Wizard-style skating began in Canada in 2014 born through the product development of Leon Basin, founder of the brand Wizard Skating. To truly understand wizard-style skating, the original Wizard frame is the best place to start our exploration.
Basin, significantly, owns a shop called Shop Task, which was a platform to develop new products and understand customer needs. Through the years Leon noticed that while most skates were fitted with 80mm and 84mm wheels, a skate with 90mm wheels would offer a more stable wheelbase and, therefore a better starting point for skaters. However, the larger wheels also reduced manoeuvrability due to an increased turning circle.
Basin's breakthrough came from analysing data from Shop Task’s wheel-turning service. Observing that wheels wear down in a specific way allowing skates to move more naturally, led to the idea to design a frame that had this built in. Basin termed this design feature a “natural rocker", eliminating the need for any break-in, and allowing a longer wheelbase to be manoeuvrable out of the box.
Thus, the Wizard Frame was born—a 90mm CNC machined UFS frame with a natural rocker. This innovation addressed common customer issues and elevated the skating experience. Bigger wheels meant more stability, more speed, and more ease of use and the rocker meant they were just as manoeuvrable as 80mm wheels. Wizard Skating went further to create versions of the frame which accommodate different foot lengths, leading to the creation of three frames: NR90, NR100, and NR110. This meant different foot lengths had a frame better proportioned to their unique skating experience.
With the product development in place, Basin and good friend Colin Brattey began developing moves that utilised the unique features of the Wizard frames. The earliest documentation of these moves can be seen in the following video, filmed in Vancouver around 2015/16:
Wizard-style skating is based on three fundamental stages: “predator,” “parallels,” and “gazelles.” These stages can be performed in various ways—moving forward or backwards, with two feet or one, and with hips open or closed in all variations.
These three stages expand the boundaries of movement by introducing novel ways to transition from forward to backward (and vice versa) on skates. These stages paved the way for the development of the PR and Advanced frames, and even their own boot.
While wizard-style was founded by Wizard (the brand), other companies emerged and quickly created their versions/imitations of wizard frames. Notable brands include NN Frames, Endless Blading, Roka Skating, YoYo Frames, FR Skates, and even Powerslide. These brands have broadened the range of products available to get into wizard-style (though, in some cases, confused it slightly) by offering frames compatible with different frame mounting systems, such as Classic 165 and Trinity, in addition to UFS.
Each brand has a philosophy regarding frame and wheel combinations for different boot styles and foot lengths. But, we recommend contacting us for personalised suggestions based on your foot size and the skates you intend to use. If you prefer to experiment, feel free to do so, but be aware that it might not always work as expected.
What is Wizard Skating?
Wizard Skating is not just an activity but a dynamic and creative expression on wheels. As it continues to evolve, it invites skaters to explore new boundaries and enjoy a more enriched skating experience.
...and if our explanation has left you wanting more, have a look at Tom's video (and give him a sub)