The first time I heard anything about Lari was when I saw a post on the Montreal Rollerblading Facebook group. He posted a message, completely in Spanish, explaining that he is coming to Montreal, and asking where everyone skates, and where everyone hangs out.

So a month rolls by and next thing I know this guy is in town. Having Facebook stalked him I realized that he would get along with us quite well.

The first time I met the Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela native was at Taz. He was skating big, fast, and without a care of who ever got in his way.

Royale

Following the Taz session, Lari came and hung out with us. After a couple of drinks and “porro” he explained to us his reason for being in Montreal, which only answered in laughter from all of us. He came to Montreal, to learn the language of… English.

Pornstar to Backroyale.

So as the winter dragged on we noticed a few other funny things about Lari.

It was clear he was not a fan of the cold, he wasn’t shy to show that he was cold. He doesn’t like beer, only wine, rum, and margarita “cocktail in a can” 10.0%. He quickly found a crew of Latino bladers in the city, which only helped everyone skate and hang out more.

As the snow melted, the “Malito” as we call him, quickly took our advice to commute via bike in the spring.

“Huevon” quickly took our advice to move closer in the city to us.

“Chamo” is now integrated in our way of life, bike to spots, skate them, bike back. This is a guy that put in commitment to skate more with guys in the city.

Lari’s motivation is something that I haven’t seen before. Since coming to Canada, he has taking the opportunity to go on skate trips. He went to Winterclash, NYC, and he is currently on his way back from Motertown classic in Detroit.

Topacid to Tru Topsoyale

It’s a good thing that Lari is a rider for Zeus wheels, because he skates any spot, from clean to gritty, and wears through his parts ridiculously fast. I saw him go through a set of soul plates in 3 months (one of which he only skated an indoor park), he broke several sets of frames, and somehow managed to warp his cuff.

Unity Cess Slide

I’ve seen guys get dirty during a session, but Lari takes the cake for this one. He commits himself to the trick he wants to lace so much that he just doesn’t quit, and you can tell by all the dirt on him when he’s done skating a spot.

After 6 and a half months Lari’s english has significantly improved, and since he is in Montreal, he has decided to start taking french classes so he can further communicate with the rest of the crew.

Backroyale transfer Royale

Lari’s wishes are to remain in Canada, however he is having a hard time extending his visa. I really hope everything works out for him because he is a perfect addition to the Montreal scene.