South Coast Skateboards may be the new kid on the block, but they’ve got an all-star team of up-and-coming riders who you’ll want to keep an eye on

 Words Tanaya Joe

 You may have seen a growing number of candy-coloured decks in the local skateparks recently, which likely belong to Wollongong-based South Coast Skateboards. The homegrown business run by Derek Lungu is supporting the local skateboarding community by sponsoring exceptional riders, the youngest being only eight years old!  We chatted to Derek about expanding the range, the skating community and the hopes for this new generation of skating legends.

When and why did you first start South Coast Skateboards?
I launched the business in August 2021 after being part of the Wollongong and NSW skateboard community for the past eight years or so, as our son showed interest in the sport from a young age. I’ve met some really good people and kids with such talent.

When did your love of skateboarding first take hold?
I used to skate as a kid and taught my kids to skate. Since I’ve been back skating with my kids at the local skatepark, I’m really blown away by the skill of some of these athletes. But more recently my son’s passion has brought me back to the sport.

What’s the skateboarding scene like in the Illawarra?
It’s a cool scene with some older pro skateboarders showing young groms the ropes. Some people give skateparks a bad reputation, but often you see the older more experienced riders giving time out to the younger generation and also cheering them and encouraging them when they are trying new tricks. Skateboarding has become more popular in our area especially since our local legend Keiran Woolley competed in the Tokyo Olympics. Most kids are in awe of his talent when he visits any local parks. The locals have really taken to the brand and embraced it as their own, and its nice to see so many fluoro SCS boards at the skatepark.

How does South Coast Skateboards give back to the community?
I sponsor three local athletes from the local Wollongong area. I also sponsored a skate competition at 3sixty indoor skate park, and a Shoalhaven oztag team. I’m also supplying boards and merchandise to a local group of kids who are making their own skate movie which they want to premier in Wollongong, which is pretty cool.

 With the lockdown now ending, I am really looking forward to supporting more competitions.

You have a team of young riders – how did you discover them?
And how do support their careers?
I met these local kids through my son and competitions – I’m just blown away by their talent and love of the sport. 

• Felicity (Flic) – One of Australia’s best female skateboarders with competition accolades to prove it, with a recent 3rd in the Open Women’s at the Australian Street Titles in Melbourne.

• Wiley – this kid is eight years old and just shreds the park just as good as anyone twice his age.

• Jed – he has the determination to do anything with skateboarding, he pushes his limits to the next level every time he skates.

I support them by providing SCS skateboard decks and apparel.

Do you have plans to expand this team?
Our focus at the moment is watching these three groms develop over the year especially with comps getting back up and running again.

Any future plans for South Coast Skateboards?
I’d like to get more exposure within the Australian skateboarding community by sponsoring more competitions. I’ve been blown away by the support so far, not just from locals, which is amazing, but also from other parts of NSW and Qld. I am also expanding our range with some cruiser-style boards hopefully in time for Christmas.

southcoastskateboards.com.au