FreeOD “P2” video really soon and we would like to see what kind of toys he has got beneath his feet (VG6).
Intro: Randy Abels
Photography: Alexander Linde
Boot: Valo VA light with patspang bang
Liner: Blank
Wheels: Symetrics
Frame: Symetrics
Tell us about your setup?
I’ve skated a lot of different skates in the last 15 years, but I’ve never really customized any of them. My most exciting customization was the USD dual plate underneath a pair of Deshi DK2’s.
When it comes to customization, I prefer upgrades in comfort over looks. This also applies for my current setup, Valo VA Lights. I skate them with BLANK liners and Symetrics wheels and frames.
I started skating flat on this skates, due to the great squared (outside) and round (inside) wheels of Symetrics (please Pieter, rerelease the round ones again!)
What parts do you wear through the quickest?
Have you ever been skating on the streets of Amsterdam? Wheels.
What part do you break most often?
I don’t really break stuff. Does that mean I’m holding back?
Which parts are you paranoid about breaking?
Body parts.
What spares/tools do you keep in your backpack?
I’m so happy with the existence of Allen keys, that I made a Allen key T-shirt. So that’s what I always keep in my backpack. Beside, I also bring my fisheye clip on lens for these nice Insta clips.
Where do your parts go once you are done with them?
I skate my gear until they’re completely useless. It would be inhuman to give it to someone else. So I throw it away.
Anything you plan to change on your current setup?
I’m waiting for the release of THEM skates. I didn’t pre-order yet because I’m not sure about the right size. But definitely going to buy them…
Do you skate different setups for different terrains?
When I’m not skating with the Patspang crew, I like speed skating through the countryside. For these sessions I skate the Rollerblade Maxxum 100mm. Love them!
Flat or Freestyle?
Flat!
