One of the many great things about skateboarding is that greatness is drawn to it.

Everywhere in the world where there are bored young people and a little bit of smooth flatground, the outliers are going to gravitate there.

Among the real honours of this Certified series is sharing the opportunity to look into the skateboarding life of someone primarily through the lens of their Skateboard Judging career, only to lift the lid on all the stories of radness and struggle that always lie just beneath.

Yi Ting Lui is not only Hong Kong’s premier skateboarding coach today but also one of that scene’s stalwarts, having grown up within the skateboarding community there as Hong Kong began to feature in international skate media despite being the fourth most densely-populated region on earth.

Having added an ISJC Level 1 Judging Certification to her already impressive skateboarding CV, we raced after this pacesetter in Asian skateboarding circles to get a genuinely fresh persepective on skateboarding culture as experiencedunder a canopy of million lights amidst the endless bustle of Hong Kong.

It is our great privilege to introduce you all to the mighty Yi Ting Lui, if you have not yet had the pleasure!

All photos: Patrik Wallner (unless otherwise indicated)

Hi, Ting! Can we ask you to begin, as we do with everyone, by introducing yourself to us?

My name is Ting, and I'm a skateboarder and coach from Hong Kong. I've been skating for about thirteen years, since I was fifteen. Currently, I work as a full-time skateboarding coach, and I have the great privilege of coaching the Hong Kong China Skateboarding Team.

So you started skateboarding at 15 and now you teach skateboarding to others- how did that come about?

It all started with the anime Detective Conan. Seeing Conan skateboard in the series inspired me to try the sport. Around that time, I got a chance to try it at a local Youth Centre- and I immediately fell in love with it. I loved the feeling of fun and freedom. I spent all my time practicing, and after I finished high school, my coach at the time, Tat Tat, invited me to become a coaching assistant at that same centre. That's when I discovered that I also loved teaching skateboarding to others. I've been coaching ever since- for about nine years, now.

Ph: Red Bull Content Pool

What can you tell us about the skateboarding scene in Hong Kong these days?

The skate scene in Hong Kong is really growing. It's becoming more diverse and accepted than ever before. While we've always had a dedicated community, the sport's inclusion in the Olympics has definitely sparked a new wave of interest- especially among younger skaters, and families. There's more energy now, though we're still working towards getting better public facilities and more institutional support. It's an exciting time to be involved.

You ride for Mirroir Skateboards, an all-female Chinese skateboarding brand- tell us a little bit about that project?

Yes, Mirroir Skateboards was founded by a skater named Liu Liu in Shenzhen. The project is all about bringing together female skaters from different cities to build a community. We skate together, film videos, and most importantly, the brand's mission is to show that girls can skate at a professional level and shred just as hard as anyone else. It's been a really fun and empowering project. They now operate four or five indoor parks in Shenzhen, and offer lessons to help grow the next generation of skaters.

Ph: Mirroir Skateboards

Would you recommend yoga to anyone who skateboards?

Yes, definitely. I would highly recommend yoga to any skateboarder. The benefits are both mental and physical. Personally, I practice about 60 minutes of Yin Yoga in the morning before I skate. It's excellent for mental focus and calming the mind before a session. Then, after skating, I use yoga again to stretch and relax my muscles. It's the perfect tool for both preparation and recovery.

You entered the Asian Games as a competitor. Help us understand how big a deal what Asian Games is as a continental event?

The Asian Games are a huge deal. Imagine the Olympics, but for the entire continent of Asia. It's a major stage where the best athletes from all over Asia come together. For me, getting to represent Hong Kong was the honor of a lifetime. Honestly, as a skateboarder in Hong Kong, we don't have many big, significant competitions locally. So, to be able to go and see that level of competition first-hand was transformative. It helped me gain so much experience and completely opened my eyes to what was possible.

How has achieving your ISJC Level 1 certification supported your role as a skateboard judge, would you say?

Before achieving the certification, my teaching was based primarily on my own experience and intuition.

The ISJC Level 1 course was crucial because it provided a structured, objective framework, and it changed my teaching significantly.

You have worked with outdoor learning centres such as Learn With Dragonfly and been invited to tell your story to students in Hong Kong- would you like to go into education in later life?

Absolutely. My recent talks at local schools have been incredibly rewarding. Sharing my story allows me to encourage students to stay focused and never give up on their passions; I want them to understand that dedication and hard work will always pay off in the long run.

I've found it so meaningful to motivate the next generation. I love communicating with people, and I aim to share positive energy and a good attitude. Inspiring young people is something I can truly see myself doing more of in the future.

Do you have a workout routine to help you skate?

Yes, I do. I've found that gym work is essential for longevity in skateboarding. My two weekly sessions are focused on injury prevention and building the specific strength—especially in my legs and core—that allows me to keep skating at my best.

What would you like the world to know about skateboarding in Hong Kong?

I want the world to see that the Hong Kong skate scene is full of heart and creativity. Yes, the city is beautiful and filled with unique spots, but the real story is the community. And we welcome you to skate in Hong Kong; we need more different vibes from skaters to exchange, and learn from you!

See more from Patrik Wallner's time in Hong Kong here: