From Berlin to Toronto: Timo TKY Kranz on Fingerboarding and Community
In this episode of the 6Skates Fingerboard Podcast, I sit down with the legendary Timo TKY Kranz, founder of ASI Berlin Fingerboard Shop, all the way from Germany!Timo was our special guest at the Toronto Rendezvous, and I wanted to hear all about his experience. He shared his first thoughts when we invited him, including how he overcame an injury in his lower back through stretching and yoga to make the trip. Once here, he told me how “amazing” Toronto felt, how welcomed he was, and how our scene reminded him of a “really big family.” He even compared the vibe at our 6Skates shop to his own shop in Berlin — both built around community.We dove into his fingerboard journey: how it’s a huge part of his life, picking up Tech Decks in ’99, moving to Berlin, realizing the need for a dedicated shop, and helping shape things with stake shops like Titus, which carried the first Berlin Woods. Timo reflected on winning the 2009 Fast Fingers World Championship, the crazy high-speed drive to the contest, and how that title opened doors like being invited to Hong Kong and gave credibility to ASI Berlin.Some of what we cover in this episode:The evolution of ASI Berlin — from a fingerboard team to a physical shop now celebrating its 15th anniversary.Starting a shop —working with Black River, and Timo’s strong belief in supporting small, local brands to keepthe scene alive.The creation of ASI Bricks — from concept to concrete ramps, plus a few funny design mishaps.Berlin’s scene — events like Battle at the Harrics and Timo’s advice for future organizers: “you just need to do it.”Fingerboardingstyle — why he focuses on realism that mimics skating.Toronto vs. Berlin — how Toronto felt more “sesh culture” and less competitive.Highlights from Rendezvous — the energy, 15 vendors, and the new “Blitz Tournament” format that Timo said he’s definitely taking back to Germany.Outdoor fingerboarding — his surprise at how many spots Toronto has and his wish to see more public fingerboarding here.Turning passion into a profession — Timo’s advice: follow your dreams but also learn the business side.The future of fingerboarding — why he feels a new generation of skaters sees it differently and with more acceptance.Timo also opened up about life outside fingerboarding, shared favorite memories, and told the story of trying to swim in Toronto’s “cold as fuck” lake.This was such a fun and inspiring conversation, I think you’ll enjoy hearing it as much as we enjoyed having it.Check out Timo TKY Kranz and ASI Berlin at:ASI-Berlin.comSupport 6Skates at:6skates.com
Netherlands