Britain Longboarding Scene?

[IvanTheTerrible]

C'mon I know there's one obviously! Here's the deal:

After high school, I plan on using the SWAP program to get a work visa or student visa to Britain! I may live there for 6 months to a year or maybe longer! But I'm quite sure that it wouldn't be to hard to find the longboarding scene is it? By this I mean a crew to skate with regularly outside of working/studying and what not.

I can choose London or Edinburgh, Edinburgh I'm not quite sure what it's all about. But you get my drift! Can someone fill me in?

Thanks
Ivan

[gavmck]

Hey Ivan, glad to hear you are coming to check out wee Blighty!
Well, the skate scene here ain't quite what it is in America by the sounds of it. We have a whole bunch more cold and rain than most places. However, there are skaters here if you look around. I'm gonna assume from your avatar and sig that you're a bit of a downhill guy right? In that case, I'm guessing that Edinburgh might suit you better. You've got all the Scottish mountains up there, so there's some sweet mountain roads and it's even (just about) possible to go snowboarding in the winter! Londons got a pretty damned big shortboarding scene, but there's rather a lot of traffic and peoples and suchforth for longboarding, plus skating is illegal in the Central Business District.

If you wanna find one of the most vibrant skate scenes in the UK for longboards, you need to check out Cornwall where Faltown come from. They're all crazy slide heads by the looks of things and there's a lot of surfers down there, which generally translates into a bunch of skaters too!

I'm in Canterbury (Just south of London), we have basically no scene, but if you end up down this way give me a bell and I'll come rip!

[billiebob56]

Yep there is a scene in GB...As mentioned its not on the scale of the US.

The best place to find it is the forums on:

www.lushlongboards.com
www.ukgsa.com

If you are in Scotland we have have an embryonic scene here in Glasgow...

www.longboardglasgow.com Its under construction but the forum is working and folks regularily meet up to skate.

Good luck,

Will.

[denis6902]

I live in north east Scotland, i tell u, its not so far from the Highlands, and that's our downhill playground. hehehehh Excellent 5 starts tracks, as well as being very very near to the best whiskey distilleries in the world. So if you gonna come to Britain, come to Scotland, and you will not regret.

Scots are usually more friendly then english people too. I am from brazil and i am living here because i need to study, therefore i work 14hs per day as a volunteer, in order to address this course.

Edinburgh is a lovely city. God dam....i love that city! It is difficult to describe Edinburgh. The city has lots of students, and many of them come from spain, germany and other countries. The party scene is good, drinking scene is excellent, and the longboarding scene is growing alongside.

As gavmck mentioned, the longboarding scene in UK is not as BIG as it is in the USA. Most of the times you will see a bunch o emo kids with street skateboards, they are nice too.

Well good luck on your choice, and if you need any help, feel free to contact me.

my skype: denis6902 /

msn: denis6902@hotmail.com

just drop me a line when u add me.

Good luck!

[5way]

Hey guys,

If any of you are ever around the South Coast for your hols, gimme a shout!!!

I'm in between Portsmouth and Brighton.

There seems to be quite a few slalom boys and girls around the south east, Hove and Hyde Park being the main areas (I've just got my slalom kit so am gonna be checking them out!!)

And Denis, I don't believe you've ever been speedboarding, that wefunk I got off you is just too damn perfect.....either that or you are my downhill god!!!!

Where exactly in Scotland are you, gotta go to Fife soon for work, it's gonna be a 4 day trip so I'm sure I could swing by for a few beers/runs if the weather's good enough.

get me on slackeratworkATgooglemail.com

Sam

Oh, and I have spare rigs, so if you just wanna head over and try some different equipment etc........

[denis6902]

i am glad you liked teh board!

Yes i try my best to keep my equipment as clean as possible. However kahalanis are not very keep on stones either. If you see the trucks, u will notice how many rocks i hit. hehehhe
I am based in Aberdeen. I have racing gear here, but u know i don't have a speed board at the moment, Alex told me is being made, therefore we can go for a cruise or something, lets hope the weather is good.

What do u mean by spare rigs?

[IvanTheTerrible]

I'm definately huge into downhill and sliding comes after that. Edinburgh you say hey? I would love to hit up some european races as well.

[Steve D.]

Sweet deal Ivan! I want to try out SWAP. Is it only for Canadian residents? I'm a citizen of canada but i live in California....

[IvanTheTerrible]

I'm not quite sure, check out their website, search em up on google...


I was going to go to the states, but I wouldn't really know how I'd do down there just because if I get hurt, I don't want to have a 100 000 debt to the US hospitials.

[Steve D.]

I'm not quite sure, check out their website, search em up on google...


