From the land of Vikings and nordic sports comes Loken Industries. Since Loken Skiboards have now hit stores we thought it would be great to interview the Swedish- uuhm I mean Norwegian skiboard creator Ola Loken.
SBM: Hey Ola how’s it going.
OL: I’m doing fine, thanks. Things are a little bit hectic, but it feels good to finally be on.
SBM: So after years or preparation Loken Skiboards have now hit stores, was it a lot of work to get these boards finalized and shipped out?
OL: It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure. It’s been a lot of fun though. Thanks to Lars (El Bajong) and his big mouth I’ve saved a lot of efforts in marketing.
SBM: What was your motivation in starting Loken Industries.
OL: I was an In-line skater for many years, and wanted a good alternative on snow. My father got me a pair of snowblades, I threw down my first misty, and from there it just moved on. I eventually bought a pair of Groove Invertigo’s but the broke on like the third run. I got sincerely pissed about this, and figured I wanted to try making boards for myself. I started calling manufacturers for product samples etc, and went on from there. It was really important that I found someone who knew wood cores well!
SBM: How important is it for a company like Loken to be in touch and connected with it’s customers?
OL: It’s not important, It’s necessary! If we were only to go our own ways, not listening to customers, our credibility would drop fast. That said; we are a small company without any resources for any heavy marketing stunts etc. We therefore have to browse skiboard forums, and read (AND REPLY) our mail for best to keep in touch with the market.
SBM: So can we hope to see Loken sponsored riders or even a Loken Skiboard Team?
OL: We can always hope. In order for that to happen, people need to buy our products. It’s a pretty insane amount of boards we have to sell just to break even according to our investments, so we’re not talking big money in any near future. We do want however, to equip some skilled riders with our products, in order to keep the sport in progress, and promote the brand and riders. Hopefully we’ll get them all together as a team!
SBM: I hear Loken Industries is planning a Big Air Fiesta, tell us about that.
OL: Well.. The Big Air Fiesta, or “The BAF” as we call it here now is a tough nut to crack. In order to be allowed to do something like this you have to apply to local authorities. I sent in the final application in December, and the police accepted it last week. Now the land owner has turned, and does not want to give us a straight answer. I am afraid that if we are granted permission to arrange it, it will be too late for this year 
Next year however, we’ll make it a big event at another location. We will work this spring to have the plans ready by this summer. In that way we can run promo for a longer time. Hopefully we will get international riders as well!
SBM: Some skiboard companies have made skiboards which pass the traditional definition of a skiboarding being under 100cm, what do you have to say about that? Do you think they are still skiboards?
OL: Well.. I’d hardly step on anyone’s toes, but the definition of a skiboard for me is 100 cm and under. At age 6 I got my first slalom skis, and they were 120. They’re still sitting in my garage, they’re not skiboards. In order to keep skiboarding a unique sport, I believe some criteria should be filled. 100 cm and under is a good one I think. Right now however, it’s more important that people actually make skiboards and push skiboarding. We’ll have to deal with definitions later..
“We’re Norwegian, hence the flag on every set of boards”
I don’t want to say too much right now, but Loken Industries is currently working on a patent that will help skiboarding stand out as what it is, and not merge to much into twin tip skiing. All dedicated skiboarders know that twin tips emerged from skiboards, but the general public doesn’t. They look at skiboards as toys, or “fruit boots”.. If we get (and can afford) this patent, it will definitely help skiboarding stand out more!
SBM: For those of us who don’t live or never been to Sweden, how is the skiboarding scene there?
OL: …Loken Industries is not Swedish. We’re Norwegian, hence the flag on every set of boards. In Norway there is a lot of crazy lil’ kids on blades, and I intend to get them to do some real skiboarding in the future. In Sweden they’re very fond of kjöttbullar, and smörgåsar. Probably some talented riders there as well!
SBM: What can we expect from Loken Industries in the future?
OL: As mentioned, we’re working on a new patent, other than that we’re gonna try to stay alive! If people buy our stuff we definitely will do! We’ll work hard to get skiboarding better known and more acknowledged, so that more people can take part in our sport! This will be great both for the company, and riders, as the [level] will rise, and we will have a lot of more people to ride with! WE WILL ALSO KEEP REPLYING TO E-MAILS.. ;) Other than that we are looking into merchandise, so people can look good on and off the slopes!
SBM: Any final comment or shout outs?
OL: YES! Someone needs to do something bout the International Skiboard Federation! The way it (doesn’t) exists today, is really sad. Their web site says nothing, they don’t reply to e-mails, still they’re listed on the web as our “protecting organ” or whatever. We do need a federation like that, but it must be run by someone who has the time, interest, and skill to do so. A working International Skiboard Federation would act as an ambassador for our sport, and go to great lengths to promote it on a neutral basis. I hope someone reads this and takes some initiative! Skiboarding as a small and “looked down upon” activity sure doesn’t gain on having an international federation that has no credibility!
Other than that, I’d like to thank the following:
Lars - My main ma n!
Guri - My woman!
The Ringnes Family - Great support during tough times.
And of course everyone who takes part in skiboarding, and Loken Industries!
Eat your veggies folks!
sbm
