Just a couple weeks ago, Diego Nájera had a new colorway drop for Adidas. Thankfully, the lead up to this release included amazing new footage, and that’s what I’m here to dive into.
Diego is someone who looks naturally talented on a skateboard. Not that he doesn’t work hard, but he looks like he belongs on a skateboard. His board control and pop are incredible, it’s what others (myself included) dream of having. For years now, I have been a fan of his, when he has footage drop I want to watch it over and over, and study how he can make something so unbelievable, look so normal.
This is a great example of his control. A perfectly flicked and stomped Fakie Flip, followed by a smooth Switch Tre. He didn’t even lift his head, he knew when to pop. Look at the rollaway, it looks like he’s just cruising around and could keep this line going, with ease.
This clip was a bit long to loop, but I was too hyped on it to not loop it. The set-up for the Nollie Hardflip out is really what put me in a trance. It’s one slight wiggle of the back foot, a beautiful Nollie Hardflip, and a stomped roll away, on brick, which is always a plus. Even the Nollie in. He floats. It simply looks like he jumps. Perfect execution of a manual trick that you don’t see too often.
This clip wasn’t used in the footage to promote Diego’s new colorway, but it’s too amazing to ignore. This Heelflip is flicked in the way people flick Kickflips, which you don’t see everyday. His ankle rolls, flicks, and extends as he waits for the flip to finish so he can again, stomp it, and roll away. By the way, this is a cool spot, but it’s not smoothest and easiest to skate, making this all the more impressive.
Lastly, this Tre Flip. To me, a flat ground trick can make or break a line, and this Tre made the line. I don’t want to take away from the Ollie up and the Nollie BS Flip down, but this Tre was beautiful. I don’t know what else to say, just watch it.
Diego has had his fair share of video parts, but I’ve always been left wanting more, in the best way. He’s not someone who posts clips on Instagram everyday, and that makes it all the more exciting when he does post a clip, or drops some footage.
This “Skater’s Favorite Skater” piece with Aaron Herrington has always resonated with me, because he explains that he likes skaters that he doesn’t skate anything like, and breaks down why Diego is one of his favorites. I like to do wallies and skate slappy curbs, but I love to watch Diego kill a ledge and pop over tables. It’s not relatable to me in the sense of what he does, but it is what I wish I could do, and that makes me want to go skate.
Congrats on the new colorway, Diego! Thank you for the footage, it was a treat. 🌀
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