Long-time German super shredder Daniel Prell finally answered the questions we sent him like a month ago now that he’s been released from the hospital. Turns out this guy knows how to have a little bit too much of a good time, and what happened in Barcelona didn’t exactly stay in Barcelona. Glad to hear you’re better man! Anyway, here’s some insight and imagery to familiarize you with this staple of the European skate scene. — ONE

Who is Daniel Prell?

Son of Angelika and Bernhard Prell, born 14.06.1981 in Augsburg (south Germany), Daniel is now 28 years old. He’s a student of interactive media, interested in video and photography, languages, digital and analog art, and the maybe most important part — hes a passionate rollerblader who loves every single aspect of this sport with all his heart.

Is there anything that you’re “about”?

A few years ago the answer would have been skating and skating only — nowadays it’s skating and my university.

How long have you been rollerblading?

I’ve always been rollerblading. I’m 28 now and I don’t remember a time without skating. It’s maybe 15 years but there were quads before…

What do you consider a high-water mark for you throughout your blade career?

Two things come to my mind. When I was asked to skate for USD, that was a dream come true. The other was my recent Be-Mag interview.

Is there one thing in particular that skaters far and wide know you for?

I guess I’m known for skating rails that nobody else wants to skate — droprails with no run up, kinks, curved, square, the uglier the better.

Judging from your experiences, how is skating looked at differently in Europe than the United States? Both by skaters and non-skaters.

Skaters love it — there is no difference. The public somehow is more difficult, sometimes I doubt that people even know that something like skating exists. I don’t think there’s a big difference, skating is not well known enough…

If you could design your own “perfect skate spot” — the rail or ledge of your dreams — what would it be?

Two droprails — left and right — about a three meter drop — perfect ground — long approach and run up — a lake just around the corner — 5 minutes away from my place — there would be a supermarket, a security guard who loves to watch skating, the closest building belongs to a friendly old couple with five hot daughters who sunbathe in the garden at least every second day — naked.

Why is USD “The best skate company”?

USD keeps innovating, comming up with new ideas — just wait for the new carbon — best skate ever! Also, the team is highly involved in everything at USD. We’re always testing, exchanging ideas… USD supports not only its teamriders but also a lot of events and stuff. And last but not least, the people behind USD love rollerblading as much as I do.

Who are your other sponsors?

I’m skating Kizer Slimline frames with Undercover wheels, 4-down ’cause it’s simply the best! “Stygma” and Lepit hook me up with clothes, and Grindhouse takes care of most of my travels.

While browsing your blog I noticed one of your interests is “The Tango”. Are you secretly a world-renowned dancer? Do explain.

Everything else but renowned. I’ve just noticed the incredible amount of extremely hot, ähm, yeah. But honestly, the fact that my mom dances and my landlord is a teacher somehow introduced me

to that. I’ve tried it, liked it, that’s it.

Is it hard to balance your skating career with being a student at University Augsburg?

Sometimes it is. Good weather makes me go skate — as a result I often miss lessons which makes the exams harder for me. Both would probably work better without the other, but that’s no option.

How many contests have you won?

Maybe two or three. Nah, I don’t know. It never came to my mind to count.

On a final note what can the rollerblading industry expect to see from Daniel Prell in the near future?

Everything and nothing. I’ll skate some competitions, do some competition edits, maybe a DVD for Grindhouse, come up with skate reviews, and obviously do what I love the most: skate. Maybe there’s a section comming up, but I couldn’t really spend that much time filming for it

due to an unplanned stay in the hospital about a month ago. I hope to start skating again this week.

Thanks from all of us here at ONE for taking the time to do this interview! Here’s your chance; anyone you would like to thank or any shout outs?

The only people who read the shout outs are the ones who are pissed ’cause I tend to forget mentioning them. Thanks and shout outs go out to: My sponsors for all the support they gave me over the years, specially Thorsten from Grindhouse! ONE for this interview, Alex for good times shooting, my mom, Stav, Basti, Mr. Spring, Rudi, Dagmar, the good old Grindhouse team, Aline, and everybody else I didn’t mention, you guys, but you know it anyway.

Interview by Ben Karris