When skateboarding meets social media: A day on the deck with Fabian Dörig

Wheels

My first thoughts, back when I started, were just about fun. Nothing too serious.

Enchanting on both the board and his social channels, Fabian Dörig is a rider with enlightened views. A 26-year-old devotee of the worldwide skateboarding church, Fabian is coming in hot from Hildisrieder (about 15 minutes by car from Lucerne). When he is not climbing roofs and flattening concrete, it’s easy to catch him doing what he is best known for: skateboarding. His passion goes further than simple filming and travelling. For the past few years, the Swiss ripper has in fact become a social-media guru thanks to his acclaimed YouTube channel and Instagram profile.

Fabian warmly welcomed us to his man cave, The Rümli, a mini-basement skatepark that he has transformed with his friends. In between slices of pizza and sunbathing, he took us around Lucerne’s countryside for a healthy hike through the woods. No better way to catch up with him for a few questions.

 

Lunch break with Fabian Dörig

https://www.worldhumorawards.org/uncategorized/bq5owqzh Let’s kick off with a classic question: How did you first start pushing?
Years ago, a sort of “skate-mania” exploded in my small village. I started hanging out with about 20 other kids beside the restricted area. Nowadays, I am probably the last one standing.

https://musiciselementary.com/2024/03/07/5stpdnfmoqy What has it meant to you, growing up in Switzerland?
Growing up here is for sure a huge privilege. If you work hard enough, you are able to travel around. Even if the country is not considered a skate Mecca itself (like Barcelona, for example), it offers plenty of different types of terrain to ride. It is enough to keep an eye out for spots and good skateparks.

https://tankinz.com/u3mq2tw When did you realize that skateboarding could take you down an unexpected path?
I would say it has all started after the release of the first “Combo Commander” clip (for the ones who are not familiar with it, jump on YouTube). Since the Berrics have reposted it, the video’s gotten increasing online exposure. At that time, I used to skate for some brands already, but the launch of the clip has opened up a complete new era for me.

https://www.jamesramsden.com/2024/03/07/2nv9bh2wmb4 When did you start getting so popular on the Internet?
At the beginning, for sure. My first thoughts, back when I started, were just about fun. Nothing too serious. Once things have started working out in a pretty decent way, I took on a more professional approach. It’s almost impossible to turn into a YouTube star right after the release of the first clip. So, in order to become an affirmed one, I had to keep on producing new and creative content.

Tramadol Buying Skater, filmmaker and editor. How did you develop your digital skills?
I would say it’s been kind of a learning-by-doing process. Since I had to film by myself, I had to learn how to do it. Same story for editing; once I had to do it, I kept on doing it every time. But I am also really thankful for the help of my friends. Tino Scherrer, in particular, who helps me out with both filming and editing tips. But he also keeps my Instagram and Facebook pages updated every day. Most times, 24 hours in a day are not enough for everything and I really appreciate the help!

https://elisabethbell.com/qle0onz What about your skate skills, do they go along with your social media tricks?
Just like any skater, I am never satisfied with my bag of tricks. It’s kind of a never-ending process.
My skateboarding progresses along with the clips that are released. Focusing on just filming new videos with the same few tricks would not make any sense. Lately, a broken foot has prevented me from learning many new ones. Instead, I had to get back on track and start feeling the tricks again. Once I re-learned them, I started throwing new ones. It has its ups and tons of downs, but that is what I love about skateboarding.

https://www.goedkoopvliegen.nl/uncategorized/osm4vr7lsd Take us behind the curtains of being a successful social media guru. How does it work?
It’s all about dealing with brands. They invite me shooting around and travelling with my board.
Another option is that they send products to be integrated in my clips or spread through social platforms. At the end, the brands gain media exposure. That is how it works for me!

http://countocram.com/2024/03/07/h5pvhz93 How far would you go in promoting something?
It depends on the brand’s philosophy. It has to fit with my beliefs and personality. I could never promote something that I do not like or approve. I would risk looking fake because it wouldn’t be authentic at all. Once I worked with Nescafé and it was totally okay for me because I am a coffee drinker. In some way it felt real promotion. If Calvin Klein would ever offer me to shoot with their products, I wouldn’t say no! Lots of comfy boxers, what else?

Online Doctor Prescription Tramadol At the moment, which of your channels is working out the best?
The best one is probably Facebook. It represents the most interactive channel. On the other hand, the YouTube one is doing well. New followers show up in each of my profiles every day, Instagram included.

https://ncmm.org/8glnx4m0x0 What about Snapchat and other newcomers?
I am aware Snapchat is getting bigger and more powerful. I have actually downloaded it, but hardly used it. I cannot really manage to stay active on the thousands of different social networks. I prefer to put some more effort into the ones I have for better results.

https://www.mominleggings.com/05yrfjti Give us a few tips how to successfully run a social channel:
Many factors influence the final success of a post. For example, picking the right time to post is an essential key factor. Another tip is the proper use of hashtags to reach more followers. A little bit of further analysis of the followers also helps define the perfect audience for the channel. Generally, I like to post funny videos and good skateboarding. Those kinds of post keep my followers entertained.

https://fotballsonen.com/2024/03/07/tpt74c03 What’s your escape from the seriousness of the business?
About 3 times a week, after work, I go to my secret Garden of Eden. My friends and I have transformed a basement into a small DIY skatepark: The “Rümli”. There I can skate by myself with no pressure on my shoulders. However, I always carry my filming stuff with me. It is a spontaneous process. Whenever I feel like filming a couple of tricks, I just do it!

Do you travel a lot because of skateboarding?
Since my YouTube career has started taking off, my travels have been increasing every month. Brands basically give me the chance to go and shoot around Europe. It’s a good deal! For example, last week we went to Budapest for shooting clips, supported by RedBull.

What about a holiday without your deck?
Unfortunately, I have to admit that I have never been on a “non-skate” trip. I always take my board with me. I have travelled around with the purpose of skateboarding every time. However, I would really love to spend some time partying in a place like Ibiza: Chill à la playa all day!

How do you see your future: more skateboarding or social manager?
I guess I’m kind of too old to pursue a skateboard career. It is my passion but more of a hobby. The same is true with my social media channels. It’s something fun to do, developing ideas and making them happen but at the moment I can’t see a future with it. Never say never, though! Right now the only thing I’ve planned for my future is an around-the-world trip. I’m really looking forward to it!

Special Thanks by Fabian
almost skateboards, adidas, bones wheels, bones bearings, g-shock switzerland, tensor trucks

If you want to see what’s Fabian is up to go check him out on:
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

Thanks for this memorable shooting,
Gaia & Nicki

Pictures: Nicki Antognini
Words: Gaia Giacomazzi & Alessandro Pellanda
Location: Lucerne, Switzerland
Fabian’s sponsors: almost skateboards, adidas, bones wheels, bones bearings, g-shock switzerland, tensor trucks