Swell Tech Surfskates in Scotland

Fresh out the box Mike and I hit the Kirky skate park with these Jamie O'Brian and Italo Ferreira models - absolute beauties - to give them a wee test after their arrival all the way from the SwellTech European distributors in Lisboa, Pooortugaaaal. (say that the way I wrote it. 🤣)

Can I just say straight out: SwellTech, I was nervous but we were NOT disappointed. I had read a lot about how SwellTech 360 front trucks made it feel more like surfing than anything else but, honestly. It was waaaaay better than I imagined.

In this blog I’ll focus specifically on the SwellTech brand. If you've been thinking about Carver or Yow, or many of the other brands but, maybe just starting out or just wanting to do a hobby that involves a lot of playtime then… you'll surely going to want a peek at what sets these boards apart to other brands on the market and why they bring such a wave-like feel to skating.

Riding the Swell: What Makes These Surfskates Unique?

When we talk about SwellTech surfskates, we're looking into a unique design focused entirely on emulating the fluid motion of surfing but without ever touching water. Sounds mad I know. The key player here? The trucks. These magical trucks. SwellTech boards are crafted with a US patented design aimed at mimicking the freedom and movement of a surfboard found in the ocean.

Unlike typical skateboards or even other surfskates, SwellTech’s performance takes a significant leap. The trucks on a SwellTech board allow the deck to rotate 360 degrees, offering a truly dynamic range of motion. This is a game changer as it closely simulates the turns and carves you’d experience on a surfboard. If you aren’t there yet in your surfing, this will help you understand the motions and feel of what it’s like on a wave.

Trucks That Talk the Surfing Language

Most surfskates come with a restriction on how far the front truck can swivel. SwellTech, however, throws that limit out the window because theirs can rotate completely, allowing for a wider, more fluid motion. This opens up a world for tighter carves and effortless pumping. It did feel pretty gnarly at first and you don’t wanna turn too tightly or you’ll deck it; but once moving it’s smooth, free, cool and absolutely delightful.

The trucks are designed to adjust and respond to your weight distribution, making it feel as if you’re moving to the push and pull of a wave. You can even feel the difference in response after slight foot placement adjustments. This system not only emulates the feel of surfing but makes it possible to pivot and turn with ease and very tightly, bringing the flexibility of your water manoeuvres into the concrete jungle.

Feeling the Ocean in a Skatepark

When you step onto a SwellTech surfskate and start pumping around a skate park, the experience is transformative in how you feel and how you can move your body to mimic a surfboard on the waves. The board’s ability to pivot and carve sharp lines allows for a continuous flow, similar to the perpetual motion of wave riding. In a skate park, where flow is crucial, this technology allows you to maintain speed without putting a foot down, similar to catching a wave and beautifully riding its face. I laughed a few weeks back when people were talking about being ocean surfers when we went to Lost Shore, Edinburgh’s new surf resort, but actually maybe a concrete surfer is another type of surfer?! Ocean, wave garden, skatepark surfer?! 🤣

SwellTech's design makes it easy to generate speed through turns, allowing you to easily transition between manoeuvres. This means more time feeling the "stoke" and less time worrying about losing momentum.

The Surf at Your Feet

SwellTech surfskates bring the joy of surfing to dry land with their innovative truck design. They make it possible to experience the flowing, endless feeling of surfing whether you’re cruising down the street or carving up a skate park. Although when I first stepped on going down the street I decked it - so take it easy! For those at home in the heart of the surfing culture, or just hungry to get out more but stuck in Glasgow or somewhere far from the surf, then the buzz of surfskate brings the feeling of wave riding closer no matter where you are. SwellTech surfskates are a revolutionary step in that direction.

Don’t get me wrong Mike stayed on his trustee Carver and was happy. “Remember Ally, I’m not as Gung Ho as you.” But even Mike felt that snappy responsive surf feeling too despite his somewhat reluctance to come out of his Carver head. (Carver is great too btw. I’m just excited about Swelly)

Strap on a helmet, hop on a board, and get playing. If you want to try a SwellTech board we have the Jamie O Brian and Italo Ferreira models in as demos so come for a play.

We’re building a community as we start this business so would love you to get involved in Surfskate Glasgow (Facebook group) which will allow us to get to different parks around the city in mid week evenings when we can’t hit the beach up.

See ya soon. Lessons will be launching very soon. ✌️