Interview & Photography by Friedjof Feye
If you’re unfamiliar with the name, Kai Hillebrand is a German skateboarder who also attracted attention as an actor and model, particularly in the 2010s. In recent years, he has emerged as a style-defining figure in the European street skateboarding scene, partly due to his numerous international trips and frequent appearances in countless skate clips.
In addition to his creative approach and his distinctive style on the board, it’s also his easy-going and endearing manner that has become an integral part of the Berlin scene. After a rather difficult personal phase in his life, he seems to have regained his strength. We thought it was the right moment to touch base and find out more.
Yes Kaio, how are you? I have heard you have just bruised your ribs?
Hallo! Yeah I’m finishing a part right now and fell pretty bad on my ribs. Although I’m feeling way better now. I just got back from CPH Open too. It was actually my first time in Copenhagen believe it or not. So right now I’m doing great to be super honest.
You’ve been living in Berlin for quite some time and you just recently moved again within the city. What’s made you stay in Berlin for so long?
Honestly my friends. All my close friends are here and it just started to get better as all my childhood friends who I grew up with have now also moved to Berlin. I still love the city. But I’ve been moving around more nowadays, so it’s really nice to come back to a city where you can do anything at anytime of day.
A while back you decided to step away from social media for almost two years. What made you quit Instagram etc. initially?
I was renovating my old apartment and started to question myself within skateboarding. It was such a long ass winter staying indoors, renovating a house whilst everyone else seemed to be outdoors getting clips. Honestly, it just felt like, less phone, more productivity.
It’s no secret you’ve had a rough few years. A romantic breakup. Struggling to find a new apartment. The pressure of earning a living through skateboarding etc. Now that you’re older, what have you learnt or taken away from those experiences?
I think mainly, just trying to be more transparent and honest. Letting people know how I feel. Allowing myself to be vulnerable. Talking to family and friends and getting opinions from all walks of life. Just recently I talked to my Grandma about my experiences of a longterm relationship and how I don’t really feel like giving someone my heart again. She actually had a really interesting approach about it. But I’ll save that for another time perhaps…..
What boards are you riding at the moment?
I’ve been getting boards from Fucking Awesome and Hockey. So I can’t complain. Magenta was in the mix for a minute but I needed that big nose y’know? Haha.
Are you still getting hooked up by Chrystie NYC?
Yeah I still get some stuff from Aaron (Herrington) and Pep (Kim). I love those guys. Pep recently opened Café Chrystie. I was in New York and finally went to check it out. Honestly that place is heaven. It’s just around the corner from Tomkins Parks and they have the best ice coffee and ice tea ever. Everyone should go check it out. 184E 7th Street, New York, NY, 10009.
Do you miss being in New York?
So much! Honestly there’s no words for how much I miss that place.
I hear you’ve been hitting the gym recently too?
Yep. Twice a week with the Adidas boys here in Berlin. We go to the Adidas Sports Base fitness centre.
And I feel like you’re skating a lot lately too?
I skate way more now. I’m way more motivated and way up there with my body. Like, I know what I’m capable of.
And what’s next? A new video part?
Yeah, working on a video part and I’ve been stacking a lot of photos too. Watch this space…..
