Hail the hefe!

A 25-year-old Norwegian is the king of urban skateboarding. This was the result of the first Red Bull Hefe of Helsinki, where 60 skateboarders from all over the world had to prove their skills in five different skateboard disciplines.

Time is money. A fine in this case: Within five minutes the set-up for each individual contest in the Red Bull Hefe of Helsinki had to be completed. Within 45 minutes the battle had to be over. Because the three-day competition in Finland’s capital took place where Helsinki’s skateboard community also struggles for its space: on public streets and squares, where skating isn’t necessarily gladly seen or really allowed.

60 skateboarders and 5000 spectators

An adequate degree of coolness and strength of nerve, also having to perform whilst being pressed for time, was as essential for the participants of the first Red Bull Hefe of Helsinki as was as having a skateboard and a pair of nifty legs. Of the 60 international skateboarders, who competed in 10 battles at five different locations between June 8 and 10, it was a Norwegian who most successfully fulfilled the set criteria.

King Henning I won ...

Although Finnish skaters won six of the contests, the jury, made up of professionals, named the 25-year-old Henning Braaten as the best and most multifaceted skater of the event – and crowned him the first Red Bull Hefe of Helsinki. The competitions were held in five different disciplines: Pool, Best Trick, Street, Snake Run and Downhill. The 10,000 euros in prize money was divided between the winners of each discipline.

... and he's already looking forward to next year

“Awesome!” thought the newly-crowned King of Urban Skateboarding – who after the contest praised the exciting spots – besides the Kontula Skate Hall and Ponke’s Skatepark, also the Kamppi Mall. “Riding was so much fun there. Hopefully the event will also be organized next year. The king will definitely be back!"