There are certain universal languages that all walks of life can understand. Skateboarding is a great example of something that can be understood regardless of language gaps or cultural barriers. Hoobi is another example, as it embodies that which can’t be said, yet can be felt by all. Hoobione les Zhom is a clip by Maclyn Milsark that was filmed on his last trip to Paris. Maclyn explains more about hoobi and shares some of his memories from abroad:
What’s up with the name of the clip?
Hoobione is a French take on hoobion, which ultimately comes from hoobi. Its more or less a lifestyle and a family. It says for you, what you can’t express in words. There ain’t no other way forward without hoobion. Les zhom comes from “les hommes,” the men, and basically means you’re a beast.
How did this trip come about? What made you choose Paris?
I always wanted to go back to Paris just to skate. The first time I went was in high school, just me and my dad. I skated a little bit with some kids I met at Bercy. It was an awesome trip that sparked my first interest to return. Honestly Répu was another big reason I wanted to travel to Paris. The plaza is what I love about skating. I had to taste it.
Who did you travel there with? Who was the crew once you were out there?
An amazing Canadian from Calgary, named Bwren, told me he was already planning a trip to Paris with some boys from Vancouver. The Canadians’ first stop was NYC and that’s where I met Ryan Siemens and Eric Pereira. When we got to République for the first time Bwren smiled at everyone, beaming while introducing us to frenchies he had just met. Bwren is the most outgoing and friendly person I know and if there was a wall he broke it down, without speaking any French at all. He knew a handful of French skaters from earlier trips who all embraced us as instant homies. The scene was very cool to us.
What is your best memory from abroad?
There are honestly too many good times to remember or to recount eloquently, but there are a few that stand out, some are more just attitudes of the French. For example, I’ll always miss the simple handshakes exchanged between entire crews convening at Répu, so polite. One of my favorite memories was the night Bwren premiered his second installment of the French Connection Vol 2 at DAYOFF skate shop. Afterward we drank by the Canal Saint Martin and I guess we drank a lot pretty quickly. It wasn’t long before boards were getting stacked up and the most invigorated members of hoob and les zhom were bounding over ten boards plus. Thanks for the chance to remember and recount some stories, hope I didn’t say too much.
