Danny León, a two-time Olympic skateboarder and one of Spain’s few skateboarders with his own board model, captured a historic image during a solar eclipse on August 12. The footage, filmed in the Aragonese plateau, features León performing a skate trick while the sun was completely obscured by the moon, creating a rare celestial alignment. The video went viral, mesmerizing half of Spain and marking a unique moment in both skateboarding and astronomical history. The plan to capture this moment began over a year earlier. León, along with photographer Jaicano and cameraman Gochi Estrella, started exploring locations suitable for the project. Jaicano identified the village of Novales, located 15 kilometers from Huesca, as the ideal spot after confirming its suitability with Estrella. The team faced challenges in securing sponsors for their ambitious endeavor, which required an eight-person crew ranging from photographers to structural engineers. Despite lacking support from any brand, they decided to proceed independently. Sergi and Quique from SBRamps, a company specializing in building ramps for skateboarders, were responsible for constructing the ramp used in the video. The ramp was transported from Barcelona to Novales, where it was installed the day before the eclipse. The landowner granted permission to clear the area of stones and obstacles, allowing the setup to take place smoothly. Twenty-four hours prior to the eclipse, León practiced his tricks while the rest of the team conducted tests for photography and videography. Communication among the team relied heavily on WhatsApp calls, connecting León with the ramp builders and the audiovisual crew, Gochi, Ana Amor, Antonio, and Rafa Black. Lights positioned behind the ramp helped outline the structure and assist León during the eclipse's darkness. León always wears white clothing, a signature style he maintains for visibility and recognition. On the day of the eclipse, the team prepared meticulously, aware of the time constraints and potential challenges. León attempted several tricks before the eclipse, but only three could be executed within the brief window of totality. Normally, he would perform two tricks under normal conditions, but the special setup allowed him to attempt more. The team had to work quickly to adjust camera settings, ensuring the shot came out clearly despite unpredictable elements such as wind, limited visibility, and scattered rocks. León described the experience as difficult yet visually striking, emphasizing the effort put into achieving the perfect shot. The result was a challenging and eye-catching trick that captured the attention of many viewers. The video not only showcased León’s skill but also highlighted the collaborative effort of the entire team who worked tirelessly to make the project possible, often sleeping in cars or eating simple meals like store-bought omelets. In another part of Spain, some citizens opted out of watching the eclipse, preferring other activities instead. While the majority of the country anticipated the event with excitement, others chose to avoid it, citing personal preferences or a desire to engage in alternative entertainment. This contrast in public reaction underscored the diverse ways individuals choose to spend their time, even during significant astronomical events. Meanwhile, RTVE Play offered live coverage of the eclipse, providing viewers with real-time updates and visual content. Additionally, 20minutos invited citizens to submit photos taken during the eclipse, aiming to compile a collection of images from different parts of Spain. These initiatives reflected the widespread interest in documenting the event through various platforms, encouraging participation from the general public. As the eclipse passed, the focus shifted to the aftermath of the event. Discussions around the significance of such celestial occurrences continued, highlighting how they can inspire both scientific curiosity and artistic expression. The successful execution of León’s skate trick during the eclipse served as a testament to human ingenuity and the ability to merge art with nature in unexpected ways.
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