A lot of skateboarders could learn a lot from Martin Pek.

This is what we mean when we talk about how many paths to the World Skateboarding Tour there are. Martin is a well-established figure in European skateboarding as a constant presence in the Czech scene and beyond through years of travel for the love of the skateboarding life itself. One of the awesome Czech team on the WST, Martin has a personal style which is both easy and amenable- and one which makes him both well-liked and well-regarded wherever skateboarding takes him; which it has quite a bit, as it goes.

Martin is not a contest purist but, like Vincent Milou, a street skater with enough consistency to be able to compete on the biggest stages with the trick bag he has gathered together over the years.

Watch his Bones part below for an idea of what Martin's homegrown talent looks like.

The 34-year-old has more sponsored skating experience in the wider world of skateboarding than most of the younger generation seem likely to be able to aim for.

To that end, we wanted to ask him about his worldly perspective on today's skate life, car interior preferences, his seasoned take on how skateboarding is changing- and where the WST fits into that mix.We think you'll agree, he has a refreshing insight.

Although we’ve met in many places, I always associate you with being one of the mainstays of the Prague skate scene: can we start by talking about your relationship with the city for a little bit?

Basically, Prague is my hometown. It’s a city where you can find one of the most famous skate places on the earth in Stalin plaza or legendary contests in the annual Mystic Cup. Prague is a very beautiful, historical city with amazing buildings and awesome atmosphere. Plus a lot of my friends come because we have beautiful girls, as well.

It seems to me like skateboarding culture has become part of the Prague social scene as well- you guys get invited to nicer parties than average. Is that fair to say- that skating has become part of the fabric of Prague youth culture in a way that is less evident elsewhere in Europe?

Honestly, I'm not sure how it is in other countries, but here we've found a way to simply show that skateboarding has been, is, and will be a part of our culture. Skateboarding is about freedom of expression, about freedom of thought, and that's why I believe it has resonated so much with the world and the younger generation. Thanks to all of that, there are a lot of skateparks being built here, allowing skate culture to thrive. Invitations to fancy parties are a nice bonus after all the hard work!

How important has the existence of the Mystic skatepark been to the passing along of the skateboarding flame from generation to generation there?

The Mystic skatepark is undoubtedly one of the pivotal milestones for Czech skateboarding. Thanks to events like the Mystic Cup being held here, the best skaters from around the globe have come to the Czech Republic. At one point, it was one of the biggest competitions in the world, featuring the most prominent names of the time. Without that skatepark, everything would certainly be different. It played a crucial role in shaping the skateboarding scene. Because of Mystic, I had a dream - a dream of winning that competition someday and travelling the world to skate. When I achieved all of that, I couldn't believe it myself. It's still an incredible feeling when I reflect on it and realise how fortunate I am to be living this life.

As someone who has seen, let’s say, the skateboarding sponsorship landscape change a lot within your skating lifetime- how have you perceived those changes?

When I started, companies were really pushing to build strong teams in every country. The conditions were fascinating, and companies were already paying for sponsorship. Then came social media, and most companies narrowed down and globalised their teams, resulting in decreased support at local level. From what I observe, the focus has shifted towards global and international teams, leaving less room for local support.

What's different about being sponsored now?

In the past, support primarily came from skateboarding companies, and anyone with a different focus was considered a weirdo. With the advent of social media, I believe this stereotype began to break down. I myself was among the first in our country to receive support from companies outside the skateboarding realm, and it was initially poorly perceived within the skate community. However, I decided to shrug it off and stay true to myself rather than trying to please other people.

What's your relationship with the car manufacturer Kia- that must be a nice little result?

I have established a partnership with them in our region. I am genuinely grateful for their appreciation, and I hold them in high regard as well. For this year, I am one of the main ambassadors. I have the latest model, the KIA Sportage Edition 30, created in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the KIA brand in the Czech Republic. I fondly call it the Black Panther because it is entirely black, including the black wheels. Inside, its got green seats made from vegan leather, since KIA much like myself prioritise environmental consciousness. The car also incorporates recycled plastics, creating an ideal combination. We share understanding in many aspects, which is why this opportunity made the most sense to me.

Ph: Marek Šaroch

Who do you like to watch skating? Have your favourites changed over time?

I would say that my favourites are still quite similar- P-Rod, Appleyard, Sheckler, Cole, Joslin... when videos started coming out after 2000, I had a new favourite after each one. Everyone from those times undoubtedly remembers the era of Flip, the era of Baker, the era of éS… the era of Lordz was also brutal. But I mustn't forget the magazines which were coming out, like Transworld and Digital. I discovered many new people there who entertained me incredibly. Tony Tave's style, for example; what beauty. I could watch that forever. Of course, as skateboarding grows, many new people are joining. What I enjoy most is when someone has a beautiful style. Just see them do a kickflip, and you know.

As someone for whom contests are only a part of your wider skateboarding life, what advice would you give to up and coming skateboarders about entering them?

I would definitely recommend to everyone to take care of their body as if it were a temple. If you want performance from it- and in skateboarding, you really need to endure a lot- it's essential to give it what it needs. By that I don't just mean lifting weights, but all the necessary aspects like mobility, yoga, massages, cold showers, physio. It seems to me that many people still neglect this even though, in today's age, you can find everything you need by just looking on Instagram. Skateboarding for me isn’t just an activity, I feel that it’s my way of life- and that’s why I think about it in that way.  I would also focus more on the mental aspect, so that people can concentrate and not be influenced by external factors. And, most importantly, enjoy it; because in my opinion you can't do it without loving it.

Tricks and other things will then come hand in hand with that.

What's the story with griptaping the underside of your baseplate?

Hehe, this isn't my own recipe. I saw it in America, where a few pros were sticking grip tape underneath their trucks so they wouldn't slip on the board. When I couldn't skate due to an injury, I made some videos with interesting tidbits from the world of skateboarding on social media. I enjoy people's reactions. Of course, I'm most pleased with people who appreciate the idea that you're trying to add some interest to their lives in a unique way.

Have you had a favourite World Skateboarding Tour stop so far?

Every stop is something unique- in each country, you have a different culture, cuisine, architecture and, thanks to skateboarding, you get to experience a bit of the world. Rome was amazing because I love Italian food, and recently, Tokyo has been incredible because I'm a total sushi lover. It's fantastic, and for this, I owe skateboarding the most. Through competitions and various tours and trips with skate buddies, I've been fortunate to explore parts of this planet.

How is fatherhood treating you?

I'm getting used to waking up at 4 in the morning, and then at 7, it's back to normal life. But the little one is amazing; he looks like me when I was little, so it's fun. I look forward to every new day with him, especially when we can skate together, hit the ocean for some surfing or head to the mountains for snowboarding.

If I were to hand you the mic, what would you like to say, and to whom?

As is tradition in my interviews, I want to thank everyone in my life who has stood by me- especially during times of failure and not just in the moments of victorious competitions. To all my sponsors and partners who support me- Etnies, KIA, Bones, Snowboardel.cz, CzechSkateboarding and Craness x SkateOfMind. Also to all the fans who enjoy what I do and send positive vibes. I want to thank my entire family and especially my girlfriend, Karol, who makes life much more colourful. To my friends and the entire skate family.

We only have one life, so it's necessary to kick it into high gear.

Let’s Go!