An interview between Modes and Irina about Rust Cup, an East Coast roller skating and skateboard competition.
How would you describe the atmosphere in Jamestown for the Rust cup?
Electric and welcoming at the same time! It’s a small town but everyone who’s there to skate is down to party. It’s really funny to bump into all of your Instagram friends throughout the weekend. Everyone seems super stoked to be there and happy to get together.
What was the bowl like?
This bowl was the craziest thing I had ever skated! It’s huge and has these massive walls that allow you to pump all the way up to the beams that support the building. The keyhole was super scary but it felt so good to find the courage to carve over it. I’m really excited to ride it again this year and maybe find new tricks to throw in it!
How did you prep for the competition?
I've been riding our indoor bowl a lot and getting more comfortable grinding on pool coping. On our skate nights, a lot of OG bladers are also present and it's very stimulating to observe the lines they use and to roll with them; they're so encouraging! But I try to not think of all of this as "preparation", I mostly show up to see my friends and blow off steam.
Have you been working on anything during the last year in your skate journey?
I've been getting injured a lot on rails during the past year, it feels like every month is a mental battle to regain my confidence with them. But overall it's going pretty well. I also cross train a lot at the gym in order to limit injuries, improve my explosivity and my balance, it feels like it's helping a lot with the confidence in trying new tricks that usually scare me.
Any special tricks/movements up your sleeve? What are you excited to try in the bowl this year?
I've been working on my rotations since the winter started, I would really like to be able to throw some 360s and 540s. Other than that, you'll have to be there or watch the stream to see ;)
Do you have any day-of competition rituals?
Not really but somehow I'm always hungover/tired/dehydrated from the night before. I usually forget to eat once I start skating, so I try to have a big breakfast and maybe have a beer or two to help with the nerves. And although I've stopped smoking, I might buy a pack so I don't bum cigs from everyone like I did last year!
What did it feel like to win?
Extraordinary, of course! I was really surprised, it was my first time winning in an out of town event and all the other skaters were so talented. I was proud to be representing Montreal and showing everyone that you can shred even if you don't live in California and can't skate daily/outside all year long!
Who’s your biggest supporter going into the competition this year?
My skate crew and all of the Montreal community is always super encouraging, even when they're not there! I know they watch the livestreams and the stories on Instagram. My boyfriend has also become a huge support in my journey. He's actually driving me and my friends there, even though he doesn't skate!
What was a memory from that weekend that stuck with you?
It's so hard to choose, I have so many good memories! The karaoke night on Friday evening after we drove nine hours from Montreal was hilarious. Other than that, I really enjoyed the finals. Sharing the bowl with skateboarders and having our runs intertwined brought in an even bigger crowd than if we were in separate categories. It was fun that quad fans stayed to watch skateboarding and vice-versa.
Are you ready to defend your title?
Not really! I know a lot of talented skaters are going to be present this year. I think it's great for the visibility of this competition but it also means that my chances of winning first are getting thinner. My mindset on competitions has changed a lot in the past years and I try not to show up with the desire to win. I'm just here to do my best, surpass myself, ride something my wheels only get to touch once a year and connect with the rest of the community. Placing is just a bonus! :)
Catch up on Rust Cup 2025 and watch the finals go down in this unique bowl.
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