The city of San Francisco is laid out in a grid over some 40 hills, reaching heights of nearly 1,000 feet. Imagine flying down these hills up to 80 mph. Not everyone gets to feel the adrenaline of downhill skating in San Francisco, but senior Quentin Gachot does.
Gachot started skating when he was 6 years old, and began downhill skating when he was 13 years old.
“I enjoy the looks people give me when I wiz past them down the sidewalk,” said Gachot.
Skating downhill can easily exceed 30 to 35 mph. The current world record speed was clocked at 80.7 mph.
“I get more of an adrenaline rush from going fast down mountain roads so I guess that is why I enjoy downhill skating more. Though, street skating is always a good time too,” said Gachot.
Gachot skates at parks all around the Peninsula. When it comes to downhill skating, Gachot goes to Santa Cruz, and San Francisco.
Of all places, the Sunset District in San Francisco is Gachot’s favorite place to downhill skate.
Skating has become a passion of Gachot’s because it enables him to have a good time, meet friends, and stay in shape.
Senior Lev Gamaley and Gachot became friends through skating together, and continue to skate in their spare time.
“Skating with Quentin is always a good time; he’s super talented,” said Gamaley.
“I love when older adults come up to me in San Francisco, and tell me about how back in their day skateboards were a foot long made with clay wheels, and Tony Hawk was their idol. Skating has a great community and that’s what makes it so special,” said Gachot.
“Watching Quentin downhill skate is crazy; he has a lot of talent, and will go far,” said Antonio Baltodano.
Gachot taking a day off of downhill skating and street skating.
Gachot skating San Francisco: Sunset District
Gachot skating in Austin, Texas: Oxford Empire