I was going to go to the states, but I wouldn't really know how I'd do down there just because if I get hurt, I don't want to have a 100 000 debt to the US hospitials.

yeah i've been on the website but i can't find the rule, ill call em.

American health-care sucks.

[5way]

Well Denis, you really did keep it clean!!!

It should be a couple of weeks 'til I come up there, so hopefully you'll have your deck....

Oh, and by spare rigs, I mean I've got a couple of spare completes that are mainly lent out to people to try....nothing special, just regular cruising setups, but then, I do now have 3 slalom setups as well, and I can only ride 1!!!.

In need of board rack....

Sam

[denis6902]

just like men, lots of decks, and no hardware....hhehehe
Hopefully by november i will have some cash saved to order some paris trucks from stokeskateboards! Maybe some bigzigs too!

[denis6902]

Hey Sam, i will be away on holidays from the 15th to the 26th of October, when u coming up?

[5way]

Hey Denis,

Just been on the first of my worktrips for the next couple of months, Scotland's been pushed further down the priority list, so it'll probably be in the depths of winter, and crappy weather....

What size paris's are you after? Got a big box of goodies coming over soon (you'll like!!!), I'd be happy to add a set for you (they'll be very, very cheap, and we can sort cash and stuff whenever).....let me know.

Oh, and been meaning to ask, were the kahalani's any good for cruising/carving? I know they're pretty wide, but how do they ride? just trying to decide between them and Jimz, and I know I'm not gonna be bombing hills too often, there just aren't any near me!! Think I'll go for Jimz, they seem good for both....

Sam

[grimble]

i lived in edinburgh for a few years. it is one of the best cities i know. impossible to describe as said.
scotland is a wonderful country.

...but beware the weather...

[denis6902]

Hey Denis,

Just been on the first of my worktrips for the next couple of months, Scotland's been pushed further down the priority list, so it'll probably be in the depths of winter, and crappy weather....

What size paris's are you after? Got a big box of goodies coming over soon (you'll like!!!), I'd be happy to add a set for you (they'll be very, very cheap, and we can sort cash and stuff whenever).....let me know.

Oh, and been meaning to ask, were the kahalani's any good for cruising/carving? I know they're pretty wide, but how do they ride? just trying to decide between them and Jimz, and I know I'm not gonna be bombing hills too often, there just aren't any near me!! Think I'll go for Jimz, they seem good for both....

Sam

Cool.

I sent and email to David (stoked) for a order in november for 3x 180mm Paris and 2x 150mm paris trucks. That's all i need for now, and i am also going to order a complete loaded pintail for a frined. therefore we can share the postage between ourselves here.

What are you ordering!? Box of goods sounds nice indeed. What is it? I got 18.99US dollars for each paris truck, because of the big order. What prices are u getting? When are you going to order your stuff? David said they are out of 150mm paris in black at the moment, but they are in in november, therefore i will be ordering 120 GBP of paris, not at bad deal at all for 5 pairs of trucks. I have 2 randals, and i hate them! Thats why i will upgrade these 2 i have, and i will also have some trucks for the deck i have sitting here waiting for gear.

Maybe in january i will make another order: WHEELS!!!! Bigzigs, and other good stuff.

I have some good news too! well, for me they are excellent. I will stop my studies here for now, because i really had enough of it, its far too much to push 14 to 18 hs day work with disable children, plus having to study my ass off everyday. I am thinking to get a work and learn a new language. I am thinking Germany, perhaps Austria, or Swisssssss.....but if that does not work, i am trying to figured out what the plan B could be? Skate shop? well.....not really sure as well...that quite a something, specially here in UK...or if we get united with other guys, like BrodieBoards, Bitchboards...we could work something out....

Anyway, plan A is to go away from here for a year, learn a new language, and get a skate job related. Maybe continue some confidential building(dont know if that is gonna work, but i really wish!!!!)? Or maybe pushing it further to fibretec? I really don't know! I have now from now up to xmas to sort these things out. I definitely need a job opportunity first of all, then other things get themselves sorted as it goes....so if you know any plan B option let me know!


TRUCKS: I just had my kahalanis mounted on my loaded vanguard....holy craps....what a funking carve i does....its unbelievable. They must be wedged though, cause kahalanis are 45, therefore if you are used to randals 50 degrees, it might feel i little dead due to the SUPERB wide hangers and the 45 angle. But if you wedge just a tiny bit, JESUS CRIST....... i never seen something like it....there is no TRUCK NOWHERE, no maguns, no confederates, Jim-z, bears, NO TRUCK which will carve deeper then kahalanis. Believe me. Come here u can try it out for yourself.

