SKATEBOARDING IN MIAMI

During my process of working on this project about the city of Miami, I often asked myself who I should interview. My goal was to portray the city through my art, and I wanted an authentic voice that truly represented it.

I met Emiliano Baquerizo, a 31-year-old skater based in Miami. I approached him and asked if I could interview him and hear his perspective on the city of Miami. After spending time working on my art designing shirts inspired by skateboarding, I reunited with Emiliano on February 3, 2026, at Lot 11 in downtown Miami.

That day, we shared a moment together and had a warm, engaging conversation about the city. Its energy, its culture, and what it means to experience Miami from the ground up, through the streets and the skate park beneath the highway.

Skateboarding in Miami is not just a sport; it’s a way of life deeply connected to the city identity. Miami blends beach culture, tropical weather, music and street life and the lot 11 it’s not just a spot; it’s a meeting point, a community an identity. It represents how citizens reclaim and redefine urban spaces.

Andrew: Hi Emiliano how old are you?

Emiliano: I’m 31 years old

Andrew: How long you’ve been here in Miami?

Emiliano: I’ve been in and out, but around like seven- eight years.

Andrew: What does skateboarding mean to you beyond being a sport?

Emiliano: For me it is a way to escape the routine, the day to day. It’s a way to be present to connect with myself. I can use it as meditation, if I’m going through a tough time, skating always gets me in a good mood. I use a lot of energy and its more than just a sport. I feel like is a lifestyle and you have to choose it with love and passion and try to get better or not. It’s for everybody the skateboarding.

Andrew: How would you describe skateboarding in Miami?

Emiliano: How would I describe it?

I think there is a really good level, but it’s hard to compare it with California, cause California is the best of the best. But you know… since they have opened up new parks, I feel like that makes the people skate more. So, I feel like there is definitely been an increase and people is getting better day by day. I think is pretty good and its like a constant growth, also with competitions.

Andrew: How do you describe Miami to someone who’s never been here?

Emiliano: You definitely have to check it out. Because you have good weather all year long. The homeless people are not that much compared to other states. You got the beach, oh also which is amazing and there’s not that many mountains, but you have really nice springs. So, I feel like it’s a definitely must see in the world depending on what you like. It has everything which is good.

Andrew: If Miami were a person, how would you describe it?

Emiliano: Physically or personality wise?

Andrew: Personality wise.

Emiliano: Maybe I’m just judging because of the cover. Because whenever I get to know the people, they are actually nice, but they just seem like, oh, I’m the coolest don’t get close to me. But actually, when you get close to the people, they are actually nice

Andrew: Yes, I’m agreed with that.