Fabio Wibmer's freeride stunts: Youtube star for the making-of VIDEO GAME
FREERIDE Magazin
· 06.04.2023
FREERIDE: Awesome action, Fabio! Which stunt from "Video Game" got your pulse racing the fastest?
Fabio Wibmer: The backflip over the stairs was intense. It took a lot of effort. But I was also really tense on my second attempt at the canyon gap in the Black Hills. Because I crashed hard on the first attempt.
How high was the cliff flip into the sea?
We measured 16 metres.
The impact looked violent.
But it wasn't so bad if you dive into the water with your bike underneath you. The bike splits the water and then it hardly hurts at all.
Did you have to do this often?
No. I've only done the front flip off the cliff once. Just like the pool jump. That's better, because if something goes wrong with the heights, it really hurts!
Was that your highest water jump so far?
The cliff drop frontie was my highest jump into the water, but the jump into the pool was even harder, although not as high. When I was standing on the edge of the roof, the pool looked really mini. If you look closely, you can see me flying just past the railing of the terrace. I felt a gust of wind in the air that caused me to lean. Thank goodness it turned out well. I only lost my breath briefly after landing in the pool.
How long did you film until the clip was finished?
We started in March and were actually still shooting two days before the release. It took us more than 70 days in total.
How many falls?
More than 20 in total, but only five were really intense.
Which ones?
For example, the crashes at the front flip gap, the double flip or in the Black Hills. The canyon gap in the Black Hills knocked me out and I had to take a break for a few weeks afterwards. Hits to the head like that should not be underestimated.
Emergency room?
Yes, I had to go to hospital three times during filming. The doctors stitched my nose during the front flip gap. After the pool drop, I went to the doc for a safety check. And after it knocked me out at the canyon gap, too.
You've balanced on a dam wall before. But with a safety device, now without. How was that?
The wall was much, much wider than the rail I used to ride on years ago. I knew there would be no problems here.
Get reactions from Buddy Danny MacAskill?
Yes, Danny and a few other dudes have written to me too. Of course, I'm always really pleased when my colleagues like my videos! Danny released his Francisco project shortly after me (Postcards from San Fransisco(ed.) - absolute banger!