Yesterday i took it away, i feel bad to have such a lot of truck for a loaded. Not necessary. And yesterday i discovered how to fix the Randal annoyance, so now i have not 50 degrees but 53. And the trucks are carving like a beast, really deep too, not a kahalani thoe, but much better then randal used to be. Maybe i can take some pics, and show you the upgrade. Its just on the bushings thoe, and superb easy, and awesome results. The is just a tiny problem, the board eventually gets higher then usual, but nothing that we cannot get used to. Well, if u have kahalanis, it takes some time to get used to the height.

I assure you, i have ridden Jim-z for couple of times, i didn't feel very safe on them. 204mm is way better, in addition, the bushing cup on the hanger is what makes it turn the deepest! So no doubt! Kahalanis are the option. For me!

Dude, sad it wont work that you come up now, however i think we'll not get so much snow this winter, so we might go up the highlands for some Whiskey distilleries and some frost downhill sections....bring chains for your BIGZIGS! lol!

Take care!


EDIT: There is also another thing about the Kahalanis, the aluminium used for the firsts 50 pairs made, including mine, they are extremely light, therefore u get a big stone on your way, you get a beef chopped off too. Well, its not that bad either, but i believe they are already building the trucks with a stronger aluminium already. The Jim-z are pretty solid piece. They also have the option of spherical bearings too (In my opinion, unnecessary) Did u see the new speed world-record? Yes...they were beaten with kahas...so...no apparent reason that spherical bearings make u faster, or more stable. If so, K-rimes would use Jim-z for that. He has even sold his Confederates hangers...so i might think he is sticking to kahas for now. They are 100%, go for it.

[5way]

Cool.

I sent and email to David (stoked) for a order in november for 3x 180mm Paris and 2x 150mm paris trucks. That's all i need for now, and i am also going to order a complete loaded pintail for a frined. therefore we can share the postage between ourselves here.

What are you ordering!? Box of goods sounds nice indeed. What is it? I got 18.99US dollars for each paris truck, because of the big order. What prices are u getting? When are you going to order your stuff? David said they are out of 150mm paris in black at the moment, but they are in in november, therefore i will be ordering 120 GBP of paris, not at bad deal at all for 5 pairs of trucks. I have 2 randals, and i hate them! Thats why i will upgrade these 2 i have, and i will also have some trucks for the deck i have sitting here waiting for gear.

Maybe in january i will make another order: WHEELS!!!! Bigzigs, and other good stuff.

I have some good news too! well, for me they are excellent. I will stop my studies here for now, because i really had enough of it, its far too much to push 14 to 18 hs day work with disable children, plus having to study my ass off everyday. I am thinking to get a work and learn a new language. I am thinking Germany, perhaps Austria, or Swisssssss.....but if that does not work, i am trying to figured out what the plan B could be? Skate shop? well.....not really sure as well...that quite a something, specially here in UK...or if we get united with other guys, like BrodieBoards, Bitchboards...we could work something out....

Anyway, plan A is to go away from here for a year, learn a new language, and get a skate job related. Maybe continue some confidential building(dont know if that is gonna work, but i really wish!!!!)? Or maybe pushing it further to fibretec? I really don't know! I have now from now up to xmas to sort these things out. I definitely need a job opportunity first of all, then other things get themselves sorted as it goes....so if you know any plan B option let me know!


TRUCKS: I just had my kahalanis mounted on my loaded vanguard....holy craps....what a funking carve i does....its unbelievable. They must be wedged though, cause kahalanis are 45, therefore if you are used to randals 50 degrees, it might feel i little dead due to the SUPERB wide hangers and the 45 angle. But if you wedge just a tiny bit, JESUS CRIST....... i never seen something like it....there is no TRUCK NOWHERE, no maguns, no confederates, Jim-z, bears, NO TRUCK which will carve deeper then kahalanis. Believe me. Come here u can try it out for yourself.

Yesterday i took it away, i feel bad to have such a lot of truck for a loaded. Not necessary. And yesterday i discovered how to fix the Randal annoyance, so now i have not 50 degrees but 53. And the trucks are carving like a beast, really deep too, not a kahalani thoe, but much better then randal used to be. Maybe i can take some pics, and show you the upgrade. Its just on the bushings thoe, and superb easy, and awesome results. The is just a tiny problem, the board eventually gets higher then usual, but nothing that we cannot get used to. Well, if u have kahalanis, it takes some time to get used to the height.

I assure you, i have ridden Jim-z for couple of times, i didn't feel very safe on them. 204mm is way better, in addition, the bushing cup on the hanger is what makes it turn the deepest! So no doubt! Kahalanis are the option. For me!

Dude, sad it wont work that you come up now, however i think we'll not get so much snow this winter, so we might go up the highlands for some Whiskey distilleries and some frost downhill sections....bring chains for your BIGZIGS! lol!

Take care!


EDIT: There is also another thing about the Kahalanis, the aluminium used for the firsts 50 pairs made, including mine, they are extremely light, therefore u get a big stone on your way, you get a beef chopped off too. Well, its not that bad either, but i believe they are already building the trucks with a stronger aluminium already. The Jim-z are pretty solid piece. They also have the option of spherical bearings too (In my opinion, unnecessary) Did u see the new speed world-record? Yes...they were beaten with kahas...so...no apparent reason that spherical bearings make u faster, or more stable. If so, K-rimes would use Jim-z for that. He has even sold his Confederates hangers...so i might think he is sticking to kahas for now. They are 100%, go for it.

Dude, sounds like you're making some big changes...

I'll give you a call about kit, got some really sweet deals recently from some unusual sources, I'll let you know when I ring....

and with regards to what's soon to come, well, think of the most desirable trucks ever made, and the most expensive, and you're probably on the right track...

and thanks for the advice about the trucks, I wasn't sure about the width, seemed way too wide for carving, but, seeing as you've got first hand experience, you've just changed my order for next month!!!

Can you email some pics of the randal mod you did? slackeratworkATgooglemail.com...

Distilleries you say? Think you might be able to persuade me!!! (Oh, and instead of chains, how about carved tread....I've just taken delivery of a rather nice lathe I can get to turn ridculously slowly, so I'm gonna try and copy a car tyre tread....may work, probably won't!!!)

Sam

[denis6902]

Dude, sounds like you're making some big changes...

I'll give you a call about kit, got some really sweet deals recently from some unusual sources, I'll let you know when I ring....

and with regards to what's soon to come, well, think of the most desirable trucks ever made, and the most expensive, and you're probably on the right track...

and thanks for the advice about the trucks, I wasn't sure about the width, seemed way too wide for carving, but, seeing as you've got first hand experience, you've just changed my order for next month!!!

Can you email some pics of the randal mod you did? slackeratworkATgooglemail.com...

Distilleries you say? Think you might be able to persuade me!!! (Oh, and instead of chains, how about carved tread....I've just taken delivery of a rather nice lathe I can get to turn ridculously slowly, so I'm gonna try and copy a car tyre tread....may work, probably won't!!!)

Sam

Hey Sam, good to hear from u, i am currently in Amsterdam, the paradise city, dude, i am lovin' it! The blondies here are such gorgeous.....hum.....coffee shops are incredibly cool, i had a completely different idea before.

I am back in Aberdeen around 7:00pm friday the 26th. If u have tried my mob, dont waiste your time, my sim card is locked somehow, and i need to unblock it when i get back, therefore is going to bedifficult to reach me.

Tomorrow i am heading to Bremen, north germany to visit some friends up there, and on the next monday i will be going down to Koln, to pick my new speedbone up!!!! YEAH!!!!! Its such a gorgeous....u'll see it!!!

Take care, and as soon as i get back to Deen i send u the pics of the randall uplift!

Glad to hear u changed your mind about the Kahalanis, good one!

I have Dan Kahalanis phone contacts in case u need to talk strait to him, he is a superb nice guy, and he was very helpful and patience to me on the phone on the hundreds phone calls i gave him before the purchase. Skype is also a cheaper option too.

See ya.....

Tell u something, Amsterdam is the PUMPING city, definitely.

Denis

[5way]

You dirty boy!!! Take it you're enjoying yourself!!!

No worries, drop me a PM with your number once you're back from your Euro extravaganza...

Oh, and whilst in 'dam, you gotta check out the Sensi Seeds Hemp, Marijuana & Hash museum, and the Bulldog bar, cause when I went a couple of years ago, it was the only cafe that served both alcohol and green....(of course, the dutch authorities change the rules constantly, so things have probably changed!!)

Oh, and say hello to that sexy speedbone for me!!! (Is Alex still making decks, thought he was busy with Toyota? Of course, I understand there may be 'special favours' involved

Sam

[denis6902]

You dirty boy!!! Take it you're enjoying yourself!!!

No worries, drop me a PM with your number once you're back from your Euro extravaganza...

Oh, and whilst in 'dam, you gotta check out the Sensi Seeds Hemp, Marijuana & Hash museum, and the Bulldog bar, cause when I went a couple of years ago, it was the only cafe that served both alcohol and green....(of course, the dutch authorities change the rules constantly, so things have probably changed!!)

Oh, and say hello to that sexy speedbone for me!!! (Is Alex still making decks, thought he was busy with Toyota? Of course, I understand there may be 'special favours' involved

Sam

Hey ho,

I did check those, real cool huh? Now there are couple of C S that sell both beer and bears.hehehheh

I dont think alex is making decks anymore, but there is a thread where he listed all the decks available. Mine is there too.

Take care, i let u know when i get back!